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Americans say cannabis is more beneficial than alcohol (Newsletter: August 17, 2022)
CA gov hesitates on drug harm reduction bill; OH local marijuana decrim on ballots; SD gov’s cannabis stance slammed in ad
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Even though he has long championed bold drug policy reforms, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is reportedly hesitating about signing a bill to allow safe consumption sites as he considers a presidential run—and yet polling shows bipartisan majority voter support for the harm reduction move.
Voters in at least seven Ohio cities will get the chance to approve local marijuana decriminalization initiatives on their November ballots.
In a new TV ad, South Dakota Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jamie Smith is calling out incumbent Gov. Kristi Noem (R) for overturning the will of voters who approved a marijuana legalization ballot initiative.
A new Gallup poll found that more than twice as many Americans think that marijuana has a positive impact on its consumers and society at large than say the same about alcohol. Among people who have tried either substance themselves, the contrast is even more stark.
Minnesota marijuana activists have launched a voter education effort to try to flip control of the state Senate, which has until now blocked House-passed legalization legislation.
/ FEDERAL
The Department of Energy meeting will explore the “potential of hemp insulation” on September 8.
Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidate Mehmet Oz launched an ad depicting a bong coming out of the head of Democratic rival John Fetterman, currently the lieutenant governor.
/ STATES
The official Twitter account for Michigan’s government tweeted, “Who is going to help @MichiganCRA get to 420 followers? Be sure to give the team a follow for updates from the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency.”
Wisconsin’s secretary of state tweeted, “The placement of Cannabis as a Schedule I drug is a racist crock of crap originally architected by Tricky Dick Nixon in an effort to imprison his political rivals. Legalize it. Then expunge the records of everyone who’s fallen victim to this cheap political ploy.”
A Nebraska senator who is working to qualify two medical cannabis initiatives for the November ballot said that if this year’s effort is not successful, advocates “will get up, dust off, and do it again.”
A Pennsylvania representative tweeted, “Other states are passing us by while PA Republicans refuse to take up my bill to decriminalize adult-use recreational cannabis and start to repair the damage caused by the aggressive, unequal enforcement of the past.”
Arkansas activists have raised $3.4 million for their marijuana legalization ballot measure and have spent $3.3 million, according to campaign finance filings.
The North Carolina Court of Appeals ruled criminal prosecution for marijuana can still be legitimate when sight or odor contributes to a warrantless search and seizure even though the illegal plant looks similar to legal hemp.
Virginia regulators filed rules on hemp extract products.
Missouri regulators issued an annual report about the medical cannabis program.
Colorado regulators posted compliance tips about required documentation for medical sales over statutory limits and Metrc requirements.
California regulators will host a cannabis technical assistance workshop on Thursday.
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Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,500 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.
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/ LOCAL
The Clark County, Nevada Commission awarded $1.2 million in grants to nonprofits that will review low-level marijuana conviction records for sealing.
The Tuscaloosa, Alabama City Council is considering medical cannabis dispensary rules.
The city of Oakland, California is being sued by a church that uses cannabis and psilocybin in its services and says it was discriminated against in being denied a land-use permit.
/ INTERNATIONAL
A Brazilian court granted a woman the right to grow cannabis for medical use, and to import seeds.
The Thai and Malaysian health ministers plan to meet to discuss cannabis policy.
A report found that Spain doles out 43 percent of Europe’s administrative or criminal offenses for marijuana.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “more than one-third of patients benefited from oral medicinal cannabis, which is impactful given the refractory nature of their pain.”
A study found that “in-utero exposure to cannabis seemed to not be associated with the risk [of] ADHD in children.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The National Association of Cannabis Businesses is converting from a for-profit corporation to a nonprofit organization.
The New York State Bar Association is hosting an event comparing cannabis laws in Massachusetts, New York and California on Thursday.
/ BUSINESS
Verano Holdings Corp. reported quarterly revenue of $223.6 million and a net loss of $9.8 million.
iAnthus Capital Holdings, Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $43.5 million and a net loss of $373.6 million.
The Parent Company reported quarterly net sales of $27.4 million and a net loss and comprehensive loss of $30.5 million.
A former High Times freelance writer is alleging that she was “fired…for writing a critical article about…Curaleaf.”
FarmaceuticalRX, LLC is being sued for alleged employee wage theft.
Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.’s CEO indicated that the company will not move forward with plans to acquire MedMen’s New York assets after all, following contentious litigation over the issue. Separately, the company entered into an agreement giving it the option to acquire 100 percent of the equity of Ohio Patient Access LLC.
Metrc signed a medical cannabis track and trace contract with Alabama regulators.
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