MMJ: Relax, We're Winning

How’s it going? We still winning? - Vic Torrey

We are indeed! Many cool things are happening. First off, the California Assembly has passed two new bills. AB64 is a “clean up” bill designed to deal with some of the problematic parts of the Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act. This bill will allow medical cannabis businesses to operate “for profit” and also adds helpful language for delivery services.

AB 1578 aims to keep local law enforcement from colluding with the feds to shut down legal canna-businesses. Both of these bills are a step in the right direction, and it is up to us to talk to our state senators to get them passed.

Nationally, things are also going well. New Hampshire is expected to decriminalize possession this summer. Legislators in Georgia and Alabama have introduced ordinances aimed at reducing penalties for possession. If you go to Houston, Texas and get caught with up to 4 ounces (a quarter pound) you won’t get arrested or fined as long as you take a four-hour drug education course. Arkansas and Florida are setting up regulations for their very own medical cannabis dispensaries right now.

If the Southern states start legalizing cannabis, then the game is effectively over. Pretty soon, Utah, Idaho and Nebraska will be the only places trying to throw you in jail for a joint. Activism works.

What’s this I hear about cannabis not being available for recreational purposes in January? What gives? - Jan Furst

Relax. There will be pot. The problem is that all the recreational cannabis has to be tested by an approved lab, and, according to a recent story in the LA Times, the state is having a hard time getting labs screened and approved in time for all of the pot to be tested by January. No worries though, because the story also says that the state will allow recreational outlets to sell untested cannabis, as long as it’s labeled “untested.”

What’s the most delicious edible you’ve ever had? - Mon Chi

I miss good old-fashioned Humboldt Goo balls. Take infused peanut butter (or if you are really old-school, finely ground hash or weed), mix it with raisins and sunflower seeds and almonds and granola, roll the mess into small balls, then chill them in the fridge. Healthy and stony.