WASHINGTON, Feb. 14, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Yesterday the City Council of Jackson, Mississippi voted unanimously to decriminalize marijuana, amending Chapter 86, Article III in the City of Jackson Code of Ordinances to effectively limit the maximum penalty for possession of 30 grams or less of cannabis to a $100 fine, with no prison time.
Tag Archives: Tony Newman
Thursday: Following Votes on Legalizing Marijuana in NH and VT, New York State Legislators Hold Public Hearing on Regulating and Taxing Marijuana for Adult Use
NEW YORK, Jan. 10, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — On January 11, 2018, the New York State Assembly Standing Committees on Codes, Health, and Alcohol and Drug Abuse will convene a public hearing to discuss the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA, S.3040A/A.3506A), a bill that would legalize the production, distribution, and use of marijuana for adults over the age of 21.
Saturday: Free Expungement Fair in Los Angeles for People Clearing or Reducing Marijuana Records
WASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — On Saturday, December 2nd, there will be an expungement fair in Los Angeles, CA for people who are looking to get their felony records reduced, dismissed, or expunged of their criminal record.
Buffalo Report Shows Stark Marijuana Arrest Disparities
BUFFALO, N.Y., Nov. 14, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Today, the Partnership for the Public Good, a Buffalo community-based think tank, introduced a report highlighting marijuana arrest disparities in Buffalo, New York.
New Gallup Poll Finds Record Support for Marijuana Legalization
WASHINGTON, Oct. 25, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – A new Gallup poll shows record-breaking support for marijuana legalization, with 64 percent of Americans now in favor of ending marijuana prohibition.
Atlanta City Council Votes Unanimously to Decriminalize Marijuana, Heads to Mayor’s Desk
ATLANTA, Oct. 3, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Monday afternoon, after two hours of debate amongst the city council members – the Atlanta city council voted unanimously 15-0 to pass Ordinance 17-O-1152. This legislation makes the possession of marijuana under one ounce a non-arrestable offense and lowers the fine to a maximum ticket of $75.
Drug Policy Alliance to Host 2017 International Drug Policy Reform Conference in Atlanta, October 11– 14
WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — More than 1,500 people will gather in Atlanta, Georgia, October 11 – 14 for DPA’s biennial International Drug Policy Reform Conference (#Reform17) at the Omni Atlanta Hotel @ CNN Center to discuss these issues and much more. Press are invited to attend, and speakers are available for one-on-one interviews.
Manhattan District Attorney Announces New Policy to Reduce Impact of Marijuana Possession Arrests, Citing Collateral Consequences
NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – Today, Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr. announced a shift in his office’s policy for New Yorkers arrested for low level marijuana possession.
Advocates Challenge de Blasio to Stop Running from His Record and to Address Racial Disparities in Marijuana Arrests
NEW YORK, Aug. 4, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Today, Mayor de Blasio’s office published a statement disputing the findings of the Drug Policy Alliance report, “Unjust and Unconstitutional: 60,000 Jim Crow Marijuana Arrests in Mayor de Blasio’s New York.”
Drug Policy Alliance to Host 2017 International Drug Policy Reform Conference in Atlanta, October 11– 14
WASHINGTON, July 28, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — More than 1,500 people will gather in Atlanta, Georgia, October 11 – 14 for DPA’s biennial International Drug Policy Reform Conference (#Reform17) at the Omni Atlanta Hotel @ CNN Center to discuss these issues and much more.
Powerful Senate Committee Ties Jeff Sessions’s Hands on Medical Marijuana
WASHINGTON, July 27, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Today, the Senate Appropriations Committee voted by voice vote to approve an amendment that would block the Department of Justice from spending any funds to undermine state medical marijuana laws.
Uruguay, First Country in the World to Legally Regulate Marijuana, Begins Retail Sales Today
WASHINGTON, July 19, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Today, Uruguay will begin sales of legal marijuana for adult residents. The marijuana legalization proposal was put forward by former President José Mujica in 2012 as part of a comprehensive package aimed at improving public safety.
The Drug Policy Alliance Announces Maria McFarland Sánchez-Moreno as New Executive Director
WASHINGTON, July 18, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The Drug Policy Alliance board of directors announced today its unanimous decision to appoint Maria McFarland Sánchez-Moreno as the organization’s new executive director.
Uruguay, First Country in the World to Legally Regulate Marijuana, Begins Retail Sales Next Week
WASHINGTON, July 14, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Next week, Uruguay will begin sales of legal marijuana for adult residents. The marijuana legalization proposal was put forward by former President José Mujica in 2012 as part of a comprehensive package aimed at improving public safety.
Tale of Two New Yorks Endures Under Mayor de Blasio as NYPD Continues Discriminatory Marijuana Arrests
NEW YORK, July 10, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — On July 11, the Marijuana Arrest Research Project will release a major report commissioned by the Drug Policy Alliance.
Senate and House Reintroduce Groundbreaking Medical Marijuana Bill
WASHINGTON, June 15, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Today, a bipartisan group of Senators and Representatives introduced the CARERS Act. The Senate bill was introduced by Senators Booker (D-NJ), Paul (R-KY), Gillibrand (D-NY), Lee (R-UT), Franken (D-MN), and Murkowski (R-AK). The House companion was reintroduced by Rep Young (R-AK) and Rep Cohen (D-TN).
NJ Marijuana Legalization Hearing on New Legislation
TRENTON, N.J., June 15, 2017 / Weed Wire/ — On Monday, the New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on Senate Bill 3195 at 11:00 am in Committee Room 4 in the New Jersey Statehouse. Senate Bill 3195, introduced last month by Senator Nicholas P. Scutari (D-Middlesex, Somerset, Union), would legalize small amounts of marijuana for adults 21 years and older.
Albany Press Conference: New York State Legislators Renew Push for Marijuana Legalization
ALBANY, New York, June 12, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Today, a coalition of community advocates led by Drug Policy Alliance will join Senator Liz Krueger (New York) and Assemblymember Crystal Peoples-Stokes (Buffalo) to announce reintroduction of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA, S.3040A/A.3506A), a bill that would establish a legal market for marijuana in New York.
New York State Legislators to Renew Push for Marijuana Legalization
ALBANY, New York, June 8, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — On June 12, a coalition of community advocates led by the Drug Policy Alliance will join Senator Liz Krueger (New York) and Assemblymember Crystal Peoples-Stokes (Buffalo) to announce reintroduction of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA, S.3040/A.3506), which would authorize recreational use of marijuana.
Drug Policy Alliance and ACLU of California Sue City of Fontana Over Ordinance That Conflicts With Rights Granted by California’s Marijuana Legalization Initiative
SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 6, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – Yesterday, the Drug Policy Alliance and ACLU of California filed a lawsuit against the City of Fontana challenging a city ordinance that is in conflict with Proposition 64 (also known as the “Adult Use of Marijuana Act” or “AUMA”).
Legislation (AB 1578) to Protect Californians Against Federal Attacks on Lawful Marijuana Activity Passes California State Assembly
SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 2, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Last night, the California State Assembly passed legislation that would prohibit state and local agencies from using resources to assist federal law enforcement authorities with marijuana enforcement against people in compliance with California state law.
New Jersey Medicinal Marijuana Review Panel Recommends Adding Chronic Pain and other Conditions to List of Qualifying Conditions
TRENTON, N.J., May 11, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Today, the New Jersey Medicinal Marijuana Program Review Panel made initial recommendations to the Health Commissioner to approve chronic pain related to musculoskeletal disorders, migraines, anxiety, chronic fatigue related to ailments such as irritable bowel syndrome, Tourrette syndrome as qualifying conditions for the medical marijuana program.
Reports: Trump Administration Plans to Slash Funding for Drug Czar’s Office
WASHINGTON, May 8, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – Today, reports have emerged that the Trump Administration plans to cut the Office of National Drug Control Policy’s budget by nearly 95%.
Homeland Security Chief: Marijuana Possession is Grounds for Deportation
WASHINGTON, April 19, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — In a speech yesterday, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly announced that the Trump Administration would use marijuana possession as a reason for deporting immigrants.
Marijuana Decriminalization Ordinance Fails in Atlanta City Council
WASHINGTON, April 18, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – Yesterday the Atlanta City Council failed to pass Ordinance 17-O-1152, which would have decriminalized marijuana in the city. After hearing from many Atlanta residents the ordinance was referred to the Public Safety Committee for a further review in a 10-4 vote.
Argentina Legalizes Medical Marijuana
WASHINGTON, April 3, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – On Thursday, Argentina legalized medical marijuana, after the Senate unanimously approved a bill that was already passed by the House of Representatives last November.
Israeli Cabinet Approves Proposal to Decriminalize Marijuana
WASHINGTON, March 6, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — On Sunday, Israel took a big step toward decriminalizing adult marijuana use. The Israeli Cabinet approved a proposal that would replace criminal penalties with fines for people who are caught using marijuana in public. The proposal from the Ministries of Justice and Public Security has received support from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but still requires approval of the Israeli Parliament before becoming law.
Advocates Push Crucial Legislation to Seal Past Marijuana Possession Convictions
ALBANY, New York, Feb. 28, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Today, advocates and legislators held a press conference in Albany to demand reprieve for the harm that has been caused by arrests for low-level marijuana possession and mobilize for legislative solutions to keep New York families together.
New York State Assembly Passes Landmark Legislation to Seal Past Marijuana Possession Convictions
ALBANY, N.Y., Feb. 15, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Yesterday, the New York State Assembly voted in support of A.2142, a bill that will seal the criminal records of people who have been unjustly and unconstitutionally arrested for simple possession of marijuana in public view.
Senate Votes to Confirm Jeff Sessions for U.S. Attorney General
WASHINGTON, Feb. 9. 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Tonight the U.S. Senate voted 52 to 47 to confirm Senator Jeff Sessions as Attorney General. Most Republicans voted for him; most Democrats voted against him. The vote comes after two months of organized opposition as hundreds of organizations expressed concerns about Sessions’s record and racially-charged statements he has made in the past.
Senate Judiciary Votes to Advance “Nightmare” Jeff Sessions as Attorney General
WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance the nomination of Jeff Sessions for Attorney General of the United States. The vote was 11 to 9, with no Democrats supporting the nominee. The nomination will now go to the Senate floor for a full and final vote.
Colorado Department of Human Services Requests a Six Million Dollar Annual Allocation from the Marijuana Tax Cash Fund to Pursue a Public Health Approach to Drug Use and Mental Health
DENVER, Jan. 19, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The DHS in conjunction with the Governor’s Office, at the request and guidance of Drug Policy Alliance and other advocates, submitted a request yesterday to the Colorado General Assembly Joint Budget Committee (JBC) to allocate over $6 million annually from the Marijuana Tax Cash Fund for grant-based initiatives that will create meaningful alternatives to criminal justice involvement for Coloradans with mental health or substance use issues.
Governor Cuomo to Propose Clarifications to NY State Law Decriminalizing Marijuana Possession
ALBANY, N.Y., Jan. 13, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Yesterday, Governor Cuomo announced his renewed commitment to decriminalizing marijuana possession in his State of the State Book, which outlines his agenda for the 2017 Legislative Session.
Thursday Press Teleconference: Broad Spectrum of Organizations React to Confirmation Hearings for Senator Jeff Sessions as Attorney General
WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Representatives from a broad spectrum of organizations will offer their reactions to Senator Sessions’ responses during his confirmation hearings this week to questions on criminal justice reform, marijuana reform, civil and human rights and other issues.
Sen. Jeff Sessions Gives “Wishy Washy” Response to Questions about Marijuana and Federalism at Attorney General Confirmation Hearing Today
WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Statement from Bill Piper, Senior Director of the Drug Policy Alliance’s Office of National Affairs:
Senate Judiciary Committee Holding Confirmation Hearings on Jeff Sessions for Attorney General This Week
In a statement sent to Senate offices today the Drug Policy Alliance urged the Senate Judiciary Committee to reject Jeff Sessions for Attorney General. The committee is holding confirmation hearings on Sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Drug Policy Alliance Launching Campaign to “Just Say No” to Jeff Sessions for Attorney General
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2016 /Weed Wire/ — The Drug Policy Alliance is launching a campaign to put the brakes on Alabama Republican Senator Jeff Sessions’ nomination for Attorney General.
Press Teleconference: What Senator Jeff Sessions as Attorney General Would Mean for Criminal Justice Reform, Drug Policy Reform, and Civil and Human Rights
WASHINGTON, Nov. 23, 2016 /Weed Wire/ — On Friday, news reports named Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) as Donald Trump’s nominee to be the next Attorney General. The Drug Policy Alliance is convening this call with reporters to highlight Jeff Sessions’ track record on civil and human rights, criminal justice reform and drug policy.
Massachusetts Becomes First State East of the Rockies to Approve Marijuana Legalization
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2016 /Weed Wire/ —Voters in Massachusetts have approved marijuana legalization, making it the first state east of the Rockies to do so.
Marijuana Wins Big on Election Night
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2016 /Weed Wire/ — This Election Day was a watershed moment for the movement to end marijuana prohibition, with the results expected to accelerate efforts to legalize marijuana in states across the U.S., at the federal level, and internationally.
North Dakota Voters Overwhelmingly Approve Medical Marijuana
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2016 /Weed Wire/ — North Dakota voters have approved Measure 5, which legalizes the medical use of marijuana for conditions such as cancer, AIDS, hepatitis C, ALS, glaucoma, and epilepsy, and other debilitating medical conditions.
Florida Becomes 1st State in the South to Approve Medical Marijuana
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2016 /Weed Wire/ — Florida voters have approved the state’s medical marijuana initiative, Amendment 2.
Teleconference Wednesday at 12:30pm (ET) / 9:30am (PT): What Do Election Results Mean for Marijuana Law Reform?
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2016 /Weed Wire/ — This Election Day is shaping up to be a watershed moment for efforts to end marijuana prohibition, with five states voting on marijuana legalization and four more on medical marijuana.
Election 2016: Marijuana Law Reform Takes Center Stage
WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2016 /Weed Wire/ — This Election Day is shaping up to be a watershed moment for efforts to end marijuana prohibition, with five states voting on marijuana legalization and four more on medical marijuana.
Oct 24: TheRoot.com Hosts Facebook Live Discussion on Marijuana Legalization, Mass Incarceration and Women
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 2016 /Weed Wire/ — On Monday, October 24, from 12-1pm ET, TheRoot.com will host a Facebook Live discussion on marijuana legalization, mass incarceration and women.
So Far, So Good: What We Know About Marijuana Legalization in Colorado, Washington, Alaska, Oregon, and Washington D.C.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2016 /Weed Wire/ — A new report by the Drug Policy Alliance brings good news for the states considering legalization at the ballot on November 8, 2016, and the broader marijuana legalization movement.
It’s Not Legal Yet: Nearly 500,000 Marijuana Arrests in California in the Last Decade
WASHINGTON, Aug. 18, 2016 /Weed Wire/ — A new report by the Drug Policy Alliance shows that there were nearly half a million marijuana felony and misdemeanor arrests in California between 2006 and 2015.
Separating Myth From Fact: Drug Policy Alliance Releases New Marijuana Facts Booklet
WASHINGTON, July 28, 2016 /Weed Wire/ — Today, the Drug Policy Alliance released Marijuana Facts, intended for non-expert audiences seeking answers to some of the most common questions asked about marijuana use, its effects, and the rapidly-shifting legal landscape.
Monday: Italian Parliament to Consider Marijuana Legalization
WASHINGTON, July 21, 2016 /Weed Wire/ — Italy may become the next country to legally regulate marijuana, with a legislative proposal expected to be debated in Italy’s Chamber of Deputies on Monday, July 25.
TODAY: Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Medical Marijuana
WASHINGTON, July 13, 2016 /Weed Wire/ — Today at 2:30pm, the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism will hold a hearing entitled, “Researching the Potential Medical Benefits and Risks of Marijuana.”