Following important cannabis news articles every day can be a real burn-out, we know. That’s why the Emerald rolls up a chronicle of the headiest news hits, and passes them to you at the end of each week. We Bring You: The Dime.
New Mexico Ends Taxes on Medical Cannabis
On May 5th, top health officials and licensing regulators announced that New Mexico will stop charging sales taxes on limited amounts of medical cannabis. Additionally, officials will begin revising the current caps on cultivation during a public hearing on June 29th, reports the News-Times. According to AP News, “medical marijuana business last month voiced concerns about a potential run on pot supplies and shortages during the transition to a legal recreational market if authorities don’t move soon to lift a limit on the number of [plants] that each business can grow.” Officials also said they plan to make more rule changes, which will be made public in late May, according to US News. The New Mexico legislature recently legalized recreational cannabis, making it the 18th state in the nation to do so.
Kansas Inches Closer to Legalizing Medical Cannabis
On May 4th, the House Federal and State Affairs Committee approved a bill to legalize medical cannabis — SB 158 — according to KMBC. SB 158 sets up the Kansas’ Medical Marijuana Regulation Act, according to the bill. If the Senate passes the bill, it would set up a medical program for patients. The program would allow patients to grow, use and access it safely. It “would allow counties to opt out of allowing cannabis dispensaries in their jurisdiction, protect patients’ gun rights, clarify restrictions on advertising, remove housing and employment protections for patients, and require a minimum six-month relationship between a patient and physician. With some exceptions, before medical marijuana can be recommended” Marijuana Moment reports. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, as well as 68% of Kansans, support medical cannabis, according to the Marijuana Policy Project.
Minnesota Lawmakers Advance Adult-use Legalization Bill
On May 3rd, members of the House Taxes Committee passed HF 600, aka the Omnibus Cannabis Bill. The next stop for HF 600 is the Ways and Means Committee. Members of the committee must also approve the bill before it can advance to the Senate. However, if the bill makes it to the Senate, it will most likely face some resistance, according to Marijuana Moment.
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