State & Local Legislatures

Medical marijuana bills have now been introduced this year in New York state.

Medical marijuana legislation is moving in Maryland. A bill passed the House Monday and now heads to the Senate.

As politicians dither, New Yorkers hoping to end New York City's reign as marijuana arrest capital of the world will have to wait. In the meantime, another thousand people are getting popped for pot in the Big Apple every week.

New York City and the NYPD are under fire this week for both their stop-and-frisk policing program and their massive number of marijuana possession busts in a state where it is supposed to be decriminalized.

Medical marijuana action was concentrated in state legislatures this week, although there was also news from the Massachusetts attorney general's office.

A marijuana decriminalization bill is moving in Maryland.

Nevada is the latest state to see a marijuana legalization bill in the wake of last November's victories in Colorado and Washington.

The District of Columbia has now joined ten states in implementing 911 Good Samaritan laws designed to reduce overdose deaths by removing the fear of arrest and prosecution from victims and witnesses who seek medical help.

Recalcitrant law enforcement and opposition from the governor's mansion is scuttling medical marijuana in Minnesota this year, even though it has broad popular support. But there's always next year.

A New Hampshire marijuana legalization bill has been voted down by the House. Another one remains alive, but is bottled up in committee.