Welcome again to The Week in Weed, your Friday have a look at what’s occurring on the earth of legalized marijuana.

This week, we report (with skepticism) on the possibilities of SAFE Banking making it into the omnibus invoice. Then we transfer on to Connecticut, the place gross sales and expungement are within the information. Staying in New England, we study the potential for New Hampshire legalization. And rounding out the state information, we test in with Missouri, the place their new legalization regulation takes impact. And at last, there’s a brand new part to driver’s ed lessons in Massachusetts.

SAFE BANKING (SIGH)

If it appears a bit too quickly for Charlie Brown to have one other stab at that soccer, we be part of you in noting that Lucy simply pulled it out of the Nationwide Protection Authorization Act. However that soccer gag isn’t iconic as a result of it occurred as soon as; it’s a twentieth century model of Sisyphus as a result of it occurs over and over. The newest iteration of this basic story entails the omnibus appropriations invoice presently up for debate. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) are simply positive it could cross this time. Earlier than you permit your self to develop into infused with their enthusiasm, nonetheless, observe that Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY), John Thune (R-SD) and Cuck Grassley (R-IA) say it’s a no go.

CONECTICUT

Should you’ll be in The Land of Regular Habits (Connecticut has a whole lot of nicknames, and this was the one we appreciated the perfect) early subsequent month, and wish to buy some authorized hashish, you’ll be capable to do this. Gross sales will start on January 10 at seven medical marijuana dispensaries that at the moment are certified for a hybrid license. However that’s not all that’s occurring in Connecticut subsequent month; Gov. Ned Lamont (D) will erase low-level hashish possession convictions as of January 1.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Should you have a look at a map of the US exhibiting the place hashish is authorized (like this one as an illustration), you’ll discover one state within the Northeast that stands out. New Hampshire permits the usage of marijuana for medical functions, however adult-use usually is illegitimate. Gov. Chris Sununu (R) is against legalization, and the state Senate has additionally been cannabis-hostile. A bipartisan group within the state Home has determined to attempt once more – additional bulletins as occasions warrant.

MISSOURI

Are 21 or older? Do you reside in Missouri? Then, as of late final week, it’s authorized so that you can posses and use marijuana in your state. As with most newly-legal states (Arizona is the outlier), it’ll probably be some time earlier than you’ll be able to stroll all the way down to the dispensary to buy hashish. Medical shops will be capable to promote to all adults, however there’s no official timeline for that. Extra licenses are anticipated in 2025.

AND FINALLY

Info on the perils of consuming and driving have lengthy been part of driver’s schooling programs. Subsequent yr, data on hashish impairment will likely be a part of Massachusetts’ program. Keep in mind: simply because one thing is authorized – alcohol, hashish, texting – doesn’t imply it’s best to do it whereas driving!

Keep protected and be properly everybody – we’ll see you subsequent week!