Residents Pressure Council to Yank Funding from Drug Task Force Harassing Medical Marijuana Businesses

FERNDALE, Mich. (Aug. 8, 2016) – Bowing to intense pressure by local residents, a Michigan city has yanked a funding for a narcotics task force known for raiding medical marijuana facilities and harassing patients, demonstrating the power of local activism. In May we reported that law enforcement agencies in Michigan actively work to undermine state…

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Now in Effect: Louisiana Medical Marijuana Law Shields Patients and Caregivers from Prosecution

BATON ROUGE, La. (Aug 5, 2016) – On Monday, a Louisiana law specifically exempting medical marijuana patients and caregivers from state prosecution goes into effect. Along with another measure that was signed into law earlier this year, this gives Louisiana a basis for a functional medical marijuana program, setting the foundation to nullify federal prohibition in…

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New Hampshire Law Expanding Medical Marijuana Program Now in Effect

CONCORD, N.H. (Aug. 4, 2016) – On Tuesday, an expansion of the state’s medical marijuana law went into effect, further nullifying federal prohibition in practice. Rep. David Luneau (I) introduced House Bill 1453 (HB1453) earlier this year. The legislation adds ulcerative colitis to the list of debilitating medical conditions that qualify a patient to access…

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Signed by the Governor: Illinois Law to Decriminalize Marijuana Possession Now in Effect

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Aug 3, 2016) – Last week, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner signed a bill into law decriminalizing marijuana for adults and changing criminal penalties into civil infractions. The proposal not only decriminalizes marijuana in the Prairie State, it also takes a step toward nullifying federal cannabis prohibition in practice in Illinois. Sen. Heather Steans…

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Feds Suing to Access Utah Prescription Database; State Should Refuse to Comply

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency wants to access a Utah database of confidential prescription records. But the feds have a problem. The state requires a warrant before law enforcement agencies can access the Utah Controlled Substance Database. The DEA doesn’t have one. Not to be deterred, the drug police have sued the state in federal…

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Massachusetts Voters to Decide on Legalizing Marijuana This Fall, Despite Federal Prohibition

BOSTON, Mass. (Aug. 2, 2016) – The Massachusetts secretary of state has approved a ballot measure to legalize adult use and retail sale of marijuana in the state. This provides the opportunity to take another step toward nullifying federal prohibition in effect. Last week, the secretary confirmed The Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol has…

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Arkansas Voters Will Get to Decide on Legalizing Medical Marijuana This Fall

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (July 27, 2016) – The Arkansas Secretary of State has approved a ballot measure to legalize medical marijuana in the state. This provides the opportunity to take another step toward nullifying federal prohibition in effect. Earlier this month, the secretary of state’s office announced it had verified at least 77,516 of the…

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Signed into Law: Rhode Island Expands Medical Marijuana Program

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (July 25, 2016) – Last week, Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo signed a bill expanding the state’s medical marijuana law, further nullifying federal prohibition in practice. A trio of Democrats, Rep. Scott Slater, Rep. Patricia Serpa and Rep. Joseph Solomon, introduced House Bill 7142 (HB7142) in January. The legislation expands the state’s medical…

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First Medical Marijuana Dispensary to open in Florida, Despite Federal Prohibition

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (July 22, 2016) – Medical marijuana will become available in Florida for the first time next week. This represents yet another step forward in nullifying federal prohibition in effect. Trulieve announced Wednesday that it received final approval from the Florida Department of Health to begin selling a low-THC strain of medical marijuana used…

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Arizona Legislature Squanders 18 Opportunities to Reject Federal Power in 2016

PHOENIX, Ariz. (July 11, 2016) – The Arizona State House and Senate leadership soundly rejected the principles of the Founding Fathers during the 2016 legislative session. They protected the Washington D.C. status quo by killing 18 bills that would have blocked the federal enforcement of various unconstitutional programs. To make matters worse, most of the…

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