[author: Susan Ryan]
Welcome back to The Week in Weed, your Friday look at what’s happening in the world of legalized marijuana. This week, we start off with a look at the situation in Nebraska surrounding their cannabis ballot initiatives. Then we take a trip down memory lane to re-visit the Nixon administration. We take a look at New Jersey, as it deals with intoxicating hemp. And finally, we head to California to note the celebrity support for a cannabis cafe bill.
NEBRASKA
Two weeks ago, we reported that two cannabis initiatives were likely to appear on the Nebraska ballot. Now, we have an update on that situation. First, Michael Egbert, one of the signature collectors, has been charged with falsifying signatures. Second, John Kuehn, a former State Senator who opposes cannabis legalization, has filed a lawsuit stating that the measures should not be placed on the ballot. Stay tuned!
NIXON
For readers who may not remember the administration of President Richard Nixon (R), his tenure in office came to a close as the result of the Watergate scandal, which involved, among other things, the use of a taping system in the White House. Now, newly discovered tapes have shed some light on an important aspect of the administration. Nixon is well known for his “War on Drugs,” which has come under quite a bit of criticism in recent years. In public, drugs were treated as “public enemy No. 1.” In private, however, it turns out the administration knew this description was overblown.
Let me say, I know nothing about marijuana. I know that it’s not particularly dangerous, in other words, and most of the kids are for legalizing it. But on the other hand, it’s the wrong signal at this time.
President Richard Nixon (R)
NEW JERSEY HEMP
Last week, we reported on the status of intoxicating hemp in California. Now, we turn our attention to New Jersey. Governor Phil Murphy (D) has just signed a bill limiting the manufacture and sale of hemp products to those already authorized by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission. The law would also allow hemp-infused beverages to be sold in liquor stores, but the legislature will need to craft rules around that.
AND FINALLY
Cannabis lounges in California are currently prohibited from selling food or non-alcoholic beverages. Woody Harrelson, who owns a lounge with Bill Maher and John McEnroe, would like to offer those items to customers. Governor Gavin Newsom (D) vetoed an earlier bill that would have allowed lounges to become cannabis cafes due to concerns over workplace safety. A new version of the bill addresses those concerns.
Be well everyone – we’ll see you next week!
