What is happening at the Federal and State level — an update!

At the Federal level

Veterans Affairs Sec. Rober Wilkie - spoke about why his department doesn’t allow its doctors to recommend medical cannabis.

Yet Israel, Canada, and many studies in the US have proven Cannabis and CBD Combinations can have a major impact on PTSD, Depression, Anxiety and a number of other challenges our military face. Our military people have all these issues, why aren't we using the most advanced science to help them?

Sen Bob Menendez (D-NJ) - said he plans to file legislation allowing insurance companies to work with marijuana businesses.

This would be a first in the industry.

Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) — released a video about his support for legislation to let states set their own marijuana laws.

Sounds like a campaign effort doesn't it?

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) - tweeted about her cosponsorship of marijuana legislation saying, “By reinforcing that the states have supremacy when it comes to marijuana regulation, we are eliminating confusion, and more importantly empowering and protecting states’ rights.”

True but the FDA has a birthright in this decision (Cannabis, not CBD) and they have yet to be heard from.

Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) — said in a speech at the Hash Bash festival that she wanted her husband, the late Rep. John Dingell (D-MI) to try medical cannabis to treat pain before he died.

Not unexpected at the "hash bash", what is she doing there?

Rep Barbara Lee (D-CA) — tweeted, “Our federal marijuana laws are discriminatory and outdated. The bipartisan #STATESAct would prevent the federal government from interfering in states where marijuana is legal. Forty-six states have legalized some form of cannabis — it’s time the federal government caught up.”

Hard for me to disagree with that.

Former San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro (D) — , a presidential candidate, spoke about his support for legalizing marijuana and expunging records.

The marijuana only prison sentences run 80% black. Says something about our system. If you don't have money, you go to jail. If you do, there is a good chance you will be out, and your record expunged.

The House marijuana banking bill — got five new cosponsors, for a total of 158 now sponsoring.--A truly amazing number of supporters!

At the State Level

New Jersey Gov Phil Murphy — spoke about his ongoing efforts to legalize marijuana. They had 6 Seed to Sale licenses permitted, When Governor Murphy came into office he doubled it by executive order to 12.

Guam’s — attorney general addressed question about the implementation of the territory’s new marijuana legalization law.

Kentucky — agriculture commissioner tweeted, “My family has been working in tobacco in the New World since the 1650’s. As tobacco declines, my administration has championed hemp. Will it replace tobacco? We don’t know yet, but if ever there is a place hemp calls home it will be Kentucky!”

Hemp sells for approximately $40K/acre harvested; Tobacco 1/2 that and all other crops 25% of that....What would you do with your fields if you were a farmer?

Rhode Island’s — Senate president said he has a lot of concerns about legalizing marijuana and is leaning toward expanding the state’s current medical cannabis program instead.

I think this is the right answer. Focus on the medicinal value of the plant, not the taxes one gets from adult use!!

New York — Assembly majority leader published an op-ed on the need for equity in the marijuana industry.

The CT — legislature’s Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote on a marijuana legalization bill on Monday.

The Texas — House Public Health Committee will hear several medical cannabis bills on Thursday.

California — regulators are being sued by 24 cities over a rule that allows marijuana deliveries in places that have banned cannabis retail stores.

The state vs local municipality issues are very challenging, this is an example.

Michigan - regulators released guidance on medical cannabis home delivery procedures.

Pennsylvania — regulators are weighing whether to add anxiety and Tourette syndrome as medical cannabis qualifying conditions.

Massachusetts —voters found that 40% percent believe marijuana legalization has had a positive impact on the state, 31% say it has been negative and 30% think it has had no impact.

At least 16 marijuana bills are scheduled for committee hearings on Monday.

In all of 2018, 915 pieces of marijuana-related legislation were proposed and progressed through state capitols and on Capitol Hill.