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Biden applauds anti-cannabis rant (Newsletter: April 15, 2019)

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Another fed agency says stop calling about marijuana job; Missouri lawmakers approve decrim; Lots of new cannabis bill cosponsors

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Former Vice President Joe Biden (D), who is considering a 2020 presidential run, enthusiastically applauded an anti-marijuana speech by a former Office of National Drug Control Policy staffer at an opioids event.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse wants people to stop calling about a posting seeking a contractor to roll marijuana cigarettes for research. The request comes just days after the Drug Enforcement Administration asked people to stop inquiring about a separate cannabis burning position.

The Missouri House Special Committee on Criminal Justice unanimously approved a marijuana decriminalization bill.

/ FEDERAL

The U.S. attorney for the Western District of Washington said that “even if I wanted to [crack down on marijuana businesses], I just couldn’t” but that if safe consumption sites for illegal drugs open up, “action will be swift, sure and decisive.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Los Angeles office tweeted, “Yet another example of the harm this poison (#cannabis) is doing. Smoking #marijuana is harmful and it’s a dangerous drug with no legit medical use. #SaveOurPlanet from illegal #marijuana growers.”

Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang said he wants to decriminalize opiates but not cocaine.

Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee (D), a presidential candidate, spoke about his state’s legalization of marijuana and his efforts to pardon people with past convictions.

Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), a presidential candidate, spoke about the urgency of legalizing marijuana during his campaign launch speech.

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) tweeted photos of himself visiting a CBD and hemp store.

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) tweeted, “There’s no playing nice: the cannabis industry must include communities of color at every level. We should also pass the #MarijuanaJusticeAct now to legalize cannabis and provide restorative justice for those devastated by the failed #WarOnDrugs.”

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) highlighted “important [polling] data for those trying to convince @realDonaldTrump that cannabis reform could turn off voters.”

The House marijuana banking bill got five new cosponsors, for a total of 165.

The House bill to respect state marijuana laws got two new cosponsors, for a total of 29.

The House bill to regulate marijuana like alcohol got one new cosponsor, for a total of four.

The House bill to shield veterans from losing benefits for marijuana got one new cosponsor, for a total of two.

The House bill to require the Department of Veterans Affairs to study medical cannabis got two new cosponsors, for a total of 59.

The House bill to codify provisions similar to the Cole Memo got one new cosponsor, for a total of ten.

The House bill to create a federal tax on marijuana got one new cosponsor, for a total of one.

The House criminal justice bill containing Marijuana Justice Act provisions got one new cosponsor, for a total of two.

/ STATES

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) said that legalizing marijuana will “stop dangerous substances from going in” to cannabis products sold on the unregulated market.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) said that while he supports medical cannabis, he opposes legalizing marijuana. He is scheduled to sign a medical cannabis expansion bill on Wednesday.

Washington, D.C.’s attorney general and a Council member are calling on Congress to remove a rider blocking the city from legalizing and regulating marijuana sales.

Rhode Island’s House speaker discussed his concerns with marijuana legalization.

Iowa’s Senate president is optimistic that a bill to expand the state’s limited CBD medical cannabis law can pass this year.

Oklahoma lawmakers sent Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) a hemp bill.

The Washington State Senate approved bills allowing medical cannabis in schools and changing requirements for marijuana testing.

A Nevada judge will hear a case on Monday concerning secrecy in the state’s marijuana licensing process.

Puerto Rico representatives held a hearing on medical cannabis.

Maryland regulators told medical cannabis businesses that they will lose their temporary approvals if they don’t begin operations by September 30.

Michigan regulators sent a health advisory about lead contamination in vape cartridges. Separately, a senator filed legislation to reduce the sentences of people convicted of marijuana offenses prior to legalization.

A progressive advocacy organization is looking at primarying New Mexico’s Senate Finance Committee chair, in part because he blocked a marijuana legalization bill from going to the floor.


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

New York City’s mayor said he will sign a bill banning pre-employment marijuana testing. His office tweeted, “Marijuana laws have been used to keep people of color in prisons and out of the job market. New York City can become the Fairest Big City in America, but first we need to right the wrongs of the past War on Drugs.”  Separately, the City Council held a hearing on child custody issues related to cannabis.

Manhattan’s district attorney filed a class action lawsuit to seal the marijuana conviction records of 366 people.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is supporting a foundation’s researching medical cannabis following a law enforcement raid on its facilities.

Latvian lawmakers are considering decriminalizing drugs.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study study’s findings demonstrate the “additive effects of THC and oxycodone and suggest the potential use of THC to enhance therapeutic efficacy, and to reduce the abuse, of opioids.”

A review concluded that “there is suggestion on a molecular level and based on retrospective analyses that cannabis may have a negative impact on the cardiovascular system” but that “prospective clinical data has not confirmed these suggested findings.”

/ OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Chicago Tribune editorial board wants Illinois lawmakers to slow down before legalizing marijuana.

The San Francisco Chronicle editorial board is critical of a lawsuit seeking to block marijuana deliveries across the state.

The Bismarck Tribune editorial board says North Dakota activists need to have a more carefully drafted marijuana legalization measure than the last one if they hope to pass it in 2020.

/ BUSINESS

Conagra Brands is launching a special 4/20-themed variety of Andy Capp’s Fries.

The Los Angeles Times looks at how some businesses are dropping zero-tolerance marijuana policies.

Colorado retailers sold more than $119 million in marijuana products in February.

/ CULTURE

Musician Gene Simmons spoke about his involvement in the marijuana industry.

The New York Times talked to parents who use CBD to relax.

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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.

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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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