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Biden too busy to handle cannabis, Harris says (Newsletter: April 7, 2021)

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CT gov’s marijuana bill advances; CA senators vote for legal psychedelics; MX legalization advances; IA gov sued for cannabis delay; WA decrim hearing

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Vice President Kamala Harris, in her first public marijuana comments since the election, essentially said the Biden administration is too busy to follow through on its campaign pledges to decriminalize cannabis and expunge records.

  • “Honestly, right now, we’ve been focused on getting people food, helping them stay in their apartments or in their homes, getting kids back to school, getting shots into arms. That has been all-consuming.”

The Connecticut legislature’s Judiciary Committee amended and approved Gov. Ned Lamont’s (D) marijuana legalization bill. Equity advocates are happy about the changes but say more work is still needed.

The California Senate Public Safety Committee approved a bill to legalize possession of psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, MDMA and DMT.

A second Mexican Senate committee approved a marijuana legalization bill that was revised by the Chamber of Deputies. One more panel is next, and then a final floor vote—potentially as soon as Thursday.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) is being sued by an activist who says the state is failing to follow through on its obligation to request a federal exemption from the Drug Enforcement Administration for its limited medical marijuana program.

Washington State lawmakers are considering several legislative fixes to address a state Supreme Court ruling that overturned the prohibition on drug possession—including a new decriminalization bill that got a Senate hearing yesterday.

/ FEDERAL

President Joe Biden taped a video message for the Prescription Drug Abuse and Heroin Summit.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) tweeted, “Ending the federal prohibition on marijuana is necessary to right the wrongs of the failed War on Drugs, particularly for communities of color. This is why I’m working with @SenBooker and @RonWyden on comprehensive marijuana reform legislation in the Senate.”

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) tweeted about fielding questions on cannabis equity at a town hall meeting.

The House marijuana banking bill got 16 new cosponsors for a total of 140.

/ STATES

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) said she wants lawmakers to address provisions about home cultivation, youth use and regulations in the state’s voter-approved medical cannabis law during a June special session. Separately, both sides in a state Supreme Court case on the fate of the broader marijuana legalization measure filed their latest briefs.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) tweeted, “Legal marijuana is widely available within driving distance from Pennsylvania, from NY to NJ to D.C. It’s accessible already — why not legalize it here and keep that revenue in our commonwealth? #LegalizeIt”

Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidates discussed marijuana legalization at a debate.

Maryland’s lieutenant governor spoke about his opposition to legalizing marijuana.

The Montana House of Representatives gave initial approval to three marijuana legalization implementation bills.

The West Virginia House of Representatives defeated a motion to advance a Senate-passed bill to allow medical cannabis edibles.

The Washington, D.C. Council advanced a bill to remove the blanket ban on people with felony convictions working, owning or operating in the medical cannabis industry.

The Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bil to ban Delta-8-THC and Delta-10-THC.

Arkansas regulators are being sued for a decision to allow a medical cannabis cultivator to change ownership and move locations.

Illinois regulators testified before a Senate committee about their request for more funding to support the marijuana business licensing process.

A Louisiana representative filed a proposed constitutional initiative to legalize marijuana.

A Florida senator spoke about efforts to legalize marijuana.


Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 900 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.

/ LOCAL

A Philadelphia, Pennsylvania City Council committee advanced a proposal to ban pre-employment marijuana testing for most companies.

The New Orleans, Louisiana City Council president filed a resolution endorsing a state bill to legalize marijuana.

Portland, Oregon regulators published a map showing where marijuana retailers can be located sufficiently far away enough from schools.

/ INTERNATIONAL

A spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the government “has absolutely no intention” of legalizing marijuana.

The Legalise Cannabis WA Party won a second seat in Western Australia’s Legislative Council.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A review concluded that “cannabinoids possess anticancer potencies against glioma cells, however this effect varies with the combinations and dosages used.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

A poll found that Britons support legalizing marijuana, 52%-32%.

The Cannabis Freedom Alliance is a new coalition involving Americans for Prosperity, Mission Green/The Weldon Project, the Reason Foundation and the Global Alliance for Cannabis Commerce.

AMVETS is hosting a summit on the benefits of medical cannabis for veterans on June 27.

/ BUSINESS

4Front Ventures Corp. reported quarterly systemwide pro forma revenue of $25 million.

Rubicon Organics Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $4.8 million and a net loss of $5 million.

Organigram Holdings Inc. is acquiring The Edibles & Infusions Corporation.

Fyllo closed an oversubscribed Series B funding round worth $30 million.

Greenleaf Compassionate Care Center employees voted to join United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 328.

/ CULTURE

The Flaming Lips’s Wayne Coyne is launching his own brand of cannabis gummies.

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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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