Weekly Wrapup: Flurry of Positive Medical Cannabis News Offsets Colo. Contraction, Idaho MMJ Setback

Last week started off on a disappointing note for the medical cannabis industry.

First came news that several MMJ dispensaries in Colorado have closed – or are about to call it quits – after receiving warning letters from the federal government. Then we saw the effort to legalize medical marijuana in Idaho sputter out, with organizers failing to gather enough signatures to advance the initiative.

But the news then took a decidedly positive turn:

#1. A lawmaker in Michigan introduced a bill that would allow medical marijuana dispensaries to operate in the state. While some observers are doubtful the measure will pass, at least the option is on the table.

#2. Nancy Pelosi came out swinging this week for the MMJ industry, questioning the Obama administration’s crackdown on dispensaries and offering up her support for medical cannabis. Love her or hate her, Pelosi is now a key ally to the medical marijuana movement. The fact that a key Obama ally spoke publicly against the president’s policies on medical cannabis – in an election year, no less – bodes well for the MMJ industry.

#3. Talk about saving the best for last: Late in the week, the Connecticut Senate signed off on a bill to legalize medical marijuana. Connecticut is now poised to become the 17th state in the nation to approve the possession and use of medical marijuana by qualified patients. This further ratchets up the pressure on the Obama administration to end its crackdown on MMJ.