In the current issue of BAR Magazine, I discuss some tales of slotting fees and other impermissible conduct.    

A bill has been introduced by Sen. Hoylman in New York to ban the sale of powdered alcohol, Palcohol, in New York. Naturally, the legislation also would prohibit anyone under 21 from possessing Palcohol. See the proposed bill at: http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S7195-2013 The bill comes after U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer urged the Food and Drug Administration to ban the product. Palcohol is awaiting TTB label approval.

Florida is the latest state to pass a medical marijuana bill to allow limited access to marijuana for treatment of chronic epileptic seizures, cancer and select other severe illnesses. Senate Bill 1030, (http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2014/1030) passed in the House by a vote of 111-7, and a vote of 30-9 in the Senate. Governor Rick Scott said he will sign the bill into law when it reaches his desk for signature. The bill only allows access to specific marijuana low in THC. Another medical marijuana proposal, SB 962 (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2014/0962),would have allowed access to more varieties of medical marijuana to those with additional conditions. However, the bill was not acted upon prior to adjourning for the year. The bill passed is in addition to the constitutional amendment on the ballot this November by a public petition campaign. For more on that see (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2014/01/29/medical-marijuana-will-be-on-florida-ballot/).