SAN JUAN – Jamaica’s marijuana decriminalization law has helped decrease tensions between citizens and authorities as people possessing 2 ounces or less of pot no longer face arrest, National Security Minister Peter Bunting said Monday.

For decades, arrests for possession of small quantities of the drug Jamaicans know as ganja has caused friction between police and communities, the minister said in a statement.

“Communities saw young men who they did not regard as criminals being arrested, fined, and, sometimes, sentenced for possession of ganja. It gave them criminal records ... eventually limiting their life chances,” he said.

Health officials in Massachusetts on Friday overhauled the process of granting licenses for medical marijuana dispensaries.

Regulators from the administration of Governor Charlie Baker revamped licensing strikes away the subjectivity and secrecy that had ruined the system under former governor Deval Patrick’s tenure.

It has been found that the controversy surrounding the previous system sparked more than two dozen lawsuits, and left patients without any dispensaries 2½ years after voters approved marijuana for medical use.

PHOENIX — Saying he has concerns about abuse, Attorney General Mark Brnovich withdrew his formal legal opinion that public officials can use their offices and resources to “educate” voters on an upcoming ballot measure.

In a prepared statement, press aide Kristen Keogh said there were “allegations” that his opinion, issued less than two weeks ago, “may have provided an opportunity for potential government abuse.” And she said he takes that issue “very seriously.”

Communications chief Ryan Anderson said the next step is to review the issue and issue a revision that is not only “more clear,” but also ensures the opinion, which can be cited in court cases, is not used in a way that does not protect taxpayer dollars.

The Home Office has confirmed that responsibility for the UK drugs strategy goes to Mike Penning, MP for Hemel Hempstead, the Minister for Policing, Crime and Criminal Justice.

This must be indicative of the attitude that we can expect from the new Conservative government.  It would seem that this is a hardening of drugs policy as being a criminal justice issue rather than something to do with health.

The Pennsylvania Senate passed a medical marijuana bill 40-7 this week. The GOP-controlled Senate … in Pennsylvania … gave a thumbs-up to medical marijuana. Such a freak occurrence should be roundly cheered by pot activists, no?

Well, that’s not what happened.

Here's a sampling of things that advocates for medical pot said recently about "Senate Bill 3," the medical marijuana bill sponsored by Sen. Daylin Leach and Sen. Mike Folmer:

The Department of Public Health is unveiling changes to the way it issues licenses under the state's medical marijuana dispensary program.

The changes outlined Friday include a revamped application process that allows marijuana dispensaries to be approved similar to how other health care facilities, such as pharmacies, are licensed.

Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel said the changes to the licensing procedures are critical to get the program up and running.

"This change creates a more streamlined, efficient and transparent process that allows the commonwealth to maintain the highest standards of both public safety and accessibility," Bharel said in a written statement.

For almost 20 years, Jim Jefferies has been police chief in LaFollette, Tennessee and during that time, he has busted hundreds of vehicles passing marijuana through his town. But today, he is on the lookout for something different: marshmallows and lollipops.

A few days ago, his officers stopped a Chevy Blazer driven by a couple with three children in tow. After inspecting the car, the officers found 24 pounds of candies and cookies containing marijuana. These items are popular in states where marijuana is legalized and it’s difficult to differentiate them from sweet goodies.

Thanks to the internet, accessibility to breaking news stories – either they be important world events or the latest celebrity happenings – has become easy. Along with the legit news however, there are satire articles, news pieces written to come off as legit news until readers truly realize how ridiculous the piece really is. The Inquisitr is known for debunking satire pieces that usually sweep social media, such as one that claimed Starbucks uses a “special ingredient” to flavor their drinks.

Acting on a tip from Metro Narcotics in Ouachita Parish, Union Parish sheriff’s narcotics agents obtained a search warrant that resulted in an arrest for cultivation of marijuana.

Agents from the sheriff’s Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs booked Marc D. Arrant, 60, of 2046 Cypress Creek Road, Farmerville, into the parish detention center Wednesday for growing marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, illegal possession of firearms in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

In the fight for safe access to medical cannabis local and state-level action is always an essential step for progress. With so much of our success as a movement coming from state laws, an amazing 37 total state laws now allow for some type of legal medical cannabis use, it’s easy to forget about our nation’s capital.

This week offered some important reminders that victories are happening at the national level too. In fact as much progress as happens in the states, it’s absolutely essential that we work to ensure that the federal government doesn’t undermine state medical cannabis programs.

A Chance For A New Direction at DEA