New York State Is Set to Loosen Marijuana Laws

By  and 
 
 

Andrew M. Cuomo – Michael Nagle for The New York Times
Joining a growing group of states that have loosened restrictions on marijuana, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York plans this week to announce an executive action that would allow limited use of the drug by those with serious illnesses, state officials say.
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As cannabis is widely legalised, China cashes in on an unprecedented boom

IAN JOHNSTON

Almost 5,000 years ago, Chinese physicians recommended a tea made from cannabis leaves to treat a wide variety of conditions including gout and malaria. Today, as the global market for marijuana experiences an unprecedented boom after being widely legalised, it is China that again appears to have set its eyes on dominating trade in the drug.
The communist country is well placed to exploit the burgeoning cannabis trade with more than half of the patents relating to or involving cannabis originating in China. According to the World Intellectual Property Organisation (Wipo), Chinese firms have filed 309 of the 606 patents relating to the drug.
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Legalize marijuana in Alabama? Debate ignited after arrest of leading advocate for medical marijuana

By Paul Gattis | pgattis@al.com 
marijuana
 
The arrest of the executive director of the Alabama Medical Marijuana Coalition has stirred debate among AL.com readers over legalizing marijuana in Alabama.
Christopher Butts and three other people were arrested Saturday by the Cullman County sheriff’s department. Butts, Stephen Franks, Sonja Franks and Amber Nixon face a felony charge of trafficking marijuana while Nixon has also been charged with possession of a controlled substance.
Cullman County Sheriff Mike Rainey said deputies responded to a call regarding the welfare of the child at the house where the arrests were made. A child was turned over to the department of human resources and arrangements were made for the child to stay with family, Rainey said.
The sheriff also said about 35 marijuana plants as well as some buds were confiscated at the house southwest of Cullman.
A non-scientific poll conducted on AL.com earlier this month (and where you can stillcast your vote) indicated overwhelming support from readers for the legalization of marijuana. 
 
Full Article:
http://blog.al.com/breaking/2013/12/legalize_marijuana_in_alabama.html

Colorado Department of Agriculture Adopts Industrial Hemp Rule


Colorado Department of Agriculture
 
The Colorado Department of Agriculture has adopted the first industrial hemp rules in the state’s history; the rule became effective December 30, 2013. Producers can begin to register with CDA’s industrial hemp program on March 1, 2014.
“These rules are the first step to allow Colorado producers to legally grow industrial hemp,” said Colorado Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture Ron Carleton.
 
Full Article:
http://theprowersjournal.com/2014/01/03/cda-adopts-industrial-hemp-rule/

From Denver to Pueblo: Where to find cannabis if you feel like firing up

by 
ELLY STEWART - The Greener Side, in Pueblo, has 'a nice hippie feel to it,' says the owner.
 
Jan. 1 has brought an explosion of pot shops heard ’round the world. Of course, none are situated in Colorado Springs, thanks to City Council deciding that locals didn’t really want those stores they voted for.
Nonetheless, areas like Manitou Springs, Pueblo County and Denver have heard the call. Manitou has implemented a moratorium on recreational stores until Jan. 30, though, so we’re focusing on who will be open this week — namely, those locations in Pueblo and Denver that have been licensed by both the local government and the state, and tell the Indythey plan to be operational.
 
Full Article:
http://www.csindy.com/coloradosprings/from-denver-to-pueblo-where-to-find-cannabis-if-you-feel-like-firing-up/Content?oid=2807315

Could Kansas follow Colorado in pot legalization?

By Chris Oberholtz, Multimedia Producer – email
By Bonyen Lee, News Reporter – bio | email
Colorado dispensaries are one of the most popular businesses on this new year, as the state's recreational marijuana laws make smoking pot legal.  But next door in Kansas, the idea isn't so popular.

Colorado dispensaries are one of the most popular businesses on this new year, as the state’s recreational marijuana laws make smoking pot legal. But next door in Kansas, the idea isn’t so popular.

 
Kansas Sen. David Haley hopes with Colorado’s legal marijuana laws in effect that the momentum will begin to swing his way.
Colorado dispensaries are one of the most popular businesses on this new year, as the state’s recreational marijuana laws make smoking pot legal. But next door in Kansas, the idea isn’t so popular.
“Why to continue with the stigma is unwarranted and is certainly something I don’t understand, and a growing number of Kansans don’t understand either,” Haley said.
 
Full Article:
http://www.kctv5.com/story/24343631/could-kansas-follow-colorado-in-pot-legalization