FEDERAL
FLORIDA
Florida Senate passes smokable medical marijuana bill
TALLAHASSEE – Florida lawmakers Thursday took a major step toward repealing the state’s ban on smokable medical marijuana, signaling an early victory in the legislative session for Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The Florida Senate passed SB 182 by a 34-4 vote to remove the prohibition. The bill now heads to the House.
“Marijuana is now medicine in the state of Florida and how that medicine is administered should be between their doctor and that patient,” said Sen. Gary Farmer, D-Lighthouse Point.
Lawmakers in 2017 passed a law carrying out the legalization of medical marijuana approved by 71 percent of voters in 2016, but it barred patients from access to smokable marijuana, restricting them to oils and baked goods.
Advocates for the amendment including Orlando attorney John Morgan sued, and a lower court ruled last year the smoking ban was unconstitutional. After taking office in January, DeSantis told lawmakers he would drop the appeal of that decision, made by his predecessor Rick Scott, if they didn’t pass a new law by March 15.
A spokeswoman for DeSantis did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
GEORGIA
Medical marijuana bill passes Georgia House
The bill would close a loophole that allows patients to possess the drug but provides no real way to obtain it.
ATLANTA (AP) — A bill that would allow the production and sale of low-potency medical marijuana oil in Georgia has been passed by the House.
Lawmakers voted 123-40 to clear the measure on Tuesday. It awaits Senate consideration.
The bill would close a loophole created by the state’s 2015 medical marijuana law that allows patients to possess the drug but provides no real way to obtain it. It is illegal to grow, process, buy, sell or transport the substance in Georgia
KENTUCKY
Legalized marijuana closer to reality in Kentucky as pot bill moves forward
A bill to legalize medical marijuana in Kentucky won initial committee approval Wednesday night after lawmakers heard emotional testimony from people battling chronic pain and debilitating medical conditions.
The bill, which would make marijuana legal in the bluegrass state for medical purposes only, cleared the House Judiciary Committee on a 16-1 vote after a two-hour hearing.
With only a few days left in this year’s legislative session, the measure, introduced in January and sent to the Judiciary Committee a month ago, faces tough odds of becoming law. It heads to the House next and would still need Senate approval.
“It’s not too late,” said Rep. Jason Nemes, a leading sponsor of the bill. “Where there’s a will there’s a way. We have enough days. We’re going to need a good push. It’s not probable.”
TEXAS
Notice of Rulemaking – Proposed Rules (CR-102)
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board would like your input on the following proposed rules. Following the comment period, the board will hold at least one public hearing before the rules are adopted.
Proposed rule making (CR-102)
Mandatory Marijuana Signage
- Public Hearing/Comment Deadline: April 17, 2019
- CR-102 Notice to Stakeholders
- CR-102 Filed as WSR 19-06-085 on March 6, 2019
Individual notices can be found at lcb.wa.gov/laws/laws-and-rules under Proposed Rules.
Public Comment
Please forward your comments to the Liquor and Cannabis Board by mail, e-mail, or fax by the date/s indicated below. Please be sure to indicate the rulemaking you are commenting on in the subject line.
Rules Coordinator
Liquor and Cannabis Board
P.O. Box 43080
Olympia, WA 98504-3080
Email: [email protected]
Fax: (360) 664-9689
Public Hearing Location
Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board – Board Room
3000 Pacific Ave SE
Olympia, WA 98504
WEST VIRGINIA
West Virginia Bill Would Give Banking Access to Cannabis Companies
WYOMING
Governor Mark Gordon Signs Hemp Bill Into Law
Governor Mark Gordon has signed into law a bill that approves funding for a regulatory program to grow and sell hemp.
High Altitude Hemp Company owner Joshua Egle was a big supporter of the bill, which was sponsored by Casper Representative Bunky Loucks, and he attended the bill signing on Wednesday. He plans to expand his business onto his family’s homestead ranch in eastern Wyoming this year under the new name Big Barn Hemp Company.
https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/post/governor-mark-gordon-signs-hemp-bill-law#stream/0
