New Jersey Debates How To Spend $3.1M In Cannabis Tax, Hawaii Expands Decriminalization, Colorado Revises Social Media Bill And More

New Jersey Debates Social Equity Cannabis Tax Allocation

New Jersey is deliberating the allocation of its social equity cannabis tax funds as advocates call for more investments in business support, community development and legal assistance. The tax, aimed at addressing the impact of drug war, generated $3.1 million in 2023. Public hearings are gathering recommendations for its use, New Jersey Monitor reports.

Hawaii Expands Cannabis Decriminalization Amid Legalization Debate

A Hawaii House committee has advanced a bill to expand cannabis decriminalization, which increases possession limits and reduces fines, noted Marijuana Moment. Amid broader legalization talks, the bill proposes a progressive shift towards lesser legal consequences for cannabis possession.

Explore the latest cannabis regulatory updates, including groundbreaking developments and regulatory shifts worldwide at the highly-anticipated Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Florida this April 16-17.

Delaware Advances Legislation In Medical Marijuana Access And Cannabis Banking

Delaware’s Senate passed a House Bill 285 last week to expand access to medical cannabis, sending it to the Governor's office. Likewise, House Bill 355 to protect banks working with cannabis businesses was approved by Delaware’s House and assigned to the Health & Social Services Committee in the Senate. These developments aim to streamline medical cannabis use and facilitate banking services for cannabis businesses.

Maine Seeks To Seal Cannabis-Related Criminal Records

Maine’s Judiciary Committee backed a proposal allowing individuals to apply to have their cannabis-related criminal records sealed though not automatically, the Maine Morning Star reports. This legislative decision aims to mitigate the lasting effects of convictions in a state where cannabis is legal, promoting a proactive step for those affected. Automatic sealing was considered but ultimately not adopted.

Colorado’s Social Media Bill: Cannabis Posts Safe, Other Substances Still in Question

Colorado legislators amended a controversial social media bill initially threatening to ban pro-cannabis posts, reported Marijuana Moment. However, critics argue the revision does not fully tackle issues around other substances, including state-legal psychedelics and certain hemp products, leaving significant ambiguities unresolved.

Excited to delve into the latest cannabis regulatory updates from the U.S. and around the world? Join us at the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Florida at the new Hollywood venue on April 16 and 17, 2024. The two-day event at The Diplomat Beach Resort will be a chance for entrepreneurs, both large and small, to network, learn, and grow. Renowned for its trendsetting abilities and influence on the future of cannabis, mark your calendars – this conference is the go-to event of the year for the cannabis world. Get your tickets now on bzcannabis.com – Prices will increase very soon!