Hard-hitting Medical Marijuana Billboards Launched in Louisiana as Lawmakers Prepare for Final Vote on Potentially Life-saving Legislation

Billboards in Baton Rouge and Shreveport feature local mothers and their young children, who suffer from seizure disorders, and read: ‘Medical marijuana would help my child. Will our legislators?’ 

BATON ROUGE, La. — Hard-hitting billboards in support of key medical marijuana legislation were launched in two of Louisiana’s largest cities on Tuesday just as state lawmakers are preparing for a final vote on the measure.

The digital ads, which are running at billboard locations in Baton Rouge (5522 Corporate Blvd.) and Shreveport (305 Southfield Rd), feature two local mothers and their young children, who suffer from seizure-related disorders: Katie Corkern of Amite and her son, Connor, and Brittany Osborne of Baton Rouge and her daughter, Kalie. They read, “Medical marijuana would help my child. Will our legislators?” They encourage viewers to, “Ask them now at HelpLousianaPatients.org,” a website that allows visitors to send messages to their state representatives. An image of the two billboards is available at http://bit.ly/1s87tQd, and high-resolution versions are available at http://bit.ly/1OjKbLp (Katie/Connor) and http://bit.ly/1TOgIxv (Brittany/Kalie).

SB 271 would establish a viable medical marijuana program in Louisiana by amending an unworkable medical marijuana law that is already on the books. It would also add seizure disorders and several other debilitating conditions to the list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana. 

SB 271 has been approved by the Senate, and the House could vote on it as early as Wednesday. If approved, it will be sent to Gov. John Bel Edwards for his signature.

“I’ve watched friends move out of state to get their children medical marijuana and I see their success and I hope and pray that Louisiana will join them,” said Corkern, who describes herself on her weblog as a “Christian wife, mom, teacher, blogger, crafter, and advocate.”

“My son suffers from 500-plus seizures a day,” she said. “He has tried 17 different medications, which have not been successful and have produced horrendous side effects. Connor has run out of options in Louisiana. His neurologist believes medical marijuana could be his last hope, and the legislature should not make us wait any longer to access it.

The billboards were paid for by the Marijuana Policy Project, which is working in conjunction with Sensible Marijuana Policy for Louisiana. They will be running through Monday.

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Vermont House of Representatives Approves Measure That Would Initiate the Development of a System for Regulating Marijuana for Adult Use

The version of H. 858 approved on Tuesday would establish a commission tasked with proposing a comprehensive regulatory system for the cultivation and sale of marijuana by the end of the year

MONTPELIER, Vt. — The Vermont House of Representatives approved a bill on Tuesday (77-68) after amending it to initiate the development of a system for regulating marijuana for adult use. The revised measure will now go to the Senate for concurrence.

As amended, H. 858 would establish a commission tasked with “propos[ing] a comprehensive regulatory and revenue structure that establishes controlled access to marijuana in a manner that, when compared to the current illegal marijuana market, increases public safety and reduces harm to public health.” The commission would be required to provide its recommendations to the legislature by the end of the year.

“This bill does not change current marijuana penalties, but it will move Vermont further toward enacting sensible marijuana regulation laws,” said Matt Simon, the Montpelier-based New England political director for the Marijuana Policy Project. “Lawmakers are plainly acknowledging that prohibition has failed, and we appreciate their efforts to move the state in a more sensible direction. Marijuana prohibition has been the law of the land for decades, so it’s going to take time to transition to a new system.

“It’s time for Vermont to focus on how, not whether, to regulate marijuana for adult use,” Simon said. “We are asking that the Senate concur with the House so that this commission can get formed and hit the ground running.”

In February, Vermont Public Radio released the results of a poll conducted by the Castleton Polling Institute that found 55% of Vermonters support passing a law to legalize and regulate marijuana for adult use. Only 32% said they are opposed. Gov. Peter Shumlin, Attorney General William Sorrell, and two former attorneys general have expressed support for the measure.

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U.S. Senate Committee Approves Measure Intended to Prevent the DEA From Interfering With State Medical Marijuana Programs

The Senate Appropriations Committee voted Thursday to renew an appropriations amendment that prohibits the Justice Department, including the DEA, from using funds to arrest or prosecute patients, caregivers, and businesses that are complying with state medical marijuana laws 

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday approved an amendment to the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill that is intended to prevent the Drug Enforcement Administration from interfering with state medical marijuana programs.

The amendment, authored by Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), prohibits the Justice Department, including the DEA, from using funds to interfere in the implementation of state laws that allow the cultivation, distribution, and use of marijuana for medical purposes. In October 2015, a federal judge in California ruled that the amendment prevents the DEA from bringing legal action against medical marijuana providers and others participating in the program if they are acting in compliance with state medical marijuana laws.

“This measure won’t force the DEA to act compassionately, but it will limit its capacity to act callously,” said Robert Capecchi, director of federal policies for the Marijuana Policy Project.

On Sunday, Pennsylvania officially became the 24th state to adopt an effective medical marijuana law (in addition to D.C.).

“More than 50% of Americans now live in states that have adopted effective medical marijuana laws,” Capecchi said. “The DEA should not be using federal tax dollars to go after patients and care providers who are following state laws. It’s a huge waste of resources, and it often results in seriously ill patients and their caregivers being needlessly dragged into the criminal justice system.”

Sen. Mikulski’s amendment will become law if the full Senate approves the appropriations bill, the House approves similar language, and the president signs it. It could also be renewed by a continuing resolution because it was included in the FY2016 omnibus appropriations bill. The Senate Appropriations Committee first approved the amendment last year, and the House approved a similar measure in each of the past two years.

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Illinois Senate Approves Bill to Remove Criminal Penalties for Marijuana Possession 

SB 2228, which includes provisions agreed upon by Gov. Bruce Rauner and the General Assembly, would replace potential jail time with a civil fine for possession of a personal amount of marijuana 

CHICAGO, Ill. — The Illinois Senate approved a bill 40-14 on Tuesday that would replace criminal penalties with a civil fine for possession of a personal amount of marijuana. It will now go to the House for further consideration.

SB 2228, introduced by Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago), would make possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana a civil violation punishable by a fine of $100-$200. Adults would no longer face time in jail, and the civil offense would be automatically expunged in order to prevent a permanent criminal record. The proposal largely mirrors legislation introduced in the House by Rep. Kelly Cassidy and reflects amendments Gov. Bruce Rauner proposed when he vetoed a similar bill last year.

Under current Illinois law, possession of up to 2.5 grams of marijuana is a class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,500; possession of 2.5-10 grams is a class B misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,500; and possession of more than 10 grams up to 30 grams is a class 4 felony punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $1,500 fine. More than 100 Illinois communities have already removed criminal penalties for simple marijuana possession.

“We need to replace Illinois’s current patchwork of marijuana possession laws with a consistent standard that will be applied fairly across the state,” Sen. Steans said. “People should not be sent to jail for an offense that would have been punishable by a small fine if it had occurred a few miles down the road. It’s irrational, it’s unpredictable, and it’s unjust.”

Twenty states and the District of Columbia have removed the threat of jail time for simple marijuana possession.

“Illinois spends way too much money imposing costly criminal penalties on people who are found in possession of a personal amount of marijuana,” said Chris Lindsey, a senior legislative analyst for the Marijuana Policy Project. “Serious penalties should be reserved for people who commit serious crimes, not used to punish marijuana consumers. Nobody should face a lifelong criminal record simply for possessing a substance that is less harmful than alcohol.”

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Gov. Wolf Signs Bill Making Pennsylvania the 24^th Medical Marijuana State 

More than 50% of Americans now live in states with effective medical marijuana laws

HARRISBURG, Pa. — In a ceremony crowded with patients and supporters at the State Capital on Sunday, Gov. Tom Wolf signed a bill into law that will provide seriously ill Pennsylvanians with legal access to medical marijuana. The passage of SB 3 makes Pennsylvania the 24^th state to allow medical marijuana. More than half of Americans now live in states with effective medical marijuana laws.

SB 3 would allow patients with a qualifying condition and their doctors’ recommendation to use and safely access medical marijuana. Up to 25 Department of Health-permitted growers and processors would produce medical marijuana, which could be dispensed by up to 50 dispensaries, each of which could have up to three locations. The qualifying conditions include cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, PTSD, seizures, autism, sickle cell anemia, and intractable pain if conventional therapies or opiates are contraindicated or ineffective.

“Finally, Pennsylvania patients who could benefit from medical marijuana will no longer have to suffer needlessly or be treated like criminals,” said Latrisha Bentch of Harrisburg, whose daughter suffers from mesial temporal sclerosis, a condition marked by frequent seizures that could be treated with medical marijuana. She is a founding member of the Campaign for Compassion, a local organization of patients and families advocating for comprehensive medical marijuana legislation.

“Patients and their families throughout the state have been desperately hoping that we could get this sensible and compassionate legislation passed this year,” Bentch said. “Thanks to Gov. Wolf and supportive lawmakers, our wait is finally over.”

“Due to the tireless efforts of patients, families, advocates, and lawmakers, Pennsylvanians will finally have access to this safe and effective treatment option,” said Becky Dansky, a legislative analyst for the Marijuana Policy Project. “Now that more than half of Americans live where medical marijuana is legal, we hope other states and the federal government will reconsider their policies.”

“We applaud the Department of Health which is already taking steps to prepare for the implementation process,” Dansky said. “We’re confident that under the leadership of Governor Wolf and Secretary Murphy, Pennsylvania will create the strongest possible program for patients in the Commonwealth.”

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Vermont House Committee Approves Marijuana Bill After Amending It to Allow for Legal Possession and Limited Home Cultivation

The version of S. 241 approved Friday by the House Ways and Means Committee still does not create a regulated marijuana market, but now allows adults to possess and grow small amounts of marijuana

MONTPELIER, Vt. — The House Ways and Means Committee approved S. 241 on Friday (6-3) after amending it to allow adults in Vermont to possess and grow small amounts of marijuana. The bill will now go to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration.

S. 241 still does not create a regulated system of marijuana cultivation and sales, but it now allows adults 21 years of age and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana. It also now allows adults to grow a limited amount of marijuana in their homes after receiving a license that will cost $125.

“Many Vermonters have been very vocal in support of allowing limited home cultivation, and it appears their voices did not fall on deaf ears,” said Matt Simon, the Montpelier-based New England political director for the Marijuana Policy Project. “This amendment breathes new life into S. 241. The House is engaged in a very deliberative process, and we’re hopeful it will do the right thing and end marijuana prohibition in Vermont.”

The version of S. 241 approved by the Senate in February would make possession of marijuana legal for adults and create a regulated marijuana market. The House Judiciary Committee voted last week to strip those provisions from the bill and instead call for further study. If S. 241 passes the House in a different form than it passed the Senate, it would likely end up in a conference committee where legislators from both chambers would attempt to reach a compromise.

In February, Vermont Public Radio released the results of a poll conducted by the Castleton Polling Institute that found 55% of Vermonters support passing a law to legalize and regulate marijuana for adult use. Only 32% said they are opposed. Gov. Peter Shumlin, Attorney General William Sorrell, and two former attorneys general have expressed support for the measure.

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U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Approves Measure That Would Allow VA Physicians to Recommend Medical Marijuana to Veterans

The bipartisan appropriations amendment is intended to ease access to medical marijuana for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, serious injuries, and other debilitating conditions

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday approved an amendment to the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill that is intended to ease access to medical marijuana for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, serious injuries, and other debilitating conditions.

The amendment, authored by Sens. Steve Daines (R-MT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), would prohibit the spending of funds on enforcement of a Veterans Health Administration directive that prohibits VA physicians from recommending medical marijuana to their patients, even in states that have made it legal.

“Monitoring patients’ medication decisions and engaging in frank conversations about treatment options are core aspects of the doctor-patient relationship,” said Robert Capecchi, director of federal policies for the Marijuana Policy Project. “The current policy flies in the face of those objectives. It does nothing to help our veterans, but can potentially hurt them.”

If enacted, VA physicians would no longer face penalties for discussing medical marijuana with their patients or completing the paperwork patients must submit in order to participate in state medical marijuana programs. Currently, veterans in states with medical marijuana laws must find a doctor outside of the VA system to discuss medical marijuana as a treatment option and provide the requisite documentation.

“This measure removes unnecessary barriers to medical marijuana access for the men and women who have volunteered to serve in our armed forces,” Capecchi said. “It will save veterans time and money, and it will allow them to have more open and honest discussions with their primary care providers.”

In order to become law, the full Senate must approve the appropriations bill, the House must adopt similar language in its Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill, and the president would have to sign it. The Senate Appropriations Committee approved a similar amendment last year, but it was not included in the final spending bill.

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Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Bill Receives Final Approval in Legislature, Heads to Gov. Wolf for His Signature

Once the bill is signed, Pennsylvania will become the 24th state to adopt an effective medical marijuana law

HARRISBURG, Pa. — A long-awaited bill to establish a medical marijuana program in Pennsylvania received final approval from state lawmakers on Wednesday and is now headed to the desk of Gov. Tom Wolf, who has 10 calendar days to sign it into law. If he does, Pennsylvania will become the 24th state in the nation (in addition to the District of Columbia) to adopt an effective medical marijuana law.

The House of Representatives voted 149-46 Wednesday to concur on the version of SB 3 approved yesterday by the Senate.

SB 3 would allow patients with qualifying conditions to use and safely access medical cannabis with their physicians’ recommendations. Up to 25 Department of Health-permitted growers and processors would produce medical cannabis, which could be dispensed by up to 50 dispensaries, each of which could have up to three locations. The qualifying conditions include cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, PTSD, seizures, autism, sickle cell anemia, and intractable pain if conventional therapies or opiates are contraindicated or ineffective.

“I almost can’t believe that our patients and families are so close to getting relief after so much waiting,” said Latrisha Bentch of Harrisburg, whose daughter suffers from mesial temporal sclerosis, a condition marked by frequent seizures that could be treated with medical marijuana. She is a founding member of the Campaign for Compassion, a local organization of patients and families advocating for comprehensive medical marijuana legislation.

“We are overjoyed that the legislature has finally agreed on a comprehensive bill to help alleviate our suffering,” Bentch said. “After hearing our stories and seeing our faces day after day at the Capitol, they put politics aside and did the right thing. We thank them for their work, and look forward to the governor signing this bill into law as soon as possible.”

“Legal access to medical marijuana is going to benefit tens of thousands of seriously ill patients in Pennsylvania,” said Becky Dansky, a legislative analyst for the Marijuana Policy Project. “For some, it’s the best treatment option. For others, it’s the only treatment option.

“A lot of incredible patients, advocates, and lawmakers came together to get this legislation passed,” Dansky said. “We look forward to continuing to work together to implement it once it becomes law.”

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D.C. Council Votes to Permanently Ban Social Marijuana Consumption Outside of Residences

* Statement below from MPP’s Kate Bell * 

WASHINGTON — The D.C. Council today again reversed its position on a law banning the consumption of marijuana anywhere outside a private home, even though it is legal for adults to use and possess up to two ounces of marijuana in the District. By voting 7-6 today in favor of B21-107, which would make the “social use ban” permanent, the council ignored its own prior decision to make the ban temporary and set up a task force to study the issue.

The task force, which the council voted to create on February 2, was intended to study how D.C. could move forward to end the ban and allow marijuana consumption in private venues. Although that bill will not officially become law until April 29, following congressional review, steps have already been taken by the mayor and the council to set up the task force.

This is the second unusual reversal by the council. Earlier this year, the council voted to let the ban expire but then reopened the vote and reversed itself after receiving pressure from the mayor. There will be one more vote on the social consumption ban before it is finalized.

Statement from Kate M. Bell, legislative analyst for the Marijuana Policy Project, who has lobbied on this issue since the initial hearing on the ban:

“It’s a shame that the council didn’t allow the task force, which they created, to do its job. At the hearing last year, councilmembers heard how the ban hurts people who live in public housing or apartments where they cannot use marijuana or don't wish to consume it at home in front of their children. And now, we have clear data showing that the law criminalizing public consumption is disparately enforced, with African Americans constituting 84% of the arrests last year even though they are only 49% of D.C.’s population.

“We hope that D.C.’s newly granted budget autonomy will allow the council to reverse this decision and move toward sensible marijuana policies once congressional riders are removed. But we are very disappointed that the council voted to permanently impose this unnecessary ban on the freedoms that the vast majority of the voters support.”

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Nation’s Largest Marijuana Policy Organization Slams Senate Judiciary Chairman for Organizing Dubious Anti-marijuana Caucus Hearing While Continuing to Block Hearings on Bipartisan Medical Marijuana Legislation 

On Tuesday, Sen. Chuck Grassley — who has refused to allow a Judiciary hearing on the CARERS Act for more than a year — will lead the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control in a one-sided hearing on administration efforts to monitor the impact of marijuana legalization

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The nation’s largest marijuana policy organization slammed Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley (R-IA) on Monday for organizing a dubious anti-marijuana caucus hearing while continuing to block hearings on bipartisan medical marijuana legislation.

The Marijuana Policy Project called the decision “tone deaf” and said the senator “appears more interested in rolling back the rights of healthy adults in Colorado than in defending the rights of seriously ill patients in Iowa.”

The Grassley-led Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control is scheduled to hold a hearing Tuesday at 10 a.m. ET to examine the Obama administration’s efforts to monitor the impact of state laws that regulate the cultivation and sale of marijuana for adult use. The four-person witness list includes a federal prosecutor from California, an advisory board member for a national anti-marijuana organization, and the Nebraska attorney general who sought to overturn Colorado’s marijuana regulation laws by filing a lawsuit with the Supreme Court.

Grassley has refused to call a hearing on S. 683, the Compassionate Access, Research Expansion, and Respect States (CARERS) Act of 2015, since it was introduced in March 2015. The CARERS Act would authorize states to legalize and regulate the production, distribution, and possession of marijuana for medical purposes. It would recognize the medical value of marijuana and remove barriers to researching its medical benefits by reclassifying the substance from Schedule I to Schedule II. It would also allow banks to provide financial services to state-legal medical marijuana businesses.

“It’s shocking that Sen. Grassley would choose to direct the Senate’s time, energy, and resources toward a dubious anti-marijuana hearing instead of giving the CARERS Act the hearing it deserves,” said Robert Capecchi, director of federal policies at the Marijuana Policy Project. “The CARERS Act is bipartisan legislation that has broad public support. His decision is tone deaf, to say the least.

“Most Americans support ending marijuana prohibition, and the vast majority support legal access to medical marijuana,” Capecchi said. “More than three out of four voters in Sen. Grassley’s own state believe marijuana should be legal for medical use. The senator appears more interested in rolling back the rights of healthy adults in Colorado than in defending the rights of seriously ill patients in Iowa.”

Last month, a Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll found that 78% of adults in Iowa support legalizing marijuana for medical use.

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