Last week, D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson called a vote on emergency legislation that aimed, in part, to give the Council the authority to shut down any business that gifts marijuana. Although the proposed bill did not pass (by only one vote), Mendelson’s bill reveals ongoing tension regarding D.C.’s legally questionable cannabis “gifting economy” and
New York retailers should not “gift” cannabis to avoid putting at risk their ability to secure a license and avoid penalties
I recently relocated to Washington, D.C. to join our East Coast practice group and have been inundated with inquiries surrounding the legal framework of recreational cannabis (i.e., marijuana and hemp) in the nation’s capital. So, in light of this overwhelming interest, I thought I’d briefly summarize this issue for our readers. Marijuana In November 2014,
Oregon is not the only jurisdiction with psilocybin (and other controlled psychedelic plant substances) on the ballot this fall. For our coverage of Oregon’s Measure 109, see: Oregon 2020 Election: Vote Yes! on Measure 109 Oregon and Psilocybin: Does the Approved Ballot Measure Language Stand a Chance? Oregon Psychedelics: Petition to Legalize Psilocybin for Therapy
Yesterday proved to be a wild day, featuring Jeff Sessions single-handedly demolishing the federal government’s former cannabis enforcement framework. Now that 24 hours have passed since the news came out, we have had a chance to refine our analysis of the Department of Justice’s move. Reactions in the media have ranged from treating the Sessions
What comes to mind when you think of Amsterdam? Typically, Van Gogh, historic churches, beautiful canals, and marijuana. Amsterdam is famous for its “coffee shops,” where patrons can purchase and consume marijuana on-site. In light of the success of recent legalization efforts on this side of the Atlantic, we have to ask: where are America’s
As of February 26 in Washington, D.C., the following are legal for individuals: possessing up to two ounces of marijuana; growing up to six marijuana plants in a principal residence; and smoking marijuana in private residences. See DC’s Last Day of Marijuana Illegality – Sort Of. But people wishing to engage in any of these
On October 28, 2014, the United States Department of Justice issued a “Policy Statement Regarding Marijuana Issues in Indian Country.” In this memo, the DOJ stated that its eight enforcement priorities will apply “in the event that sovereign Indian Nations seek to legalize the cultivation or use of marijuana in Indian Country.” At least one
When Washington D.C. passed Ballot Initiative 71 legalizing marijuana use and possession in the District, it was poised to legalize recreational marijuana use. However, because the District is not a U.S. state, Congress must approve the ballot initiative before it can be implemented. In December, before the District even had an opportunity to submit the
The Republican Party won enough races in this month’s elections to take control of both the U.S. Senate and strengthen their majority in the House of Representatives. Other victors were supporters of legalized marijuana. By a margin of over 2 to 1 (96,899 yes votes to 42,495 no votes), Washington, D.C. residents approved Ballot Initiative
