Photo: DC NORML Facebook Page
New Years is around the corner and 2016 promises to be a very decisive year for America with the presidential elections in November and a lot of interest in cannabis legislation at the state level.
With full legalization and medical marijuana having passed a handful of state legislatures across the country, 2016 will most likely have many states reassessing their stance on the plant. Make sure you know the issues surrounding the rapidly growing industry with my list of the top cannabis news stories you may have missed over the holiday vacation:
1. On Tuesday while vacationing in his home state of Hawaii, President Obama took his family to a popular hiking spot.
Little did he know that he would have a run-in with this pro-pot hiker:
“Thank you for your service, Mr. President,” he says as Obama shakes his hand. The hiker then adds, “legalize it on your way out.”
Obama and his security detail continued walking by as they continued along the 1,048 wooden steps along the trail.
2. Women to Watch in the Emerging Green Space
Laila Makled Courtesy: LinkedIn
D.C.’s very own Kyla Hill and Laila Makled were identified as women to watch out for in the cannabis industry in an article by Women In The World, in partnership with The New York Times.
Kyla Hill Courtesy: Get Hemp Butter
Hill, the CEO of Get Hemp Butter and Makled, founder of the Women Grow D.C. chapter are at the forefront of the cannabusiness and leading the way for female cannapreneurs.
3. Bipartisan Agreement on Medical Marijuana for Maryland County
Medical Marijuana Dispensary Courtesy: Flickr Creative Commons
While the state of Maryland has passed medical marijuana, it’s up to each county to start deciding on the details of implementation of their medical marijuana programs. First to step up to the challenge is Anne Arundel County, whose council has come to an agreement on legislation regarding zoning restrictions for growers and dispensaries.
Chris Trumbauer (D-Annapolis) voted for it despite what he calls some “overly harsh restrictions” but as Republican Councilman Derek Fink points out, in the end, it’s a bipartisan solution.
“[It’s] not an outright ban, not open up completely, but put a strict limit on where it can go,” Fink said.
Some of the highlights from the legislation includes: Allowances for dispensaries in commercial and industrial areas by special exception, which requires a public hearing. Restrictions on locations near schools and dwelling, 24/7 armed security for growing facilities, and no window or counter displays of cannabis.
The county commission is currently reviewing the more than 56 groups vying for the two dispensary licenses up for grabs in the county.
4. Where have the Kush Gods gone?
Kush Gods on U Street in D.C. Courtesy: Chloe Sommers
Two people have been arrested and charged with distribution of cannabis. Their fleet of cannabis-detailed cars were seized by police. The Kush Gods are known to frequent the U Street and H Street corridors handing out cannabis infused edibles. The catch here is that Kush Gods say they are operating within the legal grey area of distribution without remuneration. A recent police sting found the company selling their products and the actual dried plant.
Days prior to their arrests, New York Magazine published an article, Marijuana Is Now Legal in Washington, D.C. — So Why Is No One Acting Like It?. The article features the mastermind behind it all, Nicholas Cunningham aka Nycholas Kush God.
5. Facebook “Just Say Yes” to Cannabis Ads
Facebook Ads Courtesy: Flickr Creative Commons
Facebook says they are now accepting proposals for cannabis-related advertising spots on their popular site. This is good news for pro-legalization groups looking to give Facebook their money in hopes of reaching a bigger audience. However, there have been reports of Facebook rejecting legal cannabis-related ad requests such as that of The Capitol CannaShow, who already has a Facebook page.
6. Colombian President Legalizes Medical Marijuana
Colombian Flag Courtesy: Flickr Creative Commons
On Tuesday, Colombia took a huge step in regulating medical marijuana. The Colombian president, Juan Manuel Santos signed a decree allowing for licensees to grow and process the plant for medical and scientific uses.
President Santos addressed the country from his presidential palace saying, “it places Colombia in the group of countries that are at the forefront… in the use of natural resources to fight disease.”
Technically legal since 1986, Colombia’s medical marijuana industry was in a unregulated grey area. This Colombian administration is providing the structure needed for nationwide manufacturing.
Chloe Sommers is the Executive Editor and Chief Political Managing Editor of the Never Daunted Radio Network. You can reach her on Twitter @ChloePalma