Author: Michelle Goldchain
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2020 Democratic Presidential Candidates’ Views on Cannabis: A Guide
Cannabis, while it is not one of the main topics this election season, is one where most Americans agree. A majority of Americans (66%) now support cannabis legalization, according to a Gallup poll released October 2019. In 2010, Gallup recorded that nationwide support for cannabis legalization was at just 44%. Meanwhile, 91% of U.S. adults…
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Virginia Likely to Become 27th State to Decriminalize Cannabis
Virginia is poised to decriminalize cannabis this year after the Senate and House approved legislation that is set on eliminating jail time for simple cannabis possession. Last week, the Virginia Senate approved Sen. Adam Ebbin’s SB 2, which would reduce the punishment of simple cannabis possession to a $50 civil penalty or five hours of…
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Cannabis Decriminalization in Virginia Likely Due to Several Bills
The future of Virginia cannabis reform will depend on the success of several bills currently being considered by the General Assembly. Currently, Democrats control both chambers of the General Assembly as well as the governor’s office, so the possibility of decriminalization looks hopeful. In a press release, Governor Ralph Northam said, “All Virginians deserve access…
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David Grosso Wants D.C. to ‘Go Deeper’ with Cannabis Reform
While Washington D.C. Councilmember David Grosso is not planning on running for reelection, he still has high hopes for the future of the District. Expungement of cannabis-related records and a tax-and-regulate cannabis system are just a few of his plans, though he’s not alone. Mayor Muriel Bowser introduced the Safe Cannabis Sales Act in 2019,…
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Pro-Cannabis Legislation in D.C. Worth Keeping an Eye On
In December 2019, all hopes for the possibility of Washington, D.C. passing any bill legalizing or regulating marijuana sales went up in smoke—again. Even so, there are several bills that are currently under review by the D.C. Council that are worth keeping an eye on. The $1.3 trillion federal spending bill that Congress passed late…
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How D.C.’s Cannabis Industry Changed in 2019
This article is part of a three-part series that summarizes notable moments in cannabis from 2019 for Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. Two New Dispensaries 2019 started off with the opening of the first medical dispensary located east of the Anacostia River. In January 2019, Linda Greene is leading the new dispensary, called Anacostia Organics,…
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How Virginia’s Cannabis Industry Changed in 2019
This article is part of a three-part series that summarizes notable moments in cannabis from 2019 for Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. Support For Legalization Becoming More Common in the Commonwealth A survey published in September 2019 shows that an increasing number of those who live in the state of Virginia are supportive of cannabis…
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Virginia Senators Warner and Kaine Demand Urgent Approval of Hemp Plan
Virginia is poised to be a top producer in the country for industrial hemp, but not all legislators and advocates are in agreement with the regulations needed to ensure its success. In a letter sent on January 23, 2020, Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expedite its…