Members of Jamaica’s Parliament have given final approval to a long-standing plan to amend the nation’s marijuana policies. Violators of the new law will receive a ticket and be mandated to pay a fine, but will not face criminal penalties. The newly Separate provisions of the measure seek to establish regulations allowing for the licensed production of cannabis for therapeutic purposes as well as for industrial purposes. Additional provisions of the bill provide broader legal protections for those who use the plant for sacramental purposes.

Activism

Big Brouhaha in DC as Legalization is Phased-In

by Keith Stroup, NORML Legal Counsel
Posted on March 2, 2015June 22, 2022

The new marijuana laws recently approved by the voters of the District of Columbia (Initiative…

Legalization

District of Columbia: Voter-Approved Depenalization Plan To Become Law

by Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director
Posted on February 25, 2015June 22, 2022

District of Columbia officials are moving forward with implementing a voter-approved initiative depenalizing offenses involving the personal possession and/or cultivation of cannabis by adults, which is anticipated to take effect at 12:01am tonight.

GOVERNMENT

Alaska Legalization Law Takes Effect

by Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director
Posted on February 24, 2015June 22, 2022

Legislation enacted by voters in November legalizing the personal use and cultivation of marijuana takes effect today.

GOVERNMENT

Federal Judge Hears Closing Arguments In Constitutional Challenge To Cannabis’ Schedule I Status

by Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director
Posted on February 12, 2015June 22, 2022

Yesterday in Sacramento a federal judge heard closing arguments in a motion challenging the constitutionality of cannabis’ Schedule I classification. At issue is whether a rational basis exists for the government’s contention that cannabis is properly designated as a schedule I substance — defined as possessing a “high potential for abuse,” “no currently accepted medical use in treatment,” and “a lack of accepted safety … under medical supervision.”