Newsletter
Cannabis amendments in Congress (Newsletter: November 7, 2023)
OH legalization vote; German marijuana hearing; NH cannabis commission; IL industry diversity; MN psychedelics task force
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Ohio voters will decide on a marijuana legalization ballot initiative on Tuesday as polls show strong support for the measure.
- Bookmark Marijuana Moment’s election results tracker—sponsored by FundCanna—so you can follow along as votes are counted this evening.
A new forecast of Virginia’s election predicts that Democrats are likely to win full control of the legislature on Tuesday—a result that could allow legal marijuana sales to begin. Meanwhile, a poll shows that 58 percent of likely voters support legalizing cannabis commerce.
Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) spoke to Marijuana Moment about why he keeps filing amendments to eliminate the practice of drug testing federal job applicants for cannabis despite the GOP-led House Rules Committee continually blocking them from receiving floor votes.
The House Rules Committee is considering opposing marijuana amendments—one that would protect state legalization laws from federal interference and another to block the Biden administration from rescheduling cannabis.
The German Bundestag’s Health Committee held a hearing on the government’s marijuana legalization bill. A final vote on enacting it into law is scheduled for later this month.
A New Hampshire commission charged with proposing a bill to legalize marijuana sales through state-run stores made very little progress going through draft legislation at its latest meeting—less than a month before its final product is due to lawmakers.
A new Illinois Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer report shows that the diversity of marijuana business ownership has increased significantly as the state has taken steps to prioritize social equity license applicants.
Minnesota’s Psychedelic Medicine Task Force held its first meeting to begin the process of studying the medical benefits of psilocybin, MDMA and LSD and preparing the state for possible legalization.
/ FEDERAL
Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) spoke about his efforts to pass marijuana banking legislation.
Sen, John Hickenlooper (D-CO) tweeted, “Today is the 11 year anniversary of Colorado voters making us the first state to vote in favor of legalizing marijuana! Since then, we’ve set the gold standard for other states to follow, and we’re working to take it national with our PREPARE Act!”
Rhode Island congressional candidates Gerry Leonard and Gabe Amo discussed marijuana legalization during a debate.
/ STATES
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) reiterated his opposition to the marijuana legalization initiative on Tuesday’s ballot.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) tweeted about participating in “an in-depth talk about the cannabis-related proposals in our new state budget and how Colorado can improve public safety and remain a leader in cannabis.”
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (D) tweeted, “Medical marijuana sales in Arkansas have brought in more than $23M in tax revenue so far this year. Kansas should legalize medical marijuana so we can have more $ for roads, schools, and high-speed internet while giving Kansans in pain the care they need.”
Florida’s agriculture commissioner reacted to a federal lawsuit from a company that is challenging an order to stop selling hemp-derived products that are alleged to be “attractive to children.”
The South Dakota legislature’s Medical Marijuana Oversight Committee held a hearing.
The chairs of the New York Senate and Assembly Agriculture Committees said they will push to create a relief fund for cannabis farmers. Separately, a senator is pressing officials to do more to shut down unlicensed marijuana businesses.
The chairman of the Maryland House Economic Matters Committee authored an op-ed about prioritizing Black farmers in marijuana business licensing.
Connecticut regulators sent a warning about sales of intoxicating hemp-derived products.
Kentucky’s medical cannabis program is hiring for several positions.
Georgia regulators will consider medical cannabis rules changes on Wednesday.
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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
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s mayor is calling on state lawmakers to legalize marijuana.
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit alleging that Montezuma County, Colorado officials’ use of a drone while investigating a marijuana case violated the Constitution.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Nepal’s government formed a working group to study the feasibility of marijuana reform.
The Victoria, Australia Legislative Assembly approved legislation to study the effects of medical cannabis use on driving.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “cannabis use is associated with fewer filled opioid prescriptions after treatment of proximal humerus fractures.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll of Montanans found that 70 percent support the state’s current allocation of marijuana revenue but that 64 percent have not seen a significant impact of cannabis revenue in their communities.
The New York Daily News editorial board is calling on New York City Council members to pass legislation to make it easier to declare unlicensed marijuana businesses as nuisances.
/ BUSINESS
Organigram Holdings Inc. received a new C$124.6 million investment.
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