Newsletter
Cannabis banking cleared for House vote (again) (Newsletter: February 2, 2022)
DC medical marijuana expansion; Fed court tosses psilocybin suit; NFL funds cannabis research; Industry monopoly warning; OR drug decrim results
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The House Rules Committee cleared a marijuana banking amendment for another floor vote this week. If approved, it will be the sixth time the SAFE Banking Act has passed the House in some form.
The Washington, D.C. Council approved a bill to let senior citizens get access to medical marijuana without needing to get a doctor’s recommendation and to declare a cannabis tax holiday during the week of 4/20.
A panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit dismissed cancer patients’ lawsuit seeking access to psilocybin under right-to-try laws on procedural grounds.
The National Football League awarded $1 million in funding to support research on the efficacy of marijuana and its components in managing football players’ pain and providing neuroprotection from concussions.
Former Massachusetts cannabis regulator Shaleen Title warns in a new Marijuana Moment op-ed about a looming monopolization threat in the industry and argues that enforcement of antitrust laws can help protect consumers, workers and small businesses.
Since being enacted one year ago this week, Oregon’s voter-approved drug decriminalization law has already dramatically reduced arrests and provided funding for more than 16,000 people to access harm reduction services.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will release the results of a hemp survey it conducted on February 17.
Customs and Border Protection said its agents and officers seized more than 36,000 pounds of marijuana during the first three months of Fiscal Year 2022.
Spokespeople for Sens. Jon Tester (D-MT) and Steve Daines (R-MT) gave vague responses to questions about marijuana and gun rights.
Washington State Democratic congressional candidate Brent Hennrich tweeted about robberies against cannabis businesses, saying, “There is a VERY SIMPLE Federal solution to this problem. We must De-Schedule Marijuana, so business owners & customers can use our banking systems. I will push for reforms to make sure these businesses can safely operate as any other.”
Texas Democratic congressional candidate Coy Branscum tweeted, “Vote for candidates that support legalizing recreational marijuana on the federal level. When I defeat Chip Roy, I will co-sponsor a resolution that legalizes marijuana immediately.”
/ STATES
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) said he hasn’t yet made a decision on the medical cannabis bill that’s on his desk.
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) reappointed a member of the Marijuana Control Board.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) touted a new technical assistance program for marijuana business, tweeting, “In the cannabis industry Colorado is a leader on programs and education that continue to create jobs.”
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) spoke about ongoing efforts to ensure equity in the cannabis industry.
An Arizona judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging the state’s marijuana social equity rules.
An Ohio marijuana legalization campaign reported that it raised nearly $1.3 million last year.
A Tennessee representative filed a proposed constitutional amendment to legalize medical cannabis.
A Maryland senator spoke about plans to pass marijuana legalization legislation this session.
A Florida representative tweeted, “For those who just need medical attention, I want them to get the help they need-instead of just being locked up. Not just for cannabis, but for all drugs impacting communities of color, and all Floridians and visitors struggling with drug addiction.”
A New York assemblyman tweeted, “Veterans are at 50% higher risk of suicide, and sadly, about 20 veterans commit suicide per day in the US. This is simply unacceptable. It’s essential we have every option on the table when it comes to treating veterans with PTSD. We need to pass medical #Psilocybin now.”
Connecticut regulators will begin accepting the first recreational marijuana business license applications on Thursday.
Minnesota regulators announced that patients will be able to purchase smokable medical cannabis flower beginning on March 1.
Massachusetts regulators reissued orders allowing curbside marijuana operations and medical cannabis telehealth consultations.
Louisiana regulators published an annual report about the medical cannabis program.
Maine regulators will hold a medical cannabis virtual public hearing on Wednesday.
/ LOCAL
A federal judge denied a request for an emergency order in an armored car company’s lawsuit seeking to block the San Bernardino, California sheriff’s office and federal officials from seizing money being transported from marijuana businesses.
The San Francisco, California Board of Supervisors passed a resolution urging state officials to suspend the marijuana cultivation tax.
The Adams County, Colorado Liquor and Marijuana Licensing Authority Board is set to decide on approving the state’s first licensed marijuana consumption spot to also allow cannabis sales on Wednesday.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Canada’s marijuana legalization law has generated $15 billion in tax revenue and created more than 151,000 jobs, according to a new Deloitte analysis.
The Bogota, Colombia City Council approved a marijuana reform proposal.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “data support a role for cannabis/cannabinoids in pain, seizure disorders, appetite stimulation, muscle spasticity, and treatment of nausea/vomiting.”
A study suggested that “use of classic psychedelic substances is associated with lowered odds of crime arrests.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
Students for Sensible Drug Policy and the Student Marijuana Alliance are partnering on a dedicated outreach program to students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
A group of South Carolina military veterans held a press conference to urge lawmakers to pass medical cannabis legislation.
/ BUSINESS
PepsiCo is releasing a hemp seed-infused drink.
Verano Holdings Corp. is acquiring Goodness Growth Holdings, Inc.
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company’s cannabis focused Hawthorne Gardening Company subsidiary reported quarterly net sales of $191 million and a loss of $5.3 million.
MedMen Enterprises Inc. launched a new personal concierge service called Cannasseur.
Jushi Holdings Inc. closed an aggregate of 1 million subordinate voting shares worth gross proceeds of approximately $3.7 million.
Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. launched a $300 million senior notes offering.
Montana retailers sold $22.5 million worth of legal cannabis products in January.
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