political update

so there have been a few things going on politically that needs to be posted here, that I've found out:

1. Utah has legalized medical marijuana - partially.  Between this July and December 31st of next year, it is legal to possess CBD oils if you are the parent of a child who is documented as having severe epilepsy.  Prescriptions can only be written by a neurologist, which then is sent to the state's department of health, who in turn allows potential patients to apply for a wavier to pay the state a $400 hemp extract fee.  They are then placed on a waiting list.  The extract must have at least 15% CBD, and no more than .03% THC.

Author's note: As I don't provide my own opinion on political matters, I will not comment on the glaring holes in the law.  However, I can state that since the bill did not establish any sort of growing program (in theory, parents of said children would procure the oil from nearby Colorado) and instead is only legalizing patients the ability to actually possess or use it, those transporting the legalized oil across state lines will still be subject to Federal law.  How that isn't legal due to hemp being legal (and strains with very small traces of THC can technically be classified as hemp), is anyone's guess.  

2. New Hampshire's house of representatives last year voted to write a legalization bill, before turning over it to the state's tax committee.  The committee recommended against passing the bill, due to it not giving the state enough controls to properly regulate the distribution of the plant.  In a 192-140 decision, the house of representatives rejected the bill.  Last week, the same house voted to decriminalize small amounts (under 1 ounce), but that will more than likely be vetoed by the governor, who has vowed to veto any pro-marijuana legislation that arrives at her desk.

3. Also, the US House of Representatives voted against funding the research on medical marijuana for veterans.  After a University of Arizona psychology professor was granted permission to conduct said research last week, Arizona's own representative lashed out at the proposal, and it was ultimately defeated.