Newsletter
Biden talks cannabis with Fetterman (Newsletter: September 6, 2022)
CA gov signs marijuana bills; MN GOP gov candidate: put legalization on ballot; Congressman’s “DANK” cannabis research bill; GA psychedelics hearing
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
President Joe Biden discussed marijuana with Pennsylvania Democratic Senate candidate John Fetterman, currently the lieutenant governor, when they met at a Labor Day event.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed two marijuana reform bills into law—including one that prevents doctors from denying treatment or medication just because a patient uses medical cannabis. He also has a dozen other marijuana proposals on his desk for action soon.
Minnesota Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Jensen, a former state senator, said he wants to put a marijuana legalization referendum on the ballot for voters to decide on.
Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA) displayed marijuana-infused gummies at a press conference to promote his DANK Cannabis Research Act—highlighting how any adult can purchase these products at dispensaries but restrictive federal rules prevent scientists from studying them.
The Georgia House Defense and Veterans Affairs Committee held a hearing on the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics like psilocybin for military veterans.
/ FEDERAL
President Joe Biden declared September as National Recovery Month.
The Department of Veterans Affairs, in response to a Freedom of Information Act request, released more than 900 pages of emails about esketamine nasal spray.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency tweeted, “Hemp offers new economic opportunities for America’s farmers, and we are pleased to offer coverage to hemp producers.”
/ STATES
Iowa Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deidre DeJear tweeted, “If you vote for me this November, you’re voting for…🌿Legalization of Cannabis…”
Missouri’s secretary of state said he doesn’t support the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot.
Florida Democratic chief financial officer candidate Adam Hattersley tweeted, “One of my primary goals as Florida’s next CFO is to work with our Governor to legalize recreational adult-use of marijuana. It would be an economic boon for our state, while also providing much needed criminal justice reform.”
California regulators are proposing changes to rules on marijuana social equity license fee waivers.
Oklahoma regulators filed revised medical cannabis and hemp rules.
Utah regulators filed rules on hemp research and testing.
Washington, D.C.’s new Joint Cannabis Task Force will begin inspections of unlicensed marijuana businesses this week.
Michigan regulators issued updated guidance on marijuana-infused product packaging.
New York regulators posted a summary of public comments about proposed medical cannabis home cultivation rules, along with responses.
Colorado regulators are accepting applications from local police and prosecutors for the Gray & Black Market Marijuana Enforcement Grant Program.
U.S. Virgin Islands regulators will hold a town hall meeting on proposed medical cannabis rules on Wednesday.
New Hampshire’s Therapeutic Cannabis Medical Oversight Board will meet on Wednesday.
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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.
Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
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/ LOCAL
The Marion County, Indiana crime lab is pausing cannabis testing amid an inability to prove whether positive results stem from illegal marijuana or legal hemp products.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Incoming UK Prime Minister Liz Truss previously supported legalizing marijuana.
New Zealand’s health minister said that the results of a narrowly defeated cannabis legalization referendum mean “we’re not there yet” on public support for broader drug reform.
A Mexican court granted an injunction allowing a Canadian company to plant, produce and market industrial hemp.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A case study concluded that “a combination of high CBD and low-dose THC oil was demonstrated to be an effective treatment option for managing symptoms associated with autism, leading to a better quality of life for both the patient and the caregivers.”
A study comparing people who had psychedelic and near-death or other non-ordinary experiences found that the “groups were remarkably similar in the reported changes in death attitudes attributed to the experience, including a reduced fear of death and high ratings of positive persisting effects and personal meaning, spiritual significance, and psychological insight.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Indiana Democratic Party tweeted, “Cannabis should be legalized across Indiana. It is a win-win for the state’s economy and will put a stop to senseless litigation over an issue more than 80% of Hoosiers support. It’s time to #LegalizeIt and create a better future for the state.”
The president of Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW and Long Island Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO authored an op-ed calling on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to allow marijuana banking legislation to pass.
/ BUSINESS
Organigram Holdings Inc. will pay C$2.31 million in a settlement of a lawsuit that accused the company of using prohibited pesticides.
Steep Hill Inc. is closing its Canadian facility.
/ CULTURE
Jeff Ross and Bill Maher smoked marijuana from a pipe that used to belong to Rodney Dangerfield and Bob Saget.
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