Chronicle AM: MI Reforms Asset Forfeiture, ND Decriminalizes Pot Possession, More… (5/10/19)

The Senate majority leader refiles a bill to end federal pot prohibition, North Dakota decriminalizes, New Jersey's legalization effort appears stalled, and more. 

Marijuana Policy

Schumer, Jeffries Reintroduce Bill to End Federal Pot Prohibition. Senate Majority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) announced Thursday that they are reintroducing a bill that would remove marijuana from the list of federally controlled substances, ending federal marijuana prohibition, and leaving up to the states to craft their own marijuana laws. This year’s version of the Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act is not yet available on the congressional website.

New Jersey Legalization Effort Stalled. There is “virtually no chance” that marijuana legalization is going to get through the legislature this month, an inside source has told KYW Newsradio. Senate President Steve Sweeney has been unable to muster the votes needed to pass, and talk is now turning to a possible voter referendum on the issue next year.

North Dakota Decriminalizes Pot Possession. Gov. Doug Burgum (R) has signed into law HB 1050, which decriminalizes the possession of up to a half ounce of marijuana for people 21 and over and sets a maximum $1,000 fine. Previously, smalltime possession was a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail.

Medical Marijuana

Nebraska Medical Marijuana Bill Advances. A bill that would allow medical marijuana to be recommended for a list of qualifying conditions has advanced out of the Judiciary Committee on a 5-1 vote. The bill, LB 110, now heads for a floor vote in the unicameral legislature. The measure doesn’t allow for smoked marijuana or for home cultivation, and patients must have a physical exam and be assessed for alcohol and substance abuse and for a personal or family history of psychotic disorders.

Asset Forfeiture

Michigan Reins in Civil Forfeiture in Drug Cases. Gov. Gretchen Whitmire (D) on Thursday signed into law a package of bills ending civil asset forfeiture in drug cases unless the money and property seized is worth more than $50,000. If not, prosecutors will have to win a criminal conviction before moving to seize items.