Business View Magazine | September 2019

26 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019 ADVOCACY CORNER 1. LEGALIZATION IN ILLINOIS On June 25, 2019, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker made history by signing into law the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (CRTA)! The Illinois House and Senate had approved the Act in late May. As of Jan. 1, 2020, adults 21 and older will be allowed to possess and purchase cannabis. 2. U.S. HOUSE PREVENTS FEDERAL INTERVENTION For the first time ever, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a budget rider to prevent federal interference with adult-use marijuana laws. 3. DECRIMINALIZATION IN NEW MEXICO New Mexico decriminalizes marijuana, reducing the penalty for up to half an ounce of marijuana to a $50 civil fine. 4. MEDICAL CANNABIS IN GEORGI A Georgia approves in-state production of medical cannabis with up to 5% THC. 5. NORTH DAKOTA DROPS JAIL TIME FOR SIMPLE POSSESSION North Dakota reduces the penalty for up to half an ounce of marijuana from a misdemeanor to an infraction carrying a maximum fine of $1,000. 6. HAWAII DECRIMINALIZES VERY SMALL AMOUNTS OF CANNABIS Hawaii reduces the penalty for up to three grams of cannabis from up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 to a $130 civil fine. 7. ON-SITE CONSUMPTION IN COLORADO Colorado legalizes and regulates cannabis hospitality— such as cannabis cafes — in localities that opt in. 8. HOME DELIVERY IN COLORADO Colorado legalizes home delivery. 9. WORKPLACE PROTECTIONS IN NEVADA Nevada prohibits most employers from conducting pre- job-offer drug testing. 10. GUAM LEGALIZES MARIJUANA The U.S. territory of Guam legalizes and regulates marijuana for adults’ use. *The full Marijuana Policy Progress Report 2019 Legislative Update can be found at: https://www.mpp.org/ issues/legislation/marijuana-policy-progress-report-2019- legislative-update/ K E Y V I C T O R I E S : T O P M A R I J U A N A P O L I C Y P R O J E C T W I N S O F 2 0 1 9 *