Illinois Committee Approves Measure to Legalize Industrial Hemp Despite Federal Prohibition

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (May 9, 2018) – Yesterday, an Illinois House committee unanimously passed a bill that would legalize industrial hemp in the state and take a first step toward nullifying federal prohibition of the plant in effect. Sen. Tori Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights) introduced Senate Bill 2298 (SB2298) in January. The legislation would legalize industrial hemp…

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Veto Override: Maine Enacts Bill to Implement Legal Marijuana Sales and Cultivation, Further Nullify Federal Prohibition in Effect

AUGUSTA, Maine (May 8, 2018) – Last week, the Maine House and Senate voted to override Gov. Paul LePage’s veto of a bill to implement and regulate the state’s adult-use marijuana market. The new law will effectuate a ballot initiative legalizing marijuana and further nullify federal cannabis prohibition in effect. Rep. Teresa Pierce (D-Falmouth) and Sen. Roger Katz…

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Now in Effect: Utah Law Expands Raw Milk Sales, An Important Step to Nullify Federal Prohibition Scheme

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (May 8, 2018) – Today, a law that expands raw milk sales in the state goes into effect. The new law takes an important step toward rejecting a federal prohibition scheme in effect. Sen. David Hinkins (R-27) and Rep. Marc Roberts (R-67) introduced Senate Bill 108 (SB108) January 23. The new law expands…

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Now in Effect: Utah Laws Legalize Medical Marijuana for Some Terminally-Ill Patients

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (May 8, 2018) – Today, two laws to allow terminally ill patients to legally use medical marijuana under the state’s Right to Try law went into effect. These new laws take a first step toward nullifying federal cannabis prohibition in effect in the Beehive State. Rep. Brad Daw (R-Orem) and Sen.…

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To the Governor: Colorado Passes Bill to Expand Current Asset Forfeiture Reforms

DENVER, Colo. (May 7, 2018) – Last Friday, the Colorado Senate passed a bill that would expand asset forfeiture reporting requirements instituted last year.  Rep. Leslie Herod (D-Denver) introduced House Bill 1020 (HB1020) on Jan. 10. The legislation would expand asset forfeiture reporting requirements be redefining the agencies required to submit reports. Last year, Gov. John…

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Louisiana Committees Pass Bills to Expand Medical Marijuana Program Despite Federal Prohibition

BATON ROUGE, La. (May 4, 2018) – On Wednesday, three bills that would relax restrictions on medical marijuana for qualifying patients in the state were approved in their Senate committees. Passage of these bills would further nullify federal drug laws in the Pelican State. Rep. Rodney Lyons (D-Harvey) introduced House Bill 627 (HB627) with 27…

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To the Governor: Oklahoma Passes Constitutional Carry Bill

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (May 2, 2018) – Yesterday, the Oklahoma Senate gave final approval to a so-called  “Constitutional Carry” bill that would make it legal for most Oklahomans to carry a concealed firearm without a license. Passage into law would also foster an environment hostile to federal gun control. Sen. Nathan Dahm (R-Broken Arrow) authored Senate…

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Colorado House Passes Bill to Further Expand Industrial Hemp Industry Despite Federal Prohibition

DENVER, Colo. (May 3, 2018) – On Tuesday, the Colorado House unanimously passed a bill that would further mainstream the state’s industrial hemp industry. Final passage of this bill would likely pave the way for faster development of the state’s hemp market, and further nullify federal prohibition in practice and effect. A bipartisan coalition of two senators…

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Michigan Committee Passes Bill to Reform Civil Asset Forfeiture; Federal Loophole Remains

LANSING, Mich. (May 3, 2018) – On Tuesday, a Michigan House committee passed a bill that would reform asset forfeiture laws to prohibit the state from taking property without a criminal conviction in most cases, but leaves a loophole in place allowing police to circumvent stricter state laws by passing cases off to the feds. Rep.…

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