Newsletter
Biden opposes military cannabis testing reform (Newsletter: June 12, 2024)
Florida gov’s anti-marijuana PAC; NY homegrow; Final NH legalization votes; CA cannabis cafes; Hunter Biden gun & drugs conviction; Consumer poll
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The White House released a statement of administration policy saying it opposes a National Defense Authorization Act provision that would block military branches from testing recruits for marijuana as a condition of enlistment—saying cannabis use is a “military readiness and safety concern.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) launched a new “Freedom Fund” PAC to oppose the marijuana legalization and abortion rights initiatives on the November ballot. Meanwhile, the cannabis campaign reported more than $5 million in new donations from the industry.
Two Republican congressmen are criticizing the law behind Hunter Biden’s conviction for purchasing a gun while being a consumer of illegal drugs, with Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) saying “there are millions of marijuana users who own guns in this country” who don’t deserve jail for it.
The California Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee approved an Assembly-passed bill to legalize cannabis cafes where people could smoke, eat food and watch events such as concerts.
The New Hampshire House and Senate will take final votes on sending a marijuana legalization bill to Gov. Chris Sununu’s (R) desk on Thursday, and the sponsor says it’s a “toss up” as to whether the measure will pass.
The New York Cannabis Control Board approved rules allowing for people to grow their own recreational marijuana at home. Retailers will be able to sell clones, seedlings, immature plants, cloned propagation material and tissue culture to consumers.
The Virginia senator whose cannabis sales legalization bill was vetoed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) this session said enacting the reform could address the concerns of a police chief who claims that “marijuana drives a lot of my shooting violence, it drives a lot of my robbery violence, and it drives a lot of my homicide violence.”
One in four marijuana consumers use cannabis for pain management, and most say they prefer “fruity” tasting strains, according to a new poll from NuggMD.
New York Office of Cannabis Management emails obtained through a public records request show that officials repeatedly raised concerns with Gov. Kathy Hochul’s (D) office about the loan program for marijuana businesses that observers have said amounts to predatory lending under a sweetheart deal for a private equity firm.
A former Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission member says the Biden administration is “mischaracterizing” the impact of its marijuana rescheduling proposal, and she’s cautioning that big alcohol, tobacco and pharmaceutical firms are “waiting in the wings” to control the market.
/ FEDERAL
Vice President Kamala Harris tweeted, “People shouldn’t have to go to jail for smoking weed. That’s why I’m proud President Biden has pardoned tens of thousands of people with federal convictions for simple marijuana possession.”
Senate Agriculture Committee Republicans released a draft framework for their version of the Farm Bill, and it makes no mention of hemp policy.
Witnesses at a House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing testified about drug cartel marijuana growing operations on tribal lands in the U.S.
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) spoke about the popularity of marijuana reform with voters.
Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) tweeted, “Veterans deserve to have access to every possible tool and the best medical options available — including cannabis.”
/ STATES
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott (R) allowed a bill to become law without his signature that will create a medical endorsement for adult-use marijuana retailers, allow regulators to enact restrictions on intoxicating hemp products and make other changes to cannabis laws.
A judge heard oral arguments in the Texas attorney general’s lawsuit seeking to overturn Austin’s voter-approved local marijuana decriminalization law.
The Rhode Island Senate approved another term for a Cannabis Control Commission member.
The Montana House speaker’s proposal to hold a special session to pass legislation to reallocate marijuana revenue fell short of the support needed.
The Illinois General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules filed proposed changes to rules on cannabis cultivation electrical power and lighting systems.
A Missouri representative spoke about restrictions on gun ownership for marijuana consumers.
Oklahoma regulators issued a recall on marijuana products that failed safety re-testing for pesticides.
Maine regulators filed proposed changes to cannabis testing rules.
New York regulators approved additional marijuana business licenses.
Iowa regulators hosted a town hall meeting about the implementation of a new hemp product law.
Ohio regulators issued a warning about the use of cannabis or alcohol while boating.
Colorado regulators published average market rates for retail marijuana.
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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 Jefferson County, Kentucky Board of Education Policy Committee approved rules for medical cannabis in schools.
A Missoula, Montana City Council member is filing proposed ordinances to enact a moratorium on new marijuana business licenses and increase fines for giving or selling cannabis to a minor.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health filed draft rules to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic.
The UK Liberal Democrats included a plank supporting marijuana legalization in their election manifesto.
A Canadian lawmaker said he would vote to recriminalize marijuana.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
Researchers developed a testing method to “separate delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC) and Δ9-THC.”
A case report highlights the experiences of a woman whose “long-COVID symptoms improved after MDMA and psilocybin therapy.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A former Ohio Democratic Party chairman said that candidates who are perceived to be attacking personal freedoms, including the right to use marijuana, stand to lose votes.
/ BUSINESS
Whole Foods founder John Mackey said his use of psychedelics inspired his business plans.
Numinus Wellness Inc. issued a press release clarifying claims made in earlier statements.
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