Newsletter
Biden admin update on cannabis scheduling review (Newsletter: March 22, 2023)
GOP senator on marijuana banking prospects; CA psychedelics vote; NY medical cannabis insurance coverage; WA employment protections
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Health and Human Services Sec. Xavier Becerra won’t commit to completing a marijuana scheduling review by 4/20—but said the process will take into account shifts in “what cannabis means to America” since the early 1990s.
Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) told a financial services industry conference that he wants them to “unleash an army” of bankers to pressure Congress to pass a marijuana banking bill—saying there’s a “chance” it can pass under regular order this year.
The California Senate Public Safety Committee approved a bill to legalize possession of psychedelics like psilocybin, DMT and ibogaine. Meanwhile, a GOP lawmaker filed separate new legislation to provide access to psychedelic therapy for military veterans.
The New York Assembly Health Committee approved a bill to require public health insurance programs to cover medical cannabis expenses and clarify that private insurers are allowed to do the same.
The Washington State House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee approved a Senate-passed bill to protect most job applicants from being discriminated against for using marijuana outside of the workplace.
A new poll found that a majority of U.S. voters support legalizing psychedelic therapy and federally decriminalizing possession of substances like psilocybin and MDMA.
Five children who were removed from their parents following a traffic stop in which a small amount of marijuana was found will remain in Tennessee state custody following a juvenile court hearing.
/ FEDERAL
The Drug Enforcement Administration issued a public safety alert about a “sharp increase” in trafficking of fentanyl mixed with xylazine.
Customs and Border Protection tweeted that “CBP agents and officers seized more than 55,000lbs of marijuana nationwide during the first five months of FY23.”
Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) said “the cannabis industry is not immune” to China’s “malign influence.”
/ STATES
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) is touting a judge’s ruling about fraudulent ownership information submitted in a medical marijuana license renewal application. Separately, the Senate approved legislation to keep medical cannabis grow operations away from churches and to address environmental concerns related to cultivation facilities.
The Kentucky House majority whip predicted passage of a medical cannabis legalization bill, but said he’s “taking nothing for granted.”
Wisconsin’s Senate majority caucus chair dismissed arguments that legalizing marijuana would fiscally benefit the state. Separately, the Senate minority leader is planning a cannabis tour around the state.
The Montana Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee held a hearing on legislation to restrict marijuana ads and revise cannabis product warning label requirements.
The Georgia Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee held a hearing on a bill to amend hemp rules.
A Pennsylvania representative is planning to file a bill to let regulators create temporary electronic medical cannabis patient identification cards.
Colorado regulators issued health and safety advisories about marijuana products with potentially unsafe levels of yeast, mold and Aspergillus.
California regulators announced vacancies on the Industrial Hemp Advisory Board.
Washington State regulators are encouraging cannabis businesses to take advantage of free security assessments.
The Tennessee Medical Marijuana Commission will meet on Friday.
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Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,000 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
San Marcos, Texas’s police chief said his department is in compliance with a voter-approved marijuana decriminalization law.
The College Station, Texas City Council heard testimony in support of marijuana decriminalization.
Tallahassee, Florida’s mayor and city commission members are clashing over the police department’s decision not to fire an officer who tested positive for methamphetamines.
New York City officials are hosting events about cannabis laws and resources.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Ireland’s deputy prime minister expressed concerns about legalizing marijuana.
Malaysia’s home minister said the government plans to file legislation to decriminalize drugs.
France’s Ministry of Health plans to “closely follow” marijuana legalization developments in Germany.
A Brazilian appeals court is taking up a case on the legality of cannabis cultivation.
UK officials determined that a report from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs that recommended decriminalizing drugs should be kept hidden from public view.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “there is a negative relationship between states’ allowing of cardholders and caregivers to cultivate cannabis and [cannabis use disorder] rates.”
A study suggested that “CBD:BCP co-administration may provide a safe and effective treatment option for the management of chronic [spinal cord injury] pain.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Heritage Foundation is pushing for the release of Prince Harry’s visa application to determine whether he disclosed illegal drug use that he has now publicly discussed.
/ BUSINESS
A subsidiary of Wesana Health Holdings Inc. is selling SANA-013 intellectual property and related assets to Lucy Scientific Discovery Inc.
Adastra Holdings is facing a proposed class action lawsuit over allegedly “misleading statements about [its] ability to legally sell cocaine.”
Organigram Holdings Inc. appointed a new board member.
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