Welcome back to The Week in Weed, your Friday look at what's happening in the world of legalized marijuana.
The big news this week, at least on the federal level, is that hemp legalization appears to be coming sooner rather than later. Nothing like having an important Senator on your side to smooth the way.
In state news, marijuana stores in Massachusetts opened last week (after WIW went to press) with many customers eager to purchase their wares. Remember, Massachusetts voters opted to legalize cannabis in 2016. Voters in Michigan may want to keep that timeframe for stores to open in mind, as legalization takes effect there December 6. Possession and home cultivation will be legal next week, but it will probably be a while before shops open.
Remember when it seemed as if New Jersey was the last place you thought would legalize cannabis? Times have changed! Granted, this newest proposal may not go anywhere, but these bills are no longer dead on arrival.
And add North Carolina to the list of states considering legalization. Theirs is an interesting idea, that I've not seen before, where each county would be able to decide to legalize or not. Like wet and dry counties, but with cannabis rather than alcohol.
And in our continuing series on politicians who have changed their mind on marijuana, Joe Kennedy III has now joined this club.
In international news, South Korea has legalized medical marijuana, the first country in East Asia to do so.
And finally, for our Chicagoland readers, please join us at our Chicago Willis Tower office on Thursday, December 6th, for breakfast along with a Seyfarth Legal Forum and Continuing Legal Education (CLE): 2018 Highlights and a Look Ahead to 2019. Among the topics under discussion is cannabis in Illinois.
While there is no cost to attend, registration is required and space is limited. If you have any questions, please contact Fiona Carlon at fcarlon@seyfarth.com and reference this event.
See you next week!
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