Usually in this space, I pick a topic and stay with it. Not today. I’ve been reading reports about what is happening in the CBD, hemp, marijuana field, and it appears that there is a lot going on. Here is just a smattering of what I’ve found in the news on this topic.
One interesting video I was sent is John Oliver’s rather brilliant take on the rules surrounding marijuana, hemp, CBD. You’ll appreciate his clarity and also the senseless, dogged derision for this comparatively benign substance. Take note that the video is 16-ish minutes long and there is some emotional content.
In Pennsylvania, which has medical marijuana laws, doctors in 2018 will be able to prescribe it for 17 conditions, allowing cannabis to be dispensed as pills, oils, topicalsand a liquid that can be vaporized. OK, the doctors need to take training and put their name on a state registry, which could conceivably curtail participation. But, it’s a start.
Canada, on the other hand, plans to move forward to legalize marijuana by 2018. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau campaigned on this issue, and the new law will allow adults “to possess small amounts of cannabis throughout the country and will establish guidelines for who can buy, sell and grow the drug.”
While Iowa pushes to legalize medical marijuana for a LOT of medical conditions, Illinois is working to legalize recreational marijuana, because really, they just want to get sales out of the hands of gang, punks and other riff raff.
At the same time, there are those who will have no part of expanding the availability of this product. In New Mexico, Susana Martinez vetoed her third bill for the current session. Last month she vetoed two pieces of legislation that would have allowed for industrial hemp production in compliance with the 2014 Federal Farm Bill.
So, it’s not clear sailing by any means. And yes, I know, I’m probably preaching to the choir, but really, eventually something’s gotta give, right?