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.
Cannabis Legalization Bill Approved by Connecticut Judicial Committee
On Tuesday April 6th, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Judiciary Committee approved S.B. 888, “and act responsibly and equitably regulating adult-use cannabis,” states the bill. The move brings the legislation one step closer to a full floor vote. S.B. 888, which was proposed by Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont, adds a host of amendments. Those include allowing medical cannabis patients to grow their own plants. The amendments also strengthen social equity provisions, the CT Mirror reports. Connecticut is bordered by Massachusetts, which legalized cannabis in 2016, and New York, which approved adult-use cannabis just last week. Now the state hopes to be next, Ganjapreneur reports.
California Senators Approve Bill to Legalize Possession of Psychedelics Like LSD, MDMA, and Psilocybin
On Tuesday April 6th, the California Senate’s Public Safety Committee approved legislation to remove criminal penalties for possessing a wide range of psychedelics for adults 21 and over. The list includes psilocybin mushrooms, DMT, ibogaine, LSD, and MDMA. The panel also approved separate legislation allowing communities to temporarily open safe consumption sites for illegal drugs, according to Marijuana Moment. The bill also provides expungements for prior convictions. Ismail Lourido Ali, policy and advocacy counsel at MAPS said, “Psychedelic use can come with some risks. But criminalization only increases those risks by creating an unregulated market in which difficult-to-verify dosages and the presence of adulterants like fentanyl threaten public health,” NBC news reports.
Colorado Auctioning off Cannabis-Themed License Plates
Beginning this month, Colorado drivers can buy cannabis-themed license plate configurations as part of the Colorado Disability Fund: 4/20 Auction. The auction lasts from 4:20 p.m. on April 1st to 4:20 p.m. on April 20th. There are 14 pot-themed license plates for sale. For example, the plates have terms like, “BONG,” “HASH” and “INDICA.”. Gov Polis’ office told CNN that the revenue will go to the Colorado Disability Funding Committee. Some of the highest priced plates so far include “ISIT420” and “TEGRIDY.”
Virginia Legalizes Recreational Pot
On Wednesday April 7th, Virginia legislators passed a bill legalizing possession of small amounts of cannabis, making it the 16th state in the U.S. to do so, NPR reports. The new bill also speeds up the legalization process. For instance, Virginians can legally have 1 ounce of cannabis as of July 1st, 2021 instead of January 2024, which legislators originally proposed. NPR reports that, “Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat, proposed moving up the date. [He argued] it would be a mistake to continue to penalize people for possessing a drug that would soon be legal.”
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