Clearing an Old Marijuana Conviction Record Just Got a Lot Easier

When cannabis became legal for adult recreational use at the start of 2018, a provision in the new law opened the door for individuals who were convicted of certain kinds of marijuana-related crimes in the past to petition to have their criminal records cleared. Actually taking the state up on that offer, however, remained expensive and complicated. Now, as of January 1, 2019, a follow-up law has gone into effect, aiming to make the process more accessible to Californians—and advocates say it will go a long way toward helping those individuals live free from the stigma of a drug arrest.

Congressional Democrats Release Report On Marijuana Legalization’s Economic Benefits

Democrats on the congressional Joint Economic Committee published a report on Tuesday highlighting the “economic benefits of legalized cannabis at the state and national levels.”Titled, “The National Cannabis Economy,” the report finds that the marijuana industry brought in more than $8 billion in sales in 2017, with sales estimated to reach $11 billion this year and expected to soar to $23 billion by 2022.“The growth of the cannabis economy presents opportunities for greater job creation, more tax revenue, and better patient care,” the report concludes after summarizing the banking and tax fairness issues that current federal policy causes for state-legal marijuana businesses.

Astro Bot: Rescue Mission Wins at the Game Awards 2018

The Game Awards 2018 held its much-coveted event last night in Los Angeles, awarding accolades to some of the best videogames available over the last 12 months. The show has grown so much in scale that it’s now used as a platform for big announcements, with Ubisoft revealing Far Cry: New Dawn, and Epic Games officially launching the Epic Games Store. When it comes to virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), these technologies are still on the fringe, with the only mention being the winner of the VR/AR category, PlayStation VR exclusive Astro Bot Rescue Mission.

South Korea becomes first country in East Asia to legalize medical marijuana

South Korea became the first country in East Asia to legalize medical cannabis, marking a significant milestone in the global industry and a potential turning point in how the drug is perceived in traditionally conservative societies.

Canadian cannabis investor gets lifetime U.S. entry ban as conference goers face scrutiny at border

A Canadian investor travelling to Las Vegas, Nevada, to attend a prominent cannabis conference and tour a new cannabis facility has been issued a lifetime entry ban to the United States, according to an immigration lawyer he consulted. “He was travelling straight from Vancouver to Vegas. When they found out he was going down to tour the marijuana facility and that he was an investor in marijuana, they gave him a lifetime ban,” said Len Saunders, an immigration lawyer based in the border town of Blaine, Wash., who was consulted by the individual after receiving the ban.

WEED WINS ON ELECTION DAY. SO WHAT COMES NEXT?

AND SO A few more dominoes fall. Michigan voted to legalize the recreational use of cannabis, while Utah and Missourilegalized it for medical use, according to projections made late Tuesday night. (A recreational measure in North Dakota failed, though medical cannabis remains legal there.) They join 31 other states that have already gone the medical route and nine others that have gone fully recreational.

America's marijuana map How it might change after the midterms

America’s slow burn towards cannabis legalization continues at the midterms as four states will vote on ballots featuring medicinal and recreational initiatives. Michigan and North Dakota will decide whether to make the drug legal while Utah and Missouri will vote on its medicinal uses. Polls are suggesting that all four ballots are likely to pass.

Marijuana In The Governor's Mansion: Record Number Of Candidates Say Legalize It

At least 21 major party gubernatorial nominees on U.S. ballots this year support legalizing cannabis, a new Marijuana Moment analysis finds. That's far more than have embraced marijuana law reform than in any previous election cycle. Some of the candidates listed below support legalization more forcefully than others. While some have made cannabis reform a centerpiece of their campaigns, others seemed to embrace ending prohibition only reluctantly or when pressed on the issue.

Why Is CBD Everywhere?

Cannabidiol is being touted as a magical elixir, a cure-all now available in bath bombs, dog treats, and even pharmaceuticals. But maybe it’s just a fix for our anxious times. It’s hard to say the precise moment when CBD, the voguish cannabis derivative, went from being a fidget spinner alternative for stoners to a mainstream panacea. Maybe it was in January, when Mandy Moore, hours before the Golden Globes, told Coveteur that she was experimenting with CBD oil to relieve the pain from wearing high heels. “It could be a really exciting evening,” she said. “I could be floating this year.”

AG candidate vows to sue to get U.S. to amend marijuana policy

Arkansans who have been prescribed medical marijuana won't be allowed to purchase guns from federally licensed dealers, and the Democratic candidate for attorney general wants that to change. Mike Lee will announce today that if he is elected, he plans to sue the federal government over its marijuana policy. Arkansans voted to legalize medical marijuana in 2016 through a constitutional amendment. The rollout of the program has been hampered by repeated problems with licensing growers and sellers. Patients are currently unable to purchase the drug legally.