It’s shaping up to be another big year for cannabis, as politicians and policymakers move to destigmatize, decriminalize, and — in some cases — legalize the drug nationwide. In New York, Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently presented his plan to legalize recreational cannabis throughout the state. Democrat Tim Walz, the newly elected governor of Minnesota, wants his state to be the next to legalize. And in Rhode Island, Democratic Gov.

President Donald Trump has vocally supported efforts towards marijuana reform, although nothing has actually been passed since he took office. But one Republican senator says he's still committed to those goals, writes Joseph Misulonas. 

The Congress that takes over next month will seem far more friendly to marijuana interests thanks to Democrats taking control of the House of Representatives. And marijuana interests are making sure they can get as much support as possible, writes Joseph Misulonas. 

Sen. Cory Gardner failed to add language to the Senate’s criminal justice bill that would ensure the federal government respects Colorado’s marijuana legalization. But neither the Republican senator, who is running for re-election in 2020, nor the issue will be going away.

On Monday and Wednesday this week, Donald Trump will leave the Oval Office in the West Wing in the late afternoon and walk eastward to the White House residence, where he will meet Melania Trump. Together, they will head downstairs at 5:15 to the Grand Foyer, a gilded hall directly past the main entrance, where they will be greeted by 600 people. Melania at his side, he will wave and smile at his guests, shake their hands, pose for photos, and engage in small talk. She will say “Merry Christmas” and he will deliver unscripted remarks. He will wave and smile and shake hands and pose and engage in small talk some more. After about two-and-a-half hours, they will ascend the stairs and return to the residence. Just before 8:30, the whole ordeal will start again.

Democratic Mayor Muriel E. Bowser of Washington, D.C. has announced that she intends to introduce legislation next year that would legalize the sale of recreational cannabis in the nation’s capital.

Bowser, who was re-elected to her position on Tuesday, sees the Democratic takeover of the House of Representatives in the midterm elections as an opportunity to implement a pot legalization measure already passed by voters.

The policy shift only applies to District lands and police, not federal lands or federal law enforcement.

Washington, D.C., residents live a tale of two cities when it comes to cannabis enforcement. Yes, marijuana is legal in the nation’s capital—but only on the 71 percent of lands subject to District Law.

So far, nine states in the U.S. and the District of Columbia have legalized cannabis for consumer use and 31 states allow the medical use of marijuana. In addition, the date of the legalization of recreational marijuana in Canada is fast approaching on October 17.

It’s not just North America, either. With a growing population with legal access to marijuana around the world, the cannabis industry looks like it’s here to stay.

If you’re thinking of investing in the group, keep in mind that the stocks have been no less of a roller coaster ride. Buying on big dips and selling on pops can be very profitable, but deciding on how big of a dip to buy may be more art than science.

The city of Washington D.C. technically has legalized recreational marijuana, but restrictions put in place by Congressmake the laws very murky. And now 30 people are paying the price, writes Joseph Misulonas. 

Cannabis is legal in our nation’s capital. But it could be awhile before Washington, D.C. has pot shops.

The U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government has passed a bill that continues to block Washington, D.C. from spending money to further legalize cannabis. The measure effectively bars retail marijuana sales from the city. It also adds a new prohibition on using funds to support safe consumption sites for illegal drug users, reports Marijuana Moment.