Queens District Attorney's Office’s Post

Maine is just that girl! Just my opinion 1 of the best places to buy cannabis in the United States. I call Maine my “healing” state because their weed gives me the best high every time! Also, Maine just has good vibes and energy. So excited Maine is doing this! Maine lawmakers are considering significant steps towards justice reform with bills aimed at expunging and sealing marijuana conviction records. This initiative marks a crucial move towards equity and fairness in our legal system. #JusticeReform #MarijuanaLegalization #MaineLaw https://lnkd.in/eHf6f2gC

I believe one of the biggest detriments to cannabis legalization PR is smoking in public. Here's why: Gallup reported last year that a record 70% of Americans support cannabis legalization. Its overwhelming clear that Americans are ready to embrace broad legalization of this substance in one form or another. But, as many of us in the industry know, its not as simple as that. The government and the general public still carry a lot of fears when it comes to the possible side effects of legalization: -Easier access for children and minors -Increased crime -Increased physical & mental health risks -Decreased traffic and driver safety -Public places smelling like cannabis While many of these concerns about cannabis legalization are understandable, the reality is that some are simply unfounded, and the valid ones are externalities we already accept with alcohol—often at far higher rates. However, the one tangible thing people can point to that has changed since partial legalization is the pervasive and sometimes unescapable scent of cannabis smoke. But what if we just outlaw smoking in public places? Unfortunately, it's not that easy. Boston, Chicago, DC, New York, LA, Denver, Phoenix have all come under fire for this issue over the past decade, and New York is the only city on this list where it is legal to smoke cannabis in public. When recreational legalization was a hot topic in Florida this year, Gov. Ron DeSantis famously said "This state will start to smell like marijuana in our cities and towns; it will reduce the quality of life." While I don't agree any of his other reasons for restricting cannabis, I have to admit that I see where he's coming from with this specific point. I fully support everyone's right to ingest cannabis in the method they please, but you should do so in way that follows the law and is respectful to others. Most of your fellow Americans support this too, they just don't want their noses rubbed in it (pun intended). While you might try and point the finger at alcohol, it hasn’t faced the same public odor crisis as cannabis. Though public consumption is widely illegal for both, the enforcement of this law appears notably stricter with alcohol. How do we solve for this? Or conversely, are there people who believe this is a non-issue? https://lnkd.in/e4DbKgM2

Even though marijuana is legalized in 37 states, it ranges from the difficult to the impossible for many participants in the industry to obtain financing, access banking, accept credit cards or other digital forms of payment from consumers, obtain tax deductions, or take advantage of federal bankruptcy protections. This will likely remain the case so long as marijuana is legally treated the same as heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. In this article for Law360, my co-author Louis DiLorenzo and I discuss the potential for the federal government to alter marijuana’s legal status and the potential impact of a highly anticipated decision from the DEA. https://lnkd.in/ep87b-zP #cannabislaw #marijuanaindustry #bankingandfinance

Let's protect corporate cannabis by introducing legislation o wipe out hundreds of family-owned small businesses, thousands of jobs (er...competition)...we'll come up with a cool name to call it "regulation" so that we can "protect the children." HB 4293 Fails to Protect Children In a recent JAMA study, 11% of teens admitted to using delta-8, compared to 30% who admitted to using marijuana. This bill DOES NOTHING to protect kids from being poisoned by marijuana products sold at dispensaries. During Senate debate on this bill, the Sponsor admitted that this bill FAILS to stop online delta-hemp purchases or purchases made across state lines. This bill will allow children to get delta-hemp products and will encourage a new illicit black market.  

HB 4293 is a self-dealing money grab by Corporate Cannabis... - HB 4293 fosters the War on Drugs 2.0. Even accidental violations come with extremely harsh penalties. Since most hemp now on the market would be reclassified as cannabis, thousands of law-abiding businesses would immediately be hit with $10,000/day fines for any violations, along with a loss of all licensure, seizures of property, and automatic violation of the Consumer Fraud Act - During Senate debate on HB 4293, the Sponsor admitted that this bill FAILS to stop online delta-hemp purchases or purchases made across state lines. This bill will allow children to get delta-hemp and will encourage a new illicit black market (oops) - In a recent JAMA study, 11% of teens admitted to using delta-8, compared to 30% who admitted to using marijuana. HB4293 DOES NOTHING to protect kids from being poisoned by marijuana products sold at dispensaries - HB 4293 contains technical mistakes and unscientific definitions that will immediately ban all non-intoxicating CBD products, including pet products and widely used cosmetic and wellness products. It will immediately criminalize businesses who sell those types of non-intoxicating CBD consumer goods. Flawed technical definitions ban basically all hemp products, including non-intoxicating CBD cosmetic, wellness, and pet products.

https://lnkd.in/eb3wAw9n With cannabis legalization in New York and New Jersey, an unintended consequence has reared its head – the proliferation of illegal smoke shops. 🚨 These clandestine outlets are more than just a nuisance; they're a tangible threat to public safety and the integrity of the legal cannabis movement. These illegal shops skirt the law, offering untaxed, unregulated, and potentially harmful products. The absence of compliance not only jeopardizes consumer safety but also sows seeds of violence with cash-based transactions making them prime targets for armed robberies. This is a double-edge sword to patrons and the community at large. Plus, it's not just about dodging taxes or skimping on quality control. A recent bust in Manhattan uncovered fentanyl-laced products on the shelves – highlighting the stark reality of substance danger in these unmonitored environments. It's clear that our communities and the blooming legal cannabis industry deserve better. That's why there's an increasing push for initiatives like the Smokeout Act, aiming to empower law enforcement in clamping down on these rogue operations. ✊💼 Join the conversation on how we tackle this growing concern and uphold the standards of the legal cannabis industry. Because when the smoke clears, it's the safety and well-being of our communities that should remain our highest priority. #CannabisCommunity #PublicSafety #SmokeoutAct #Legalization #CommunityHealth

Shaleen Title of Parabola Center for Law and Policy always comes with the HEAT 🔥🔥🔥🔥 “Currently, federal lawmakers are mostly hearing from lobbyists who think the most urgent issue is profits. Instead of hearing that they need to work to free people who are locked up for marijuana-related offenses that are now legal, they only hear about banking. And taxes. And occasional lip service to equity, but only in the context that we need to protect banks and lower taxes. Right now, the only viable marijuana bill in Congress is a banking bill—how shameful is that?“ It is indeed shameful that we let it get this bad, and that’s exactly why the 420 day of unity is so important. If you agree with Shaleen here please join us in DC on 4/18 to recenter the national cannabis conversation on fully ending cannabis prohibition, releasing all cannabis prisoners, and nothing less. https://lnkd.in/drcVZ4rS

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has released a memo reaffirming its commitment to push for federal marijuana legalization and expanding cannabis clemency under a Harris administration if the current vice president wins the presidential election in November. “The ACLU supports the aims of the MORE Act and federal legislation that decriminalizes marijuana and allows states to undo the harms of the war on drugs,” it said. “As states continue to legalize marijuana, the ACLU will push a Harris administration to support federal legislation that includes critical decriminalization components, automatic expungements, and equitable opportunities for individuals and small business owners most impacted by the war on drugs.” “The ACLU and coalition partners have advocated for legislation that would ensure marijuana legalization is grounded in racial justice and remove re-entry and employment barriers to individuals and communities that were directly harmed by the war on drugs. Vice President Harris has advocated for similar positions as a senator and during her previous presidential campaign.” Read more @  Marijuana Moment https://lnkd.in/gmnfqTmp #federallegalization #aclu #cannabisclemency #cannabislegalization #harris #marijuanalegalization #decreminalization #expungements #socialequity

Another important example of the strong bi-partisan support for cannabis reform. Whether on Amendment 3 or rescheduling, the consensus is clear. We look forward to more detail from each presidential candidate on their plans for rapidly advancing cannabis reform if elected.

The Biden campaign criticizes Trump's rollback of marijuana reform efforts, highlighting the current administration's failure to reinstate key enforcement policies. 📜🌿 As discussions around cannabis reform continue, it's essential to address the implications of shifting federal priorities on the industry and its stakeholders. 🏛️✨ Read more about this ongoing debate: #CannabisReform #BidenAdministration #TrumpPolicy #FederalPriorities #TheHigherPath