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.
Mexico’s Highest Court Rules Cannabis Prohibition Unconstitutional
On Monday, June 28th, the Mexico Supreme Court ruled prohibition of recreational cannabis use unconstitutional. They further stated that it should be legal, reports Reuters. As a result of the 8-3 ruling, Mexico stands to have one of the largest legal markets in the world, according to The Washington Post. However, a bill to legalize cannabis remains stalled in the nation’s Senate. But, some suggest this ruling may “push lawmakers to finalise the legislation.” Steve Rolles, with Transform Drug Policy Foundation, told The Washington Post, “if Mexico legalizes marijuana, one could “travel from the Arctic Circle in Canada, down the West Coast of the USA, to Cancún on the Caribbean sea, without entering a jurisdiction where cannabis is prohibited.”
Justice on America’s Highest Court Says Cannabis Prohibition “Might no Longer be Constitutional”
According to a statement made by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas on Monday, June 28th — “a prohibition on intrastate use or cultivation of marijuana may no longer be necessary or proper […],” reports Forbes. Specifically, Justice Thomas points to the federal government’s laissez-faire policy toward statewide cannabis programs. Furthermore, he describes it as a half-in, half-out approach, which may infringe state’s rights. Because of that, “it might no longer be constitutional for the federal government to try to control what’s happening with marijuana purely within a state’s borders,” reports MSNBC News.
Fires Threaten Cultivators in Northern California
Last week, the Lava Fire erupted in June after thunderstorms and lightning hit Northern California. This week, it has grown to over 19,000 acres, reports NPR, as flames inch toward the town of Weed, California. Thousands of residents, including cannabis cultivars, are evacuating as more than 800 firefighters battle several fires — including the Lava Fire and the Tenant Fire, reports Mt. Shasta News. Unpredictable weather, including record-setting heat and winds, remain issues. But so far, the Lava Fire remains 19% contained, according to Cal Fire.
Adults can Officially Possess Weed in New Mexico
As of June 29th, 2021, adults in New Mexico over the age of 21 can now legally possess weed. State law now allows adults to have up to 2 ounces of cannabis outside their homes, reports KRQE News. However, state residents may have to wait until April 2022 to buy pot from retailers. That’s because the state is still working out details, like licensing. However, officials will begin accepting applicants this September, KRQE adds.
USADA Suspends Sha’Carri Richardson for Positive THC Test
Today, Friday, July 2nd, the U.S. Anti-Doping Program (USADA) announced that Sha’Carri Richardson accepted a one-month suspension for testing positive for cannabis outside of competition. Her suspension dropped from one to three months, depending on completion of a drug treatment program. The suspension means she is officially dis-qualified from the Tokyo Olympics, NPR confirms. Richardson, a track a field athlete, “was seen as the U.S.’s best contender for a gold medal in the event,” adds NPR. Richardson admitted to using cannabis to cope with the death of her mom.
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