Regulation changes proposed in Congress ... Small growers in Mendo feeling squeezed ... Big pot bust on I-580 ... How to enjoy 4/20 event ... and more.
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LEGISLATION
Congress sees new regulation act // SF Weekly
“The bill, which would remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act, was reintroduced by Colorado Representative Jared Polis on March 30. Polis, who had introduced similar legislation to Congress in 2015, believes that the American people have made their stance on cannabis known, and that it’s time for the Feds to treat the plant and its byproducts as alcohol’s legal equivalents.”
Congress also sees “Protecting Kids” act // Alternet.org
SB 739 would “amend the Controlled Substances Act to provide enhanced penalties for marketing candy-flavored controlled substances to minors.” California Senator Dianne Feinstein is a co-sponsor.
Mendo regulations crushing small growers // The Cannifornian
“’I might as well get a regular job,’ said William, who has a small plot in Laytonville, after hearing speakers describe the many steps people like him would have to take to keep his farm. He said most growers he knows plan to get out of the business after the county’s three-year grace period (called the ‘sunset provision’) expires, a part of the medical marijuana ordinance the Board of Supervisors passed on April 4.”
COPS & COURTS
Attorney General Sessions surprised by objections to his anti-marijuana comments // The Daily Caller
“‘When they nominated me for attorney general, you would have thought the biggest issue in America was when I said, “I don’t think America’s going to be a better place if they sell marijuana at every corner grocery store,” Sessions said Tuesday, according to AZ Central. ‘(People) didn’t like that; I’m surprised they didn’t like that.’”
320 pounds of pot seized in van on I-580 // The Cannifornian
“The suspects’ downfall began Saturday when a California Highway Patrol officer tried to pull over a van on I-580 in Castro Valley for a cell phone violation. During the stop, a car cut in front of the CHP vehicle to create a distraction so the van could get away, according to the Alameda County sheriff’s office which has supervision over the task force.”
BUSINESS
Vallejo dispensary wins labor industry award // Times Herald online
The award is being called “’a historic step in the fight to decriminalize and de-stigmatize cannabis in California.’”
Eaze begins delivery service in San Jose // The Cannifornian
“San Francisco startup Eaze launched its on-demand medical marijuana service in San Jose on Tuesday after the city removed its ban on cannabis delivery. The app, which lets customers order everything from pre-rolled joints to cannabis-infused mints, now serves the entire Bay Area.”
HEALTH
Marijuana appears to help certain cancer patients // The Leaf Online
“P]atients suffering from mesothelioma cancer can use medicinal marijuana as a means to reduce their troublesome symptoms. Many are beginning to personally explore the helpful aspects of this natural medicine as researchers continue their quest toward a cancer cure.”
EVENTS
Tips for having a high old time in the park on 4/20 // FunCheap
“There’s no permits issued; it’s not really legal, but usually the city tends to turn a blind eye when thousands turn up on Hippie Hill in Golden Gate Park on April 20th each year for a giant smoke out.”
Comic Nikki Glaser on 4/20 // Fillmore Heritage Center
Looking for something to do after the 4/20 countdown? Comic Nikki Glaser will be at the Fillmore Heritage Center next Thursday evening for a pot themed show. Maybe you’ve seen her comedy/talk show, “Not Safe with Nikki Glaser,” on Comedy Central.
OPINION
Restarting “weed wars” is ill advised // SF Chronicle
“The nation’s top cop is warming up the rhetoric and sending signals that crime fears, not state-level laws, should continue to bar marijuana. ... There are better answers.”
IN OTHER NEWS
TV programmers find pot entertaining // Variety
“As more states adopt medical marijuana and recreational pot laws, and the country’s new attorney general Jeff Sessions battles against these laws, the content-makers see fodder for series. Despite the political fray, TV programmers — mostly cablers and streamers — move forward with pot-themed programming for 2017 and beyond.”
