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State & Local Legislatures

California Gov. Jerry Brown takes a tiny step toward corrections reform.
California Gov. Jerry Brown takes a tiny step toward corrections reform.

California Corrections "Realignment" Not Nearly Enough [FEATURE]

California Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a bill "realigning" corrections in the state, but that's just the tiniest of baby steps toward fixing an out of control prison system. How about some real sentencing reform?
No growing your own, you Mainers! (Image courtesy of the author)
No growing your own, you Mainers! (Image courtesy of the author)

Maine Marijuana Decriminalization Bills Die

Bills that would have decriminalized up to five ounces of weed or six pot plants were killed in a Maine legislative committee last week.
Will voters take matters into their own hands now? (Image via Wikimedia)
Will voters take matters into their own hands now? (Image via Wikimedia)

Marijuana Legalization Bill Dies in Washington State

A move to legalize weed through the legislative process has died in Olympia, but some are acting to put a legalization initiative on the November ballot.

North Carolina Lawmakers Propose Bill to Legalize Medical Marijuana

Lawmakers are introducing the North Carolina Medical Cannabis Act to legalize medical marijuana in the state. The bill would allow people with conditions such as cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS and hepatitis C to buy and use medical marijuana. Sponsors believe legalizing medical marijuana would bring $250 million a year into North Carolina within four years of legalization.

Vermont Considers Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

Medical marijuana has been legal in Vermont since 2004, for those with qualifying illnesses — including cancer, AIDS and multiple sclerosis — who sign up for the state’s registry. The 2004 law allows patients to grow their own marijuana, but advocates say many find that a daunting task, leaving them with the prospect of making illegal deals for street dope. The answer, advocates say, is to legalize a small number of medical marijuana dispensaries — nonprofit operations that would grow marijuana and sell it to those on the medical marijuana registry.

San Diego Hammers Down on Medical Marijuana Dispensaries, Despite Public Support

Despite overwhelming public input asking for a looser ordinance that would allow medical marijuana dispensaries to locate in commercial areas throughout San Diego and remain open while they pursued permits, the San Diego City Council voted 5-2 for an ordinance that will close down all dispensaries for at least a year and force them to locate only in industrial zones — inconveniently far from the patients they serve.
Industrial hemp in France produces oils and fiber. (Image via Wikimedia.org)
Industrial hemp in France produces oils and fiber. (Image via Wikimedia.org)

Illinois House Kills Hemp Bill

The Illinois House has turned back a bid to permit farmers there to apply to grow hemp. Opponents cited the federal ban on hemp production and law enforcement's inability to tell the difference between hemp and weed.
medical marijuana bags (courtesy Daniel Argo via Wikimedia)
medical marijuana bags (courtesy Daniel Argo via Wikimedia)

Montana Senate Votes for Medical Marijuana Repeal Bill

It may be up to Democratic Gov. Bryan Schweitzer to save medical marijuana in Montana. Only a procedural vote is left before the legislature repeals the voter-approved law.
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