Garlo Ward, P.C.

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Bill Approved to Repeal Federal Law Stripping Students of College Financial Aid for Drug Convictions.

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  The House Education & Labor Committee has approved a bill to repeal a federal law which made college students ineligible for financial aid due to drug convictions.  It also clarifies a previous rolling back of the penalties passed in 2006.  The reasoning of the committee is as follows: Critics have argued that blocking people from being able to pursue a college degree is a counterproductive way to respond to substance use and misuse issues. “The best possible intervention for a … [Read more...] about Bill Approved to Repeal Federal Law Stripping Students of College Financial Aid for Drug Convictions.

Expected Passage of Marijuana Banking Bill by House

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  The head of the American Banker's Association is predicting that the U.S. House of Representatives will pass legislation allowing banks to service the business of companies in states where marijuana products are legal: "In an interview on the podcast Engage with Andy Busch that was released on Friday, ABA CEO Rob Nichols said that his group will be actively lobbying for the bipartisan cannabis banking bill in order to provide clarity to financial institutions that currently worry that … [Read more...] about Expected Passage of Marijuana Banking Bill by House

Second Texas Marijuana Policy Conference This Labor Day Weekend

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The Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy are holding the second Texas Marijuana Policy Conference this weekend in Austin, Texas.  A broad range of speakers will participate.  Many of the courses will address legal issues.  The schedule is here. … [Read more...] about Second Texas Marijuana Policy Conference This Labor Day Weekend

Three Interesting Stories on the Texas Legalization of Hemp

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    On June 10, Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill legalizing hemp production.   "Texas House Republican Charles Perry was the author of House Bill 1325 and has been a huge advocate for the hemp industry in Texas. The bill passed with flying colors. "The hemp industry is rapidly growing and we need to ensure our farmers are able to participate. We hope this agricultural commodity will help boost rural communities now that there is a new viable crop option for our farmers," Perry … [Read more...] about Three Interesting Stories on the Texas Legalization of Hemp

Texas Governor Signs Bill Allowing Cultivation of Hemp & USDA Legalized THC

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  Yesterday, Governor Abbott signed HB 1325 into law.  This allows a federally approved program for Texas farmers to grow hemp.   "The bill, which passed both the Texas House and Senate unanimously, will allow for a federally-approved program for Texas farmers to grow hemp as a crop, including procedures for sampling, inspection and testing." It is important to note that it will not be legal to grow until 2020 after the federal government has written rules which have completed the … [Read more...] about Texas Governor Signs Bill Allowing Cultivation of Hemp & USDA Legalized THC

Opioid Alternative Pilot Program Offering Access to Medical Marijuana Progressing in Illinois

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  In August 2018, Illinois passed the Alternative to Opioids Act of 2018, allowing a treating physician to refer a patient to the Opioid Alternative Pilot Program to avoid prescribing of opioids for conditions and to allow the use of medical cannabis instead.   The pilot program starts at the end of January and medical cannabis dispensaries are gearing up for it by increasing infrastructure and workforce numbers.  Training is a big part of the preparation: Staff at Green Thumb … [Read more...] about Opioid Alternative Pilot Program Offering Access to Medical Marijuana Progressing in Illinois

Use of Marijuana in Nursing Homes? Obstacles to Medical Marijuana Weaken.

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A nursing home in the Bronx began a cannabis program in 2016 and is having good results: The Hebrew Home at Riverdale, in the Bronx, first launched its “innovative” new cannabis program in 2016. With it, the facility provided educational sessions and a fact sheet on the often-misunderstood drug to both residents and their family members. About 10 residents have participated so far, and they have reported that cannabis has helped to lessen the severity of chronic pain and reduce opioid … [Read more...] about Use of Marijuana in Nursing Homes? Obstacles to Medical Marijuana Weaken.

Epidiolex – New CBD Oil Drug Will Be Legal Under Federal Law, Classified As Schedule V for Certain FDA-Approved Drugs Containing Cannabidiol

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Epidiolex is now the only legal CBD oil recognized under federal law. CBD is the non-psychoactive cannabinoid derived from the hemp plant that many people use for its supposed therapeutic properties to treat several ailments and chronic illnesses.  According to reports the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill is set to remove hemp from the Drug Enforcement Administration list of controlled substances.   New sources have revealed that Epidiolex was approved this summer by the FDA  and the U.S. Drug Enforcement … [Read more...] about Epidiolex – New CBD Oil Drug Will Be Legal Under Federal Law, Classified As Schedule V for Certain FDA-Approved Drugs Containing Cannabidiol

First Marijuana Ad in Texas Paving Way for Legalization in Rural Areas

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A new Texas Marijuana Ad that hit the airwaves this August could potentially signal that both the public opinion and political debate on  legalization of cannabis are shifting in Texas. At a convention in June, 80 percent of Texas delegates voted for decriminalization of marijuana. Currently, medical cannabis is only available to less than 1% of Texans and according to reports, last year the Texas legislature saw 78 legislative sponsors of HB 2107—the comprehensive, medical cannabis bill and a … [Read more...] about First Marijuana Ad in Texas Paving Way for Legalization in Rural Areas