Michigan Ballot Initiative to Legalize Recreational Marijuana Launched
Activists in Michigan are working on getting a marijuana measure on the ballot for voters to weigh in on. The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol has filed ballot language with state officials. The group will have to collect approximately 250,000 signatures in order to qualify for the 2018 ballot. If approved, adults 21 and over could legally possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and grow up to 2 plants in their residence. A 10 percent tax on marijuana would be administered, as well as the 6 percent state sales tax.
Residents in New Jersey Town Want to Smoke Marijuana on Boardwalk
Some residents in Seaside Heights, New Jersey are wondering why cigarette smokers can puff on the boardwalk but patients cannot consume their medical marijuana while they soak in a view of the ocean. Edward “Lefty” Grimes has asked the city council to re-consider the issue. Last weekend, while with friends on the boardwalk, Grimes and some friends were approached by police and asked to stop smoking marijuana in public. An attorney on behalf of the city said law enforcement was within their rights to ask Grimes and his friends to stop smoking on the boardwalk. The attorney did seem to extend an olive branch. “That is not to say there can’t be alteration of the rules,” the attorney said. “It is something that will be considered.”
Florida Lawmakers Approve Regulations on Medical Marijuana
Residents in Florida voted overwhelmingly (over 70%) to approve Amendment 2 in November. However, state lawmakers have sought to add regulations to Amendment 2 since it passed. This week, the Florida Senate approved HB 1397 on by a 31-7 vote. The bill allows patients to get a 70-day supply of medical marijuana. State lawmakers also set additional rules on dispensing and labeling of medical marijuana products.
Vermont House Approves Recreational Marijuana Bill
After a long debate among state lawmakers, the Vermont House approved a bill to legalize recreational marijuana. If enacted, adults 21 and over will be able to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and to maintain up to 2 plants. The bill did not address a dispensary model or regulated sales. The proposal may face a tough battle when it reaches the state senate. Governor Scott has also expressed skepticism toward legalizing recreational marijuana. If the bill survives, Vermont would be the first state to legalize recreational marijuana through the legislative process. The 8 states with legal recreational marijuana have done so through the ballot process.
