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.
Democrats Introduce Bill to Federally Decriminalize all Drugs
On Tuesday, June 15th, Democrats in Congress introduced a bill to federally decriminalize all scheduled drugs. They did so in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the War on Drugs, which has so far resulted in more than 1.5 million arrests, reports Newsweek. The bill, or the Drug Policy Reform Act (DPRA), according to Marijuana Moment, “would end the threat of incarceration for people caught possessing drugs for personal use. Courts would still have the option of imposing a fine. [B]ut that could be waived if a person couldn’t afford it,” the publication adds. It would also leave regulation to federal health departments, not the Justice Department, the publication adds.
Connecticut Lawmakers Approve Adult-Use Cannabis Bill
The 19th state to legalize adult-use cannabis may be Connecticut. On Thursday June 17th, Connecticut legislators approved a bill to legalize recreational cannabis. Next, the bill — SB 1201 — heads to Gov. Ned Lamont’s desk, reports NBC Connecticut. According to the publication, Gov. Lamont plans to sign the bill. If so, adults 21+ can have “1.5 ounces of [flower] or an equivalent amount of [concentrates] in public,” according to NORML. Additionally, they can have “up to 5 ounces of marijuana in their private residence. Adults will be able to possess cannabis without penalty beginning on July 1st, 2021.”
California Plans to Give $100 Million to Legal Industry
This week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed a plan to help boost the state’s legal cannabis industry. On Monday, June 14th, state legislators approved it, reports the Los Angeles Times. This comes as the legal industry continues to compete with the illicit one, and struggles to overcome the hurdles of legalization — like licensing. As part of the effort, officials will disperse $100 million in grants. “The $100 million in grant monies would be doled out to cities and counties to help local officials process the backlog of provisional licenses awaiting approval to secure the mandatory annual permit,” explains MJ Biz Daily.
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