The Harnessing Opportunities by Pursuing Expungement (HOPE) Act, sponsored by Reps. David Joyce (R-OH) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), allocates $20 million in federal funds over the course of ten years to provide grants to state and local governments to help expedite the process of providing relief for those with low-level marijuana convictions.
The Small Business Tax Equity Act provides an exemption for state-licensed cannabis businesses from federal tax code 280E, which prevents anyone engaged in the trade of certain federally prohibited substances from deducting business expenses.
“I am honored to lead this important fight for freedom.”
The Governor can either sign or veto the bills by the deadlines. If he takes no action, the bills become law absent the governor’s signature.
“In the more than five decades of NORML’s history, few individuals have contributed more to achieving our mission than Norm. In the end, he accepted his impending death with grace and humor.”
Highlights include: AR, CA, CO, ME, MD, MO, NH, PA, SC, and TX
“Passage of this legislation will provide qualified patients with a state-sanctioned option to access a therapy that has proven to offer significant benefits.”
The finalized legislation permits existing medical cannabis dispensaries to apply (for a fee) for dual licensure to sell to the adult-use market beginning this July.