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Keep up with the latest USA marijuana news, including updates on legalization, business, politics, and culture.
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Introduction
The medical and recreational use of marijuana is now legal in a number of states across the USA, and its popularity as a recreational drug is on the rise. With this increase in popularity, there is a need for accurate and up-to-date information about marijuana and its effects.
The website Marijuana News offers readers the latest news on all aspects of marijuana, from legal updates to scientific research. The site also provides information on where to find quality marijuana products and how to consume them safely.
Whether you are a casual user or a medical patient, Marijuana News is an essential resource for anyone interested in keeping up with the latest developments in the world of weed.
Latest USA Marijuana News
It’s been a big year for marijuana in the United States. Several states have legalized marijuana for medicinal or recreational use, and the industry is growing rapidly. Keep up with the latest USA marijuana news with this handy guide.
Federal Level
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has announced that it will not be taking any action to reschedule cannabis at the federal level in the near future. The DEA’s announcement came in response to a petition filed by two members of Congress asking for cannabis to be rescheduled.
Under the Controlled Substances Act, cannabis is currently classified as a Schedule I drug, which means that it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. This classification makes it very difficult for scientists to conduct research on cannabis and makes it illegal at the federal level.
The DEA’s decision not to reschedule cannabis at this time is disappointing, but not surprising. The DEA has consistently refused to reschedule cannabis, despite mounting evidence that it does have medical benefits. It is clear that the DEA is out of touch with the American people, who overwhelmingly support medical cannabis. Despite the DEA’s stance, there is reason to be optimistic that change could come at the federal level in the future.
State Level
USA Marijuana News is always on the forefront of the latest marijuana news. Here, you can find all the latest news concerning marijuana at the state level. Stay informed about decriminalization, legalization, and medical marijuana initiatives happening across the United States.
Implications of the Latest Marijuana News
The United States of America has a long and complicated history with marijuana. Prohibition of the drug began in 1906 and lasted nearly a century before being overturned. In the intervening years, there were many changes in the public perception of the drug as well as its legal status.
Federal Level
On a federal level, marijuana is still considered an illegal, Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule I substances are those that are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use. Despite this classification, however, a growing number of states have legalized marijuana for medical and/or recreational purposes.
The STATES Act, which was reintroduced in 2019, would amend the Controlled Substances Act to include a provision exempting state-legalized marijuana activity from its provisions. If passed, this act would essentially leave it up to each state to determine its own laws and regulations surrounding marijuana.
The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act would go one step further than the STATES Act by removing marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act entirely. This bill would also provide for the automatic expungement of certain low-level marijuana offenses, as well as create a fund to reinvest in communities that have been most impacted by the War on Drugs.
While it remains to be seen what federal action will be taken on these bills, the fact that they are being seriously considered at all is a sign of changing times with regard to marijuana policy.
State Level
The latest marijuana news shows that the cannabis industry is progressing on a state level, with various U.S. states introducing legislation to legalise and regulate the drug. Some of the most recent developments include:
• In November 2018, Michigan became the 10th state to legalise recreational marijuana, after voters approved a ballot measure by a margin of 56% to 44%. The state’s commercial market is expected to be up and running by 2020.
• In September 2018, Oklahoma became the 30th state to legalise medical marijuana after voters approved a ballot measure by a margin of 57% to 43%. The state’s program is currently being implemented and is expected to be fully operational by early 2019.
• In July 2018, Vermont became the ninth state to legalise recreational marijuana after Governor Phil Scott signed a bill into law permitting adults 21 and over to possess up to 1 ounce (28 grams) of cannabis and grow up to six marijuana plants (three mature and three immature) for personal use. The law went into effect on July 1, 2018.
These developments indicate that public opinion is shifting in favour of cannabis reform, and more states are likely to legalise the drug in the coming years. This could eventually lead to nationwide legalization in the United States.
Conclusion
The War on Drugs is a failure. It’s time for a new approach that is evidence-based and focuses on public health and safety. Legalizing and regulating marijuana will bring much-needed revenue to cash-strapped states, generate valuable tax dollars, and create jobs. It will also allow law enforcement to focus on serious crimes while reducing the overcrowding of our nation’s jails and prisons.
It’s time for our country to move forward on sensible marijuana policies. The majority of Americans support this reform, and it’s long overdue.
