Pranksters plant marijuana plants in city-owned flower pots in Wyoming
POWELL, Wyo. — A Wyoming city has discovered its potted plants have literally gone to pot.Officials in Powell believe pranksters planted marijuana seeds in city-owned flower pots this spring, leading unsuspecting city workers to water and care for them.The Powell Tribune reports city Parks and Recreation staff noticed the unauthorized greenery late last month while watering the pots, including one not far from the police station.Parks Superintendent Del Barton says workers pulled two plants on June 29 and took them to police.
POWELL, Wyo. — A Wyoming city has discovered its potted plants have literally gone to pot.Officials in Powell believe pranksters planted marijuana seeds in city-owned flower pots this spring, leading unsuspecting city workers to water and care for them.The Powell Tribune reports city Parks and Recreation staff noticed the unauthorized greenery late last month while watering the pots, including one not far from the police station.Parks Superintendent Del Barton says workers pulled two plants on June 29 and took them to police.
Vermont becomes 9th state with legal recreational marijuana
MONTPELIER, Vt. — Recreational marijuana is now legal in Vermont, the ninth state to legalize it.Adults over age 21 will be able to possess up to 1 ounce (28 grams) of marijuana, two mature marijuana plants and four immature plants.The new law went into effect Sunday and does not set up a system to tax or regulate the production of marijuana.
MONTPELIER, Vt. — Recreational marijuana is now legal in Vermont, the ninth state to legalize it.Adults over age 21 will be able to possess up to 1 ounce (28 grams) of marijuana, two mature marijuana plants and four immature plants.The new law went into effect Sunday and does not set up a system to tax or regulate the production of marijuana.
Medical milestone: US OKs marijuana-based drug for seizures
WASHINGTON — U.S. health regulators on Monday approved the first prescription drug made from marijuana, a milestone that could spur more research into a drug that remains illegal under federal law, despite growing legalization for recreational and medical use.The Food and Drug Administration approved the medication, called Epidiolex, to treat two rare forms of epilepsy that begin in childhood.
WASHINGTON — U.S. health regulators on Monday approved the first prescription drug made from marijuana, a milestone that could spur more research into a drug that remains illegal under federal law, despite growing legalization for recreational and medical use.The Food and Drug Administration approved the medication, called Epidiolex, to treat two rare forms of epilepsy that begin in childhood.
Argentina: cocaine seized in World Cup trophy replicas
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Some Argentines are taking advantage of World Cup fervor.The security minister of Buenos Aires province said Friday that police have broken up an organization that trafficked marijuana and cocaine in fake World Cup trophies.The so-called "Narcos de la Copa" took advantage of the global merchandising boom generated by the soccer tournament to move the drug without raising suspicions."These merchants of death have endless ingenuity, but don't be fooled.
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Some Argentines are taking advantage of World Cup fervor.The security minister of Buenos Aires province said Friday that police have broken up an organization that trafficked marijuana and cocaine in fake World Cup trophies.The so-called "Narcos de la Copa" took advantage of the global merchandising boom generated by the soccer tournament to move the drug without raising suspicions."These merchants of death have endless ingenuity, but don't be fooled.
Canada to legalize marijuana on Oct. 17
TORONTO — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday marijuana will be legal nationwide on October 17.Trudeau said in Parliament that the government is committed to better protecting Canada's youth and hopes to take money away from organized crime.The Senate gave final passage to Trudeau's bill to legalize cannabis on Tuesday.
TORONTO — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday marijuana will be legal nationwide on October 17.Trudeau said in Parliament that the government is committed to better protecting Canada's youth and hopes to take money away from organized crime.The Senate gave final passage to Trudeau's bill to legalize cannabis on Tuesday.
Canada Senate passes bill legalizing recreational marijuana
TORONTO -- Canada's Senate gave final passage Tuesday to the federal government's bill to legalize cannabis, though Canadians will have to wait at least a couple of months to legally buy marijuana as their country becomes the second in the world to make pot legal nationwide.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government had hoped to make pot legal by July 1, but the government has said provincial and territorial governments will need eight to 12 weeks following Senate passage and royal assent to prepare for retail sales.
TORONTO -- Canada's Senate gave final passage Tuesday to the federal government's bill to legalize cannabis, though Canadians will have to wait at least a couple of months to legally buy marijuana as their country becomes the second in the world to make pot legal nationwide.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government had hoped to make pot legal by July 1, but the government has said provincial and territorial governments will need eight to 12 weeks following Senate passage and royal assent to prepare for retail sales.
NYPD will start using summonses, not arrests, for marijuana
NEW YORK — The New York Police Department will issue criminal summonses to most people caught smoking marijuana in public instead of arresting them starting Sept. 1.Officers will still arrest people with prior arrests for violent crimes, parolees, drivers and some others under the policy Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio and Police Commissioner James O'Neill announced Tuesday.People with summonses will have to go to court and pay a $100 fine.Manhattan's district attorney had already announced his office will stop prosecuting most low-level marijuana cases Aug. 1.The state's top health official said Monday that a report on marijuana will recommend legalization.Lawmakers are scheduled to adjourn for the year this week, suggesting it'll be 2019 at the earliest before the issue is considered.
NEW YORK — The New York Police Department will issue criminal summonses to most people caught smoking marijuana in public instead of arresting them starting Sept. 1.Officers will still arrest people with prior arrests for violent crimes, parolees, drivers and some others under the policy Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio and Police Commissioner James O'Neill announced Tuesday.People with summonses will have to go to court and pay a $100 fine.Manhattan's district attorney had already announced his office will stop prosecuting most low-level marijuana cases Aug. 1.The state's top health official said Monday that a report on marijuana will recommend legalization.Lawmakers are scheduled to adjourn for the year this week, suggesting it'll be 2019 at the earliest before the issue is considered.
Proposed US banking fix for marijuana may not open all doors
LOS ANGELES — A proposal in Congress to ease the U.S. ban on marijuana could encourage more banks to do business with cannabis companies.But it appears to fall short of a comprehensive fix for an industry often forced to conduct business in cash in a credit card world.Pot is legal in some form in about 30 states, but companies that grow or sell it often are locked out at banks because the drug is illegal under federal law.Transactions tied to marijuana proceeds could expose financial institutions to money-laundering charges.The congressional measure includes language to address the problem, but industry experts predict some banks will still stay away.California pot industry attorney Nicole Howell Neubert says it's an excellent step but probably "not a silver bullet for the banking problem."
LOS ANGELES — A proposal in Congress to ease the U.S. ban on marijuana could encourage more banks to do business with cannabis companies.But it appears to fall short of a comprehensive fix for an industry often forced to conduct business in cash in a credit card world.Pot is legal in some form in about 30 states, but companies that grow or sell it often are locked out at banks because the drug is illegal under federal law.Transactions tied to marijuana proceeds could expose financial institutions to money-laundering charges.The congressional measure includes language to address the problem, but industry experts predict some banks will still stay away.California pot industry attorney Nicole Howell Neubert says it's an excellent step but probably "not a silver bullet for the banking problem."
Pres. Trump signals support for legislation easing US ban on pot
LOS ANGELES — President Donald Trump said Friday that he's inclined to support a bipartisan effort in Congress to ease the U.S. ban on marijuana, a proposal that would dramatically reshape the nation's legal landscape for pot users and businesses.The federal ban that puts marijuana on the same level as LSD and heroin has created a conflict with more than two dozen states that have legalized pot in some form, creating a two-tiered enforcement system where cannabis can be both legal and not.The legislation would ensure states have the right to determine the best approach to marijuana within their borders, but some U.S. restrictions would remain, including recreational sales to people under 21.The proposal introduced Thursday has support from members of Congress from both parties, including Republican U.S. Sen.
LOS ANGELES — President Donald Trump said Friday that he's inclined to support a bipartisan effort in Congress to ease the U.S. ban on marijuana, a proposal that would dramatically reshape the nation's legal landscape for pot users and businesses.The federal ban that puts marijuana on the same level as LSD and heroin has created a conflict with more than two dozen states that have legalized pot in some form, creating a two-tiered enforcement system where cannabis can be both legal and not.The legislation would ensure states have the right to determine the best approach to marijuana within their borders, but some U.S. restrictions would remain, including recreational sales to people under 21.The proposal introduced Thursday has support from members of Congress from both parties, including Republican U.S. Sen.
Bust in Green Bay nets 20 pounds of marijuana, guns, cash
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Four people were arrested in a drug bust that Green Bay police say was more than a year in the making and resulted in the seizure of about 20 pounds of marijuana.Officers executed a search warrant on a home Thursday.
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Four people were arrested in a drug bust that Green Bay police say was more than a year in the making and resulted in the seizure of about 20 pounds of marijuana.Officers executed a search warrant on a home Thursday.
Desperate to hire, more businesses open door to pot smokers
WASHINGTON — FPI Management, a property company in California, wants to hire dozens of people.
WASHINGTON — FPI Management, a property company in California, wants to hire dozens of people.
Historic move: Seattle city attorney looks to vacate 500+ misdemeanor marijuana charges now that recreational pot is legal
SEATTLE -- In an historic move, the office of the Seattle City Attorney has asked the municipal court to vacate about 540 misdemeanor marijuana charges.
SEATTLE -- In an historic move, the office of the Seattle City Attorney has asked the municipal court to vacate about 540 misdemeanor marijuana charges.
Pot politics: Schumer joins politicians rethinking marijuana
WASHINGTON — The top Senate Democrat is using marijuana's informal holiday to announce a change of heart about the drug, another sign of the growing political acceptance of pot.Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said Friday he'll introduce a bill taking marijuana off the federal list of controlled substances — in effect decriminalizing its use.His bill would let states decide how to treat marijuana possession.
WASHINGTON — The top Senate Democrat is using marijuana's informal holiday to announce a change of heart about the drug, another sign of the growing political acceptance of pot.Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said Friday he'll introduce a bill taking marijuana off the federal list of controlled substances — in effect decriminalizing its use.His bill would let states decide how to treat marijuana possession.
Police advertise 4/20 contest to find person with 'the most marijuana’
YOUNGSVILLE, La. – Think you've got the most impressive marijuana stash?
YOUNGSVILLE, La. – Think you've got the most impressive marijuana stash?
Former House Speaker Boehner to promote legalizing marijuana
CINCINNATI — Former U.S. House Speaker John Boehner said Wednesday he has had a change of heart on marijuana and will promote its nationwide legalization as a way to help veterans and the nation's deadly opioid crisis.The Ohio Republican, an avid cigarette smoker, has joined the advisory board of Acreage Holdings , a multistate cannabis company.
CINCINNATI — Former U.S. House Speaker John Boehner said Wednesday he has had a change of heart on marijuana and will promote its nationwide legalization as a way to help veterans and the nation's deadly opioid crisis.The Ohio Republican, an avid cigarette smoker, has joined the advisory board of Acreage Holdings , a multistate cannabis company.
Authorities make several large marijuana busts in Midwest
MINNEAPOLIS — Several large marijuana busts along Interstate 94 have authorities in North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin wondering whether the interstate corridor is becoming a major smuggling pipeline for marijuana and other drugs.The Star Tribune reports authorities think more residents in the three states are buying marijuana where it's legal and then bringing it back home to distribute.Minnesota troopers seized more than 2,600 pounds of marijuana last year, more than six times what was confiscated the year before.
MINNEAPOLIS — Several large marijuana busts along Interstate 94 have authorities in North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin wondering whether the interstate corridor is becoming a major smuggling pipeline for marijuana and other drugs.The Star Tribune reports authorities think more residents in the three states are buying marijuana where it's legal and then bringing it back home to distribute.Minnesota troopers seized more than 2,600 pounds of marijuana last year, more than six times what was confiscated the year before.