Marijuana

Indiana Lawmakers Face Opposition in Progressing Marijuana Legislation in 2024

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Indianapolis, Indiana – Despite efforts from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers in Indiana to push for the legalization or decriminalization of marijuana, it seems unlikely that any progress will be made on this issue in 2024, according to Republican leaders. Indiana Senate Pro Tempore Rodric Bray stated that cannabis legalization would not occur during this legislative session. Over the past few years, marijuana has become a recurring topic during Indiana’s legislative sessions, with lawmakers introducing bills that ultimately fail to gain significant traction. The main hurdle appears to be the stance of Republican leaders, including … Read more

Federal Judge Rules in Favor of Government in Controversial Aurora Marijuana Grow Operation Forfeiture Case

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AURORA, Colo. – A federal judge recently ruled that an Aurora couple who used their home to illegally grow marijuana must surrender the property to the government. The judge concluded that this forfeiture does not violate the constitutional provision against excessive fines. The U.S. Department of Justice filed a petition in 2019 to take possession of the couple’s home, located in the 23000 block of East Wagontrail Avenue in Aurora. Law enforcement had previously discovered 828 marijuana plants being grown at the residence, along with evidence of illegal electricity diversion. Jia Bao Yao, the individual … Read more

New Laws in Oklahoma: Secret Shopper Program for Medical Marijuana, Biomarker Testing Coverage, and More!

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Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – As the new year begins, several new laws have come into effect in Oklahoma that could have a significant impact on various aspects of daily life. One of these laws aims to combat illegal activity within the medical marijuana industry. House Bill 3971, passed during the 2022 regular session, mandates the implementation of a secret shopper program by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA). These undercover individuals will be tasked with purchasing predetermined amounts of products from dispensaries for random testing. To promote accountability, at least 50 licensed dispensaries will be … Read more

President Biden’s Historic Pardons: Correcting Racial Disparities in Nonviolent Marijuana Convictions

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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden demonstrated his use of presidential clemency power on Friday when he pardoned thousands of individuals convicted on federal land for nonviolent marijuana violations. Biden’s decision addressed the issue of racial disparities in drug prosecution and sentencing, a matter of great importance. Although criminal laws are meant to apply to all Americans equally, small amounts of cannabis possession or use have disproportionately affected Black individuals. Unequal enforcement can turn a colorblind law into an instrument of injustice. Clemency can help rectify these flaws in the criminal justice system. This marks … Read more