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.
California Governor Signs Law Allowing Access to Cannabis in Hospitals
On Tuesday, September 28th, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill “expanding end-of-life treatment options for Californians by requiring that hospitals and certain types of healthcare facilities in the state allow terminally-ill patients to use medical cannabis for treatment and/or pain relief,” according to an announcement by Senator Ben Hueso’s office. The bill, known as Ryan’s Law, however, has limitations. For example, it does not apply to emergency services, and patients cannot smoke or vape in the facilities. Ryan Bartell and his family inspired the creation and passage of the bill. Bartell lost his battle with stage for cancer in 2018.
House Committee Approves act to Remove Cannabis’ Federal ban
This Wednesday, September 29th, the House Judiciary Committee approved and advanced The Marijuana, Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE Act) of 2021, reports NORML. Next, the act needs a full floor vote before it goes to the Senate. If passed by the Senate, it would remove cannabis as a schedule I drug. In response to the news, NORML’s political direction, Justin Strekal, urged House members to vote on the act. “Never before has public support from every corner of the political spectrum been so aligned as to demand that Congress take action to end the shameful experiment with marijuana prohibition,” he added. “Now is the time for Speaker Pelosi, Leader Hoyer, and Whip Clyburn to schedule the MORE Act for a full floor vote.”
Former NBA Star Chris Weber Will Open Cannabis Compound in Detroit
According to a Detroit Free Press report, former NBA player Chris Weber will open a cannabis compound in his hometown. The compound, the publication also explains, will include a dispensary, training and cultivation facilities, and a consumption lounge. The announcement comes after Weber helped launch a multi-million dollar fund earlier this year, according to New Cannabis Ventures. The fund is “the first tangible step after a $100 million private equity cannabis fund was launched in February to invest in Black- and minority-owned businesses and brands in the cannabis sector,” the Detroit Free Press further reports.
L.A. Officials Clear 60,000 Cannabis Arrest Records
On Monday, September 27th, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said his office would clear 60,000 cannabis convictions. According to The Los Angeles Times, 20,000 are felony convictions. Previously, the former D.A. cleared some 66,000 records, reports USA Today. The additional 60,000 cases were found after advocates and officials identified more, repor KCRW. In an announcement reported the L.A. Times, Gascón said: “dismissing these convictions means the possibility of a better future to thousands of disenfranchised people […],” he added. “It clears the path for them to find jobs, housing and other services that previously were denied to them because of unjust cannabis laws.”
Leave a Reply