Chronicle AM: ND Governor Opposes Pot Initiative, Ohio MedMJ Delays, More… (8/15/18)

The dog days of summer continue with little going on in the world of drug policy. But North Dakota’s Republican governor comes out against the legalization initiative, the Ohio medical marijuana program is behind schedule, and more.

Marijuana Policy

North Dakota Governor Comes Out Against Legalization Initiative. Gov. Doug Burgum (R) has come out in opposition to the Legalize ND marijuana legalization initiative, saying he is against “the full, unfettered legalization of recreational marijuana.” He told local media, “I encourage voters to educate themselves on the specific wording and far-reaching implications of all ballot measures. My personal stance against full, unfettered legalization of recreational marijuana has not changed.”

Medical Marijuana

Guam Bill Would Allow Home Cultivation. Five years after the US territory legalized medical marijuana, access issues have prompted Sen. Louis Muna to file a bill that would allow patients to grow their own at home. The bill got a public hearing Tuesday night, with mostly positive testimony. No word yet on it will get a committee vote.

Ohio Deadline for Getting Program Up and Running Goes Up in Smoke. The state’s medical marijuana program is supposed to be up and running by September 8, but that isn’t going to happen. The state Department of Commerce is still selecting businesses that will be issued cultivation licenses. The department says it can issue up to 18 of those licenses before September 8, but that means the first crops won’t be ready until November.