Thousands Of Cannabis Convictions Expunged In MO, Insurance To Cover NY Medical Marijuana And More

Missouri Expungement

Over 15,000 people have cleared their records of nonviolent marijuana offenses at both the misdemeanor and felony levels since the state legalized recreational marijuana. The expungements were undertaken across the state, reported local media News 4.

Washington State

On Tuesday, a House committee made progress on a bill that would prevent job applicants from facing discrimination due to their marijuana use. The bill would prohibit most employers from turning down applicants just because they tested positive for cannabis on a pre-employment drug test.

NY Committee Approves Bill to Expand Access to Medical Marijuana

New York's Assembly Health Committee passed a bill that mandates public health insurance providers to include medical marijuana as a covered prescription medication and authorize private insurance companies to do the same. The legislation would modify state law by defining cannabis as a "prescription drug," "healthcare service," or "covered drug" for the purpose of health insurance, reported Marijuana Moment.

Public insurance entities would be required to cover medical marijuana regardless of federal financial participation. Programs such as State Medicaid, Child Health Plus, workers' compensation and EPIC would need to cover cannabis from authorized dispensaries in the same way as other standard pharmaceuticals.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford Rejects Proposal to Expand Access to Cannabis Consumption Spaces

Ford expressed his disapproval of outdoor lounges where people can consume marijuana. He told reporters on Tuesday, per the Toronto Star, that he's concerned about kids smelling weed in public spaces. 

Arizona Lawmakers Seek To Expand List Of MMJ Eligible Conditions

Lawmakers are considering a new proposal that would allow individuals with autism and PTSD to use medical marijuana, reported azmirror.com Currently, only those with severe medical conditions like cancer, Alzheimer’s, or seizures can apply for a medical marijuana card, although recreational use is now legal. The proposed Senate Bill 1466 would expand access to medical marijuana for individuals with PTSD or autism, providing benefits such as lower prices and shorter waiting times.

Photo by Kelsey Knight on Unsplash.