Newsletter
Bipartisan cannabis legalization bill in Congress (Newsletter: October 26, 2023)
Feds release redacted rescheduling letter; DEA agent fired for CBD seeks support; Speaker Johnson on marijuana; Malta cannabis licenses; KS poll
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), along with a bipartisan group of cosponsors, refiled her States Reform Act to federally legalize marijuana.
The Department of Health and Human Services has released a heavily redacted copy of its marijuana rescheduling recommendation letter to the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request.
Marijuana Moment compiled a deep dive on where newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) stands on cannabis. He not only opposes legalization, but he also voted against modest reforms like banking and making it slightly easier to do scientific research on marijuana.
A Drug Enforcement Administration agent who was fired for using CBD products that caused a positive THC test has launched a GoFundMe to raise money to cover his legal battle against the agency. He told Marijuana Moment that CBD “improved my life” as an opioid alternative.
Malta’s Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis issued the European Union’s first two licenses to nonprofit associations to legally grow and distribute adult-use marijuana.
A new poll found that two in three Kansas adults support legalizing recreational marijuana—including majorities of Republicans, Democrats and independents. The survey result comes as state lawmakers have continually failed to pass even modest medical cannabis legislation.
The Nevada Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training will take public testimony on Thursday about a proposal to stop blocking people from becoming police officers over prior marijuana convictions for conduct that is now legal in the state.
/ FEDERAL
A Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives spokesperson said it is up to Congress to potentially change laws restricting cannabis consumers from possessing guns.
Reo. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) tweeted, “The War on Drugs was designed to target marginalized communities. Now we have people in jails for minor possession–that is absolutely inhumane.”
The House marijuana banking bill got six new cosponsors for a total of 92.
The House bill to allow Department of Veterans Affairs doctors to issue medical cannabis recommendations got two new cosponsors for a total of 26,
/ STATES
Kentucky’s agriculture commissioner said the state is “one of the leading states in the country when it comes to hemp.”
The Massachusetts legislature’s Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery held a hearing on legislation to legalize safe consumption sites for illegal drugs.
Georgia pharmacies began selling medical cannabis.
Nevada regulators adopted changes to cannabis rules and approved conditional licenses for consumption lounges.
Washington State regulators suspended the certification for cannabis testing laboratory True Northwest Inc.
New Mexico regulators are proactively reaching out to marijuana businesses that haven’t filed tax returns.
Colorado regulators will hold marijuana rulemaking hearings on Monday.
The Tennessee Medical Cannabis Commission will meet on Monday.
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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.
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/ LOCAL
Jersey City, New Jersey’s mayor discussed his city’s lawsuit seeking to overturn a policy allowing police to use marijuana while off duty.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The Philippine health secretary said his department supports legalizing medical cannabis.
Canadian regulators said they expect cannabis exports to increase.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “cannabidiol exerts some physiological, biochemical, and psychological effects with the potential to benefit athletes” and that “there is preliminary supporting evidence for the anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, analgesic, and anxiolytic actions of cannabidiol and the possibility that it may protect against gastrointestinal damage associated with inflammation and promote healing of traumatic skeletal injuries.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Canadian Paediatric Society published a statement saying that “given the widespread use of medical cannabis in Canada, paediatricians should be prepared to engage in open, ongoing discussions with families about its potential benefits and risks.”
/ BUSINESS
Dama is acquiring Candid AI.
Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. reported preliminary quarterly revenue of $140 million.
MediPharm Labs Corp. announced it has received C$7.27 million in gross cash proceeds from a settlement agreement with Tilray to resolve a claim in connection with a commercial agreement dispute.
Beckley Psytech Ltd announced that the first patient has been dosed in its study of a novel synthetic formulation of 5-MeO-DMT for treatment resistant depression.
/ CULTURE
Snoop Dogg said Pharrell WIlliams once got too high on marijuana during a studio session with Stevie Wonder.
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