Oakland Approves Nation’s First Cannabis Business Tax

July 22 – Last night’s landslide victory for Oakland’s cannabis business tax, Measure F, by 79.9% mirrors the historic 79.6% victory of San Francisco’s path-breaking medical marijuana initiative, Prop. P, in 1991. Like Prop. P, Measure F seems destined to serve as a model for cannabis reform elsewhere in the state and country. Measure F …

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LA City Council Introduces Two Reform Proposals and Approves Two More (UPDATED)

July 23 – Prop 215 advocates should take a close look at the LA City Council’s resolution calling for clarification of state medical marijuana laws. The resolution outlines several measures that the council would like to see implemented, among them state licensing and standards for dispensaries, a requirement that they organize as “mutual benefit corporations,” …

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Marijuana Legalization Bill Would Net California $1.38 Billion in Revenues

Board of Equalization, Cal NORML Agree On Benefits of Ammiano Bill AB 390 July 15 – Assemblyman Tom Ammiano’s marijuana legalization bill would net California $1.38 billion in tax revenues per year, according to a newly released analysis by the State Board of Equalization. The BOE’s estimate parallels a similar analysis by California NORML, which …

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New CBS Poll Shows Increasing Support for Legalization Nationally

July 15 – A new nationwide CBS News poll reports 41% support for marijuana legalization. This is a 10% jump since the last CBS poll just four months ago! The West shows highest support: 46% for, 48% against (support would likely be higher within California). The under 35 age group is supportive; a majority of …

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The California Marijuana Report

The California Marijuana Report with former Westwood One news reporter, KGO radio producer, screen actor and Libertarian activist Eric Brenner. The CMR is a new weekly segment on the NORML DAILY AUDIO STASH. This podcast will focus on California marijuana news and music. We go beyond the headlines and interview elected officials and marijuana law …

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VA Allows Medical Marijuana for Pain

UPDATE December 8, 2017 – The VA has issued VHA Policy Directive 2017-1315 stating, “Veterans must not be denied VHA services solely because they are participating in State-approved marijuana programs.” The directive, signed by Executive in Charge Carolyn M. Clancy, M.D., replaces VHA Directive 2011-004 which had the same language. The new directive is scheduled …

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CAMP Season Begins

Jun 22 – The CAMP (Campaign Against Marijuana Planting) marijuana eradication helicopter program is starting operation today, according to reporter Glenda Anderson of the Sonoma Press-Democrat. This is two weeks earlier than the traditional start of CAMP. Authorities say that more gardens are being planted early, perhaps due to the introduction of new varieties. – …

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Rep. Frank Re-Introduces Bill to Recognize State Medical Marijuana Laws – HR 2835

Cal NORML thanks Rep. Barney Frank for re-introducing his bill to let states legally regulate medical marijuana. The bill, HR 2835, known as the Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act, would exempt California and other states with medical marijuana laws from federal laws prohibiting the prescription, recommendation, possession, production, or distribution of medical marijuana. It would …

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LA Continues Reviewing Hardship Exemptions

29 Medical Marijuana Hardship Hearings Set for Monday, June 29th The Los Angeles Planning and Land Use Management (PLUM) Committee will be holding a special meeting next Monday June 29, 2009 to hear 29 medical marijuana hardship exemption applications. Read more. When: Monday June 29, 2009 Time: 8:30 AM Location: Los Angeles City Hall 200 …

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State, Federal Efforts to Clarify Medical Marijuana Policy

On June 8, State Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) introduced a SJR 14, which calls for a comprehensive federal policy to ensure safe and legal access to medical marijuana for patients who benefit from its therapeutic use. “When passed, this resolution will clearly state the Legislature’s opposition to federal interference with California’s medical marijuana law …

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