Newsletter
Anti-cannabis Sessions launches bid to return to Congress (Newsletter: October 4, 2019)
Square expands CBD company services; Denver psilocybin panel accepts applications; Florida legalization bid collects 100k+ signatures
Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day.
Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible…
By starting a $10 per month pledge on Patreon—or about 45 cents per issue of this newsletter—you can help us rely less on ads to cover our expenses, hire more journalists and bring you even more marijuana news.
- Thomas Gavin of CannaTrac Technology: “CannaTrac Technology’s decision to become a sponsor was based on the need for information that Tom provides our industry. We’re in an amazing industry that has been stifled for too long. Marijuana Moment keeps us informed on all of the current issues, events, and what key decision makers in our government and industry are doing to further the cause. Thank you, Tom. Please keep up the great work.”
https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment
/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Square announced it is opening up payment processing to more CBD businesses, a move that follows an earlier pilot program that apparently went well.
After losing a reelection bid last year, former Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX)—who single-handedly blocked dozens of marijuana amendments from even reaching the House floor for votes as Rules Committee chairman—is now running for Congress again in a new district.
People can now apply to be part of the nation’s first government body dedicated to studying the impact of psychedelics policy reform. Denver is taking applications for a review panel mandated by the city’s voter-approved decriminalization measure.
/ FEDERAL
The Department of Labor finalized a rule allowing states to drug test applicants for unemployment benefits.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that there are now 1,080 reported cases of vaping-related severe lung injuries, including 18 deaths.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) tweeted about his “long journey working to legalize #hemp for KY” and met with farmers and producers.
Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) said he is optimistic that marijuana banking legislation will pass the Senate and reach President Trump’s desk.
Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) tweeted, “Congressional interference keeps DC from commercializing recreational marijuana. Many states have successfully done so, but our lack of home rule leads to an unregulated market and risks for residents. I’m fighting to remove this restriction. #HandsOffDC”
Rep. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) tweeted, “I’m proud to support: ✅#MarijuanaJusticeReform– Ending minor marijuana use as a deportable offense ✅ The bipartisan #FirstStep Act to reduce recidivism, end mass incarceration, & provide access to critical health services & job training for formerly incarcerated individuals”
/ STATES
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said he will keep pushing to legalize marijuana.
Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin (R) said hemp “has a great potential as a cash crop” but is “still in its infancy here and in every other state.” He also discussed marijuana legalization during a gubernatorial debate.
A Florida marijuana legalization campaign announced that it has collected more than 100,000 ballot signatures in its first 20 days—more than enough to trigger a state Supreme Court review of its language.
Michigan’s Supreme Court heard arguments in a case concerning conflict between a local zoning ordinance and state marijuana laws. Separately, regulators released step-by-step instructions for applying for adult-use cannabis licenses.
Delaware regulators reported that of 11 cases of vaping-related lung injury in the state, one involved medical cannabis.
Alaska regulators unanimously voted to remove the head of the state Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office.
A Pennsylvania court policy disallowing people on probation from using medical cannabis will be the subject of an ACLU lawsuit.
Alabama’s Medical Cannabis Study Commission met, and the chair said that a “rough draft” of proposed legislation would be circulated to members for input.
Vermont regulators allow medical cannabis dispensaries to determine which information concerning their operations can be released under public records requests.
Maryland regulators are considering rescinding a medical cannabis dispensary’s pre-approved business license after it missed a deadline.
Washington State regulators agreed to a two-month extension with its marijuana tracking software provider.
—
Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,000 cannabis 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
Bethel, Alaska voters rejected a proposed marijuana sales ban while approving a measure to ban alcohol sales outside of restaurants that appeared on the same ballot.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the leaders of other parties clashed on marijuana and drug policy at a debate.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is pressing ahead with efforts to legalize on-site drug checking at festivals despite legislative opposition.
Russia’s mission to the United Nations tweeted, “#Russia🇷🇺 stands for the world free of drugs rather than the world tolerant to drugs. #Legalization of narcotic drugs, including cannabis, for recreational purposes constitutes a grave violation of the international law.”
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is funding research on the transport of pollen from genetically engineered hemp.
A study presented “original photographs, taken during fieldwork at churches and cathedrals throughout Europe and the Middle East, that confirm the presence of entheogenic mushrooms in Christian art: in frescoes, illuminated manuscripts, mosaics, sculptures, and stained glass windows” and proposes “a psychedelic gospels theory.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Democratic Attorneys General Association tweeted about the Pennsylvania attorney general’s support for marijuana legalization.
/ BUSINESS
Eaze laid off roughly a fifth of its workforce and replaced its CEO.
Constellation Brands Inc. reported a $525.2 million quarterly loss, much of which it attributed to its investment in Canopy Growth Corp.
Organigram reportedly told employees its cooling towers had “elevated bacteria counts” around the same time there was an outbreak of legionnaires’ disease in the area.
Cresco Capital Partners changed its name to Entourage Effect Capital and launched a new fund with an initial target of $150 million.
Charlotte’s Web hired Shepard Fairey’s Studio Number One firm to create a new ad campaign.
New Frontier Data projected that legalizing marijuana in all 50 states would create 1.63 million jobs by 2025.
/ CULTURE
Major League Baseball and its players union are discussing whether to loosen restrictions on marijuana.
The fictional mayor of New York City in the Daredevil comics is involved in the legal marijuana industry.
Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox.
