Newsletter
Bill would strip fed money from legal cannabis states (Newsletter: September 4, 2023)
Schedule III impact for fed workers & more; Schumer on SAFE banking; CA psychedelics vote; NH marijuana commission; Cannabis rescheduling op-eds
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Rep. Chuck Edwars (R-NC) filed a bill called the Stop Pot Act that would strip 10 percent of federal highway funds from states or Indian tribes that legalize marijuana. The move comes just days ahead of an Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians vote on legalizing cannabis.
Marijuana Moment compiled a deep analysis of the huge implications that moving cannabis to Schedule III could have for businesses, research, federal employees and even U.S. Postal Service mailing rules. But it also would not fulfill President Joe Biden’s campaign pledge to decriminalize marijuana.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) told colleagues in a new letter that “safeguarding cannabis banking” is among the “critical issues” he wants to prioritize for the rest of this year.
Even more members of Congress are reacting to the federal marijuana rescheduling recommendation, with several saying it is just a “step” on the way to full legalization.
The California Assembly Appropriations Committee cleared Senate-passed bills to legalize possession of psychedelics and block employers from asking about past marijuana use for floor votes—but the panel adopted several substantial amendments to the legislation.
A New Hampshire commission that is charged with drafting legislation to legalize marijuana sales through a system of state-run stores has now been officially appointed, and it has its first meeting scheduled for Friday.
In a new Marijuana Moment op-ed, Ari Hoffnung of Bridge West Consulting argues that moving cannabis to Schedule III “would be a win for businesses, consumers and common sense.”
In a new Marijuana Moment op-ed, Khurshid Khoja of Greenbridge Corporate Counsel says that taking a “victory lap over rescheduling is premature and short-sighted while federal cannabis prohibition is still alive and well.”
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) and the secretary of state are asking a judge to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the governor’s veto of a bill that would reallocate how marijuana tax revenue is spent.
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission issued a stay on medical marijuana business licenses that they previously approved, with plans to hold a third round of awards at a later date.
/ FEDERAL
The Drug Enforcement Administration filed a final rule on managing production quotas for controlled substances.
Former Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) said the federal marijuana rescheduling recommendation is “monumental.”
Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) said that studies showing the potential harms of marijuana “have been ignored by lawmakers, including those in Maryland, who pushed to legalize recreational cannabis without enough scientific research.”
Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) tweeted about meeting residents at a sober living center, touting her federal drug decriminalization bill.
/ STATES
Louisiana Republican gubernatorial candidate Richard Nelson, currently a state representative, said that legalizing marijuana would attract tourism.
A California senator tweeted about the federal marijuana rescheduling recommendation, saying, “It’s extraordinary that after 40 states have legalized cannabis either entirely or partially, the federal government continues to classify it in the same category as heroin. Federal legalization of cannabis is long past due. This is a very positive step.”
Massachusetts’s top marijuana regulator said that pharmaceutical companies entering the industry would be “really taking away from the progress made in the cannabis industry up to this point.”
Minnesota regulators are accepting public comments on a petition to add dry herb vaporizers as an approved medical cannabis delivery method.
Oregon’s psilocybin services program is getting taxpayer money to make up for a shortfall in expected fee revenue.
Michigan regulators are “concerned” that 18 doctors were responsible for nearly 62 percent of the 134,709 medical cannabis patient certifications issued between April 1, 2021 and Sept. 29, 2022.
The Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Advisory Board will meet on Wednesday and on November 15.
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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.
Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
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/ LOCAL
The McHenry County, Illinois state’s attorney is threatening to sue marijuana dispensaries that don’t prominently post mental health warnings.
The Portland, Oregon City Council is considering a proposal to ban public drug use.
A Rutherford County, Tennessee commissioner expressed concerns about legalizing marijuana.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Belgium’s deputy prime minister is endorsing marijuana legalization.
The Netherlands withdrew its objection to Bolivia’s global drug treaty reservation on coca leaves.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “although there is evidence to support the use of cannabis for symptom management, in children with cancer, there is a lack of rigorous evidence to inform the dosing, safety, and efficacy of cannabinoids.”
A study indicated that “CBD, included in a multimodal approach to [feline chronic gingivostomatitis], was beneficial and safe since those cats medicated with CBD had a significantly higher level of comfort and activity as perceived by the owners.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Washington Examiner editorial board is upset about the Department of Health and Human Services’s cannabis rescheduling recommendation.
/ BUSINESS
Ascend Cannabis Provisions workers in Grand Rapids, Michigan ratified their first contract with Teamsters Local 406.
United Airlines is being sued by a woman who claims her job offer was improperly rescinded over medical cannabis use.
/ CULTURE
Pete Davidson spoke about using ketamine to treat depression.
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