Texas Lawmakers Consider Major Changes to Marijuana Laws
Multiple bills have been filed by state representatives in Texas to reform marijuana laws. One bill would allow voters to decide on whether or not to legalize medical marijuana. Another would decriminalize small amounts of marijuana, reducing penalties associated with low-level possession to a civil citation (similar to receiving a traffic ticket – it would not impact an individual’s criminal record).
New Mexico Representative Seeks to Expand Medical Marijuana Limits
Senator Cisco McSorley (D-Albuquerque) would like to see the limits raised on what marijuana producers can grow. He is also calling for an increase in possession limits for patients. Currently, growers can have up to 450 plants during a 90-day period. The current possession limit for patients is 8 oz. of marijuana per 90-day period. McSorley is proposing to raise this limit to 15 oz. for every 90-day period.
Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) Issues Hundreds of Recreational Marijuana Licenses
The OLCC has just announced the approval of 762 recreational marijuana licenses through early January. State officials are trying to make good on a promise to run a well-regulated marijuana industry. The OLCC has also approved 9,041 marijuana worker permits out of a total of 10,700 applications. “Our staff has worked nonstop and with determination to get this industry licensed,” said Steve Marks, Executive Director of the OLCC. “Working after hours, working weekends, traveling long distances, this team has been flexible in getting this industry licensed, without compromising the trust placed in us to protect the public.”
Florida Dispensaries Try to Make New Patients Feel Comfortable
Florida voters approved medical marijuana in November. A handful of dispensaries have already started to serve patients. So far, making visitors feel at ease seems to be a high priority. “The idea is to make patients feel comfortable, to make a mother with a sick child or a sick parent – or herself, who is dealing with an ailment – make her feel comfortable to bring her child in with her or bring her elderly parent in here and not feel like she is doing something wrong,” said Monica Russell, spokesperson for Surterra, one of the first dispensaries to open in Florida. At least one patient took notice. “I think it’s great. You walk in and it’s nice and clean,” said Deanna Lolley, a patient from Riverview. “To tell you the truth, I didn’t know what to expect.”
