Dem. Gov. Vetoes MMJ Gun Rights Bill; MI GOP Gubernatorial Nominee Voted Against Legalization & More

Michigan GOP Gubernatorial Nominee Voted Against Cannabis Legalization & Doesn’t Have A Stance On Cannabis Pardons

Tudor Dixon said she doesn’t have an opinion on President Joe Biden’s recent cannabis pardons. She made the statement shortly after the President announced the move.

“You know, I really haven’t gotten into that. We’ve been on that trail. So I just saw a quick thing on my phone, but I haven’t read the details on it,” Dixon said, reported Michigan Advance.

Since Biden called on governors to pardon simple marijuana possession convictions, many have spoken out - some for and more against. For example, Missouri Governor Mike Parson’s office said he will not follow President’s recommendation. Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb (R) recently said he will not pardon anyone in his state.

It is important to note that even though Dixon didn’t say she would nix Biden’s pardon recommendation, she did open up during a Rochester Hills “Ask me anything” town hall and admitted to voting against Proposal 1 in 2018, which legalized adult cannabis and possession for adults over and enacted a tax on marijuana sales.

“No, I voted no,” Dixon said.

Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer voted for Proposal 1 in 2018.

Delaware Gov. Carney Vetoes Bipartisan Bill Securing MMJ Patients’ Gun Rights

Gov. John Carney (D) vetoed a bill that sought to clarify that medical marijuana patients are not prohibited from buying, possessing or transferring firearms under state law. The bill, HB 276, sponsored by Rep. Andria Bennett (D) passed the legislature with almost unanimous support this summer, only to be vetoed by the governor on Thursday.

In his veto statement, Carney cited the reason for rejecting the bill saying the legislation is not proposing any notable new protections and it could also create confusion.

“HB 276, while intended to provide clarity, does not add new meaningful protections or rights for Delawareans. Additionally, if signed into law, HB 276 risks creating confusion about the rights of medical marijuana patients—under federal law—to purchase firearms here in Delaware,” the governor wrote.

“Under current federal law, the use of marijuana, even for medical purposes, remains illegal. Federal law and background check processes currently restrict the ability of a user of marijuana, even for medical purposes, from purchasing a firearm. HB 276 would not ease the existing tension between state public health policy and federal drug enforcement policy, nor would it eliminate the complexities and risks that confront Delawareans who are or may become gun owners and medical marijuana users. 

"At best, HB 276 maintains the status quo,” he concluded. “At worst, it risks misleading those who may be impacted and increasing public confusion.”

Regulators couldn’t collect enough votes to overturn the governor’s veto on the adult-use legalization bill this year, reported Marijuana Moment.

Cannabis Workers Unionizing Victories On A Roll: Cresco Lab’s Sunnyside Dispensary Joins The Effort

Over the last few months, cannabis workers have been making notable and powerful unionizing progress. The latest to join the battle is Cresco Lab’s CRLBF Sunnyside Dispensary in South Beloit, Illinois.

With 93% voting in favor, workers at the dispensary have voted to join Teamsters Local 777.

"These workers are fearless and they stood strong throughout this campaign, even when it wasn't easy to do so," stated Jim Glimco, Local 777 president. "Their hard work, dauntlessness, and passion will get them a strong contract when they go to the bargaining table."

Peter Finn, Teamsters food processing division director commented, "If this organizing drive has demonstrated anything, it's that these men and women have what it takes to be leaders in this working-class social movement. These workers are taking ownership of their workplace and empowering one another. They're turning their jobs into prosperous, middle-class trades."

The news came on the heels of the new union actions in Northern California and New Jersey. 

Photo: Benzinga; Sources: mohamed_hassan and Alexey_Hulsov by Pixabay, Bits And Splits and Oleksandrum by Shutterstock, Wayne Dupree Podcast via Wikimedia