Illinois Extends Deadline for Cannabis Retail Applicants
Retail applicants in Illinois are getting more time to secure locations for their recreational cannabis dispensaries and acquire funds. A proposed measure was filed to give these applicants an extra year before they can receive final approval to open their stores. The new provisions were addressed as the General Assembly’s spring session was set to end, according to Crain’s Chicago Business.
Nevada Eases Hiring Policy for Police Recruits With Cannabis Conviction
The Nevada Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission proposed changes to the state’s hiring policy. They want to make it no longer an obstacle for those applying for police jobs to have had previous cannabis possession convictions, that are now legal, as per Marijuana Moment. The proposed change aims to make an exception for those with “marijuana convictions for use or possession that would not be prosecutable under the law as of January 1, 2023.”
Another Ohio City Joins Move to Decriminalize Marijuana
Another Ohio city has approved the decriminalization of recreational marijuana during the primary election. The reform measure was supported by NORML Appalachia of Ohio and the Sensible Movement Coalition and aims to enact the cannabis policy change while advocates from the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol (CTRMLA) work on placing a statewide recreational legalization initiative on the ballot, according to Marijuana Moment.
Maryland Bans Searches Based On Pot Smell
Maryland Governor didn’t sign a bill proposed by Del. Charlotte Crutchfield that became law, thereby preventing police from searching someone solely based on possession or odor of marijuana, as per Maryland Daily Record. The Senate passed the bill, which also seeks to reduce the fine for public cannabis consumption, and the House passed it in a 101-36 vote.
New Hampshire House Commerce Committee Hears Last-Minute Attempts to Legalize Marijuana
The New Hampshire House Commerce Committee is hearing discussions about legalizing marijuana. This development comes after the state Senate approved the formation of a study commission to explore different models for adult-use marijuana legalization, as well as Gov. Chris Sununu’s indication that he would approve similar legislation to that of alcohol regulations in allowing state-run retail outlets to sell cannabis products. The proposal from Rep. John Hunt suggests that the New Hampshire Liquor Commission would regulate and sell cannabis. It would permit adults to possess up to 4 ounces (113.4 grams) of marijuana or 20 grams of concentrated cannabis products, according to New Hampshire Public Radio.
Massachusetts Cancels Pilot Marijuana Café Plans
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission abandoned its pilot program for businesses in twelve cities that would’ve allowed pot products on-site due to costs and burdens, according to Boston Business Journal. They aim to focus on creating rules and regulations concerning social consumption and licensing laws, instead.
Minnesota Launches Website for Cannabis Information
Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management launched their official website to provide information on the state’s cannabis legislation, how to start a cannabis business, and more. The website provides six categories of information, including “For Adult Consumers” and “For the General Public,” which detail the day when Minnesota residents can legally possess and consume cannabis-related items, with specific allowances mentioned. Recently, the state Senate gave the approval of a cannabis legalization bill, which is pending Gov. Tim Walz’s approval, according to KARE 11.
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