There is finally good news regarding the implementation of New Hampshire’s medical marijuana law. Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services announced that three applicants have been approved to move forward with their plans to open dispensaries in four geographic areas (one applicant was granted the ability to operate two dispensaries, while the two others may operate one dispensary each). The announcement came more than four months after the department’s January 23 deadline. The delay…

[caption id="attachment_8911" align="alignright" width="220"] Gov. Bobby Jindal[/caption] The Louisiana Legislature has sent Gov. Bobby Jindal two bills proposing positive reforms to Louisiana’s marijuana policies! While one bill is largely symbolic, the other will help dial back some of the country’s harshest penalties for marijuana possession. Gov. Jindal said this week that he will sign both bills into law: "We are going to sign both bills. They've made it through the process. They are going…

[caption id="attachment_8907" align="alignright" width="300"] (Image: WFMZ)[/caption] Last Thursday, former TV talk show host Montel Williams joined seriously ill Pennsylvanians and their loved ones in making an emotional plea for the House to follow the Senate’s lead and approve medical cannabis legislation. Now, it’s time to raise YOUR voice. If you are a Pennsylvania resident, please call or email your representative today to ask the House to stop playing politics with patients’ lives. House Health…

[caption id="attachment_8904" align="alignright" width="150"] Gov. Jack Markell[/caption] Last week, the Delaware House approved SB 90 by a 40-0 (1 absent) margin! This vote follows unanimous approval by their colleagues in the Senate, sending the bill to Gov. Jack Markell with not one lawmaker having objected. If you are a Delaware resident, please email Gov. Markell and ask him to sign SB 90 today! Introduced by Sen. Ernesto Lopez (R), SB 90 would allow doctors to recommend medical marijuana oils…

In a move that is indicative of the increasing acceptance of medical marijuana programs, the American Medical Association released a statement urging more research into marijuana and protection of doctors who recommend it in states where it is legal. According to U.S. News & World Report: The association has not yet endorsed marijuana’s use as medicine, but it has urged research into the drug’s potential to treat a wide range of conditions and supported “unfettered” patient-doctor discussions that…

[caption id="attachment_8899" align="alignright" width="300"] Shona Banda[/caption] It was bad enough when she lost custody of her son two months ago, but now Kansas resident Shona Banda is facing up to 30 years in prison for five marijuana-related felonies. Banda’s troubles began when her 11-year-old son questioned the authenticity of the information being taught to his fellow fifth graders at a “drug education” program at his public school: As Shona’s son listened to the misinformation given by…

Nearly a year ago, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a medical cannabis bill into law after insisting on significant revisions. As a result, patients with several serious medical conditions were excluded and protections for patients waiting for the wheels of bureaucracy to turn were removed. At least four children who could have benefitted from medical cannabis have died since the bill became law, and no patients have received access to cannabis. [caption id="attachment_8865" align="alignright" width="221"]…

The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee approved a measure 20-10 on Thursday that is intended to prevent the federal government from interfering in state medical marijuana laws. [caption id="attachment_8861" align="alignright" width="237"] Sen. Barbara Mikulski[/caption] The amendment, offered by Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) to the Senate version of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, prohibits the Justice Department, including the Drug Enforcement Administration,…

The Louisiana Senate will debate HB 149 today, legislation approved by the House that would reduce penalties for marijuana possession. This bill is almost identical to a Senate bill that was approved 27-12 late last month. Although penalties would still be staggering for possessing a substance that is safer than alcohol, HB 149 is an important step forward — it could shave months, if not years, off of marijuana consumers’ sentences. The bill will be voted on TODAY, so email your senator NOW and ask…

[caption id="attachment_8849" align="alignright" width="223"] Gov. Greg Abbot (PHOTO: Gage Skidmore)[/caption] Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill into law Monday that recognizes the medical benefits of marijuana. SB 339, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Eltife (R-Tyler), is intended to allow patients with intractable seizure conditions to access marijuana extracts containing high levels of cannabidiol (CBD) and only trace levels of THC. SB 339 requires doctors to “prescribe” low-THC marijuana extracts to…