Ask your representative to vote “yes” on the Compassion Act.

Great news! For the first time ever, a medical cannabis bill is headed to the Alabama House floor.

Please send your state representative an email right NOW to ask them to vote “yes” on the Compassion Act.

This morning, the House Health Committee advanced the Compassion Act — SB 46 — to the full House of Representatives in a voice vote. The Senate has already passed SB 46 in 21-8 vote. (However, because the bill was amended in the House, it would have to go back to the Senate again.)

You can find a summary of the bill, which was amended in committee, here. While it’s more restrictive than is ideal, it is a dramatic improvement from the status quo. We’ve also seen states improve restrictive laws once they’re on the books. This is an essential step forward that will improve the lives of thousands of seriously ill Alabamians. So please don’t forget to contact your legislators today. Then, spread the word.

Alabama is one of only 14 states in the country that continues to criminalize the medical use of marijuana. Let’s make this the year that patients finally get the relief they deserve.

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Ask Rep. Yamane to schedule a hearing and pass S.B. 767!

Earlier this week, I alerted you that the full Hawaii Senate overwhelmingly approved a legalization bill, S.B. 767, in a historic 20-5 vote.

S.B. 767 has now been referred to the House Health, Human Services, & Homelessness Committee. It is now up to Committee Chair Rep. Ryan Yamane to schedule S.B. 767 for a hearing and a vote.

If the bill is not heard soon, it is effectively dead.

Let Rep. Yamane know you want the Hawaii House to pass legalization this year.

S.B. 767 faces an arduous process in the House, as it needs to make it through the joint judiciary and consumer protection and commerce committee and the finance committee before heading to the House floor for a vote.

But every step forward brings us closer to the day when cannabis prohibition ends in Hawaii. As the bill progresses, we’ll be sure to keep you updated.

Mahalo for your continued support.

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Just a few weeks ago, medical cannabis legislation seemed hopelessly stalled in the Pennsylvania House. Thanks to the efforts of advocates, Rep. Nick Miccarelli, and overwhelming bipartisan support in the House, there is strong momentum for passage of effective medical marijuana legislation. While it’s a relief the House is finally moving, it’s important for legislators to hear their constituents want the bill to be patient-focused.

[caption id="attachment_8944" align="alignright" width="210"] Rep. Nick Miccarelli[/caption]

As events unfold and legislative strategies are explored, it is important that representatives understand the key components to creating the best possible legislation for seriously ill Pennsylvanians. The most effective legislation, whether it’s SB 3 or a House bill, will allow doctors and patients to decide together from the broadest range of possible strains and will ensure that no matter where a patient lives in the state he or she will have access to these treatments. It’s also vital that the bill include patients with all the serious symptoms that cannabis can alleviate — including severe pain and PTSD.

If you are a Pennsylvania resident, please call or email your representative and ask them to support strong, patient-focused medical cannabis legislation, whether it’s SB 3 or a House bill.

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