Welcome to the latest edition of NORML’s Weekly Legislative Roundup!
Three U.S. House bills gained new cosponsors this week. The Fairness in Federal Drug Testing Under State Laws Act got two new cosponsors, for a new total of seven. The CARERS Act got one new cosponsor, for a new total of 28. And the Medical Cannabis Research Act got one new cosponsor, for a new total of 43.
At the state level, Governor Jerry Brown (D) of California signed a bill into law to automatically expunge hundreds of thousands of past marijuana convictions.
But he vetoed bills that would have allowed parents to administer medical cannabis to students on school grounds, let businesses give away free medical cannabis to indigent patients, and allow safe injection sites for illegal drugs.
A bill to ban marijuana-infused alcoholic beverages was sent to Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder’s desk. Also, Michigan’s House Agriculture Committee is debating an industrial hemp bill.
Utah medical cannabis supporters and opponents agreed on compromise legislation, which is expected to be considered during a special session later this year. Both sides of the aisle said they will “de-escalate” campaign efforts around the ballot measure and focus on the compromise legislation instead.
Mississippi activists collected more than 5,000 signatures so far in support of a pssible 2020 medical marijuana ballot measure.
A bit outside the bubble, but Guam senators approved a bill to permit home cultivation of medical marijuana.
At a more local level, Superior, Wisconsin approved a marijuana decriminalization measure. And a medical marijuana tax proposed by Phoenix, Arizona’s mayor was rejected by the city council.
As far as specific pieces of legislation go, none have moved this week, as most states’ legislative sessions are adjourned for this year. But be sure to check http://norml.org/act for any legislation still pending in your state and the federal level.
Don’t forget to sign up for our email list and we will keep you posted as bills move through your home state legislature and at the federal level.
Your Highness,
Carly