Chronicle AM: New Federal Pot Bill Filed, MO Hemp Bill Moves, PA MedMJ Bill Moves, More (4/22/15)

Another federal bill to get DC out of state marijuana laws is filed, a Hawaii bill would inflict a 25% on medical marijuana purchases, a Pennsylvania medical marijuana bill moves, a Missouri hemp bill moves, and more.

Will the sun rise on hemp in Missouri? (votehemp.org)

Six Republicans File Federal Respect State Marijuana Laws Act. Led by Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), a half-dozen GOP congressmen today filed the act, which would amend the Controlled Substances Act to clarify that anyone acting in compliance with a state marijuana law would be immune from federal prosecution. The act would apply to both medical and recreational marijuana laws. It is not yet available on the congressional web site.

Medical Marijuana

Hawaii Senate Approves 25% Tax on Medical Marijuana Sales. The bill is House Bill 321. It was approved by the House without the tax provision, which was added by a Senate committee without any public hearing. The bill now goes to conference committee, where advocates hope the tax can be reduced or eliminated. There is no tax on prescription medications.

Illinois House Approves Bill Extending Medical Marijuana Program. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie), would extend the program beyond January 1, 2018, when it is set to expire as a pilot program. The bill now goes to the Senate.

Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Bill Moves. The Senate State Government Committee has approved Senate Bill 3, but will hold further hearings on it next month. The sponsor, Sen. Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon County) says it may be modified to address concerns raised in the House.

Hemp

Missouri House Approves Hemp Bill. The House Tuesday approved House Bill 830, which would license and regulate hemp production in the state. The bill now goes to the Senate.

Kratom

Louisiana Bill to Ban Kratom Advances. The House Criminal Justice Committee Tuesday approved a bill that would add the leaves of the Southeast Asian tree to the state's controlled substances list. The bill is House Bill 174.