Newsletter
Another GOP speaker hits Dems on cannabis (Newsletter: August 27, 2020)
NE medical marijuana has sigs for ballot; Cannabis could fund Medicaid; Fewer lung injuries in legalized states; Elephant gets CBD to treat stress
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Nebraska secretary of state’s office informed activists they collected enough signatures to put medical marijuana on the November ballot, the campaign said. But a last-minute legal challenge alleging that the measure is confusing and invalid could stop voters from deciding on it.
For the second night in a row, a Republican National Convention speaker slammed Democrats over marijuana policy.
- “Even during the pandemic, we saw how quickly life can change. Some Democrat leaders tried to ban church services while marijuana shops and abortion clinics were declared essential.”
American Samoa officials are considering legalizing medical marijuana in the U.S. territory to help fund Medicaid.
- “Otherwise I don’t really know where else we can create new money.”
A study found that most legal marijuana states had fewer vaping-related lung injuries than those that maintain prohibition, suggesting that regulation protects consumers.
- “A negative relationship between EVALI prevalence and rates of pre-outbreak vaping and marijuana use suggests that well-established markets may have crowded-out use of riskier, informally sourced e-liquids.”
Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) is urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to delay the implementation of hemp rules until the industry’s concerns can be addressed.
An elephant grieving from the death of a companion will be given CBD to treat her stress, a Polish zoo announced.
/ FEDERAL
President Trump suggested that he and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden should be drug tested prior to their debates.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to issue a final hemp rule in October 2021.
Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General John Yoo referenced marijuana in comments about presidential discretion to enforce certain laws.
Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA) said Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s (D) call to legalize marijuana “is a step in the right direction and goes hand-in-hand with my #Cannabis bill on the federal level! The Homegrown Act would help small businesses and people of color.”
Rep. Fred Keller (R) said he opposes legalizing marijuana.
Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) said she was asked at a town hall event about medical cannabis for military veterans with PTSD.
The House bill to allow Department of Veterans Affairs doctors to recommend medical cannabis got one new cosponsor for a total of 20.
/ STATES
Pennsylvania’s second lady spoke about her use of medical cannabis.
A Colorado judge dismissed a lawsuit against Loveland’s city clerk for allegedly refusing to accept petitions for a local ballot measure to allow marijuana businesses.
The Vermont House Judiciary Committee discussed legislation to expunge marijuana convictions.
California lawmakers are considering legislation creating a regulatory path for the retail sale of hemp-derived CBD as a dietary supplement, cosmetic and food and beverage additive.
Nevada regulators are cracking down on marijuana businesses that owe taxes or licensing fees.
Illinois regulators posted information about marijuana business social equity applicant technical assistance workshops.
Michigan regulators are surveying marijuana businesses about Metrc.
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/ LOCAL
The Johns Creek, Georgia City Council debated a marijuana decriminalization proposal.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Israel’s Ministry of Health filed rules intended to lower medical cannabis prices.
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark has been appointed chair of the Global Commission on Drug Policy.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “few differences in cannabis risks were found across modes of use” and that “frequency of use remains the most significant predictor of cannabis related risks.
A review found that “psychedelics may have potential to serve as a catalyst for the psychotherapeutic treatment of PTSD.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A Mississippi coalition of law enforcement, medical professionals, clergy and others held a press conference to oppose a medical cannabis ballot measure on the state’s ballot.
Students for Sensible Drug Policy is hiring a new executive director.
The North Carolina Industrial Hemp Association is changing its name to the Southeast Hemp Association.
/ BUSINESS
Columbia Care Inc. will close its acquisition of The Green Solution on September 1.
Vireo Health International, Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $12.2 million and a loss of $9 million.
Headset raised an additional $3.2 million in a funding round.
Curl Creek Cannabis LLC is suing Helix Extract LLC for allegedly failing to pay more than $3.2 million it owes.
Michigan recreational marijuana sales exceeded those for medical cannabis for the first time in July.
/ CULTURE
TV host Judge Greg Mathis spoke about helping people to clear their prior marijuana records.
Actor Keanu Reeves said that the film characters Bill and Ted “are not stoners.”
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