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NY takes first step to implement legal cannabis (Newsletter: October 6, 2021)

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Philly marijuana referendum; IL nears $1 billion in cannabis sales for 2021; V.A. interested in MDMA therapy for veterans

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

New York’s Cannabis Control Board held its first meeting, an initial step toward launching the legal recreational marijuana market. It also expanded the medical cannabis program by letting dispensaries sell flower immediately, but gave no specifics on when patients can grow their own even though officials have already missed the deadline in the law to issue regulations allowing it.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania voters will decide on a marijuana ballot referendum next month that calls on state lawmakers to “pass legislation that would decriminalize, regulate and tax the use and sale” of cannabis.

A top Department of Veterans Affairs official focused on suicide prevention told lawmakers at a House hearing that she is “very closely” following “well-designed” research into the potential therapeutic benefits of MDMA.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation reported that retailers have sold just under $1 billion worth of legal recreational marijuana products so far this year after new September data shows the seventh month in a row with cannabis sales surpassing $100 million.

/ FEDERAL

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau included an example of a bank denying a loan to a cannabis dispensary as “high risk” in a Federal Register filing about a proposed rule implementing changes to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.

The House Judiciary Committee tweeted, “It is time for Congress to pass the #MOREAct, which will: ➡️Decriminalize marijuana at the federal level  ➡️Reassess marijuana convictions ➡️Invest in local communities”

Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) spoke about his support for federal marijuana legalization and cannabis banking access.

Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) spoke about visiting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at a marijuana dispensary.

Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) tweeted, “Excited to see the USDA launching it’s inaugural hemp acreage and production survey. This will help bring hemp and marijuana production into the mainstream!”

/ STATES

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) said medical cannabis should not be legalized unless approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

South Carolina’s attorney general issued an opinion finding that the state’s hemp law does not legalize delta-8 THC or other THC isomers outside of trace amounts.

Pennsylvania’s attorney general tweeted, “It’s time for Pennsylvania to legalize marijuana — and expunge the records of those serving time for non-violent marijuana convictions.”

The Arkansas House Judiciary Committee approved an interim study of whether people on probation can use medical cannabis.

The Alabama senator who sponsored a recently enacted medical cannabis bill said he will file legislation to make changes to the law, potentially as soon as during a special session in the coming weeks.

The California senator who is sponsoring a bill to legalize possession of psychedelics spoke about its prospects.

A North Carolina appeals court gave a partial victory to a police officer who was fired for letting an armed suspect smoke marijuana if he agreed to surrender peacefully.

Colorado regulators filed a temporary emergency rule on hemp sampling.

Massachusetts regulators issued guidance about the sale of hemp products to marijuana businesses.

Illinois regulators published an annual report about the medical cannabis program.

Missouri regulators approved the state’s 150th medical cannabis dispensary to operate.

Michigan’s Department of State tweeted, “Marijuana impairs coordination, slows reaction time, distorts perception and makes it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane, increasing the risk of a crash. If you feel different, you drive different. Don’t drive high. It’s the law.”

Washington State regulators issued a policy statement about false or misleading statements for cannabis-infused products.

Oregon regulators sent a compliance bulletin about recording average marijuana harvest weights and virtual transfers.

Connecticut’s Psilocybin Study Workgroup will meet on Wednesday.


Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,200 cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.

Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.

/ LOCAL

Gwinnett County, Georgia commissioners delayed a decision on a marijuana decriminalization proposal.

Here’s a look at how Connecticut municipalities are taking differing approaches to allowing marijuana businesses.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Malta’s government filed a marijuana decriminalization bill.

The UK’s home secretary said the government is instituting a program of drug testing people who have been arrested.

Malaysia’s home minister said the government is studying the issue of legalizing medical cannabis.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A review concluded that “clinical studies published so far indicate that the use of CBD in dogs can be safe at given doses and can contribute to osteoarthritis and idiopathic epilepsy treatments.”

A study found that “most respondents reported greater efficacy of CBG-predominant cannabis over conventional pharmacotherapy, with a benign adverse event profile and negligible withdrawal symptoms.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Global Alliance for Cannabis Commerce sent a letter to Michigan lawmakers opposing legislation that would place restrictions on medical cannabis cultivation by caregivers.

The Cannabis Freedom Alliance brought on new member organizations and created several working groups.

/ BUSINESS

Akerna Corp. entered into a securities purchase agreement for $20 million in convertible debt financing.

The Securities and Exchange Commission charged CanaFarma and its founders  with allegedly defrauding investors.

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Tom Angell is the editor of Marijuana Moment. A 20-year veteran in the cannabis law reform movement, he covers the policy and politics of marijuana. Separately, he founded the nonprofit Marijuana Majority. Previously he reported for Marijuana.com and MassRoots, and handled media relations and campaigns for Law Enforcement Against Prohibition and Students for Sensible Drug Policy.

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