Maryland voters approve recreational marijuana legalization
November 9, 2022 GMTANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland voters approved legalizing recreational marijuana in a constitutional amendment Tuesday.
Lawmakers already approved legislation this year to take steps to changing the law regarding cannabis, but the General Assembly left matters of licensing and taxes for lawmakers to decide next year.
Republican Sen. Young wins 2nd term in holding Indiana seat
November 9, 2022 GMTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Republican U.S. Sen. Todd Young won his Indiana seat for a second term on Tuesday after employing a front-runner strategy throughout his campaign of largely ignoring Democratic challenger Thomas McDermott.
North Dakota sees advertising, campaign blitz before vote
November 7, 2022 GMTBISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — After months of crisscrossing the state stumping everywhere from tiny town cafes to big city venues, North Dakota’s U.S.
Indiana US Senate candidates split on abortion, spending
October 17, 2022 GMTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Democrat Thomas McDermott tried to spark his underdog challenge to Indiana Republican U.S. Sen. Todd Young on Sunday by attacking his positions on issues spanning abortion, federal spending and marijuana legalization.
Group forms to try to block marijuana legalization in ND
October 6, 2022 GMTAn addiction counselor who helped defeat a marijuana legalization proposal in North Dakota four years ago has launched a fresh opposition group seeking to do it again this November.
Lawsuit filed to knock recreational pot off Missouri ballot
August 22, 2022 GMTJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — An anti-drug group on Monday announced support for a lawsuit to take a recreational marijuana legalization proposal off Missouri’s November ballot.
Jefferson City resident Joy Sweeney filed the lawsuit Friday with support from the national anti-drug group Protect Our Kids.
Attempt to override veto of marijuana legalization fails
June 7, 2022 GMTDOVER, Del. (AP) — A bid to override Democratic Gov. John Carney’s veto of a bill legalizing possession of up to one ounce of marijuana by adults for recreational use failed Tuesday in the state House, likely ending efforts this year to establish a state-run marijuana industry in Delaware.
Recreational pot validated for ballot in South Dakota
May 25, 2022 GMTSIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota voters are set to vote again on whether they want recreational marijuana legalized for adults after the secretary of state on Wednesday validated the initiated measure for the November ballot.
Delaware Gov. John Carney vetoes marijuana legalization bill
May 24, 2022 GMTDOVER, Del. (AP) — Delaware Gov. John Carney on Tuesday vetoed a bill to legalize possession of up to one ounce of marijuana by adults for recreational use, drawing the wrath of fellow Democrats who have fought for years to make weed legal.
Marijuana legalization bill clears Delaware House
May 5, 2022 GMTDOVER, Del. (AP) — The Delaware House voted Thursday to approve a bill legalizing possession of up to one ounce of marijuana by adults for recreational use.
The legislation cleared the Democrat-led House on 26-14 vote and now goes to the Senate, which is also controlled by Democrats.
Ohio legal pot backers sue over disputed petition deadline
May 2, 2022 GMTCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Supporters of recreational marijuana legalization in Ohio have sued state legislative leaders in an anticipated dispute over whether a legalization referendum can appear on this November's ballot.
New Hampshire Senate rejects 2 marijuana legalization bills
April 28, 2022 GMTCONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The New Hampshire Senate on Thursday rejected two marijuana legalization bills, one that would’ve created a state-run monopoly for retail sales and another more modest plan to allow small-scale personal use and home cultivation of the drug.
Democrats start ‘Free Weed’ site for marijuana legalization
April 23, 2022 GMTMONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — The Alabama Democratic Party has launched a “Free Weed” website to support its effort to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in the state.
The site, www.FreeWeedAL.com, argues that prosecutions for small amounts of cannabis are a waste of criminal justice resources and have disproportionately affected communities of color.
North Dakota OKs marijuana legalization petition format
April 22, 2022 GMTBISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota Secretary of State Al Jaeger has approved the formatting of a petition for a proposed ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana in the state.
The sponsoring committee behind the petition must obtain 15,582 valid signatures by July 11 for the measure to be placed on November’s ballot.
Oklahoma marijuana legalization questions heading to ballot
April 20, 2022 GMTOKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Plans to fully legalize marijuana can proceed to the signature-gathering stage, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled, paving the way for two more cannabis plans seeking voter approval.
Wisconsin marijuana legalization proponents make case
April 20, 2022 GMTMADISON, Wis. (AP) — Proponents of legalizing medical marijuana in Wisconsin made their case Wednesday at a public hearing on a Republican bill that's getting its first airing under the GOP-controlled Legislature, the latest sign of movement toward loosening the state's pot laws.
Marijuana legalization group aims for November election
April 11, 2022 GMTBISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A group that wants to legalize recreational marijuana in North Dakota submitted paperwork Monday to the secretary of state to begin the approval process.
If approved by the secretary of state, the group would need to gather 15,582 signatures by July 11 to get the measure on the ballot for the general election in November.
Delaware marijuana legalization bill defeated in House vote
March 11, 2022 GMTDOVER, Del. (AP) — A bill to legalize recreational marijuana use by adults in Delaware and establish a state-run pot industry was defeated in the state House on Thursday.
Members of the Democrat-led chamber voted 23-14 in favor the legislation, but it required a three-fifths majority of 25 votes because it would impose a new tax.
South Dakota House committee rejects recreational pot bill
February 28, 2022 GMTPIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota House Republicans on Monday dismissed a proposal to legalize recreational pot for adults, in a major blow to a bill that aimed to honor the will of voters.
South Dakota pot legalization bill cleared for Senate vote
February 17, 2022 GMTPIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A bipartisan proposal to legalize recreational marijuana in South Dakota survived its first test in the Legislature on Thursday as a Senate committee recommended the proposal for a vote in the full chamber next week.
Marijuana legalization bill clears House panel in Delaware
January 26, 2022 GMTDOVER, Del. (AP) — A Democrat-led House committee voted mostly along party lines Wednesday to release a bill legalizing recreational marijuana use by adults in Delaware.
A lone Republican joined Democrats on the Health and Human Development committee in voting to release the bill, which will now likely head to an appropriations committee for consideration.
Minnesota groups unite to oppose marijuana legalization
January 24, 2022 GMTMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Several businesses, trade groups and social organizations announced the formation of a coalition on Monday opposing legalization of recreational marijuana in Minnesota as the measure's supporters signal another push for the issue ahead of the start of the legislative session next week.
Murphy sworn in for 2nd term as New Jersey governor
January 18, 2022 GMTTRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy was inaugurated for a second term Tuesday, taking the oath of office under strict COVID-19 testing, vaccination and masking requirements, and declaring that New Jersey's progressive policies could work nationwide.
Ohio marijuana legalization campaign adds more signatures
January 14, 2022 GMTCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A group seeking to legalize marijuana possession and cultivation in Ohio submitted nearly 30,000 additional signatures to state officials in an effort to put the issue in front of lawmakers this year.
Sweeney era atop NJ Senate ends with gov campaign on horizon
January 10, 2022 GMTTRENTON, N.J. (AP) — For the first time in over a decade, New Jersey's state Senate is beginning a new session this week without Senate President Steve Sweeney, the ironworker and union executive who's shepherded major laws through the Legislature including a phased in $15 an hour minimum wage and recreational marijuana legalization.
New Hampshire House again passes marijuana legalization bill
January 6, 2022 GMTCONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The New Hampshire House has again voted to legalize the personal use and cultivation of small amounts of marijuana.
The bill sent to the Senate on Thursday would allow adults to possess up to ¾ of an ounce of marijuana and to grow up to six plants.
South Dakota Supreme Court rules against pot legalization
November 24, 2021 GMTSIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld a lower court's ruling that nullified a voter-passed amendment to the state constitution that would have legalized recreational marijuana use.
Renewed Indiana pot legalization push faces GOP opposition
November 19, 2021 GMTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A renewed push for Indiana to join more than two-thirds of states with some form of legalized marijuana use appears to face the same roadblock from Statehouse Republicans who have opposed such a step for many years.
Power line campaign is most expensive in Maine history
October 30, 2021 GMTPORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Mainers have weighed in on a number of high-profile ballot questions — casinos, universal health care, marijuana legalization, assisted suicide, abortion and same-sex marriage, to name a few.
Ohio GOP lawmaker to introduce marijuana legalization bill
October 12, 2021 GMTCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Recreational marijuana would be legalized in Ohio for adults 21 and older under Republican legislation coming in the Ohio House that would levy a 10% sales tax on the product, a lawmaker announced Tuesday.
State cannabis lobbying group forms even as drug’s illegal
September 19, 2021 GMTLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska remains one of only two states that haven't legalized cannabis use in some form, but the industry has already launched a lobbying group in the state to help influence the rules that will regulate the industry.
Watertown says no to marijuana sales despite NY legalization
July 20, 2021 GMTWATERTOWN, N.Y. (AP) — Lawmakers in Watertown voted to keep retail marijuana shops from opening in the northern New York city.
The city council opted Watertown out of New York's new marijuana legalization law after a marathon public hearing Monday night, according to WWNY-TV.
Senate leader lends clout to marijuana legalization push
July 15, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate's top Democrat is backing a bill that would strike down a longstanding federal prohibition on marijuana, embracing a proposal that has slim chance of becoming law yet demonstrates growing public support for decriminalizing the drug.
Marijuana, policing, other laws take effect July 1
June 29, 2021 GMTRICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Most of the new laws passed earlier this year by the Democrat-controlled Virginia General Assembly will take effect Thursday, including measures that legalize the recreational use of marijuana, largely ban police use of facial recognition technology and forgive certain unemployment overpayments.
Mexico high court mandates permits for personal pot use
June 28, 2021 GMTMEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico’s Supreme Court ordered the government Monday to issue permits for the personal use of marijuana and for the growing of limited amounts of pot plants, after the country’s Congress took too long to approve a limited legalization law.
Virginia marijuana legalization timetable has many confused
June 18, 2021 GMTRICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia's road to legalizing simple possession of marijuana has had some twists and turns, so it's not surprising that advocacy groups have been flooded with calls from people trying to understand exactly what will be allowed under state law as of July 1.
House passes marijuana legalization bill, sends it to Senate
June 17, 2021 GMTHARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Proponents of legalizing the adult use of marijuana in Connecticut dodged a threatened veto on Wednesday, advancing a revamped bill that Gov. Ned Lamont supports by a narrow vote in the House of Representatives.
New Mexico proposes new rules for recreational pot growers
May 25, 2021 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico on Tuesday took its first major regulatory steps toward legal production of recreational marijuana, publishing lengthy proposed ground rules for cannabis businesses that outline future licensing fees, quality controls, audit requirements and criminal background checks for producers.
Mississippi marijuana proposal hits snag over public notice
May 7, 2021 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Signature gathering will be delayed for a broad-based marijuana legalization proposal in Mississippi because of an error in notifying the public about the ballot initiative, the secretary of state's office said Friday...
Montana marijuana legalization bill passes in Senate
April 24, 2021 GMTHELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Montana Senate on Friday passed a bill to implement a recreational marijuana program in the state, which would reserve tax revenue from sales for addiction treatment and statewide conservation efforts...
Should states set pot policy by its potency? Some say yes
April 20, 2021 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — As marijuana legalization spreads across U.S. states, so does a debate over whether to set pot policy by potency...
Supreme Court to hear recreational marijuana case this month
April 8, 2021 GMTPIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Supreme Court is expected to decide the fate of a voter-approved constitutional amendment legalizing recreational marijuana this spring...
Virginia House speaker calls for July marijuana legalization
March 26, 2021 GMTRICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia's House speaker on Friday said she supports moving up the date for legalizing adult recreational use of marijuana in Virginia to this summer, a key change pushed by advocates who have sharply criticized legislation approved by lawmakers last month that would delay legalization until 2024...
Governor calls special legislative session in New Mexico
March 26, 2021 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is calling legislators back to the Capitol to consider proposals to legalize recreational marijuana...
Delaware marijuana legalization bill clears House committee
March 24, 2021 GMTDOVER, Del. (AP) — A bill legalizing recreational marijuana use by adults in Delaware cleared its first legislative hurdle Wednesday as a Democratic-led committee voted along party lines, with one lone GOP vote, to send the measure to the House floor...
NY lawmaker says deal ‘imminently close’ on pot legalization
March 24, 2021 GMTALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York lawmakers are finalizing an agreement to legalize recreational marijuana sales to adults over the age of 21, a state legislative leader said Wednesday...
Booker aide tapped for cannabis panel after NAACP pressure
March 24, 2021 GMTTRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on Wednesday named a staffer for U.S. Sen. Cory Booker and member of the Rev...
Mexican lawmakers advance bill to legalize recreational pot
March 11, 2021 GMTMEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico’s lower chamber approved a marijuana legalization bill Wednesday, setting the country on the path to becoming one of the world’s largest legal marijuana markets...
Unsalaried New Mexico lawmakers may ask voters for paycheck
March 11, 2021 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Voters would decide whether to provide salaries to New Mexico lawmakers who are paid only for expenses and travel under a proposed constitutional amendment...
New Mexico seeks pot legalization amid discord on oversight
February 27, 2021 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Several proposals to legalize marijuana are competing for support in the New Mexico state Senate with three weeks left to send a bill to the governor, amid widespread support among lawmakers for creating a taxed and regulated market for recreational sales...
Lamont making big push for marijuana legalization this year
February 24, 2021 GMTConnecticut Gov. Ned Lamont is making a major push to legalize the adult use of recreational marijuana after COVID-19 upended the 2020 legislative session, arguing now is the time to finally enact a regulated system that generates new state and local revenue while addressing racial equity issues...
Marijuana legalization proposed in Maryland Legislature
February 23, 2021 GMTA bill essentially legalizing recreational use of cannabis in Maryland would be an important step toward addressing social equity and racial injustices, advocates said...
Bill that could loosen cannabis logjam advances in NJ
February 20, 2021 GMTTRENTON, N.J. (AP) — A bill in the New Jersey Legislature aimed at breaking up a logjam delaying marijuana legalization legislation got approval in a state Senate committee on Friday, setting up additional votes on Monday...
Noem threatens veto for lawmakers’ pot legalization push
February 11, 2021 GMTPIERRE (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem said Thursday she would likely veto any bills that allow recreational marijuana use this year, despite some GOP lawmakers weighing whether to move forward with legalization...
South Dakota GOP lawmakers continue recreational pot push
February 9, 2021 GMTPIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Two South Dakota Republican lawmakers focused on regulating recreational marijuana said Tuesday they will continue to push the Legislature to address the matter, even after a circuit court struck down a voter-passed measure to legalize it...
Virginia lawmakers pass marijuana legalization bills
February 6, 2021 GMTRICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation Friday that would legalize marijuana for adult recreational use, with retail sales starting several years down the road...
Northam calls special session to extend legislature’s work
February 5, 2021 GMTRICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced a move Thursday to effectively extend this year's legislative session to its customary 46-day length after Republican lawmakers sought to cut it short...
South Dakota judge hears arguments on marijuana amendment
January 28, 2021 GMTPIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A South Dakota judge in Pierre heard nearly three hours of arguments from attorneys on Wednesday in a lawsuit that will ultimately decide the fate of an amendment to the state constitution legalizing recreational marijuana, medical marijuana and hemp...