State & Local Legislatures

The next state to decriminalize marijuana won't be New Hampshire, at least not this year.

Separate overdose prevention and syringe exchange bills were approved by the Colorado legislature this week. They now go to the governor's desk.

A bill that would give California prosecutors the option of charging hard drug possession as a misdemeanor instead of a felony has passed the state Senate and now heads to the Assembly.

Marijuana reform activity in state legislatures is at levels never seen before, but that doesn't mean we will see victory this year. Still...

Lots of action in California this past week, including more raids and more threat letters, plus action in various state legislatures.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R), who vetoed a Good Samaritan overdose bill last fall, has reached an agreement with legislators, folding Good Samaritan language into a naloxone overdose prevention bill. That's a twofer for New Jersey!

A bid to impose drug testing on welfare recipients in Indiana has died after legislators could not agree on a means of ensuring payments to the children of recipients who tested positive.

The first dispensary in Phoenix has opened, dispensaries in Washington, DC, are ready to go, and there has been more federal enforcement activity in California.

Military veterans and civilians, too, are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Many are finding relief with marijuana, but even in some medical marijuana states, its use is not approved.

Ten states have seen marijuana legalization bills this year. Now, add Puerto Rico.