Marco Rubio says as president he would enforce federal law against states that have legalized marijuana.

“Absolutely,” he said Sunday on Meet the Press. “I believe the federal government needs to enforce federal law.” (That part of the interview was short so Rubio's ideas on how far to go are not clear; he's also championed states' rights on various issues.)

But the Florida Republican also said he is open to medical marijuana, provided it goes through the FDA approval process and has true medicinal benefits. “I’m not in favor of legalizing marijuana. I’m not. I never have been.”

As a reporter focused on drug policy, I used to be skeptical of marijuana legalization. So it wasn't a sure thing that covering this issue over the years would make me less cautious — and more supportive — of legalization. But it has.

America’s Growing Demand for CBD Pet Treatments

The next big thing in autonomous vehicles really is big. At a ceremony at the Hoover Dam last Wednesday, automotive manufacturer Daimler unveiled a self-driving truck – the first to be cleared to drive on US roads.

For the freight industry, the Inspiration Truck holds the promise of a future with fewer accidents, lower fuel costs and well-rested drivers.

One of the most troubling aspects of current marijuana policy in this country, even in those states that have legalized marijuana, is the continuing job discrimination faced by those who smoke marijuana.

In 49 states (Arizona is the sole exception), a private employer is legally free to fire anyone who tests positive for THC in their system, without the slightest suggestion the individual came to work in an impaired condition. It is a relic left over from the “reefer madness” days when marijuana smokers were considered bad people, and employers were anxious to identify smokers and get rid of them.

A popular argument against legalization of marijuana is that evidence shows teen marijuana use may lead to mood disorders like depression in later life, but new research suggests that the link may not exist or at least may not be as pronounced as we might have feared.

More than 20 million Americans used marijuana in 2013. Possesion and sale are illegal under federal law, but medical marijuana use is legal in 23 states and the District of Columbia. Many states also have reduced or eliminated penalties for recreational use, resulting in a patchwork of restrictions and availability for those seeking medical help or just a casual high.

ANCHORAGE -- The Marijuana Control Board presented the final set of proposed regulations at a meeting Monday, a chapter some pro-pot advocates consider controversial because it includes an article banning marijuana social clubs.

“It was the campaign to regulate marijuana like alcohol so we’re taking a hard look at our alcohol rules and statutes and see whether or not they fit,” said Cynthia Franklin, director of the ABC Board.

The language is based on an alcohol regulation.

“It’s been a law for over 30 years, that someone cannot open a place for people to come together, drink and pay an entry fee, and not be a licensed liquor establishment, by virtue of inviting people from the public and pay a free to come and drink with them,” said Franklin.

If the bill becomes law, D.C. could regulate marijuana

Senate Appropriations Committee also votes to allow banks to provide services to state-legalized marijuana stores

[Press Release] A key Senate committee passed a bill [July 23] allowing the nation’s capital to establish regulated marijuana stores and let banks provide financial services to state-legalized marijuana dispensaries. These are just two of several marijuana reforms advancing in Congress.  Meanwhile sentencing reform is gaining steam, and the U.S. is shifting towards treating drug use as a health issue instead of a criminal justice issue.

How is it possible that on the same day New York’s Department of Health was announcing the five companies that can legally manufacture and distribute medical marijuana next year, a credit union was suing in Colorado federal court for the right to provide banking services to legal marijuana businesses? Quite simply, the federal government has adopted a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy with regard to one of our nation’s most high profile issues.