This Gov. Will Pardon Cannabis Possession Convictions, PA Medical Marijuana Office's New Director & More

This Gov. Wants To Pardon State Marijuana Possession Convictions

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is seeking a review of the number of residents of the Bluegrass State who have marijuana possession convictions, following President Joe Biden's request that governors follow suit and issue pardons for people convicted of state cannabis offenses, reported The News & Observer.

To determine how many Kentuckians would benefit if he pardons those with marijuana possession-only convictions, Beshear is requesting details from the state Administrative Office of the Courts.

"Having a misdemeanor on your record isn't a small thing," Beshear said at his weekly news conference. "We want to know how many people this would apply to. So we've asked AOC ... to get us that information."

Meanwhile, Beshear reaffirmed his support for medical marijuana. After receiving the initial report from the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Advisory Committee, Beshear said, "there will be some actions forthcoming" in terms of marijuana policy reform.

He also cleared the way for a cannabis research center to open in April by approving a bill for it and using his line-item veto to expand the center's work and enable more freedom in choosing an oversight board.

While the legislative session in the Bluegrass State didn't have a happy ending for cannabis advocates and stakeholders, the governor remains optimistic.

Pennsylvania Office Of Medical Marijuana Hires A Pharmacist As Director

The PA Office of Medical Marijuana announced that Laura Mentch, a pharmacist with vast executive experience will replace the outgoing interim director, Peter Blank, the Pittsburgh Business Times first reported.

Prior to accepting the job, Mentch worked at the Keystone Center of Integrative Wellness and for cannabis multistate operators Ayr Wellness and Nature's Medicines.

Cannabis-Infused Food Is Legal In Guam

A total of seven bills were enacted into law this week in Guam, including a piece of legislation allowing the sale and purchase of cannabis-infused food products, reported The Guam Daily Post.

Public Law 36-110 will help set up the cannabis industry on the island, said Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero.

"This bill furthers the effort to operationalize the intent of the (Guam Cannabis Industry Act), by removing legal impediments in the Guam Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to the sale of products solely on the basis of cannabis content, providing for the regulated sale of cannabis edibles," the governor wrote in her enactment letter.

"Additional revisions to Guam law or regulations will be necessary to address other obstacles, including the lack of testing facilities, and we look forward to working with the Legislature and the Cannabis Control Board to resolve this issue," Gov. Leon Guerrero added.

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