Ron Strider
Well-Known Member
The past year has been a pivotal one for pot policy.
A record high 64 percent of Americans supported legalizing marijuana for recreational use, according to a 2017 Gallup Poll, which means the U.S. will likely see more states jumping online in the coming year. Recreational marijuana now is legal in Nevada, Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon, Washington and Washington, D.C., but those states are not likely to be the last to jump on the bandwagon.
So what should Americans expect in 2018? Here are some of the issues to watch:
White House guidance
Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval has repeatedly asked that the White House make clear its policy on states' rights when it comes to marijuana. Under the Trump administration, the future of marijuana is mercurial.
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made clear his disapproval of recreational marijuana use, and he has further threatened enforcement of the federal prohibition.
U.S. attorneys nationwide previously have halted enforcement of federal marijuana laws in states that have conflicting marijuana legalization laws under guidance from former Justice Department officials in a document known as the Cole Memo. The guidance is not legally binding.
Next for Nevada
Nevada is going to have to figure out how to marry its burgeoning recreational pot industry and tourism industry.
One of the current quandaries facing state officials is whether gaming establishments will be endangering their businesses if they host marijuana business conventions.
Another issue that legislative officials are reviewing is whether marijuana possession and consumption is legal at establishments licensed locally to allow either.
Californication
Nevada's neighbor, the Golden State, will kick off recreational marijuana sales in January, meaning the Silver State may have a run for its money.
California, which has one of the largest economies in the world, is expected to have a booming, multibillion-dollar bud industry come next year's end.
Wannabe states
Michigan marijuana advocates are working to get recreational marijuana on the state's November 2018 ballot.
Rhode Island lawmakers are working to draft a bill that would legalize marijuana for personal use. They are aiming to introduce the bill in the first legislative session of 2018. If successful, the state could be the first to pass a recreational marijuana law through the state legislature, as all other states that have legalized marijuana use did so through ballot initiatives.
Maine is still figuring out what the heck it wants to do considering that it already legalized recreational marijuana in 2017 but its governor keeps vetoing legislation for the sales of it.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Hot marijuana issues to watch in 2018
Author: Jenny Kane
Contact: Reno Gazette-Journal Contact Form | Reno Gazette-Journal
Photo Credit: Jason Bean
Website: Reno Gazette-Journal | Reno news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds
A record high 64 percent of Americans supported legalizing marijuana for recreational use, according to a 2017 Gallup Poll, which means the U.S. will likely see more states jumping online in the coming year. Recreational marijuana now is legal in Nevada, Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon, Washington and Washington, D.C., but those states are not likely to be the last to jump on the bandwagon.
So what should Americans expect in 2018? Here are some of the issues to watch:
White House guidance
Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval has repeatedly asked that the White House make clear its policy on states' rights when it comes to marijuana. Under the Trump administration, the future of marijuana is mercurial.
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made clear his disapproval of recreational marijuana use, and he has further threatened enforcement of the federal prohibition.
U.S. attorneys nationwide previously have halted enforcement of federal marijuana laws in states that have conflicting marijuana legalization laws under guidance from former Justice Department officials in a document known as the Cole Memo. The guidance is not legally binding.
Next for Nevada
Nevada is going to have to figure out how to marry its burgeoning recreational pot industry and tourism industry.
One of the current quandaries facing state officials is whether gaming establishments will be endangering their businesses if they host marijuana business conventions.
Another issue that legislative officials are reviewing is whether marijuana possession and consumption is legal at establishments licensed locally to allow either.
Californication
Nevada's neighbor, the Golden State, will kick off recreational marijuana sales in January, meaning the Silver State may have a run for its money.
California, which has one of the largest economies in the world, is expected to have a booming, multibillion-dollar bud industry come next year's end.
Wannabe states
Michigan marijuana advocates are working to get recreational marijuana on the state's November 2018 ballot.
Rhode Island lawmakers are working to draft a bill that would legalize marijuana for personal use. They are aiming to introduce the bill in the first legislative session of 2018. If successful, the state could be the first to pass a recreational marijuana law through the state legislature, as all other states that have legalized marijuana use did so through ballot initiatives.
Maine is still figuring out what the heck it wants to do considering that it already legalized recreational marijuana in 2017 but its governor keeps vetoing legislation for the sales of it.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Hot marijuana issues to watch in 2018
Author: Jenny Kane
Contact: Reno Gazette-Journal Contact Form | Reno Gazette-Journal
Photo Credit: Jason Bean
Website: Reno Gazette-Journal | Reno news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds
