California: The California Senate this week approved SJR 20, which seeks to halt federal law enforcement from prosecuting state-sanctioned medical cannabis patients and dispensaries. The measure passed by a vote of 24 to 15, and now goes to the state Assembly — where a similar proposal, AB 2743, was recently withdrawn from consideration.

Michigan: A statewide ballot measure seeking to legalize the possession and use of medical cannabis has been authorized to appear on the November ballot. According to a spring 2008 poll, two-thirds of Michigan voters back the measure. If passed, Michigan would become the thirteenth state since 1996 to enact legislation protecting medical cannabis patients from arrest and state criminal prosecution, and the ninth to do so via ballot initiative. For more information on the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act, please visit here.

Massachusetts: Election officials on Wednesday certified for the November ballot a statewide initiative seeking to decriminalize the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana. Since 2002, more than 480,000 voters in 127 Massachusetts communities have endorsed non-binding resolutions to liberalize local pot policies. More information on the initiative is available from the Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy.

Rhode Island: Governor Don Carcieri — a longtime opponent of medical marijuana — vetoed legislation this week that sought to establish a legislative commission to study ways to better provide medical cannabis to state-qualified patients. Since the measure received strong support from both the House and Senate, it is possible that legislators may elect to override the Governor’s veto. For more information, please visit the Rhode Island Patient Advocacy Coalition here.

California: A statewide sentencing reform measure, the Nonviolent Offender Rehabilitation Act (NORA), has qualified to appear on the November 2008 ballot. If enacted, the proposal would amend the penalty for marijuana possession from a misdemeanor to an infraction – similar to a traffic ticket. According to the Drug Policy Alliance, which is backing the measure, “This single change will protect some 40,000 people a year convicted of simple marijuana possession from the serious and life-long collateral consequences of a criminal record.” You can learn more about NORA by clicking here.

California: Via: California NORML — Senate Resolution SJR 20, which seeks to halt federal law enforcement from prosecuting state-sanctioned medical cannabis patients and dispensaries, is expected to be voted on by the full Senate imminently. Californians may contact their state Senator via NORML’s online advocacy system here.

New York: The state Assembly passed legislation this week, A 4867B, which seeks to allow qualified patients to grow and possess medical cannabis under a doctor’s supervision. The proposal is now before the Senate Rules Committee which, unfortunately, has only hours to act on the bill before the legislature adjourns for the year. For further information on how you can become involved in this effort, please click here.

Florida: Governor Charlie Crist signed legislation into law this week enhancing criminal penalties for marijuana cultivation. As enacted, House Bill 173 (The Marijuana Grow House Eradication Act), allows judges to sentence those who cultivate more than 25 plants in their home to up to 15 years in jail (or up to 30 years in jail if a child is present.) NORML podcaster Russ Belville examines the obvious futility and unintended consequences of this new law here.