The legalization movement has scored some major victories in conservative states, but Politico reports GOP Senators in MED and REC markets remain skeptical of legalization. Even with full Democratic support, which is not a given, legalization appears unlikely to have the 60 votes necessary to clear the Senate.
- The industry hoped former Sen. Cory Gardner’s (R-Colo.) evolution on the issue would be a model for other Republicans. However, Republicans from other legal states have mostly disappointed. This might be because Gardner was facing (and lost) a close election in a state where cannabis is a priority for voters.
- Bank reform could have a better chance. Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) opposes legalization, no matter what his constituents want, but is a lead sponsor of the SAFE Banking Act, which would enable the industry to access the financial system.
In more news from the right:
- MJBiz checks out Oklahoma’s booming MED market.
- Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas says federal laws against marijuana may no longer be necessary. The comment came as the court declined to hear a challenge to industry-hated tax rule 280E. The federal government’s “willingness to look the other way on marijuana is more episodic that coherent,” Thomas said.
NBC - Georgia’s supreme court ruled lawyers who work for cannabis businesses can face disciplinary action.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Mississippi is consulting with Utah and Oklahoma on developing rules for its MED market.
Mississippi Today - Wyoming could be the next red state to go green.
WyoFile
