Pacific Gas and Electric Says Cannabis Growers Are Now Eligible For Agricultural Rates


COURTESY OF BRETT LEBIN
The start of the month marks the first time that cannabis growers in the state can receive agricultural energy rates from the Pacific Gas and Electric Company.

Even though recreational marijuana can’t be sold in California until 2018 PG&E is now allowing current farmers growing cannabis for medical purposes and future recreational marijuana growers to qualify for agricultural energy rates. Denny Boyles with PG&E says that means cannabis will be treated just like other farm products like almonds and tomatoes.

“So when the law changed in California to allow the growth of cannabis we took a look at that and the decision was made to add them as customers eligible.”

Full Article: 

http://kvpr.org/post/pge-says-cannabis-growers-are-now-eligible-agricultural-rates

Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coffman says she will defend the state’s Constitution and cannabis laws

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Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coffman at  the State Supreme Court Chambers at the Colorado State Judicial Building in Denver on Oct. 22, 2015.

 

Cyrus McCrimmon, The Denver Post – Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coffman at the State Supreme Court Chambers at the Colorado State Judicial Building in Denver on Oct. 22, 2015.
Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coffman said she has invited U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions — a  vocal marijuana opponent — and his staff to come and see the state’s recreational pot industry.
Coffman told The Denver Post that the invitation was extended during a meeting Wednesday morning in Washington with Sessions’ top staffers.
“I had a meeting there this morning and told them that I thought it was important to come to the states that have legalized marijuana, particularly Colorado since we have the longest history, and to see what we have done,” Coffman said. “They indicated an interest in doing that.”

 
Full Article: 
http://www.denverpost.com/2017/03/01/jeff-sessions-staff-invited-colorado-recreational-marijuana-system/
 

Washington – Olympia Senior Citizen Building First Hemp Insulated Tiny House

tiny house
Pat Rasmussen, a senior citizen in Olympia, is building the first tiny house that uses hemp as insulation. Photo courtesy: Pat Rasmussen.
 
Senior citizen Pat Rasmussen is building the first industrial hemp insulated tiny house on a trailer in Washington State.  Right here in Olympia, Pat is showing other seniors how they can build their own secure, warm, comfortable green home on a small budget.
Many seniors like Pat live on $800 or less a month social security. At age 70, they deserve a secure, warm home.
Natural hemp insulation with energy efficient design means no heating is required. Solar panels mean no electricity bills. Solar water heating provides hot water. The tiny house sits on a trailer designed for tiny houses so it can be moved when needed.
Full Article: 
http://www.thurstontalk.com/2017/03/01/hemp-insulation-tiny-house/

Congressman Tom Garrett seeks to legalize marijuana


 
The congressman who represents most of Fauquier County on Monday introduced legislation that would decriminalize marijuana possession nationwide.
“I have long believed justice that isn’t blind, isn’t justice,” freshman Rep. Tom Garrett (R-Va./5th) said of his bill. “Statistics indicate that minor narcotics crimes disproportionately hurt areas of lower socio-economic status and what I find most troubling is that we continue to keep laws on the books that we do not enforce.
“Virginia is more than capable of handling its own marijuana policy, as are states such as Colorado or California.”
 
Full Article: 
http://www.fauquiernow.com/index.php/fauquier_news/article/fauquier-congressman-garrett-seeks-to-legalize-marijuana-2017

Ag Commissioner Sees Opportunity in Hemp, Forestry


Commissioner Kent Leonhardt in 2016 speaking during a Senate floor session.
CREDIT MARTIN VALENT / WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY
Each legislative session, the state’s Constitutional Officers, or the heads of government offices who are elected by the people, bring their priorities to lawmakers and ask for support for various legislative changes.
This year, newly elected Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt is hoping to change the structure of government, expand a growing program that’s been controversial in some parts of the country, and incentivize the purchasing of West Virginia-grown products.

 
Full Article: 
http://wvpublic.org/post/ag-commissioner-sees-opportunity-hemp-forestry#stream/0