Medicinal Cannabis Use Approved in French Polynesia
by Bethan Rose
This year was a tough one in many regards. But in terms of cannabis legalization, 2020 was a big hit! Fifteen states started the year with cannabis legalization legislation on the table. Illinois started the year off with a bang—the state technically legalized in 2019, but the new law took effect on the first day of the new year. South Dakota finished the year strong, setting a groundbreaking record by becoming the first state to leapfrog milestones and legalize both medical and recreational cannabis at the same time. Legalization also came to New Jersey, Arizona, and Montana. Now, though, we look ahead to 2021. Everyone is holding out hope that the coming year will be better than the last one. Will that hold true in the area of cannabis legalization? There’s no way to be certain. But we do have some indication of what to expect from various state legislatures in 2021.
Legalization has been a long time coming in Connecticut, and the incoming State House Speaker estimates the chances of legalization at 50-50. Lawmakers acknowledge the fact that Connecticut is surrounded by states where cannabis is already legal and recognize the pressure that puts on the process—they don’t want to see people driving back and forth across state lines to get their herb. Currently, there are no bills on the table, but Speaker Ritter has committed to having lawmakers place a ballot referendum before voters in 2021.
New Mexico’s leadership is of a practical mind. Members of a legislative group presented estimates that legalizing recreational cannabis would create 11,000 jobs and boost the economy tremendously. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has indicated her support for legalization and has pledged to work with the legislature in an effort to get a bill to her desk in 2021. At present, no such bill exists, but the fact that the powers that be in New Mexico are dedicated to working together is a promising sign.
Governor Cuomo feels the pressure after neighbor state New Jersey legalized recreational cannabis earlier this year. According to a statewide survey commissioned by Sienna College, 60% of New Yorkers favor the legalization of recreational cannabis—a record high for the state. At this point, legalization in New York is beginning to seem like a foregone conclusion. It’s just a matter of getting the paperwork done.
After a hearing to discuss the issue in mid-November, Rhode Island lawmakers predict that the issue of recreational cannabis legalization will come to the table in the early days of 2021. Legislators and Governor Gina Raimondo are in agreement that legalization would be a good thing for the state of Rhode Island, and are already in talks about the practicalities of getting it done. We can expect to see action on this issue very soon from Rhode Island.
Virginia’s current legalization status is a little different from the others on this list. While medical cannabis is currently legal in Virginia, it’s legal in the form of CBD oil only. So what does the state have planned for 2021? The answer is that they’re ready to go big, just like we saw in South Dakota. Governor Ralph Northam has publicly announced his support for full adult legalization, both medicinal and recreational. He points out the economic and justice-based benefits of legalization. The House Majority Leader believes a bill such as the one the Governor describes would have a good chance of passing the House, and the Senate Majority Leader offers even odds of it passing the Senate.
As we ring in the New Year, we’ll keep our eyes on the progress these states are making!
Looking to find your medical cannabis in a state that hasn’t yet legalized it? It may be tempting to drive across neighboring state lines with more cannabis-friendly laws. However, the number of states that will authorize qualified patients from out-of-state medical marijuana programs is still relatively small. Which States Accept Out-of-State MMJ Cards? States That…
So you love smoking cannabis, but you’re tired of the same ole rolling papers. Perhaps you recently learned about the potential dangers and risks associated with tobacco blunt wraps and want a healthier option. Let’s explore some rolling paper alternatives that work well for blunts, joints, and spliffs. Types of Rolling Paper to Absolutely Avoid…
Bipolar disorder is a complex condition that impacts millions worldwide, leading to extreme mood swings, intense emotional episodes, and difficulty managing day-to-day life. But there may be some good news for those coping with this mental health issue. According to recent research, cannabis could offer unique benefits as part of an approach to managing bipolar…
The war on drugs facilitated by the federal government has been an utter failure. Despite cannabis remaining a Schedule I classification according to the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA), meaning that it has no medicinal value, over 30 states in the United States have legalized it for its medicinal use. While this classification will remain…
As cannabis enthusiasts, we’re all too familiar with the stigma surrounding its use and the hoops that have to be jumped through to get it into medical research trials. But recent news of the DEA’s approval of a cocaine derivative for Parkinson’s disease research has left us scratching our heads. In light of this, one…
We sat down with the team at TerraLeaf, a medical cannabis dispensary servicing West Virginia, to ask them the Veriheal 5—five questions…
Gone are the days when cannabis was just an occasional treat—today, it’s a powerful source of holistic healing. According to a 2021…
We all know that cannabis and prednisone can affect our bodies differently when used separately. But if you’re dealing with a pretty…