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	<title>NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform &#187; legislation</title>
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		<title>NORML’s Weekly Legislative Round Up</title>
		<link>http://blog.norml.org/2012/01/31/normls-weekly-legislative-round-up-29/</link>
		<comments>http://blog.norml.org/2012/01/31/normls-weekly-legislative-round-up-29/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:02:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[ACTIVISM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LEGISLATION]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Alabama]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[decriminalization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indiana]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kansas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[legalize]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[legislation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Hampshire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.norml.org/?p=8075</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[January 2012 marks the beginning of a new legislative session in all 50 states. Already, marijuana law reform legislation is pending (or has been pre-filed) in over a dozen states. To keep up to date with what&#8217;s pending, and how you can support marijuana-friendly reform measures in your state, please visit NORML&#8217;s &#8216;Take Action Center&#8217; here. You can also stay abreast of 2012 statewide ballot initiative efforts, such as those ongoing in Colorado and elsewhere, via NORML&#8217;s Legalize 2012 Facebook page here. Below is this week’s edition of NORML’s Weekly [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignright" src="http://norml.org/images/blog/NORML_Remember_Prohibition.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="306" />January 2012 marks the beginning of a new legislative session in all 50 states. Already, marijuana law reform legislation is pending (or has been pre-filed) in over a dozen states. To keep up to date with what&#8217;s pending, and how you can support marijuana-friendly reform measures in your state, please visit NORML&#8217;s &#8216;Take Action Center&#8217; <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/">here</a>.</p>
<p>You can also stay abreast of 2012 statewide ballot initiative efforts, such as those ongoing in <a href="http://www.regulatemarijuana.org/about">Colorado</a> and elsewhere, via NORML&#8217;s Legalize 2012 Facebook page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LegalizeIt2012">here</a>.</p>
<p>Below is this week’s edition of NORML’s Weekly Legislative Round Up — where we spotlight specific examples of pending marijuana law reform legislation from around the country.</p>
<p>** A note to first time readers: <strong>NORML can not introduce legislation in your state.</strong> Nor can any other non-profit advocacy organization. Only your state representatives, or in some cases an individual constituent (by way of their representative; this is known as introducing legislation ‘by request’) can do so. NORML can — and does — work closely with like-minded politicians and citizens to reform marijuana laws, and lobbies on behalf of these efforts. But ultimately the most effective way — and the only way — to successfully achieve statewide marijuana law reform is for local stakeholders and citizens to become involved in the political process and to make the changes they want to see. Get active; get NORML!</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>ALABAMA:</strong> The Michael Phillips Compassionate Care Act (<a href="http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/acas/ViewBillsStatusACASLogin.asp?BillNumber=hb25">HB 25</a>) which seeks to enact legal protections for authorized medical marijuana patients, has been marked for reintroduction in the Alabama Legislature for the session starting on February 7th. It is currently assigned to the House Committee on Health. A separate medical cannabis bill, <a href="http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/acas/ViewBillsStatusACASLogin.asp?BillNumber=hb66">House Bill 66</a>, has also been prefiled in the House and is also before to the House Committee on Health, while a third measure that seeks to reduce penalties on adult cannabis possession is anticipated to be introduced shortly. You can learn more about these efforts via NORML&#8217;s &#8216;Take Action Center&#8217; <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=14572756">here</a>.</p>
<p><strong>INDIANA:</strong> Senate lawmakers <a href="http://www.chestertontribune.com/Indiana%20News/tallian_lays_groundwork_for_mari.htm">heard</a> testimony on Tuesday, January 24, in favor of legislation, <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=60386581">SB 347</a>, to decriminalize marijuana possession penalties in Indiana. Lawmakers on <a href="http://www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/billwatch/billinfo?year=2012&amp;request=getCommittee&amp;committee_name=Corrections%2C+Criminal%2C+and+Civil+Matters&amp;chamber=S#mem">Senate Committee on Corrections, Criminal, and Civil Matters</a> did not vote on the measure. Therefore, there is still time for constituents to contact their Senate members and encourage them to support marijuana law reform. You can do so via NORML&#8217;s &#8216;Take Action Center&#8217; <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=60386581">here</a>. A separate House measure, <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=60510506">HB 1370</a>, that seeks to legalize the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes, is pending before the <a href="http://www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/billwatch/billinfo?year=2012&amp;request=getCommittee&amp;committee_name=Public+Policy&amp;chamber=H">House Committee on Public Policy</a>.</p>
<p><strong>KANSAS:</strong> <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2011_12/measures/documents/hb2330_00_0000.pdf">House Bill 2330</a>, which seeks to enact legal protections for authorized medical marijuana patients, was heard by the <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2011_12/committees/ctte_h_hhs_1/">House Committee on Health and Human Services</a> on Tuesday, January 24th. You can read media coverage of the hearing <a href="http://articles.kwch.com/2012-01-24/medical-marijuana_30661327">here</a> and <a href="http://www.kctv5.com/story/16591450/supporters-of-medical-marijuana-bill-rally-outside-statehouse">here</a>. You can track the progress of this measure and contact your state elected officials regarding HB 2330 <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=14647271">here</a>.</p>
<p><strong>NEW HAMPSHIRE:</strong> Members of the <a href="http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/house/committees/committeedetails.aspx?code=H26">House Criminal Justice Committee</a> heard testimony on Thursday, January 25, in favor of <a href="http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=2231&amp;sy=2012&amp;sortoption=&amp;txtsessionyear=2012&amp;txtbillnumber=hb1705&amp;q=1">House Bill 1705</a>, which seeks to allow adults age 21 or over to use marijuana legally in their home. The measure also seeks to establish a regulated cannabis market governing the wholesale production and sale of marijuana. Non-commercial transactions involving less than one ounce of cannabis would not be subject to state taxation or regulation under the measure. You can watch clips from the hearing <a href="http://bikerbillnh.blogspot.com/2012/01/nh-again-reconsiders-making-money-off.html">here</a> and you can contact your elected officials in support of the measure <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=60928086">here</a>.</p>
<p>The House Criminal Justice Committee is also scheduled to hear testimony this Thursday in favor of separate legislation, <a href="http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2012/HB1526.html">HB 1526</a>, which seeks reduce the penalties on minor marijuana possession offenses (up to one ounce) from a criminal misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine to a nominal monetary penalty of no more than $100.00. To contact your House representative regarding HB 1526, please visit NORML&#8217;s &#8216;Take Action Center&#8217; <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=14521131">here</a>.</p>
<p><strong>VIRGINIA:</strong> Legislation seeking to establish a joint study committee to investigate the fiscal impact of regulating the production and sale of marijuana to adults 21 and over is anticipated to be heard by the Virginia <a href="http://hodcap.state.va.us/publications/housecommitteechart.pdf">House Committee on Rules</a> as soon as this Thursday. You can read NORML&#8217;s published op/eds in support of this measure <a href="http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/oped/2012/jan/25/tdopin02-sharpe-cartels-would-lose-taxpayers-would-ar-1636772/">here</a> and <a href="http://hamptonroads.com/2012/01/case-pot-tax">here</a>. To learn more about <a href="http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?121+ful+HJ140">House Joint Resolution 140</a>, please visit <a href="http://www.virginianorml.org">Virginia NORML</a> or contact your state officials <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=60482541">here</a>.</p></blockquote>
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			<wfw:commentRss>http://blog.norml.org/2012/01/31/normls-weekly-legislative-round-up-29/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>21</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>NORML&#8217;s Weekly Legislative Round Up</title>
		<link>http://blog.norml.org/2012/01/19/normls-weekly-legislative-round-up-28/</link>
		<comments>http://blog.norml.org/2012/01/19/normls-weekly-legislative-round-up-28/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:49:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[ACTIVISM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[GOVERNMENT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LEGISLATION]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Arizona]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[California]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[decriminalization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indiana]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[legislation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Jersey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.norml.org/?p=7978</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[January 2012 marks the beginning of a new legislative session in all 50 states. Already, marijuana law reform legislation is pending (or has been pre-filed) in nearly a dozen states. To keep up to date with what&#8217;s pending, and how you can support marijuana-friendly reform measures in your state, please visit NORML&#8217;s &#8216;Take Action Center&#8217; here. You can also stay abreast of 2012 statewide ballot initiative efforts, such as those ongoing in Colorado and elsewhere, via NORML&#8217;s Legalize 2012 Facebook page here. Below is this week’s edition of NORML’s Weekly [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignright" src="http://norml.org/images/blog/NORML_Remember_Prohibition.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="306" />January 2012 marks the beginning of a new legislative session in all 50 states. Already, marijuana law reform legislation is pending (or has been pre-filed) in nearly a dozen states. To keep up to date with what&#8217;s pending, and how you can support marijuana-friendly reform measures in your state, please visit NORML&#8217;s &#8216;Take Action Center&#8217; <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/">here</a>.</p>
<p>You can also stay abreast of 2012 statewide ballot initiative efforts, such as those ongoing in <a href="http://www.regulatemarijuana.org/about">Colorado</a> and elsewhere, via NORML&#8217;s Legalize 2012 Facebook page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LegalizeIt2012">here</a>.</p>
<p>Below is this week’s edition of NORML’s Weekly Legislative Round Up — where we spotlight specific examples of pending marijuana law reform legislation from around the country.</p>
<p>** A note to first time readers: <strong>NORML can not introduce legislation in your state.</strong> Nor can any other non-profit advocacy organization. Only your state representatives, or in some cases an individual constituent (by way of their representative; this is known as introducing legislation ‘by request’) can do so. NORML can — and does — work closely with like-minded politicians and citizens to reform marijuana laws, and lobbies on behalf of these efforts. But ultimately the most effective way — and the only way — to successfully achieve statewide marijuana law reform is for local stakeholders and citizens to become involved in the political process and to make the changes they want to see. Get active; get NORML!</p>
<blockquote><p>ARIZONA: Legislation has been reintroduced to defelonize marijuana possession penalties in Arizona. <a href="http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/50leg/2r/bills/hb2044p.htm">House Bill 2044 </a>amends state law so that the adult possession of up to one ounce of marijuana is reduced from a <a href="http://norml.org/laws/penalties/item/arizona-penalties">potential felony</a> (punishable by 1.5 years in prison and a $150,000 fine) to a “petty offense” punishable by no more than a $500 fine. You can contact your state House member in support of this measure <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=25346506">here</a>.</p>
<p>CALIFORNIA: State lawmakers have until January 27 to act on a pair of 2011 marijuana reform measures. <a href="http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/asm/ab_1001-1050/ab_1017_bill_20110218_introduced.html">Assembly Bill 1017</a> would reduce penalties for marijuana cultivation from a mandatory felony to a &#8220;wobbler&#8221; or optional misdemeanor. <a href="http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/sen/sb_0101-0150/sb_129_bill_20110127_introduced.html">Senate Bill 129</a> makes it unlawful “for an employer to discriminate against” persons who are authorized under state law to use medical cannabis. You can learn more about these important measures by visiting the California NORML website <a href="http://canorml.org/">here</a>. You can read my testimony in favor of SB 129 <a href="http://norml.org/library/item/written-testimony-in-support-of-senate-bill-129?category_id=596">here</a>.</p>
<p>INDIANA: For the first time in recent memory, legislation has been introduced to ‘decriminalize’ marijuana possession penalties in Indiana. <a href="http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2012/PDF/IN/IN0347.1.pdf">Senate Bill 347</a> amends state law so that the adult possession of up to three ounces of marijuana is reduced from a <a href="http://norml.org/laws/in">potential felony </a>(punishable by up to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine) to a noncriminal infraction. Senate Bill 347 also amends Indiana’s traffic safety code to halt the prosecution of motorists who test positive for the presence of inactive marijuana metabolites in their urine (so-called <a href="http://norml.org/legal/item/indiana-drugged-driving?category_id=836">zero tolerance per se legislation</a>) but who do not otherwise manifest any other evidence of behavioral impairment. Indianans are strongly encouraged to contact their state Senators in support of SB 347 via NORML&#8217;s &#8216;Take Action Center&#8217; <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=60386581">here</a>.</p>
<p>NEW JERSEY: A coalition of lawmakers have pre-filed legislation for introduction in the 2012 session to significantly reduce penalties for those who possess personal use quantities of marijuana. <a href="http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2012/Bills/A1500/1465_I1.HTM">Assembly Bill 1465</a> removes criminal penalties for the possession of 15 grams or less of marijuana (presently <a href="http://norml.org/laws/item/new-jersey-penalties-2?category_id=874">punishable</a> by up to six-months in prison and a $1,000 fine) and replaces them with civil penalties punishable by no more than a $150 fine. Additional information is available from NORML NJ <a href="http://www.normlnj.org/">here</a> or via NORML&#8217;s &#8216;Take Action Center&#8217; <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=60527546">here</a>.</p>
<p>VIRGINIA: Legislation seeking to establish a joint study committee to investigate the fiscal impact of regulating the production and sale of marijuana to adults 21 and over is before the Virginia House of Delegates. To learn more about <a href="http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?121+ful+HJ140">House Joint Resolution 140</a>, please visit <a href="http://virginianorml.org/">Virginia NORML</a> or consider contacting your state officials <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=60482541">here</a>.</p></blockquote>
<p>To be in contact with your state officials regarding these measures and other pending legislation, please visit NORML’s &#8216;Take Action Center&#8217; <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/?style=D">here</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://blog.norml.org/2012/01/19/normls-weekly-legislative-round-up-28/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>58</slash:comments>
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		<title>NORML PSA: Willie Nelson Urges You to Support the End of Federal Marijuana Prohibition</title>
		<link>http://blog.norml.org/2011/06/23/norml-psa-willie-nelson-urges-you-to-support-the-end-of-federal-marijuana-prohibition/</link>
		<comments>http://blog.norml.org/2011/06/23/norml-psa-willie-nelson-urges-you-to-support-the-end-of-federal-marijuana-prohibition/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jun 2011 21:45:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Erik Altieri, NORML Communications Coordinator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[ACTIVISM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LEGISLATION]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LITIGATION]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SOCIETY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Barney Frank]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bill]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[end prohibition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Federal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hr 2306]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[legalization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[legislation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[normltv]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[psa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[public service announcement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ron Paul]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tv]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Willie Nelson]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.norml.org/?p=6269</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Today, a bi-partisan group of representatives introduced the first federal bill since 1937 aimed at ending marijuana prohibition. To coincide with the bill&#8217;s introduction NORML is launching a new public service announcement featuring NORML Advisory Board member, country music icon, and cannabis enthusiast Willie Nelson. In the video below, Willie calls on you to support this important legislation and to contact your elected officials and encourage them to do the same. NORML has launched a bill specific Facebook page, where you can keep up to date on all the latest [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Today, a bi-partisan group of representatives introduced the first federal bill since 1937 aimed at ending marijuana prohibition. To coincide with the bill&#8217;s introduction NORML is launching a new public service announcement featuring NORML Advisory Board member, country music icon, and cannabis enthusiast Willie Nelson. In the video below, Willie calls on you to support this important legislation and to contact your elected officials and encourage them to do the same.</p>
<p><iframe width="495" height="274" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/59D-f8nPt0g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>NORML has launched a bill specific Facebook page, where you can keep up to date on all the latest information. It can be accessed <a href="http://www.facebook.com/legalize2011">here</a>. You can also utilize our Take Action Center to contact your elected officials and urge them to support HR 2306, the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011, <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=50800581&#038;type=CO">here</a>.</p>
<p><em><a href="http://www.norml.tv">Subscribe</a> to <a href="http://www.norml.tv">NORMLtv</a> or follow us on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/normltv">Twitter</a> to stay posted on all the latest video content coming from NORML, including much more on this important legislation.</em></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://blog.norml.org/2011/06/23/norml-psa-willie-nelson-urges-you-to-support-the-end-of-federal-marijuana-prohibition/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>41</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>NORML’s Weekly Legislative Round Up</title>
		<link>http://blog.norml.org/2011/03/16/norml%e2%80%99s-weekly-legislative-round-up-15/</link>
		<comments>http://blog.norml.org/2011/03/16/norml%e2%80%99s-weekly-legislative-round-up-15/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Mar 2011 23:36:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[ACTIVISM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Connecticut]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[decriminalization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hawaii]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[legalization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[legislation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[medicalization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Montana]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Hampshire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Mexico]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rhode Island]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.norml.org/?p=5532</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Marijuana law reform legislation is pending in over twenty states, and liberalization measures have been pre-filed in many more. Below is this week’s edition of NORML’s Weekly Legislative Round Up — activists’ one-stop guide to the latest statewide votes and happenings relevant to marijuana law reform. For a listing of all of the pending marijuana law reform proposals that NORML is tracking, please visit NORML&#8217;s &#8216;Take Action Center&#8217; here. (For a map of pending legislation, please visit here.) Connecticut: Lawmakers in the House and Senate heard testimony on Monday in [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img alt="" src="http://norml.org/images/blog/NORML_Remember_Prohibition.jpg" class="alignright" width="225" height="306" />Marijuana law reform legislation is pending in over twenty states, and liberalization measures have been pre-filed in many more. Below is this week’s edition of NORML’s Weekly Legislative Round Up — activists’ one-stop guide to the latest statewide votes and happenings relevant to marijuana law reform.</p>
<p>For a listing of <em>all</em> of the pending marijuana law reform proposals that NORML is tracking, please visit NORML&#8217;s &#8216;Take Action Center&#8217; <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/?style=D">here</a>. (For a map of pending legislation, please visit <a href="http://stash.norml.org/data-stash/marijuana-activism-alerts">here</a>.)</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Connecticut:</strong> Lawmakers in the House and Senate heard testimony on Monday in favor of measures seeking to decriminalize and medicalize marijuana. A just-released statewide <a href="http://www.courant.com/media/acrobat/2011-03/60006363-10035721.pdf">poll</a> shows that voters overwhelmingly support both proposals, which have also been <a href="http://www.courant.com/news/opinion/editorials/hc-ed-medical-marijuana-0314-20110314,0,7347841.story">endorsed</a> by the state&#8217;s leading newspaper. You can voice your support for these measures by clicking <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=22593501">here</a> and <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=22605576">here</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Hawaii:</strong> Senate lawmakers last week approved a series of legislative proposals aimed at amending the state&#8217;s marijuana laws. Legislators <a href="http://www.hawaiireporter.com/senate-approves-marijuana-decriminalization/123">unanimously</a> approved <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=25528506">SB 1460</a>, which reduces the adult possession of up to one ounce of marijuana from a criminal misdemeanor (punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $1,000 fine) to a civil violation punishable by a fine of not more than $100. Regarding the medical use of marijuana, the Senate approved <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=25633546">SB 1458</a>, which allows for the state licensed production and distribution of medical cannabis and cannabis-infused therapeutic products. Senators also passed <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=25947501">SB 58</a>, which increases the quantity of marijuana that authorized patients may legally possess under state law. All three measures are now before House lawmakers for consideration. NORML has separate alerts for all three measures at our &#8216;Take Action Center&#8217; <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/">here</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Montana:</strong> Members of the Senate Judicial Committee on Monday <a href="http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_844b5164-4e68-11e0-8463-001cc4c03286.html">deadlocked</a> 6 to 6 regarding House Bill 161, which sought to <a href="http://www.nbcmontana.com/news/26406147/detail.html">repeal</a> that state’s six-year-old, voter-approved medical marijuana <a href="http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=3391#Montana">law</a>. House representatives had previously <a href="http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=8479">voted</a>, largely along party lines, 63 to 37 in favor of the repeal measure. Monday&#8217;s Senate vote does not kill the measure outright. Senators may still elect to reconsider the measure, or they may call for a ‘blast motion,’ which is a procedure that allows measures to bypass committee and be debated by the full chamber. NORML will keep you updated if there is an any future action taken regarding this draconian legislation.</p>
<p><strong>New Hampshire:</strong> House lawmakers on Tuesday <a href="http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2011/03/16/nh_house_tries_again_to_legalize_medical_marijuana/">decided</a> 221 to 96 in favor of legislation, <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=26741501">HB 442</a>, that seeks to allow for the state to license facilities to produce and distribute marijuana to qualified patients. The proposal now moves to the Senate. Lawmakers in House and Senate approved similar legislation in 2009, but it was <a href="http://stash.norml.org/new-hampshire-gov-lynch-vetoes-medical-marijuana-bill">vetoed</a> by Democrat Gov. John Lynch. More information regarding this year&#8217;s effort is available from NORML <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=26741501">here</a> or from <a href="http://nhcompassion.org/">NHCompassion.org</a>.</p>
<p><strong>New Mexico:</strong> A New Mexico lawmaker has <a href="http://www.necn.com/03/11/11/Lawmaker-halts-attempt-to-repeal-medical/landing_politics.html?&amp;blockID=3&amp;apID=6741dd0d80634089baa48475f817ca02">withdrawn</a> legislation that sought to repeal the state’s four-year-old medical marijuana <a href="http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=3391#New%20Mexico">law</a>. Newly elected Republican Gov. Susana Martinez said that <a href="http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S1986236.shtml?cat=504">she would have signed</a> the measure, <a href="http://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/11%20Regular/bills/house/HB0593.html">House Bill 593</a>, had it reached her desk. The bill’s sponsor is now proposing a House Memorial bill that calls on lawmakers to study the state’s medical cannabis program. </p>
<p><strong>Rhode Island:</strong> Lawmakers <a href="http://www.necn.com/03/16/11/RI-looks-at-legalizing-pot-for-recreatio/landing_health.html?&amp;blockID=3&amp;apID=a03f57af1fce445581110e37942b8c52">heard testimony</a> today in favor of measures regarding the decriminalization and legalization of cannabis. You can learn more about both measures via NORML&#8217;s &#8216;Take Action Center&#8217; <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=33889526">here</a> and <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=22909501">here</a>. In related news from the Ocean State, state regulators on Tuesday approved applications for the establishment of the state&#8217;s first three medical marijuana dispensaries. You can learn more about this story <a href="http://www.pbn.com/RI-Department-of-Health-selects-three-to-open-medical-marijuana-compassion-centers,56436">here</a>.</p></blockquote>
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		<title>NORML&#8217;s Weekly Legislative Round Up</title>
		<link>http://blog.norml.org/2011/02/24/normls-weekly-legislative-round-up-26/</link>
		<comments>http://blog.norml.org/2011/02/24/normls-weekly-legislative-round-up-26/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 24 Feb 2011 20:48:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[ACTIVISM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Connecticut]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[decriminalization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HB 161]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indiana]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[James Smith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[legislation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Maryland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Montana]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Mexico]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Susana Martinez]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[West Virginia]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.norml.org/?p=5416</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Marijuana law reform legislation is pending in over twenty states, and progressive measures have been pre-filed in many more. Below is this week’s edition of NORML’s Weekly Legislative Round Up — activists’ one-stop guide to pending marijuana law reform legislation around the country. ** A note to first time readers: NORML can not introduce legislation in your state. Nor can any other non-profit advocacy organization. Only your state representatives, or in some cases an individual constituent (by way of their representative; this is known as introducing legislation ‘by request’) can [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignright" src="http://norml.org/images/blog/NORML_Remember_Prohibition.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="306" /><strong>Marijuana law reform legislation is pending in over twenty states</strong>, and progressive measures have been pre-filed in many more. Below is this week’s edition of NORML’s Weekly Legislative Round Up — activists’ one-stop guide to pending marijuana law reform legislation around the country.</p>
<p>** A note to first time readers: NORML can not introduce legislation in your state. Nor can any other non-profit advocacy organization. Only your state representatives, or in some cases an individual constituent (by way of their representative; this is known as introducing legislation ‘by request’) can do so. NORML can — and does — work closely with like-minded politicians and citizens to reform marijuana laws, and lobbies on behalf of these efforts. But ultimately the most effective way — and the only way — to successfully achieve statewide marijuana law reform is for local stakeholders and citizens to become involved in the political process and to make the changes they want to see.</p>
<blockquote><p>
<strong>MEDICAL MARIJUANA LAWS UNDER SIEGE IN MONTANA AND NEW MEXICO</strong></p>
<p><strong>Montana:</strong> As anticipated, on Monday members of House of Representatives gave final <a href="http://www.nbcmontana.com/news/26945075/detail.html">approval</a> to HB 161, which would repeal the state’s existing medical cannabis law. The measure now goes before state senators, who are being targeted with anti-pot propaganda <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCaf8RKzllA">advertisements</a>. Nevertheless, a <a href="http://missoulanews.bigskypress.com/IndyBlog/archives/2011/02/22/poll-montanans-oppose-repeal-of-medical-marijuana-act">new poll</a> released this week of over 2,200 Montanans found that 63 percent of voters support allowing medical marijuana, and only 20 percent support current proposals to repeal the state&#8217;s compassionate medical marijuana law. <strong>Tell the Senate to uphold the will of the voters and to reject HB 161.</strong> You can contact your lawmakers via NORML&#8217;s &#8216;Take Action Center&#8217; <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=21950501">here</a>, or by contacting <a href="http://www.montananorml.org/">Montana NORML</a>. You can also visit our allies Patients and Families United on Facebook <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Patients-Families-United/182521988424944?v=wall">here</a> for up-to-date information on pending hearings and votes.</p>
<p><strong>New Mexico:</strong> <a href="http://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/11%20Regular/bills/house/HB0593.html">House Bill 593</a>, introduced by Santa Fe Republican James Smith, <strong>aims to completely repeal New Mexico’s existing medical marijuana law</strong>, which was initially approved by the legislature and the Governor in 2007. Presently, over 3,200 patients are using cannabis legally in compliance with state law. In addition, state officials have <a href="http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=8433">licensed</a> some 25 facilities to produce or dispense medical cannabis. Reports of abuses regarding the use or distribution of medical cannabis as authorized by the law have been minimal. Nevertheless, Smith — who <a href="http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S1986236.shtml?cat=504">admits</a> “I’m not a medical doctor, I don’t pretend to be.” – states that the law sends a mixed message to young people and that other alternative medications are available. House Bill 593 has been assigned to the <a href="http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/committeedisplay.aspx?CommitteeCode=HCPAC">House Consumer &amp; Public Affairs Committee</a> and awaits a scheduled hearing. Newly elected Republican Governor Susana Martinez, who recently <a href="http://www.necn.com/01/31/11/NMs-medical-marijuana-law-will-continue-/landing_health.html?&amp;blockID=3&amp;apID=f85259e53a4143deae485982adfed9de">stated</a> that this issue would not be a legislative priority for her administration in 2011, now says that she will <a href="http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S1986236.shtml?cat=504">sign</a> Smith’s bill if it reaches her desk. <strong>You can prevent that from happening by contacting your House member <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=30556501">here</a> and urging them to vote &#8216;no&#8217; on repeal.</strong></p>
<p><strong>OTHER STATE ACTIVITY</strong></p>
<p><strong>Indiana:</strong> On Tuesday, February 22, <strong>the Senate voted 28 to 21 in favor of legislation, SB 192</strong>, to consider the impact of the state&#8217;s marijuana policies, including costs in the state&#8217;s criminal justice system and the potential for regulation and taxation options. The bill now goes to the House. You can read NORML&#8217;s testimony in support of SB 192 <a href="http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=8493">here</a>. You can contact your member of the House in support of SB 192 <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=24011501">here</a>. You can track the progress of this effort on Facebook <a href="http://www.facebook.com/IndianaNORML">here</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Texas:</strong> <strong>On Tuesday, March 1, members of the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee will hear testimony in favor of <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=22059736&#038;type=ST">HB 548</a>, which seeks to decriminalize marijuana possession offenses in Texas</strong>. The hearing is <a href="http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=82R&#038;Bill=HB548">scheduled</a> for 10:30am in room JHR 120 of the state capitol. To date, nearly 1,300 of you have <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=22059736&#038;type=ST">contacted</a> your House members in favor of HB 548 via NORML’s Take Action Center. Now show them that you support this effort by appearing before them in person. Join <a href="http://texasnorml.org/">Texas NORML</a> at next week’s hearing or track the progress of this bill online <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Texas-NORML/184393347359?v=wall">here</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Maryland:</strong> On Tuesday members of the House Judiciary Committee heard testimony from NORML representatives and others in favor of <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=27129561">House Bill 606</a>. <strong>House Bill 606 amends current state law so that the adult possession of up to one ounce of marijuana is reduced from a criminal misdemeanor (punishable by one year in jail and a $1000 maximum fine) to a civil offense, punishable by a $100 fine, no jail time, and no criminal record.</strong> You can follow the progress of HB 606 on Facebook <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/HB-606-Decriminalization-of-Cannabis-in-Maryland/145908818802471">here</a>. You can contact your House Delegate in support of the measure via NORML’s ‘Take Action Center’ <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=27129561">here</a>. Separate state legislation regarding the medical use of marijuana will be hard next week in the Maryland House and Senate. You can learn more about these measures <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=25448511">here</a>.<br />
<strong><br />
Connecticut:</strong> Newly elected Democrat Gov. Dan Malloy last week <strong><a href="http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Malloy-s-plan-to-decriminalize-pot-draws-few-hits-1016799.php%3E">reaffirmed</a> his support for legislation that seeks to reduce minor marijuana possession to a noncriminal offense</strong>. Malloy endorsed reducing adult marijuana possession penalties from a criminal misdemeanor (punishable by one year in jail and a $1,000 fine) to an infraction, punishable by a nominal fine, no jail time, and no criminal record. Gov. Malloy also reaffirmed his support for legalizing the physician-authorized use of medical marijuana. <strong>You can contact your state elected officials in favor of both of these proposals <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=22605576">here</a> and <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=22593501">here</a>.</strong> You can also get involved with Connecticut NORML <a href="http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=3433#Connecticut">here</a>.</p>
<p><strong>West Virginia:</strong> Lawmakers will debate for the first time legislation, <strong>HB 3251, to legalize the use of medical marijuana in West Virginia</strong>. <a href="http://www.legis.state.wv.us/bill_status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=hb3251%20intr.htm&amp;yr=2011&amp;sesstype=RS&amp;i=3251">House Bill 3251</a>, The Compassionate Use of Medical Marijuana Act, amends state law so that physician-supervised patients with an authorized “chronic or debilitating medical condition” can possess six plants and up to an ounce of usable marijuana for medical purposes. The measure also allows for the establishment “compassion centers” to dispense medical cannabis to qualified patients. You can contact your House members in support of this effort <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=30077501">here</a>.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>To get involved in legislation pending in dozens of other states, please visit NORML&#8217;s &#8216;Take Action Center&#8217; <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/?style=D">here</a>.</strong></p>
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		<slash:comments>37</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>NORML&#8217;s Weekly Legislative Round Up</title>
		<link>http://blog.norml.org/2011/01/13/normls-weekly-legislative-round-up-25/</link>
		<comments>http://blog.norml.org/2011/01/13/normls-weekly-legislative-round-up-25/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 13 Jan 2011 22:58:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[ACTIVISM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[legislation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[legislative round up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Montana]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Montana NORML]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Patients & Families United]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Texas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia NORML]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Washington]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.norml.org/?p=5076</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It’s January and once again it&#8217;s time for NORML’s Weekly Legislative Round Up — activists&#8217; one-stop guide to pending marijuana law reform legislation around the country. ** A note to first time readers: NORML can not introduce legislation in your state. Nor can any other non-profit advocacy organization. Only your state representatives, or in some cases an individual constituent (by way of their representative; this is known as introducing legislation ‘by request’) can do so. NORML can — and does — work closely with like-minded politicians and citizens to reform [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img alt="" src="http://norml.org/images/blog/NORML_Remember_Prohibition.jpg" class="alignright" width="225" height="306" />It’s January and once again it&#8217;s time for NORML’s Weekly Legislative Round Up — activists&#8217; one-stop guide to pending marijuana law reform legislation around the country.</p>
<p>** A note to first time readers: NORML can not introduce legislation in your state. Nor can any other non-profit advocacy organization. Only your state representatives, or in some cases an individual constituent (by way of their representative; this is known as introducing legislation ‘by request’) can do so. NORML can — and does — work closely with like-minded politicians and citizens to reform marijuana laws, and lobbies on behalf of these efforts. But ultimately the most effective way — and the only way — to successfully achieve statewide marijuana law reform is for local stakeholders and citizens to become involved in the political process and to make the changes they want to see. </p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Virginia:</strong> <a href="http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?111+sum+HB1443">House Bill 1443</a> eliminates criminal misdemeanor penalties and convictions for minor marijuana possession offenders. You can contact your state officials in support of this measure <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=20808521">here</a>. <a href="http://www.virginianorml.org">Virginia NORML</a> is also co-sponsoring a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=182590661766143">Lobby Day</a> at the State Capitol in support of this effort on <strong>Monday, January 17, 2011</strong>. To learn more about this event or to attend, please write: Sabrina@norml.org. <strong>[UPDATE! HB 1443 is scheduled to be heard by the <a href="http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?111+sub+H08001">House Courts of Justice, Criminal Subcommittee</a> this Monday afternoon. This hearing coincides with Virginia NORML's Lobby Day at the Capitol. Please join with fellow Virginia marijuana law reform activists in Richmond and show your support for this important legislation.]</strong></p>
<p><strong>Washington:</strong> <a href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=5073&#038;year=2011">Senate Bill 5073</a> and <a href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1100&#038;year=2011">House Bill 1100</a> seek to provide state licensing to medical marijuana producers and dispensaries in order to assure that qualified patients “will have access to an adequate, safe, consistent, and secure source of medical quality cannabis.” The proposed laws do not amend patients’ <a href="http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=3391#Washington">existing rights</a> to possess up to 24 ounces of marijuana for medical purposes and cultivate up to 15 cannabis plants. The proposals also expand legal protections for patients and producers of cannabis-based medical products by redefining legal cannabis to include “products that contain cannabis or cannabis extracts &#8230; &#8220;including, but not limited to, edible products, tinctures, and lotions.&#8221; SB 5073 has been assigned to the <a href="http://www.leg.wa.gov/senate/committees/HEA/Pages/default.aspx">Committee on Health &#038; Long-Term Care</a> and as been scheduled for a hearing on <strong>Thursday, January 20th at 1:30pm</strong> in Senate Hearing Room 4 of the Cherberg Building. You can learn more about these proposals at NORML&#8217;s &#8216;Take Action&#8217; page <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=22061501">here</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Montana:</strong> Montana lawmakers are considering dozens of proposals this session to curtail or <a href="http://www.nbcmontana.com/news/26406147/detail.html">repeal</a> the state’s <a href="http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=3391#Montana">six-year-old medical marijuana law</a>. <a href="http://www.montananorml.org/">Montana NORML</a>, our allies <a href="http://mtpfu.org/">Patients &#038; Families United</a>, and various other local groups have formed a coalition to halt these legislative efforts and to protect patients rights. Please visit Patients and Families United on Facebook <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Patients-Families-United/182521988424944?v=wall">here</a> for up-to-date information on pending hearings and votes. You can also e-mail your members of the state House and Senate urging them not to repeal Montana’s medical cannabis law by clicking <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=21950501">here</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Texas:</strong> <a href="http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/82R/billtext/pdf/HB00548I.pdf#navpanes=0">House Bill 548</a> amends Texas law so that the adult possession of up to one ounce of marijuana is reduced from a <a href="http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?wtm_view=&#038;Group_ID=4566">Class B misdemeanor</a> (punishable by 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine) to a <a href="http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/docs/PE/htm/PE.12.htm">Class C misdemeanor</a>, punishable by a fine not exceeding $500 and no criminal record. You can show your support for this measure by visiting <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=22059736">here</a> or by becoming involved with Texas NORML <a href="http://texasnorml.org/">here</a>. You can follow the progress of this measure online <a href="http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=82R&#038;Bill=HB548">here</a> and also on the Facebook page for Texas NORML <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Texas-NORML/184393347359?v=wall">here</a>.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>To be in contact with your state officials regarding these and other pending legislation, please visit NORML&#8217;s Take Action Center <a href="http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/?style=D">here</a>.</strong></p>
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		<title>Congressional Research Service&#8217;s Medical Marijuana Report</title>
		<link>http://blog.norml.org/2010/04/13/congressional-research-services-medical-marijuana-report/</link>
		<comments>http://blog.norml.org/2010/04/13/congressional-research-services-medical-marijuana-report/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:54:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Allen St. Pierre, NORML Executive Director</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[ACTIVISM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LITIGATION]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SCIENCE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Congress]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Congressional Research Service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[legislation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[medical marijuana]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.norml.org/?p=3199</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Congressional Research Service (CRS), part of the Library of Congress, has a mandate to research and publish non-partisan, up-to-date and relevant information for members of Congress and their staff to help them craft legislation. The most recent CRS white paper on medical cannabis in the United States is, in fishing parlance, a &#8216;keeper&#8217;. Released for public consumption on April 2, 2010, it is a well researched, scholarly and important document for reformers to download and keep close at hand as a very well presented primer on the history and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Congressional Research Service (CRS), part of the Library of Congress, has a mandate to research and publish non-partisan, up-to-date and relevant information for members of Congress and their staff to help them craft legislation.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.loc.gov/crsinfo/aboutcrs.html" target="_blank"><img class="alignright" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fa/Congressional_Research_Service.png" alt="" width="282" height="151" /></a></p>
<p>The most recent CRS white paper on medical cannabis in the United States is, in fishing parlance, a &#8216;keeper&#8217;. Released for public consumption on April 2, 2010, it is a well researched, scholarly and important document for reformers to download and keep close at hand as a very well presented primer on the history and current domestic legal status of medical cannabis. Of particular help are the many numerous citations and footnotes for greater reference and depth of understanding.</p>
<p>Very often, and rightly so, taxpayers&#8211;notably cannabis consumers&#8211;are frustrated at how state and federal governments spend tax dollars arresting, prosecuting, incarcerating; interdicting, eradicating and propagandizing in support of cannabis prohibition. But, this most recent CRS report (like many previous reports from them on cannabis and drug policy) is an invaluable report to add to one&#8217;s &#8216;reform library&#8217; that you and I can feel good paying for.</p>
<p>These CRS reports are exclusively researched and published for Congress, and all members and their staff have access to the reports in advance of the general public accessing the documents, so there is little excuse for members of Congress and their staff to be the slightest bit ignorant or misinformed about the current legal status of medical cannabis, the rapid pace of reforms at the state level and the inherent public support medical access to cannabis enjoys.</p>
<p>The CRS report,<em> &#8216;Medical Marijuana: Review and Analysis of Federal and State Policies&#8217; </em>is available for viewing and downloading <a href="http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/sourcefiles/MedicalMarjiuanaStatePolicies040210.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
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		<title>Over 2,500 NORML Supporters Contacted Their Legislators This Week! Did you?</title>
		<link>http://blog.norml.org/2009/03/05/over-2500-norml-supporters-contacted-their-legislators-this-week-did-you/</link>
		<comments>http://blog.norml.org/2009/03/05/over-2500-norml-supporters-contacted-their-legislators-this-week-did-you/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2009 01:40:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[GOVERNMENT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LEGISLATION]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LITIGATION]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Action Alert]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Capwiz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Illinois]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[legislation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Minnesota]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Montana]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Hampshire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Jersey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rhode Island]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.norml.org/?p=338</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Over the past few weeks, an unprecedented number of you have used NORML&#8217;s Capwiz tools to write your legislators in support of pending marijuana law reform in your state. In fact, so far this week more than 2,500 of you have taken the time to e-mail your elected officials! And while this tally is impressive &#8212; and your actions are making a political difference &#8212; think about this: Did you know that each time a legislator hears from a constituent, they count it as representing much more than that one [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignright" style="border: 0pt none; margin: 5px;" title="Hemp" src="http://norml.org/images/blog/hemp_icon.jpg" alt="Hemp" width="225" height="217" /></p>
<p>Over the past few weeks, an unprecedented number of you have used NORML&#8217;s Capwiz <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/">tools</a> to write your legislators in support of pending marijuana law reform in your state.  In fact, so far this week <strong>more than 2,500 of you</strong> have taken the time to e-mail your elected officials! And while this tally is impressive &#8212; and your actions are making a political difference &#8212; think about this:</p>
<p>Did you know that each time a legislator hears from a constituent, they count it as representing much more than that one person&#8217;s opinion? The numbers below illustrate just how much of a difference you can make by sending an e-mail, writing a letter, or placing a call.</p>
<p><strong>one e-mail represents 100 people</strong></p>
<p><strong>one letter represents 500 people</strong></p>
<p><strong>one phone call represents 500 people</strong></p>
<p><strong>one personal visit represents 1000 people</strong></p>
<p>In other words, the 2,500 e-mails (and counting) generated this week represent the public opinion of<strong> 250,000</strong>! And <strong>those 8,500 e-mails generated by NORML supporters in February represent the public opinion of 850,000</strong> Americans!</p>
<p>Is it any wonder that legislators in <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=12758941">Montana</a>, <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=12767456">New Jersey</a>, <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=12671296">Illinois</a>, and <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=12483221">Minnesota</a> have all voted in favor marijuana law reform in just the past few days? Politicians in those states <strong>heard from you</strong> &#8212; and they received the message loud and clear. And they have responded!</p>
<p>With this kind of strong showing of support, how could they not have?</p>
<p>Of course, now is hardly the time to rest on our collective laurels. In fact, now is the time to <strong>step up</strong> our efforts and make our voices heard at an even higher decibel!</p>
<p>If you haven&#8217;t <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/">written your state elected officials</a>, now is the time to visit <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/">NORML&#8217;s Action Alert page</a> and do so. If you have already written your state senator and representative, why not pick up the phone today and give them a personal phone call?  Or even better, if legislation is currently pending before a Committee in your state, take time out to call the Chairperson of that Committee and urge him or her to support sensible marijuana law reform. Need contact information? You can find it all <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/">here</a>.</p>
<p>In the coming days, legislators in <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=12671316">Rhode Island</a>, <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=12522241">New Hampshire</a>, and <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=12671561">Montana</a> will hold hearings and/or votes on significant marijuana reform measures. On <strong><a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=12671561">Tuesday</a>, March 10</strong>, members of the Montana House Judiciary Committee will hear testimony in favor of <a href="http://data.opi.mt.gov/bills/2009/billhtml/HB0541.htm">House Bill 541</a>, which seeks to reduce marijuana possession penalties to a <strong>$100 fine</strong>! Want to see this proposal become law? Then consider <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=12671561">sending and e-mail</a> or getting on the phone.</p>
<p>In the fifteen years I&#8217;ve been with NORML, <strong>I&#8217;ve never witnessed legislators more responsive to enacting common sense pot law reform than right now</strong>. But that doesn&#8217;t mean that they don&#8217;t need to hear from you.</p>
<p>So keep up the pressure and act now! Changes are on the horizon, and your efforts are helping to make them a reality.</p>
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		<title>NORML&#8217;s Weekly Legislative Round Up</title>
		<link>http://blog.norml.org/2009/02/13/normls-weekly-legislative-round-up-15/</link>
		<comments>http://blog.norml.org/2009/02/13/normls-weekly-legislative-round-up-15/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:36:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[ACTIVISM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LEGISLATION]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LITIGATION]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[decriminalize]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DUID]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hawaii]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kentucky]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[legislation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[medical marijuana]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Montana]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Hampshire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Jersey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vermont]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Washington]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.norml.org/2009/02/13/normls-weekly-legislative-round-up-15/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Marijuana law reform bills are now pending in nearly two dozen states. Here is this week’s summary of pending state legislative activity and tips on how you can become involved in changing the marijuana laws in your area. Montana: Lawmakers introduced a measure this week to make minor marijuana offenses a civil violation. House Bill 541 would amend state law so that the possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana is reduced from a criminal misdemeanor (punishable by up to six -months in jail) to a $50 fine. The [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://norml.org/images/blog/NORML_freetheprisoners.jpg" align="right" height="287" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="225" />Marijuana law reform bills are now pending in <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/">nearly two dozen states</a>. Here is this week’s summary of pending state legislative activity and tips on how you can become involved in changing the marijuana laws in your area.</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Montana:</strong> Lawmakers introduced a measure this week to make minor marijuana offenses a civil violation. <a href="http://data.opi.mt.gov/bills/2009/billhtml/HB0541.htm">House Bill 541</a> would amend state law so that the possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana is reduced from a criminal misdemeanor (punishable by up to six -months in jail) <strong>to a $50 fine</strong>. The proposal is now before the <a href="http://laws.leg.mt.gov/laws09/LAW0240W$CMTE.ActionQuery?P_COM_NM=(H)+Judiciary&amp;Z_ACTION=Find#dci_top">House Judiciary</a>, which is expected to hear testimony in favor of the bill in March. You can show your support for HB 541 by going <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=12671561">here</a>. Similar pot decriminalization proposals are pending in <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=12580716">Vermont</a>, <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=12522896">Washington</a>, and <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=12580736">Hawaii</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Update!!! Update!!! Update!!!  In related Montana news, the Senate is now anticipated to vote on <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=12568471">SB 326</a>, and act to expand the state&#8217;s medical marijuana program, by the end of this week.  For more information, please contact Montana Patients and Families United <a href="http://mtmjpatients.org/">here</a>.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Kentucky:</strong> Kentucky legislators are trying to <a href="http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6492">misuse the state&#8217;s traffic safety laws</a> to target adults who use marijuana responsibly in the privacy of their own home. <strong>It&#8217;s up to us to stop them</strong>. This week, Senators approved <a href="http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/09RS/SB5.htm">SB 5</a>, which seeks to criminalize anyone who operates a motor vehicle with any detectable level of marijuana in their blood. Under the strict interpretation of this standard, responsible marijuana consumers who last used cannabis days earlier could still be potentially arrested and prosecuted for &#8216;drugged driving&#8217; &#8212; <strong>even if they are completely sober</strong>. NORML recently <a href="http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7802">testified</a> against a similar proposal in <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=12570396">New Hampshire</a>, which legislators rightfully dismissed as improper and illogical. Please help us derail SB 5 in Kentucky by <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=12671761">contacting</a> the members <a href="http://www.lrc.ky.gov/committee/standing/Jud(H)/home.htm">House Judiciary Committee</a> and urging them to <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=12671761">vote &#8216;no&#8217; on 5</a>.</p>
<p><strong>New Jersey:</strong> The Senate is expected <strong>to vote on Monday, February 23</strong>, on <a href="http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2008/Bills/S0500/119_S1.HTM">Senate Bill 119</a>, the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act. If passed, this measure would make New Jersey the fourteenth state to allow for the physician-supervised use of medicinal cannabis. Governor Jon Corzine <a href="http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/184/story/348312.html">backs the measure</a>, as do many of the state’s largest <a href="http://www.mapinc.org/norml/v08/n1146/a08.html?1181">newspapers</a>. Residents in New Jersey are strongly encouraged to <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=12326996">write or call</a> their senators now and urge them to <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=12326996">vote &#8216;yes&#8217; on SB 119</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Washington:</strong> Members of the <a href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rosters/CommitteeMembersByCommittee.aspx?Chamber=S">Senate Judiciary Committee</a> heard testimony this week in favor of Senate Bill 565 &#8212; an act to reclassify the possession of forty grams or less of marijuana from a misdemeanor <strong>to a class 2 civil infraction</strong>. You can read about the hearing <a href="http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/399550_pot11.html">here</a>, and urge the Committee to back the measure by going <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=12522896">here</a>.</p></blockquote>
<p>To learn about additional pending legislation in <strong>Alabama</strong>, <strong>Connecticut</strong>, <strong>Illinois</strong>, <strong>Minnesota</strong>, <strong>Missouri</strong>, <strong>Oregon</strong>, <strong>Rhode Island</strong>, <strong>Tennessee</strong>, <strong>Texas</strong>, and <strong>Virginia</strong>, please visit NORML’s Legislative Action Alerts page <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/">here</a>.</p>
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		<title>NORML&#8217;s Weekly Legislative Round Up</title>
		<link>http://blog.norml.org/2008/05/02/normls-weekly-legislative-round-up-7/</link>
		<comments>http://blog.norml.org/2008/05/02/normls-weekly-legislative-round-up-7/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 02 May 2008 20:36:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[LEGISLATION]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SCIENCE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[decriminalization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hawaii]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Illinois]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[legislation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Medical]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Minnesota]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Hampshire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[reform]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vermont]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.norml.org/2008/05/02/normls-weekly-legislative-round-up-7/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Below is this week’s summary of pending state legislation and tips to help you become involved in changing the laws in your state. Illinois: Senate Bill 2865, which seeks to allow for the therapeutic use of cannabis for qualified patients, awaits action by the full Senate. This bill was recently amended to address concerns voiced by some of the Illinois law enforcement community. Illinois NORML supporters are urged to contact their state senator in support of SB 2865 through NORML&#8217;s online advocacy system. Minnesota: Medical cannabis legislation is anticipated to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Below is this week’s summary of pending state legislation and tips to help you become involved in changing the laws in your state.</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Illinois</strong>: <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=11331121&amp;type=ST">Senate Bill 2865</a>, which seeks to allow for the therapeutic use of cannabis for qualified patients, awaits action by the full Senate.  This bill was recently <a href="http://stopthedrugwar.org/in_the_trenches/2008/apr/30/press_release_medical_" target="_blank">amended</a> to address concerns voiced by some of the Illinois law enforcement community.  <a href="http://www.illinoisnorml.org" target="_blank">Illinois NORML</a> supporters are urged to contact their state senator in support of SB 2865 through <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=11331121&amp;type=ST" target="_blank">NORML&#8217;s online advocacy system</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Minnesota:</strong> Medical cannabis legislation is anticipated to go before the full House for a floor vote imminently, and if approved there, to the Governor’s desk. This legislation would ensure that medical marijuana patients in Minnesota would no longer have to fear arrest or prosecution from state law enforcement. However, Governor Pawlenty has indicated that he intends to veto this bill if it gets to his desk. You can view an ad urging Governor Pawlenty to rethink his position <a href="http://www.minnesotacares.org/Ads_video.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Minnesotans are strongly encouraged to urge their Representatives and the Governor to support these bills via <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=11219636&amp;type=TA" target="_blank">NORML’s online advocacy system</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Hawaii:</strong>  <a href="http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2008/bills/HB2675_HD2_.htm" target="_blank">House Bill 2675</a>, which would establish a legislative medical marijuana task force in Hawaii, is now <a href="http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/docs/getstatus2.asp?billno=HB2675" target="_blank">before the governor</a>. If signed into law, this task force would examine issues regarding adequate supplies of medical marijuana for qualified patients, distinguishing between mature and immature plants under current law, the feasibility of constructing secure growing facilities for medical marijuana patients to use to produce their medicine, and study inter-island travel issues related to medical marijuana. Hawaiian supporters can email their state senators <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=11112766&amp;type=ST" target="_blank">via NORML’s online advocacy system</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Vermont:</strong> The Vermont Senate is expected to vote on <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=11330386&amp;type=ST" target="_blank">House Bill 267</a>,  which would d<span class="xc_maintext"><span class="xc_maintext">efine industrial hemp as an &#8220;agricultural product&#8221; and establish regulations for its production by state-licensed farmers.  </span></span><span class="xc_maintext"><span class="xc_maintext">If approved, Vermont will join <a href="http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=3395" target="_blank">more than a dozen states</a> that have enacted laws or resolutions endorsing the study and/or production of industrial hemp.  Vermont NORML supporters are strongly encouraged to send their state senator a prewritten letter urging passage of HB 267 via <a href="http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=11330386&amp;type=ST" target="_blank">NORML&#8217;s online advocacy system</a>.</span></span></p>
<p><strong>New Hampshire:</strong> NORML is disheartened to announce that the New Hampshire Senate has defeated House Bill 1623, which would have decriminalized minor marijuana possession, in a voice vote this week.  The Senate vote, which was not unexpected, followed weeks of veto threats from <a href="http://www.nh.gov/governor/contactus.htm" target="_blank">Governor John Lynch</a>. The measure had previously passed the House by a vote of 193 to 141. NORML would like to take this time to thank NORML supporters who contacted their House Representatives in support of HB 1623.  Your efforts made a huge difference in persuading the House to pass this vital piece of legislation. To remain involved in cannabis law reform efforts in New Hampshire, please visit: <a href="http://nhcommonsense.org/" target="_blank">http://nhcommonsense.org</a>.</p></blockquote>
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