Marijuana arrests dropped nationwide in 2013: For the first time in a decade, fewer than 700,000 people were arrested nationwide for marijuana-related offenses, High Times reports. Pulling from the FBI Uniform Crime Report for 2013, High Times writes that the data shows a 7.5 percent decline in marijuana arrests from the year before. It's the fourth year in a row of declining marijuana arrests in the nation.
Big Marijuana in Colorado? Not anytime soon: Marijuana appears to be big business in Colorado, where $1 billion in sales are expected this year. But does that mean big marijuana businesses are on the way? According to The Economist that won't be happening any time soon, thanks to restrictions at both the state and federal levels. In Colorado, businesses must sell 70 percent of their own marijuana supply in an attempt for the state to keep an eye on supplies. The Economist notes that appears to keep businesses small, since many businesses are not able to specialize in any one aspect of manufacturing the substance. Federal law is also keeping things small, with restrictions on banking and transporting marijuana across state lines.
Marijuana more popular than politicians in most states: There are still 30,000 votes left to be counted in Alaska's general election, but if trends hold more Alaskans will have voted in favor of legalizing marijuana than for any other politician on the ballot. As of the latest count, 127,639 Alaskans voted yes on Ballot Measure 2, more than U.S. Senate leader Dan Sullivan (119,579), Alaska Governor's race leader Bill Walker (117,130) and U.S. House winner Don Young (125,410). That's a trend that appeared to hold even in other states according to a breakdown from The Huffington Post. Only one person received more votes than pot in the general election: 128,813 voted to retain Alaska Supreme Court Justice Craig Stowers.
Racial justice could motivate future legalization efforts: In Alaska, the campaign to regulate geared its message primarily toward treating marijuana more like alcohol. But in Washington D.C., the message was different, with advocates citing high minority arrests rates -- despite equal use among whites -- as the main reason citizens should legalize recreational marijuana. The measure passed overwhelmingly in the district, with 70 percent of voters favoring it. The National Journal looks how arguing for marijuana crime reform could become a bigger tactic for groups hoping to legalize marijuana in other states.
Marijuana funds CO school health staff grants: Colorado school districts were awarded nearly $1 million in grants Wednesday to hire health professionals, including psychologists, counselors and social workers, The Cannabist reports. Colorado has earmarked the first $40 million from the state's 15 percent excise tax for school capital projects. In Alaska, marijuana tax revenue will go directly into the state's General Fund.