#hawaii cannabis policy

[itsnotadrugitsaleaf]

Hawaii Lawmakers File Marijuana Legalization Bills With New Pro-Reform Governor In Office

[the-emerald-standard]

Congress Pushes to Loosen Cannabis Rules to Help End Military Recruitment Crisis

Marijuana in the Military: A Push in Congress to Loosen Cannabis Rules and Ease Recruitment Crisis

The military is facing a recruitment crisis, and some members of Congress are pushing to loosen cannabis rules to make it easier for potential recruits to join. According to USA TODAY, the military currently bans all cannabis use, even in states where it is legal, and requires drug testing for all applicants.

Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) introduced the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, which would end the federal ban on marijuana and allow states to set their own policies.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) introduced the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act, which would remove marijuana from the list of controlled substances.

Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) introduced the Marijuana Data Collection Act, which would require the Department of Defense to collect data on marijuana use among service members.

These bills are part of a larger effort to make the military more inclusive and to address the recruitment crisis. The military has struggled to meet its recruitment goals in recent years, and loosening cannabis rules could make it easier for potential recruits to join. At the same time, it is important to ensure that cannabis use does not interfere with the safety and effectiveness of the military. That is why it is important to have a trusted partner for testing and compliance. ACS Lab is an industry-trusted testing and compliance partner for hemp and cannabis, providing testing and consulting services to ensure safety and quality. ACS Lab is committed to providing the highest quality testing and compliance services to ensure that cannabis products meet all safety and quality standards. By loosening cannabis rules and partnering with a trusted testing and compliance partner like ACS Lab, the military can ensure that cannabis use does not interfere with safety and effectiveness while also making it easier for potential recruits to join.

[kayadc]

Cannabis Law 2023: Which States Is Cannabis Legal?

Living and working in the United States and enjoying Cannabis at the same time is an interesting challenge. Whether you travel or want to find a recreational dispensary near you, it’s important to know the quilt-work of legality defined by our state borders. Much of the West Coast and the Northeast are fully legal and the center of the nation has embraced medical cannabis, but there are still a few holdout states where cannabis is fully illegal or restricted to medical use only.

Know your local laws! There are even some cities like Atlanta, GA, and Austin, TX that have decriminalized marijuana separately from state law.

Let’s dive into the weed map of the United States. You can find a recreational or medical dispensary near you, or plan to find a dispensary near your destination if you choose to travel.

States Where Cannabis is Fully Legal: Recreational + Medical

In which states is cannabis totally legal? There are a total of 17 states where both recreational and medical use of marijuana is legal. In these states – including the legendary legal front-runners Colorado, Oregon, Washington, and California – medical and recreational dispensaries are often found in the same place. In most cities, you can find dozens of marijuana dispensaries nearby.

Cannabis Legal States

Alaska

Arizona

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Illinois

Maine

Massachusetts

Michigan

Montana

Nevada

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

Oregon

Vermont

Virginia

Districts & Territories

Washington DC

Guam

Northern Mariana Islands

States Where Cannabis is Legal for Medical + Decriminalized

In states where medical marijuana is legal and cannabis is decriminalized, it is safe to walk around with a few buds in your pocket as long as you toke respectfully. In these 11 states, most major cities and many small communities have at least one cannabis dispensary where those with a medical card can buy medical marijuana. You can also safely share your cannabis with friends in private spaces because possession has been decriminalized.

Cannabis Medical Decriminalized States

Delaware

Hawaii

Louisiana

Maryland

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

New Hampshire

North Dakota

Ohio

Rhode Island

Districts & Territories

US Virgin Islands

States Where Cannabis is Legal for Medical Only

In strict-medical states, you will need to have a medical marijuana card in order to legally possess cannabis on you, in your car, or in your home. You can often find a medical marijuana dispensary near you, though these venues are very tightly regulated to discourage or prevent recreational use. In most medical-only states, cannabis possession is a misdemeanor without a medical card or in excess quantities.

Cannabis Medical Only States

Alabama

Arkansas

Florida

Oklahoma

Pennsylvania

South Dakota

Utah

West Virginia

Districts & Territories

Puerto Rico

States Where Cannabis is Illegal but Decriminalized

In only two states, you will find no cannabis dispensaries, but you also won’t get in a lot of trouble for personal possession within state borders. Nebraska and North Carolina have, so far, decriminalized and hopefully legalized in the near future. Decriminalization alone is often a small step on the slow legalization path.

Cannabis Illegal Decriminalized States

Nebraska

North Carolina

States Where Cannabis is Illegal

Finally, it’s important to remain aware of which states marijuana is illegal and not safe to carry or use within state borders. Be safe when in these states. Where possession is fully illegal, even traces of THC in shake, vape cart empties, and concentrated crumble in the car can get you into trouble. If you need medical marijuana or prefer a lifestyle that includes dispensaries nearby, don’t settle in these states until policies change and be careful when passing through.

Cannabis Illegal States

Georgia

Idaho

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

South Carolina

Tennessee

Texas

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Districts & Territories

American Samoa

Finding a Marijuana Dispensary Near You

In any state with recreational or medical cannabis law, you can often find a dispensary nearby and in most major cities. For Washington DC area Kaya DC is only a phone call away and in multiple locations and we will deliver to you. Visit us at www.kayadc.co/

[nycannabistimes]

#Repost @beardbrospharms ・・・ #Hawaii's cannabis policy should prioritize the interests of individuals harmed by the prolonged criminalization of cannabis and draconian drug laws. Simultaneously, an adequately regulated adult-use market will generate many high-quality jobs and business possibilities throughout the #state, including those in cannabis #tourism, #artisan cannabis, and cannabis #science. Former Democratic governor Dave Ige has been a staunch opponent of legalization. However, now that Governor Josh Green has been inaugurated, activists feel more confident. He stated in November that he would approve legislation legalizing cannabis for adults. Read more at Beardbrospharms.com Link below and in bio. https://beardbrospharms.com/2023/01/24/hawaii-hopeful-new-pro-cannabis-governor-will-result-in-legalization/ (at Honolou, Hawaii) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn0sv4ssTZ5/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[drcannabisio]

Alaska

In Alaska, anyone over the age of 21 can buy marijuana products at retail dispensaries. The state uses a patient ID card system, so you can apply for a medical marijuana card there.

As far as growing at home, there are some rules. You can grow up to six plants if you’re over 21. However, only three can be mature at a time.

But there’s also an option to get a commercial license in Alaska. If you get a commercial license, then then there’s no limit to the size of your grow.

Arizona

Arizona only allows for medical marijuana use, which means you can get cannabis from a local dispensary. The law says you can only grow your own medicinal plants (or have a caregiver do it for you) if you live more than 25 miles from a dispensary.

It’s worth noting that the Arizona Department of Health Services doesn’t have the authority to inspect your home.  As the state website says.

Arkansas

Arkansas allows growing plants for medicinal use only, but according to their guidelines, this means you can’t legally grow at home.

California

California allows recreational and medicinal cannabis use by anyone age 21 or older. You can grow up to 12 immature plants—no more than six flowering ones—and have up to eight ounces of dried cannabis in your possession.

Colorado

Colorado has a medical program for cannabis use, but it’s also pretty lax as far as recreational use and growing. You can have up to six plants at home with no license. If you get a commercial grower’s license, then you can exceed those limits.

Delaware

Delaware has a medical marijuana program, but you can’t legally grow your own plants under their regulations.

Florida

Florida offers medical marijuana cards under the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU). Unfortunately, even if you have a card, you can’t legally grow at home.

Hawaii

Hawaii permits marijuana for medicinal use and allows “registered patients and caregivers” to grow plants at home. The rules stipulate that you have to tag your plants with your 329 Card, Hawaii’s medicinal marijuana card.

There are other rules, too—such as only having a single grow site and no more than ten plants.

Illinois

Medical cannabis cardholders in Illinois can grow their own plants—but only up to five. But an adult who is not a registered medical cannabis patient  that cultivates less than 5 plants is guilty of a civil violation.

Maine

Surprisingly, Maine is pretty progressive. As of 2016, it approved marijuana for recreational use (following the adoption of medical cannabis in 1999). The state has both a medical program as well as guidelines for adult use.

In Maine, you can have up to three mature plants—plus 12 immature plants and as many seedlings as you want. Or, you can get a commercial license and exceed those limits.

Massachusetts

If you live in Massachusetts, you can grow up to six plants at home. The state allows for both medicinal and “adult use.”

Michigan

Michigan has medical and adult-use guidelines for marijuana on its website. Up to 12 plants per household are allowable under Michigan law.

Minnesota

Minnesota’s rules say that only registered patients and certified caregivers can use cannabis. From their website, it appears you can’t grow your own plants at all.

Missouri

Missouri has a medicinal marijuana program, so if you have a card, you can have up to six flowering plants. But, there’s a $100 fee to be able to grow your plants by state laws. If you have a partner with a card—or a caregiver—there are expansions on these limits (basically double).

Montana

Montana also has a medical program, and they require the permission of the property owner (if you’re a renter) to grow your own plants. As a registered cardholder, you can grow up to four mature plants, four seedlings, and have some “usable” cannabis on hand, too.

Nevada

Another state with a medical program, Nevada allows you to grow six plants if you’re over age 21. But in 2016, they also passed recreational marijuana laws. This is a state where you can grow your own cannabis if you live more than 25 miles from a dispensary.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire has a medical program. But you can’t grow. A 2019 bill tried to allow patients to grow up to six plants at home, but was vetoed by the senate.

New Jersey

New Jersey has a medical marijuana program, but currently, you’re not allowed to grow at home.

New Mexico

New Mexico allows medical marijuana cardholders to grow at home. The most recent policy update from their website stipulates a limit of 16 plants (no more than four flowering).

Ohio

Ohio has a medical marijuana program and a cultivators’ program. For now, though, cardholder can’t grow their own plants. If you want to become a cultivator, you have to apply for special licensing consideration—which costs thousands of dollars.

Oklahoma

Growing your own medicinal marijuana is A-OK in Oklahoma, but the limit per person is six mature plants and six seedlings.

Oregon

Oregon allows any adult 21 or up to grow their own marijuana. The household limit is four plants, but—no matter how many people live in the home.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a medical program, but you can’t grow your own plants—yet, anyway.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s medical program permits you to grow plants, but you have to buy tags for each one. But, you can have up to 24 mature plants in one dwelling—regardless of the number of residents.

Vermont

In Vermont, those ages 21 and up can grow two mature plants (and four immature). There’s also a medical program for non-recreational use.

Washington

Washington has a recreational initiative and a medical program. You can’t grow your own under the recreational law, but—you can only have medicinal use plants if you’re a cardholder. The possession amounts are up to 15 plants for personal use, with your physician’s authorization. Otherwise, it’s six plants for personal use.

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Top State and Local Tax Policies of 2020

To state that 2018 and 2019 were “big years” in state tax policy would be an incredible modest representation of the truth. With a significant upgrade of government individual and corporate annual expense frameworks in December 2017, trailed by the U.S. Supreme Court’s South Dakota v. Wayfair decision impacting inter-state sales tax collections the following June, states have spent the past two years reacting to major federal policy changes, in addition to enacting many of their state-specific reforms.

While many state responses to the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and the Wayfair decision has already taken effect several additional policy changes, whether reactions to federal law or otherwise, are slated to take effect as we ring in the new year on January 1, 2020. Altogether, 34 states have major tax changes taking effect at the start of the new calendar year.

KEY FINDINGS

Ø  Thirty-four states have major tax changes taking effect on 1st January 2020.

Ø  Arkansas, Tennessee and Massachusetts will each see reductions in their individual income tax rates.

Ø  Five states (Iowa, Kansas, Maine, North Carolina, and Ohio) will see notable changes to their individual income tax bases.

Ø  Corporate income, capital stock, franchise, or similar taxes on businesses or financial institutions will decrease or be eliminated in six states (Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Mississippi) but will increase in two states (New Jersey and Washington).

Ø  Oregon will implement a new Corporate Activity Tax (CAT), which is a modified gross receipts tax (GRT).

Ø  Florida is the lone state with a general sales tax rate change (a reduction).

Ø  Five states will see changes to their estate taxes. Connecticut, Minnesota, Vermont, and New York will see increases in their estate tax exemptions (taxpayer-friendly provisions), while Hawaii’s estate tax will become more burdensome.

Ø  Two states (Illinois and Louisiana) will implement new excise taxes on cannabis products.

Ø  Three states (Maine, Nevada, and New Hampshire) will begin applying excise taxes to vapor products.

Ø  Four states (Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin) will begin requiring marketplace facilitators to collect sales taxes.

Ø  Three states (Arizona, Georgia, and Washington) will modify the economic nexus threshold in their remote sales tax collection requirements.

Ø  Two states (Hawaii and Pennsylvania) will begin using Wayfair-like standards to determine economic nexus for income tax purposes.

Ø  Two states (Connecticut and Virginia) will see notable changes to their sales tax base. (Connecticut’s sales tax base will broaden to additional consumer goods and services, while Virginia’s base will become narrower).

Ø  Six states (Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Tennessee) will see various changes to their corporate income tax base or appointment formulas.

Ø  Various road user taxes and fees will change in Kansas and Nevada.

The Individual and Corporate Income Tax Rate Changes Effective January 1, 2020

State

Top Rate (2019)

Number of Brackets(2019)

Top Rate (2020)

Number of Brackets (2020)

Individual Income Tax

Arkansas

6% (middle-income earners); 6.9% (high-income  earners)

6 (middle-income earners); 6 (high-income earners)

5.9% (middle-income earners); 6.6% (high-income  earners)

6 )Middle-income earners);

4 (high-income earners)

Tennessee

2% (investment income only)

Single rate tax

1% (investment income only)

Single rate tax

Massachusetts

5.05%

Single-rate tax

5.00%

Single-rate tax

Corporate Income Tax

Florida

4.458%

Single-rate tax

4.458%

Single rate tax

Missouri

6.25%

Single rate tax

4.0%

Single rate tax

New Jersey

11.5% (including a 9% base rate and a 2.5%  surcharge)

4

10.5% (including a 9 % base rate and a 1.5%  surcharge)

4

 Note: The corporate income and franchise tax rates  in Florida were set to revert to the 2018 rate of 5.5%, but the legislation was enacted extending the 2019 rates to 2020 and 2021. Source: State statutes.

 Arizona: Arizona adopted an Internal Revenue Code (IRC) conformity bill, House Bill 2757, in May 2019, which also included adjustments to the state’s Wayfair response. While several of this law’s provisions were retroactive and have already taken effect, a change in the safe harbor for small remote sellers will take effect on January 1, 2020. Specifically, the de minimis exemption for remote sellers will drop from $200,000 to $150,000. Remote sellers exceeding this amount in direct sales into Arizona for the current or previous calendar year are required to collect the transaction privilege tax (TPT), Arizona’s unique sales tax. This safe harbor is scheduled to drop even further, to $100,000, in 2021.

Arkansas: Arkansas recently enacted a series of tax reforms that will continue phasing in the new-year. Arkansas is unique among states in that it has three entirely different individual income tax rate schedules depending on total taxable income. As the taxpayer’s income rises, they not only face higher marginal rates but also shift into an entirely different rate schedule. In the new-year, Arkansas individual income tax rates schedule for high earners, which currently has six marginal income brackets, will be consolidated into four brackets, and the top marginal rate will drop from 6.9 to 6.6 percent. In 2021, this top rate will be reduced even further, to 5.9 percent. For those subject to the middle rate schedule, the top rate will decrease from 6.0 to 5.9 percent this January. On the corporate tax front, the net operating loss (NOL) carryforward period will increase from five to eight years in 2020 and to            10 years in 2021.

Arkansas Individual Income Tax Rates (2020)

Total Income Under $22,200

Total Income Between $22,200 and $79,300

Total Income Above $79,300

Income Bracket

Tax Rate

Income Bracket

Tax Rate

Income Bracket

Tax Rate

$0-$4,499

0.0%

$0-$4,499

0.75%

$0-$4,000

2.0%

$4,500-$8,899

2.0%

$4500-$8,899

2.50%

$4,001-$8,000

4.0%

$8,900-$13,399

3.0%

$8,900-$13,399

3.50%

$8,001-  $79,300

5.9%

$13,400-$22,199

3.4%

$13,400-$22,199

4.50%

$79,301+

6.6%

  $22,200-$37,199

5.00%

    $37,200-$79,300

5.90

  Note: The  exact brackets will change slightly due to Arkansas’ policy  inflation-adjusting its brackets annually.

Source: Act  182, Arkansas 2019.

 Connecticut: Connecticut’s budget for fiscal years 2020-21, which Gov. Ned Lamont (D) signed into law in June, includes several tax changes that will take effect on January 1st. One such change is that Connecticut will no longer levy a Business Entity Tax (BET). Previously, owners of S corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and partnerships paid this tax every other year in the amount of $250. Further, effective January 1st, additional select services will be included in Connecticut’s sales tax base, including parking garages, meters, and related parking services: interior design services; dry cleaning and laundry services (excluding coin-operated laundry services).

Florida: In March 2018, legislation was enacted in Florida to trigger corporate income and franchise tax rate reductions for the 2019 tax year if Florida 2019 tax collections exceeded adjusted forecasted collections by at least 7%. In June 2019, legislation was enacted to extend the trigger to also be available in tax years 2020 and 2021. As a result, in September, the Department of Revenue announced that the corporate income and franchise tax rates would indeed be reduced, from 5.5 to 4.458 percent, retroactive to January 1, 2019, and effective for tax years 2020 and 2021. Further reductions for 2020 and 2021 are possible depending on actual collections for those years. Moreover, effective 1st January, the commercial lease tax, a special sales tax remitted by commercial real estate owners but paid by their tenants, will drop from 5.7 to 5.5 percent.

Georgia: House Bill 182, signed into law in April 2019, reduced Georgia’s de Minimis exemption for small remote sellers from $250,000 to $100,000, effective 1st January 2020.

Hawaii: As of the first of the year, Hawaii will require marketplace facilitators to collect and remit its General Excise Tax (the state sales tax) when those marketplace facilitators have $100,000 or more in income sourced to Hawaii or at least 200 transactions in the state. Hawaii also becomes the first state to align its income tax economic standards with its Wayfair safe harbor. Senate Bill 495, enacted in July 2019, requires income tax filing for any individual, estate, or business with 200 or more transactions or more than $100,000 in sales into Hawaii. Also, Act 3, signed into law in April, created a new estate tax bracket, taxing estates valued above $10 million at a rate of 20 percent. This new rate applies to decedents dying in 2020.

Illinois: Illinois has several tax changes taking effect in January, including a marketplace facilitator sales tax collection law, a marijuana excise tax, a parking excise tax, and the phase-out of the franchise tax. As of the first of the year, marketplace facilitators will be required to collect Illinois sales tax when those facilitators have $100,000 or more in sales or at least 200 transactions in the state. Public Act 101-0027, signed into law in June, creates a legal market for recreational marijuana and imposes various excise taxes. These taxes include a 7 percent tax on wholesale sales made to dispensaries, as well as retail excise taxes of 10 percent, 20 percent, or 25 percent depending on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content or product type. A local option tax of up to 3% will not take effect until July 2020. The new excise tax on parking services will be paid by drivers for the privilege of parking in a designated space, garage, or another area. The tax will be imposed at a rate of 6 percent of the purchase price for hourly, daily, or weekly parking spaces and 9 percent of the purchase price of parking on a monthly or annual basis. Finally, Illinois franchise tax, which has historically been imposed on C corporations doing business in Illinois, will be phased out between 2020 and 2023. In 2020, the first $30 in franchise tax liability will be exempted, and by 2024, no tax will be owed.

Indiana: Indiana’s financial institution’s tax rate will fall from 6.25 to 6.0 percent in 2020 under a phase-down that will reduce the rate to 4.9 percent by 2023. The state’s corporate income tax rates are on a similar phasedown schedule, but rates change each July, not in January.

Iowa: As of January 1st, Iowa will fully conform to federal expensing provisions under IRC section 179, while conforming to the federal repeal of the deferral of gain or loss for the like-kind exchange of property. Iowa will also begin conforming to the IRC on a rolling basis.

Kansas: In 2020, several Kansas individual income tax provisions will become more generous. Currently, Kansas offers five itemized deductions that are linked to the itemized deductions available under the federal code. While Kansas’ deduction for charitable contributions is already on par with the federal provision, other itemized deductions, including for qualified medical and dental expenses, real estate taxes, personal property taxes, and qualified residential interest and mortgage insurance premiums, were offered at a set percentage of the federal provisions. In 2020, these deductions will be offered at parity with federal provisions. Also, Kansas child and dependent care credit will be offered at 25% of the federal amount, up from 18.75 percent. Moreover, starting in January, hybrid and electric vehicles will be subject to annual license fees of $50 and $100, respectively.

Kentucky: House Bill 354, which was signed into law in March, specifies that certain businesses need not file a tangible personal property (TPP) tax return for TPP valued at $1,000 or less.

Louisiana: Act 247, signed into law in June, applies a 3 percent excise tax to the retail sale of cannabidiol (CBD) products.

Maine: As of January 1st, Maine’s earned income tax credit (EITC) will increase from 5 to 12 percent of the amount available under federal law, with a few additional modifications. On January 2nd rather than the 1st, Maine’s new vapor tax will take effect, levied at 43% of the whole price.

Maryland: Maryland is currently phasing in a new single sales factor apportionment formula for most corporate income. In 2020, the sales factor will be weighted more heavily than in 2019. The phase-in will be completed by the tax year 2022.

Massachusetts: Massachusetts single-rate individual income tax will decline from 5.05 to 5.0 percent, due to the state meeting revenue targets outlined in a tax trigger law that was passed in 2000. The state did, however, adopt a payroll tax, imposed in addition to the income tax, within the past year.

Michigan: In December, Michigan adopted a package of bills codifying preexisting remote sales tax collection regulations, including a de minimis exemption of $100,000 in sales or 200 transactions, as well as establishing sales tax collection requirements for marketplace facilitators. The marketplace facilitator law takes effect at the beginning of the year.

Minnesota: Legislation enacted in 2017 phased in an increase in the estate tax exemption, which will reach $3 million for 2020 and beyond.

Mississippi: Mississippi’s phase-down of its franchise tax, which began in 2018, will continue through 2028. In 2020, the rate will drop to 2.0 mills, down from 2.25 mills in 2019.

Missouri: Several of Missouri’s recent reforms will take effect on January 1st. Senate Bill 884, enacted in June 2018, reduces the corporate income tax rate from 6.25 to 4.0 percent starting in 2020. This change was partially paid for by requiring most corporations (except for specified industries) to use single sales factor appointment and market-based sourcing of service income, where, previously, they could select the more favorable of single sales factor or evenly weighted three-factor apportionment. Separately, Senate Bill 769, which was signed into law in July 2018, requires the franchise tax levied on financial institutions to be reduced by the same percentage as the corporate income tax. As a result, the franchise tax rate will be 4.48 percent instead of 7.0 percent moving forward.

Montana: Senate Bill 338, signed into law in May 2019, will increase Montana’s lodging sales tax from 3 to 4 percent on January 1st. This 4 percent lodging sales tax will be applied in addition to the existing 4 percent lodging facility use tax, bringing total lodging taxes to 8 percent.

Nevada: Senate Bill 48, signed into law in May 2019, authorizes counties to impose local diesel taxes of up to 5 cents per gallon, which may be levied starting on January 1st. In addition, a new fee for electric vehicle licenses will take effect, with an initial fee of $125 and a renewal fee of $80. Revenue will be dedicated to the State Highway Fund. Finally, Senate Bill 263, enacted in June 2019, imposes a 30 percent excise tax on the wholesale price of vapor products.

New Hampshire: In New Hampshire, vapor products will also be subject to excise taxes come January. “Closed cartridge” devices will be taxed at a rate of 30 cents per milliliter of liquid containing nicotine, and “open system” products will be taxed at 8 percent of the wholesale sales price of the container of liquid containing nicotine. Moreover, IRC conformity legislation enacted in September 2019 conforms to New Hampshire to the TCJA’s net interest limitation and includes 50 percent of global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI) in the corporate tax base. House Bill 620, also adopted this past year, modifies the taxation of insurance premiums. Specifically, this legislation establishes a graduated fee schedule for insurance premium taxes (except for surplus lines policies, which will be taxed at a flat rate).

New Jersey: Assembly Bill 4202, enacted in July 2018, established an additional tax rate for taxpayers paying the Corporation Business Tax with taxable New Jersey net income above $1 million. This rate was set at 2.5 percent for 2018 and 2019 but partially sunset to 1.5 percent for 2020 and 2021, bringing the top rate from 11.5 to 10.5 percent, still higher than the 9 percent ordinary top marginal rate.

New Mexico: In April 2019, a large package of corporate tax changes (House Bill 6) was adopted. While different provisions carry different effective dates, as of January 1st, New Mexico will require mandatory worldwide combined reporting for unitary groups unless the group makes a water’s edge combined or consolidated group election under the federal code, in which case they can make such an election for New Mexico taxation purposes but must do so far at least seven years in a row.

New York: New York’s FY 2020 budget, signed into law in April 2019, includes an increase in the estate tax’s basic exclusion amount, raising it from $5.74 million to $5.85 million for 2020.

North Carolina: Senate Bill 557, enacted in November 2019, includes several tax changes. As of January 2020, the standard deduction will increase by 7.5 percent for all filing statuses, and market-based sourcing will be used to apportion income for purposes of calculating corporate income and franchise tax liability.

Ohio: Under its individual income tax system, Ohio applies different rates to business and non-business income. Currently, Ohio’s business income deduction (BID) allows pass-through business owners to deduct up to $250,000 in business income before applying the 3 percent tax rate such income. But under House Bill 166, Ohio’s biennial budget for FY’s 2020-21, attorneys and lobbyists will no longer be eligible for this favored treatment.

Oregon: House Bill 3427, signed into law in May 2019, created a new Corporate Activity Tax (CAT), making Oregon one of only two states (joining Delaware) to impose both corporate income tax and a gross receipts tax (GRT). Oregon’s CAT will apply to all business entities that have Oregon income above $1 million, and it will be imposed at a rate of 0.57 percent of Oregon’s gross receipts above $1 million, plus $250.

Pennsylvania: The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue issued a bulletin in September 2019 establishing the Commonwealth’s new post- Wayfair remote sales tax threshold as the economic nexus thresholds for corporate tax purposes as well. As a result, starting in 2020, Pennsylvania will require businesses to file a Pennsylvania Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT) return if they have $500,000 in gross receipts sourced to Pennsylvania, even if the business has no physical presence in the state. Previously, Pennsylvania was one of the few states to limit its corporate tax to businesses that established physical presence.

Tennessee: Tennessee’s Hall Tax which applies to investment income but not to wage income, will continue to phase out, with the rate dropping from 2 to 1 percent for 2020. Starting in 2021, Tennessee will be among the states with no individual income tax. In addition, Senate Bill 2119, signed into law in May 2018, decouples from the net interest limitation under IRC section 163(j), effective in January.

Utah: Just this month, the Utah legislature adopted a comprehensive tax reforms package that the governor has said he will sign. While the law will not be formally enacted until mid-February, the income tax rate changes will be retroactive to January 1st, 2020. The state flat individual and corporate income tax rates will both be reduced from 4.95 to 4.66 percent, and in April, the sales tax base will be broadened to select new goods and services.

Vermont: In June 2019, House Bill 541 was enacted, which phases in an increase to Vermont’s estate tax exemption. For 2020, the exemption will increase to $4.25 million, up from $2.75 million in 2019.

Virginia: House Bill 2540 and Senate Bill 1715, signed into law in March 2019, modify the classification of feminine hygiene products and diapers such that they will be taxed at a reduced state sales tax rate of 1.5 percent instead of the general state sales tax rate of 4.3 percent (the 1 percent local option sales tax rate will also apply, bringing the total tax rate on such products to 2.5 percent). Until now, only unprepared foods have been subject to the preferential state sales tax rate.

Washington: Substitute House Bill 2167, signed into law in May 2019, imposes an additional 1.2 percent business and occupation (B&O) tax on financial institutions that are members of a consolidated group having at least $1 billion in annual net income. In addition, Senate Bill 5581, signed into law in March 2019, modifies the state economic nexus statute to drop the 200 transactions threshold. Moving forward, remote sellers will only be required to collect the state sales tax if they have over $100,000 in sales into Washington, instead of the lesser of $100,000 in sales or 200 transactions.

Wisconsin: 2019 Wisconsin Act 10, enacted in July 2019, will take effect on January 1st. This new law requires a marketplace facilitator to meet the state economic nexus threshold of over $100,000 in sales or 200 transactions into Wisconsin.

 Conclusion: This year was a significant one for state tax policy, and the wide range of changes taking effect January 1st 2020, reflects the scope and intensity of that activity. With states continuing to grapple with the taxation of international income, collections obligations for remote sellers and marketplace facilitators, and the potential new tax regimes for marijuana, vapor products, and sports betting (no tax changes for the latter taking effect yet on January 1st , 2020).

[ask-pigpeter]

When will cannabis be federally legal?

Policy makers considering grown-up use weed sanctioning are not doing as such in a vacuum.

As of November 4, 2020, fifteen states and the Region of Columbia have proactively been down this way. Their encounters carrying out new regulations can act as a potential guide for different states thinking about sanctioning. To summarize U.S. High Court Equity Louis Brandeis, states can act as "research centers of a vote based system" that can illuminate regulation in different states.

Pot stays unlawful at the government level as sanctioning spreads through the states, making a complicated conflict of regulations.

Until the mid twentieth hundred years, pot was utilized in the US in various ways and was generally unregulated. Early homesteaders were urged by England to develop hemp and the yield was utilized in the creation of rope, paper, and fabric. Cannabis was likewise a fixing in standard meds as a treatment for different illnesses, including cholera, diarrhea, liquor abuse, sedative fixation, epilepsy, and asthma. The sporting smoking of weed was likewise presented.

The main guideline of weed happened with the 1906 Unadulterated Food and Medication Act, which expected that non-prescription medications containing cannabis must be marked. As weed use was attached to the 1910 flood of Mexican outsiders to the US, 29 states passed maryjane preclusions. In 1937, Congress passed the Marihuana Expense Act to "force a word related extract charge upon specific vendors in marihuana, to represent an exchange charge upon specific dealings in marihuana, and to defend the income in this way by library and recording." The demonstration didn't condemn the medication, in essence, however inability to make good on said burdens or follow guidelines was deserving of fines up to $2,000, as long as five years in prison, or both. The Marihuana Duty Act remained on the books until 1969 when the High Court struck it down as an infringement of the Fifth Change security against self-implication in Leary v. US.

After the Marihuana Expense Act was considered illegal, the Nixon organization urged Congress to make another framework for ordering drugs in view of their clinical utility and habit-forming potential. The outcome was the 1970 Controlled Substances Act, which laid out government drug strategy. Weed — like heroin and LSD — was named a Timetable I drug, meaning it has no as of now acknowledged clinical use and has a high potential for misuse. With this grouping, maryjane became unlawful under government regulation.

In 1996, California turned into the main state to order clinical maryjane regulation with the Empathetic Use Act. In the following four years, Oregon, The Frozen North, Washington, Maine, Hawaii, Nevada, and Colorado stuck to this same pattern. Colorado turned into the primary state to legitimize sporting cannabis in 2014. As of January 2020, 11 states and the Region of Columbia have passed regulation allowing sporting weed and 33 states and the Area of Columbia have some clinical pot regulations on the books.

In the Weeds

How can states legitimize a medication that’s unlawful under government regulation? The Rockefeller establishment is concentrating on Sanctioned Grown-up USE/Sporting Pot Execution, Difficulties, and financial effects in New York and then some. Peruse the discoveries and proposals beneath.

Who is supporting and who is restricting weed polling form drives?

A staggering greater part of Americans support the sanctioning of cannabis, with a record-high of 68% in favor. It's an issue with bipartisan help, with around half of conservatives in favor. "In this time of hyper-hardliner governmental issues, sanctioning and controlling maryjane is one of a handful of the policy driven issues that citizens on both the philosophical 'right' and 'left' concur upon," Paul Armentano, representative head of the Public Association for the Change of Cannabis Regulations (NORML), wrote in a blog entry.

This year, the cannabis business has contributed almost $10 million toward sanctioning endeavors in states. Yet, support is not even close to all inclusive; the Arkansas Family Board Activity Panel says that sanctioning maryjane will increment frivolous wrongdoing and substance misuse. That gathering and others have enrolled the help of noticeable political figures including previous VP Mike Pence and Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson to go against the action.

Rivals highlight Colorado for proof that sanctioning can make antagonistic impacts. Colorado's Division of Law enforcement consistently reports discoveries on the impacts of cannabis following sanctioning there. Some might highlight frightening measurements delivered last year that found the quantity of DUI summonses in which drivers tried positive for maryjane expanded by 120% from 2014 to 2020. Also, almost 3/4 of individuals matured 10 to 17 in treatment for substance misuse say pot is their essential medication of purpose.

Yet, the creators of the report say that it is as yet challenging to "make determinations about the expected impacts of pot sanctioning and commercialization on open security, general wellbeing, or youth results" due to the absence of verifiable information and conceivable expanded cooperation in overviews and exploration as the social shame encompassing cannabis falls.

Furthermore, as far as utilization, the Colorado report showed no huge change in youth cannabis use from 2013 to 2019. The quantity of adolescent maryjane captures has diminished 37%.

Will cannabis be legitimized at the government level?

Maryjane is as yet named a Timetable I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning the public authority marks it as a medication with high potential for misuse and no acknowledged clinical use. By government principles, weed consequently represents similar measure of hazard as medications like heroin, LSD and bliss.

In October, President Biden gave a leader request to exculpate individuals with government charges of ownership of maryjane. That equivalent request inquired "to start the regulatory cycle to survey speedily the way in which pot is booked under government regulation."

While leftists are by and large steady of the government sanctioning of cannabis, a timetable on when that will happen isn't clear.

Late comments from Senate Larger part Pioneer Throw Schumer during a discussion on Oct. 30 said Congress was "exceptionally close" to passing a bill that would do as such. Schumer said he was attempting to pass the Protected Financial Demonstration, which permits cannabis-related organizations to get to banking administrations, and furthermore pushing for the expungements of past convictions.

Schumer, alongside individual Majority rule Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey and Ron Wyden of Oregon, additionally presented the Cannabis Organization and Opportunity Act this previous July, which looked to "end government cannabis forbiddance by eliminating cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act; engage states to make their own cannabis regulations; guarantee administrative guideline safeguards general wellbeing and security; and focus on helpful and financial equity." There has been no move initiated on the bill, be that as it may.

[gxldnights]

Congratulations! You have recently been elected as the governor of Hawaii. You a

Congratulations! You have recently been elected as the governor of Hawaii. You a

Congratulations! You have recently been elected as the governor of Hawaii. You are expected to brief state lawmakers on your stance as it relates to the legalization of recreational drugs. After you take office you will be responsible for deciding all drug-related policies for the state of Hawaii. Answer the following questions: Do you support the legalization of recreational cannabis? What are…

[detective-jay]

Congratulations! You have recently been elected as the governor of Hawaii. You a

Congratulations! You have recently been elected as the governor of Hawaii. You a

Congratulations! You have recently been elected as the governor of Hawaii. You are expected to brief state lawmakers on your stance as it relates to the legalization of recreational drugs. After you take office you will be responsible for deciding all drug-related policies for the state of Hawaii. Answer the following questions: Do you support the legalization of recreational cannabis? What are…

[orbemnews]

How Arizona Won the Weed Legalization Race Since Arizona legalized medical cannabis in 2010, more than 300,000 residents of the state have been approved as medical patients. Businesses have kept up: Total annual sales grew to more than $1 billion last year, and more than 20,000 people work in the state’s cannabis industry, according to Leafly, a trade publication. But for years, there’s been resistance to expanding the legal market. In fact, just a few years ago, Arizona voted against legalizing recreational marijuana. In 2016, a group of conservative donors banded together to oppose Proposition 205, which would do just that. They included the owner of Discount Tire, a national tire and wheel company headquartered in Scottsdale; the opioid manufacturer Insys Therapeutics, whose founder was sentenced to five and a half years in prison in 2020; and Sheldon Adelson, the billionaire casino and hotel developer who died in January. Those in support of legalization included the Marijuana Policy Project, an organization that works to reform laws around marijuana, and Dr. Bronner’s, a soap company. Though both sides had millions of dollars in donations behind them, legalization lost by less than three percent of the vote. “For a while, we just licked our wounds,” said Steve White, the chief executive of Harvest Health & Recreation Inc. They also fortified their war chests. “In 2016, we just weren’t capable of raising enough money ourselves,” Mr. White said. For the 2020 campaign, called “Smart and Safe Arizona,” his company donated $1.8 million, joining Curaleaf and Copperstate Farms, two other cannabis companies, as major investors. Along with other donors, they hired Strategies 360, a public affairs firm in Seattle that ran a successful 2016 campaign to unseat Joe Arpaio, the anti-immigration crusader who once sent a team to Hawaii to collect Barack Obama’s birth certificate, from his 24-year tenure as the Sheriff of Maricopa County. Source link Orbem News #Arizona #Legalization #Race #weed #Won

[leyahroehl]

is medical marijuana covered by insurance

BEST ANSWER: Try this site where you can compare quotes from different companies :coverage-finder.net

is medical marijuana covered by insurance

is medical marijuana covered by insurance in the event of a serious accident, even when that state’s insurance requires that all drivers participate in that law. California is one of only 21 states that doesn’t require insurance, while the (the state’s program) offers coverage to those aged 65 years or older. It’s unclear whether this insurance is available in the state where they are registered and for what reasons.  But if it is, how does it fit in for drivers who don’t drive themselves? What it covers is a mix of the five legalities commonly available to adults under the age of 21: If you are in the market for car insurance, you need to know who to contact. If you’re looking for a car insurance company and you just don’t have an Internet connection, you’ve come to the right place. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) tells drivers to check in with a representative before signing up to make changes. is medical marijuana covered by insurance? Compare plans side-by-side and read reviews of each as you shop around for insurance. It’s important to know insurance costs vary considerably between plans and plan providers. When looking at car insurance, many people assume that all drivers and cars are looking at the same exact same things. Car insurance has different components such as collision, comprehensive, and comprehensive coverage. However, it’s worth knowing that all car insurance providers in the United States have different coverage levels for different situations. Each provider will offer different types of insurance for different situations. In the case of car insurance, most car insurance providers have a broad range of benefits, features, and premium rates. In most cases, however, it’s always a matter of comparing coverages and values that you’ll have to choose over what your current is. This can be challenging to some, however, and you can work with a few different car insurance providers to find. is medical marijuana covered by insurance, and the company has a broad background in the medical cannabis industry. If you’re like most people who use medical marijuana, its products are similar to the cannabis used in drug rehabilitation and marijuana use. In the US, cannabis is legally treated as a marijuana that’s derived from cannabis, and it is covered under your insurance policy in some states. Your medical insurance company also benefits from some exceptions. For instance, your medical insurance could extend coverage, however the exception varies by state. You might also choose to take out a policy or two of the cannabis industry as well. If you’re looking for a safer or more pleasant ride, you may be tempted to purchase a policy on your new cannabis and marijuana use. In the United States, cannabis is legally required to be used in a medical, psychiatric, and residential treatment program, including: If you get too excited in the age of the cannabis oil, you may not recognize the product in question. You’re paying.

Insurance Coverage and the Courts

Insurance Coverage and the Courts. California has created a new state accountability law with: ‘The purpose of this law is to ensure everyone has access to the insurance and the law has been developed to protect consumers regardless of their driving habits’. The law also includes the establishment of a bureau to track insurance practices within the State of California, which is dedicated to protecting drivers. It remains in effect to take steps to reduce fraud among drivers, and the law includes a provision that ensures that if a driver does not take proper precautions and not drive responsibly, he or she should not be penalized by a driver’s insurance bill based on their financial responsibility to the driver. The California Vehicle Code provides for the imposition of insurance rules governing the operation of motor vehicles and the protection of consumers, but the car insurance industry is not permitted to do that. In addition, California has legislation that limits the scope of insurance coverage to vehicles operated on any roadways or highways. These requirements can include coverage for bodily injury.

Does Insurance Cover Medical Marijuana?

Does Insurance Cover Medical Marijuana? Medical marijuana is actually a form of marijuana not controlled substance, but a substance that is chemically active against other opioids. A metabolite of cocaine or heroin. It is still highly sedative and can cause addiction and death. What is the best health insurance for medical marijuana? Are there any health insurance plans that cover cannabis? Can you find cheap health insurance with medical marijuana? This AMA is a good answer, and will give you a better idea of what you can expect from health insurance. I had no health insurance for years and knew I wanted to get coverage for years now. I had multiple medical conditions so I had found an insurance plan through Health Net for me and my wife. My question is, do they have a medical marijuana plan? When you use medical marijuana, you get regular oral health insurance. If not, then it might be wise to take a policy from a reputable company as well. As a general rule, if you do not have insurance, and the policy is not affordable.

Medical Cannabis and Insurance

Medical Cannabis and Insurance Coverage Cannabis Prescription Fee $14-22-$50 per month $1-4-$50 per month Marijuana Prescription Fee $10$22-$50 per month $1-40 per month Medical Cannabis Prescription Fee $9$14-$14 per year Medical Marijuana Prescription Fee $6$5-$13 per year LTC Prescription Fee $25 $0-$5,000 Cannabidobine Prescription Fee $30-$60 per month Marijuana Prescription Fee $20-$40 per month Cannabinoid Deficiency Medication $5-$25/$50/$100 Insulin Deficiency Medication $15-$60-$125 Cannabinoid Inducible $5-$15 per day [1] Please select Nebraska Nebraska.

Medical Marijuana and Insurance Rates

Medical Marijuana and Insurance Rates- The only exception is which is considered underwriting the marijuana with THC in many states. All that is required in states where it s only . The most common reason I see patients that need to get insurance is to get more medical marijuana in case they are being denied by a company that would allow they, and this can help to save their lives. If the applicant is denied, usually this is a small price to be charged. Most medical cannabis companies won t go to an applicant that has low blood THC levels. This could be a red flag the insurance companies are trying to sell you for a higher price. This is where the insurance companies know exactly what is in the policy. They know exactly what will happen and can lower the cost of your premium. The cannabis company will likely use a different policy because the medical marijuana can get in the way. Not every insurance company will require the applicant to get medical marijuana coverage with THC. The insurance company could ask the applicant if the condition might affect their.

Dispensaries and Medical Insurance

Dispensaries and Medical Insurance Benefits Medical insurance helps to pay for medical treatments and injuries for you and your family at a time when illness or injury could negatively affect your well being. For example, a typical health insurance policy would leave a $25,000, 10% deductible to you and your insurance company until you were able to return home to begin the treatment protocol. This would include an initial stay in a hospital. In the absence of this initial stay, your insurance can use your health insurance benefits, which could become available. A health insurance policy that has higher annual mileage and longer waiting periods could be less expensive than the health insurance plan that is intended to maintain a relatively long treatment schedule. You can get a quote on a in the free comparison tool above to get started. Health insurance is provided by a private entity, such as a state or federal government employee or a voluntary employee of a small employer.  It covers the health of anyone who receives a state-mand.

Medical Marijuana and Health Insurance

Medical Marijuana and Health Insurance. There is a separate page to find more information about medical marijuana coverage. Medical Marijuana for Children is available. Although this policy is not legal, this is a good policy for medical marijuana and health insurance so long as you are covered. This policy is recommended to have health insurance policies for medical marijuana and medical cannabis insurance because the coverage includes some form of medical care, which is considered medically necessary. Medical Marijuana for Children is available in 3 different states: Alaska, Colorado, Virginia, and Hawaii. As a general rule, medical marijuana for Children does not require medical exams. Yes, depending on insurance coverage (or other forms of medical coverage) in each state, insurers may require that you demonstrate that you are otherwise responsible for the medical care you and your family receive. This can include giving your name, insurance company name and contact information; signing a form (or documents or transcripts) in order to demonstrate that this is for the medical treatment you receive in the form of medication, fluids or anesthesia. If.

[eduardoolaw453]

A Clinical Marijuana Policy From Obama?

"Under present Federal Regulation, the usage, sale or belongings of cannabis (pot), materiel, whether medically prescribed or otherwise, it is still illegal as well as brings substantial criminal penalties in Arizona. This might change after Arizona voters most likely to the polls on November 2, 2010, to elect on a preferred Medical Marijuana initiative. In the mean-time, criminal fees related to clinical marijuana remain a major offense in Arizona. Currently, there is no distinction in charges for making use of clinical non-medical or entertainment usage. As is with DUI fees, Arizona has a few of the most difficult regulations versus Cannabis in the Nation, even for straightforward property.

In the meantime, listed below are the penalties for Cannabis Possession in Arizona. The Arizona Drug charge classification for a cannabis crime depends mostly on just how much of the material is found in your property.

If the amount of cannabis is: After that the potential sentence is:

- Less than 2 pounds (not for sale) 1 year behind bars (Class 6 felony) - In between 2 as well as 4 extra pounds (not for sale) 1 years behind bars (Class 5 felony) - Greater than 4 pounds (not for sale) 2 years in prison (Course 4 felony) - Less than 2 pounds (intent to sell) 2 years in prison (Class 4 felony) - Between 2 and 4 pounds (intent to offer) 3 years behind bars (Course 3 felony) - Greater than 4 extra pounds (intent to market) 5 years in prison (Class 2 felony) - Less than 2 extra pounds (that you generated) 1 years behind bars (Course 5 cannabis treatment batesville in felony) - 2-4 pounds (that you created) 2 years behind bars (Course 4 felony) - Greater than 4 pounds (that you created) 3 years behind bars (Class 3 felony) - Less than 2 pounds (transporting into AZ) 3 years behind bars (Class 3 felony) - Greater than 2 pounds (moving into AZ) 5 years in prison (Course 2 felony).

Along with prison time to your Arizona Cannabis drug sentencing, you will encounter huge fines for your cannabis sentence. The minimal great you will certainly pay is $750. Nevertheless, if the worth of the cannabis you were caught with surpasses $750, your fine will amount to 3 times that amount, not exceeding $150,000.

Because of the reality that Cannabis is legal with limitations and also restrictions in 14 other states, many people either sight clinical marijuana fees as perhaps lawful or in the least minor criminal costs. Nevertheless, Arizona law and its prosecution do not view it by doing this. You may be dealing with life-changing imprisonment as well as high buck penalties depending on how much was located in your property.

So in the meantime, in Arizona, if you wish to utilize clinical Cannabis, you have at these three choices:.

1) Make use of if you have nothing else medical choice. However a minimum of recognize the severe threats as well as severe fines, fines, and imprisonment that still exist in Arizona as a consequence as of this day.

2) Consult your medical professional about the opportunity of using alternate treatments or medicines for relief of your medical signs, a minimum of briefly; wait till after November 2, 2010, when Arizona voters go to the surveys. Maybe new Medical Cannabis Regulation will certainly be come on favor of the certified use clinical cannabis to aid relieve the signs and symptoms of your clinical condition or illness.

3) Transfer to any one of the complying with 14 states who have regulations either broad or restricted legalization of clinical marijuana: Alaska, The Golden State, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington. All 14 states do need proof of residency in their respective states as a qualifying variable to utilize clinical Marijuana.

One of the most crucial point you can do if you deal with of Cannabis property, usage, or sale fees or any other sort of drug charges in Arizona is to call an Experienced Arizona Medicine Defense Attorney who will defend Arizona Cannabis medicine costs and secure your constitutional rights."

[hemplife420]

#hawaiicannabiscommunity #hawaii 👏👏👏 #decriminalization Low-level marijuana possession is no longer punishable by the threat of jail time in Hawaii. On Saturday, a cannabis reform bill that Gov. David Ige (D) allowed to go into law without his signature went into effect. From now on, individuals who possess three grams or less of marijuana will face a $130 fine, without the possibility of incarceration. Though the possession threshold is considerably lower compared to other states that have approved decriminalization policies, advocates are optimistic that this is a first step toward broader reform. Ige, who has vetoed bills to legalize industrial hemp and allow for inter-island transportation of medical cannabis, didn’t sign the decriminalization legislation, but his decision not to take action on it meant the lawmaker-approved policy would be implemented. Hawaii became the 26th state to remove the threat of jail time simple possession of marijuana, along with new decriminalization laws that were enacted last year in New Mexico and North Dakota. (at Hawaii) https://www.instagram.com/p/B7NHXjJJyFs/?igshid=u109kvbkhkyq

[bestmarijuanaboutiques]

Last Prisoner Project Thanks All Supporters In 2019 Roundup Alert

New Post has been published on https://bestmarijuanaboutiques.com/?post_type=wprss_feed_item&p=23964

Last Prisoner Project Thanks All Supporters In 2019 Roundup Alert

We wish them all the luck for 2020 and hope that the expungement process continues in teh US and starts happenin in other jurisdictions around the world.

  Thank you for an incredible 2019!

Thank you to all of our supporters for a successful inaugural year!

Read more about what LPP accomplished in 2019 and our plans for the future…

Our Year in Review

In 2019 a group of passionate advocates came together determined to do something about the desperate need for criminal justice reform for cannabis offenders in the US and globally. Out of this, the Last Prisoner Project was born.

In just a few short months we developed our core programming designed to release all nonviolent cannabis offenders and help them to rebuild their lives. And we couldn’t have done it without the generosity of all our partners and supporters.

What We’ve Accomplished

As more political momentum builds for legalization, the political will is also increasing for cannabis criminal justice reform. The time is NOW that we must seek redress for cannabis prisoners and LPP is seizing on this momentum through our Cannabis Clemency Project. In 2019 we began meeting with governors’ offices in several states to advocate for the creation of a broad category of clemency for nonviolent cannabis offenders. We also began organizing an army of pro bono attorneys to assist in the drafting and processing of clemency petitions. Throughout 2020 we will continue to roll out the clemency program nationally.

Aside from our clemency initiative, in nine months we have also:

Recruited an outstanding team and an incredibly well rounded advisory board;

Formally incorporated and received our 501(c)(3) status;

Raised over $200,000 to launch our core initiatives;

Partnered with Harvest to launch our Prison to Prosperity Reentry Program;

Traveled to Jamaica to meet with the Office of the Public Defender as the first step in making this a truly global mission;

Partnered with Equity First Alliance during National Expungement Week and hosted the first-ever expungement clinic in Hawaii;

Aligned with celebrity ambassadors including Damian and Stephen Marley, Willie and Lukas Nelson, Rebelution, Fab 5 Freddy, B-Real, Redman, Jim Belushi and many others;

Obtained national press coverage in Variety, Billboard and Forbes, as well as print coverage in High Times and Cannabliss;

Accompanied Willie Nelson on the Outlaw Tour to increase awareness about our cause nationwide;

Sent over 300 letters to cannabis prisoners during our holiday letter drive;

Created partnerships with the National Cannabis Industry Association, Marijuana Policy Project, and the National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers to make our mission of releasing every last cannabis prisoner and helping them to rebuild their lives a reality.

We couldn’t have accomplished any of this without YOU. Thank you to everyone who has supported our mission this year, by attending our events, donating, or helping to spread awareness about our cause. Through our united efforts we will reach our goal of releasing every last cannabis prisoner. Now that we have brought cannabis out of the shadows and into the light, we need to make sure we don’t leave any member of our tribe behind. Not a single one.

With gratitude,

The LPP Team

[duaneboise]

New Strides in Federal Cannabis Regulations

The DEA has recently announced that they are rewriting Obama’s federal cannabis regulations by processing pending applications for access to cannabis research. In addition, companies that are looking to obtain DEA registration to grow cannabis for research are also closer to their end goal.

Attorney General William P. Barr said that he is “pleased that DEA is moving forward with its review of applications for those who seek to grow marijuana legally to support research.” This decision to allow more applications to come through occurs after many long years of delays. Dr. Sue Sisley with the Scottsdale Research Institute of Arizona was a huge reason why the need regulations are being put into place. Dr. Sisley expressed increasing frustration at the low quality of research being disseminated from the University of Mississippi and felt that the university had the monopoly on medical cannabis for research purposes.

The “DEA is making progress in the program to register additional marijuana growers for federally authorized research, and will work with other relevant federal agencies to expedite the necessary next steps,” said DEA Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon. “We support additional research into marijuana and its components, and we believe registering more growers will result in researchers having access to a wider variety for study.”

Though there has been progress in the process of rewriting the regulations, very few applicants will qualify. Currently, there are 33 applicants, but several will be disqualified due to their current or previous involvement in the cannabis industry. According to the DEA, being state-compliant automatically disqualifies applicants from being federally compliant. In order to qualify, applicants must comply with strict guidelines and demonstrate a case for the public interest.

Current applicants include the University of Massachusetts and the Hawaii Agriculture Research Institute, who are applying for an extract license. The University of California Davis is looking to grow cannabis. The applicants are not limited to universities and research institutes: Duane Boise, CEO of MMJ Biopharma Cultivation, based in Florida, believes that he has a chance at obtaining a federal license to cultivate medical marijuana.

“We meet the public interest requirement evidenced by our filings with the FDA, in our development of a cannabis-based drug to treat Multiple Sclerosis and Huntington’s Disease,” says Boise. He and his company have applied for the DEA bulk manufacturing license with the intention of the continued development of an FDA-approved pharmaceutical. Part of Boise’s plan is to cultivate on federally-protected Native American sovereign lands. In this mutually beneficial arrangement, MMJ Biopharma will employ many members of the tribe. So far, the only viable opportunity for cultivating federally-approved cannabis has been through an association with a university, but Duane Boise’s strategy may prove to be effective.

The DEA is expected to release their amendments to the 2016 Obama policy statement within the next 30 days. Of the 33 registered applicants, several have already been disqualified. Whether the applicants are approved remains to be seen.

This post was originally published on DuaneBoise.info

[canna-base]

Jeff Sessions calls for “more competition” among medical marijuana growers for research

In testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday morning, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said there should be “more competition” among growers who supply marijuana for federal research, though he said he thought the current applicant pool of 26 was too many.

His statement came in response to a question from Sen. Orrin Hatch, a Republican from Utah. Hatch referred to legislation he recently co-sponsored with Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, known as the MEDS Act. “I believe that scientists need to study the potential benefits and risks of marijuana,” said Hatch, though clarifying that “I remain opposed to the broad legalization of marijuana.”

Hatch said he was “very concerned” with reports that the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Justice Department “are at odds” over granting additional applications for cultivating marijuana for research purposes. In August, DEA officials said they had been waiting for the Justice Department’s sign-off to move forward on 25 applications, and expressed frustration that the Justice Department had not been willing to provide that sign-off.

“Can you clarify the position of the Justice Department regarding these applications?” Hatch asked the head of the DOJ.

Sessions responded:

“We have a marijuana research system working now. There is one supplier of the marijuana for that research. People have asked that there be multiple sources of the marijuana for medicinal research and have asked that it be approved. I believe there are now 26 applications for approval of suppliers who would provide marijuana for medicinal research. Each one of those has to be supervised by the DEA, and I have raised questions about how many and let’s be sure we’re doing this in the right way because it costs a lot of money to supervise these [indecipherable]. I think it would be healthy to have some more competition in the supply but I’m sure we don’t need 26 new suppliers.”

This statement comes after months of concern that Sessions has plans to crack down on both medical marijuana and adult-use marijuana, and after his own request to Congress in May of this year to be allowed to prosecute medical marijuana providers.

In August 2016, the DEA said that private companies would be able to apply to grow medical marijuana to develop cannabis-based medicines with federal approval. That announcement was coupled with the DEA’s denial of petitions to reschedule marijuana in the federal Controlled Substances Act. The Schedule I status of cannabis is widely considered a hindrance to further study of the substance.

Sessions was representing the Justice Department during an oversight hearing. He has been asked to speak to the Trump administration about DOJ policies on drugs, crime, terrorism, immigration and other topics. The hearing is the Senate Judiciary Committee’s first opportunity to quiz Sessions since his confirmation hearing.

Sessions also discussed asset forfeiture policy overseen by DOJ, and touted the department’s new internal watchdog to monitor the program, in which state and local police may confiscate cash and property from people suspected of committing a crime that violates federal law — even if they haven’t been charged — and then share the proceeds with federal agencies.

Watch Sessions’ full testimony:

This article was first published at TheCannabist.co.

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The post Jeff Sessions calls for “more competition” among medical marijuana growers for research appeared first on The Cannifornian.

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source https://canna-base.com/jeff-sessions-calls-for-more-competition-among-medical-marijuana-growers-for-research/