Pennsylvania Bill Would Set Foundation to Build a Gun Rights “Sanctuary State”

HARRISBURG, Pa. (Sept. 10, 2018) – A bill introduced in the Pennsylvania House would prohibit enforcement of some federal gun control laws. Passage of this bill would take a big step toward making Pennsylvania a sanctuary state for gun owners. Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R- Cranberry Township) introduced House Bill 357 (HB357) on Sept. 5, with…

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New Jersey Moves Toward Marijuana Legalization

The state of New Jersey could soon become the tenth state to legalize marijuana for recreational use, further nullifying federal cannabis prohibition in effect. New Jersey cannabis reform advocates began 2018 with high hopes. Newly elected Governor Murphy pledged to legalize the recreational use of marijuana within his first 100 days. Several pieces of legislation…

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Signed by the Governor: Delaware Laws Expand Marijuana Program Despite Federal Prohibition

DOVER, Del. (Sept. 5, 2018) – Last week, Deleware Gov. John Carney signed a bill expanding the state’s medical marijuana program and a bill creating a process to expunge the sentences of people charged under the state’s marijuana laws prior to decriminalization. These two laws take further steps toward nullifying federal marijuana prohibition in effect in Delaware.…

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To the Governor: California Passes Bill to Help Expand Hemp Market Despite Federal Prohibition

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Sept. 4, 2018) –  Last week, the California Assembly and Senate gave final approval to a bill that would loosen some regulations on hemp seed and cultivation. Enactment of this bill would pave the way for faster development of the state’s hemp market, and further nullify federal prohibition in practice and effect. Sen. Scott Wilk (R-Santa…

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Hemp and CBD Industry Growing Rapidly in Vermont

MONTPELLIER, Vt. (Aug. 29, 2018) – Hemp production is starting to boom in Vermont, despite federal prohibition. In 2013, the Vermont legislature passed a law legalizing and licensing hemp production at the state level. The Vermont law does not limit hemp cultivation to research purposes, as required under federal law. When Gov. Peter Shumlin signed the…

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Signed by the Governor: Illinois Law Legalizes Industrial Hemp Despite Federal Prohibition

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Aug 27, 2018) – On Sunday, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner signed a bill legalizing industrial hemp in the state and taking a first step toward nullifying federal prohibition of the plant in effect. Sen. Tori Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights) sponsored Senate Bill 2298 (SB2298). The legislation legalizes industrial hemp in Illinois by removing it…

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To the Governor: California Passes Bill to Allow People to Expunge Some Marijuana Charges

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Aug. 24, 2018) – On Wednesday, the California Senate gave final approval to a bill that would create a process to expunge or reduce the sentences of people charged under the state’s marijuana laws before recreational cannabis was legalized this year. Passage into law would take another step toward nullifying federal marijuana prohibition in…

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State Background Checks for Daycare Providers Part of Growing Federal Biometric Surveillance System

The federal government continues to find new and creative ways to obtain information for its massive and ever-expanding biometric database, Last year, we reported that the feds plan to use a TSA program advertised as a way to avoid lines at airport security checkpoints to harvest photos and other biometric information that will ultimately end…

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