Marijuana industry embraces ex-cons hit by drug war

A marijuana conviction used to mean a ban from the legal-weed business. Now ex-cons are getting preferential treatment. Newly legal states Massachusetts and Illinois are offering low-interest loans, reduced fees and licensing priority to cannabis firms whose owners have marijuana-related criminal records. New York is considering similar perks in hopes they’ll help reignite a legalization effort that failed last year. As legalization spreads, those hit hardest by a century of prohibition argue they’re not benefiting…

"Marijuana industry embraces ex-cons hit by drug war"





Judge rejects restraining order in medical marijuana lawsuit

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A judge on Thursday denied a request for a temporary restraining order against the state that was sought by a southwestern Missouri family who was denied a license to grow medical marijuana. Paul Callicoat and his family sued the the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services after their application for a license was among hundreds that the agency denied. They planned to convert their 70-acre property in Sarcoxie into…

"Judge rejects restraining order in medical marijuana lawsuit"





Illinois sees first legal sales of recreational marijuana

CHICAGO (AP) — The sale of marijuana for recreational purposes became legal Wednesday in Illinois to the delight of pot fans — many who began lining up hours early at dispensaries. About 500 people were outside Dispensary 33 in Chicago. Renzo Mejia made the first legal purchase in the shop shortly after 6 a.m., the earliest that Illinois’ new law allowed such sales. “To be able to have (recreational marijuana) here is just mind-boggling,” Mejia…

"Illinois sees first legal sales of recreational marijuana"





New football league will allow players to use cannabis

Players taking part in the newest professional football league will be able to make use of medical marijuana to treat their aches and pains. According to several reports, the XFL, a new professional football league, will not include cannabis in its drug testing protocols. Ganjapreneur.com reports that in May, XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck told Sports Illustrated that the league would “prefer not to test for marijuana” but would test for performance-enhancing drugs. The lack of…

"New football league will allow players to use cannabis"





Pa. medical marijuana sales surpass $500M mark

HARRISBURG (AP) — Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program has passed a half-billion dollars in sales since it began dispensing the drug nearly two years ago. John Collins, director of the state’s Office of Medical Marijuana, said at an advisory board meeting Wednesday that about 147,000 people are currently certified to purchase medical marijuana at one of the 72 dispensaries now in operation. He says there are currently about 65,000 patient visits to dispensaries per week. Their…

"Pa. medical marijuana sales surpass $500M mark"





State Supreme Court to decide if probationers can use medical marijuana

HARRISBURG (AP) – The Pennsylvania Supreme Court will decide whether people on probation and other forms of supervision can use cannabis if they are registered in Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program. The justices said last month the legal challenge to the Lebanon County court system’s prohibition involves matters of public importance, meriting the court’s involvement. The justices are putting the Lebanon County policy on hold for now. Lawyers for the state court system who represent the…

"State Supreme Court to decide if probationers can use medical marijuana"





Researchers create breathalyzer that detects marijuana

PITTSBURGH – Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh believe they have developed a breathalyzer that can detect if a driver has been using marijuana. According to a report by WPXI.com, the researchers from Pitt’s chemistry and engineering departments have created the small device with a 3D printer. It has been tested successfully on one person, according to the story, and now must be tested on a machine blowing THC, the active infredient in marijuana. Even…

"Researchers create breathalyzer that detects marijuana"





Court to decide if probationers can use medical marijuana

HARRISBURG (AP) — The Pennsylvania Supreme Court will decide whether people on probation and other forms of supervision can use cannabis if they are registered in Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program. The justices said last week the legal challenge to the Lebanon County court system’s prohibition involves matters of public importance, meriting the court’s involvement. The order says other county courts have also adopted or are considering similar rules. The justices are putting the Lebanon County…

"Court to decide if probationers can use medical marijuana"





Nevada judge freezes licensing process for new pot shops

LAS VEGAS — A judge on Friday froze the permit process for some new Nevada retail cannabis stores, issuing a ruling that sided with companies that lost bids to open recreational pot shops. Clark County District Court Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez issued an injunction halting several dozen new licenses where questions were raised about the owners’ compliance with the licensing requirements. Losing bidders argued the process was so riddled with mistakes and bias that Gonzalez should…

"Nevada judge freezes licensing process for new pot shops"





DOJ moves to add more marijuana growers for research

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department said Monday it would move forward to expand the number of marijuana growers for federally authorized cannabis research. The long-awaited move comes after researchers filed court papers asking a judge to compel the Drug Enforcement Administration to process the applications to grow research pot. The DEA began accepting applications to grow marijuana for federally approved research about three years ago, but the agency hasn’t acted on the applications. Both Republican…

"DOJ moves to add more marijuana growers for research"