Weekly Cannabis Roundup February 19

Note: Veriheal does not support or endorse any political candidate or their policies. We merely report on the facts as they are presented and their implications in regards to cannabis.

The state of California has a very lucrative illicit cannabis market despite legalizing it long ago, but proposed legislation might help the state combat it. Cannabis advocacy group NORML sent a letter to the president demanding that he pardon all federal cannabis prisoners. And New Jersey has lowered the penalties for psilocybin possession despite failing to initiate recreational cannabis legalization. Learn more here…

Video Transcript:

Cannabis activists urge Biden to pardon all federal cannabis convictions

and New Jersey is tackling drug policy reform in its own unique way 

This is Lo with Veriheal keeping you up to date with the latest in cannabis news

California is Tackling its Billion Dollar Illicit Market

California legalized recreational cannabis use 5 years ago but the state still has a bustling multi-billion illicit market.

State senator Nancy Skinner has proposed legislation to help combat the issue by expanding access to resources for city governments that don’t have the bandwidth to oversee the legal market.

The bill would allow cities to access resources that can help manage bureaucratic functions for them such as obtaining local business licenses.

The hope is that by helping cities and counties with keeping on top of regulations, it will help bolster the state’s legal market and revenue while eventually eradicating the illicit market 

NORML Comes for Biden

Next in news,

Questions are beginning to mount for the Biden administration and its sluggish speed toward cannabis reform.

COVID mitigation is obviously at the forefront of everyone’s focus over on the Hill. 

But many are wondering when Biden and his team are going to hold true to their promise to prioritize criminal justice reform.

Cannabis advocacy group NORML wrote a letter to President Biden urging that he “demonstrate his commitment to criminal justice reform by immediately issuing a general pardon to all  federal, non-violent cannabis offenders in the U.S.”

And that “cannabis prohibition ruins lives, wastes resources, and is opposed by a large majority of Americans.” 

Activists seem to understand the delay as the country faces other escalating issues. But they don’t want the administration to lose sight of what it had promised originally. 

Historically, Biden has been a major voice behind the War on Drugs and flip-flopped on his stance on cannabis. 

So many remain speculative… and rightfully so. 

New Jersey Lowers Penalties for Psilocybin Possession

And lastly,

New Jersey has lowered the penalties for psilocybin possession. 

Do note, that this does NOT mean magic mushrooms have been decriminalized.

Previously, possession of up to an ounce would land you 3-5 years in prison.

Now, instead of a third-degree felony, the punishment has been reduced to a disorderly offense with up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.  

While this seems like a good step in the right direction, 

New Jersey is STILL dragging its feet on cannabis legalization. 

Voters approved cannabis legalization in November but a series of technicalities in the bill have barred it from happening 

This has left the state confused about what’s currently allowed and prohibited. But hey… at least you won’t get into that much trouble for psilocybin. 

So, go ahead and like this video and give us a follow at Veriheal to stay up to date with the latest in cannabis news.

Thanks for watching!