Feds survey employee drug testing; CT psychedelics hearing; MD poll: Legal cannabis more popular than Biden; PA legalization hearing

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released a report detailing which industries drug test workers the most and least—and showing that states where marijuana is legal generally have the lowest rates of employee drug testing.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is launching a new grants program on suicide prevention services for military veterans, but it specifically says it won’t support any treatments involving the use of marijuana.

The Connecticut legislature’s Public Health Committee held a hearing on a bill to create a system to provide certain patients with access to psychedelic-assisted treatment with substances like MDMA and psilocybin.

The Pennsylvania Senate Law and Justice Committee held the third and final installment of a series of hearings on marijuana legalization that the panel’s chairman is using to gather input ahead of filing a reform bill.

A new poll found that majorities of Maryland Democrats, Republicans and independents support legalizing marijuana as it moves through the legislature—and that support for the reform strongly outpaces President Joe Biden’s approval rating in the state.

/ FEDERAL

President Joe Biden signed a bill designating methamphetamine as an emerging drug threat and requiring the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy to develop and implement a response plan.

Federal prosecutors charged a “Russian oligarch” with making illegal campaign contributions as part of an alleged scheme to “curry favor with candidates that might be able to help…obtain cannabis and marijuana licenses.”

Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) authored an op-ed arguing for the need to pass comprehensive marijuana legalization ahead of banking-focused legislation.

Missouri Democratic congressional candidate Ray Reed tweeted, “It is time to legalize recreational marijuana and expunge the records of those serving time for nonviolent marijuana offenses. When I am in Congress, this will be a top priority of mine.”

/ STATES

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R), who opposes legalizing marijuana, said the policy change “could be inevitable” and that legislation to conduct cannabis sales through state-run stores is “the right bill and the right structure.” Separately the Senate majority leader and minority leader both said they don’t think now is the time to legalize.

Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee (D) appointed a new member of the Liquor and Cannabis Board.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) tweeted, “Colorado announced $12.2 billion in total cannabis sales. We’re missing out. #LegalizeIt.” Separately, the secretary for drug and alcohol programs denied blame for the state’s failure to clarify rules on addiction treatment and medical cannabis.

Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried, currently the agriculture commissioner, tweeted, “Florida needs legalized weed.”

Texas Democratic attorney general candidate Rochelle Garza tweeted, “It’s time to legalize the sale and use of recreational cannabis in Texas. Nearly 70% of Texans support legalization, and they deserve an Attorney General who will work with them to advance our priorities.”

The Georgia House of Representatives could vote on legislation to add new medical cannabis business licenses and process existing approvals on Tuesday.

A California senator filed a bill to require cities to allow medical cannabis dispensaries, delivery services or both.

An Illinois judge ordered regulators to process some marijuana craft cultivation license applications.

Arkansas regulators filed proposed hemp rules.

Oregon regulators published guidance on marijuana home delivery.

Colorado regulators released average market rates for marijuana.

The New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety tweeted, “Ever hear someone say they drive better high? Don’t believe it. Cannabis will impair your ability to drive. Don’t risk it.”

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Marijuana Moment is already 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

Gwinnett County, Georgia’s district attorney is being sued over raids against businesses that sell delta-8 THC products.

A Denver, Colorado hearing officer recommended that a marijuana hospitality license be approved for the Patterson Inn.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Russia’s deputy foreign minister criticized other countries for legalizing marijuana.

Germany’s drug commissioner said the government is in the “early stages” of forming a marijuana legalization plan.

Bermuda’s attorney general spoke about difficulties in processing marijuana expungements.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that “medical marijuana is efficacious in chronic pain patients.”

A study suggested that “feeding [industrial hemp] with a high CBDA content for 14 days increases lying behavior and decreases biomarkers of stress and inflammation in cattle.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The New Mexico Republican Party criticized Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) for not calling a special session to address a “violent crime crisis” while she convened one last year to legalize marijuana.

The Indiana Democratic Party tweeted, “Cannabis is a $10 billion+ industry. Indiana is losing out on a sound economic opportunity because of the @indgop’s culture wars. It’s time to legalize marijuana, and it’s the @INDems who want to get it done. Elect more Democrats = legalize cannabis.”

The New York Daily News editorial board cheered state regulators’ move to give people with marijuana convictions the first shot at recreational retail licenses.

/ BUSINESS

Columbia Care Inc. announced preliminary annual revenue of $460.1 million and a net loss of $146.9 million.

Dutchie donated $100,000 to Last Prisoner Project and pledged to match $1 million in donations from dispensary partners and cannabis consumers.

Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. declared a quarterly dividend of $1.75 per share.

Trulieve is closing a marijuana cultivation facility in Florida.

Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. released its 2021 environmental, social and governance metrics.

/ CULTURE

Melissa Etheridge spoke about psilocybin as an alternative to opioids.

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DOT changing drug testing rules; WA funds psilocybin study; NOLA marijuana employment testing resolution; GA psychedelics panel; CO cannabis sales

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Congressional Democrats hosted a closed-to-press panel on equity in the cannabis industry at their retreat in Philadelphia last week. Marijuana Moment spoke to several people who were there.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is proposing drug testing rules changes to allow saliva as an alternative to urine screening. Advocates say it could result in fewer positive tests for people who used marijuana days prior and aren’t high on the job.

Washington State lawmakers passed a budget that includes $200,000 in funding to form a workgroup to study the possibility of legalizing psilocybin services—including using current marijuana regulatory systems to track psychedelic mushrooms.

The New Orleans, Louisiana City Council passed a resolution calling for an end to drug testing for marijuana as a condition of employment for city workers.

Georgia lawmakers filed legislation to create a new House Study Committee on Alternative Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment Resources for Veterans that would be tasked with examining the therapeutic potential of psilocybin and other psychedelics.

The Colorado Department of Revenue reported that retailers sold more than $151 million worth of marijuana products in January, a decline from December.

/ FEDERAL

President Joe Biden and Colombian President Iván Duque Márquez spoke about a commitment to a “broader drug policy strategy, with a holistic approach to counternarcotics focused on expanding access to evidence-based prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery support services, as well as reducing the supply of illicit drugs.”

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki avoided commenting directly on the case of American basketball player Brittney Griner, who is being detained in Russia after allegedly being caught with cannabis vape cartridges at an airport.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said that “the path for marijuana legislation has always faced hurdles, but the discussion around marijuana legalization has advanced further in 15 months than over the last decade because of Democratic leadership.”

Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government Chairman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) sought to blame Republicans for the continuation of a spending bill rider blocking Washington, D.C. from legalizing marijuana sales.

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus are working to free American basketball player Brittney Griner, who is being detained in Russia after allegedly being caught with cannabis vape cartridges at an airport.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) tweeted, “SRA is already here and what’s not to like? @SenSchumer @RonWyden @CoryBooker Small Business✅ Veterans✅ Law enforcement✅Protects kids✅ Safe expungement✅Low taxes✅#meetinthemiddle”

The House bill to help marijuana companies access small business assistance got one new cosponsor for a total of six.

/ STATES

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D) signed a bill allowing regulators to to refuse to issue hemp cultivation licenses based on supply and demand.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said that “criminal prosecution of those suffering from addiction and returning to the failed War on Drugs will not solve this problem.” Separately, a federal judge ruled that an activist does not have standing to challenge the state’s voter-approved marijuana legalization referendum.

Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke, a former congressman, spoke about his support for legalizing marijuana. He also said that “Republicans like to get high just as much as Democrats.”

New York Republican gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin, currently a congressman, criticized incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul (D),tweeting,  “The Criminals for Kathy coalition is growing. Cannabis dispensary licenses are going to start getting distributed in NY, & the Hochul admin will be giving FIRST PRIORITY to people previously convicted for marijuana offenses. Hochul’s criminal first agenda is so wrong for NY.”

Rhode Island Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Cynthia Mendes said a pending marijuana legalization bill “doesn’t do nearly enough to repair the damage of the War on Drugs (ie Black, brown & low-income communities). Where’s the racial equity in that??”

Virginia lawmakers sent Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) to enact restrictions on delta-8 THC products.

West Virginia lawmakers sent Gov. Jim Justice (R) legislation setting security and surveillance requirements for medical cannabis businesses and to decriminalize fentanyl test strips. A bill to allow no more than two medical marijuana testing laboratories in the state passed both chambers in differing forms but failed to reach the governor’s desk by the end of the session.

The Vermont Senate approved legislation on cannabis cultivation rules and licensing fees. Separately, regulators will vote on adopting marijuana rules on Monday.

A California senator filed a bill to allow cannabis import and export agreements with other states.

An Illinois judge warned regulators against “forum shopping” in a lawsuit challenging their marijuana business award process.

Indiana regulators filed updated hemp rules.

Colorado regulators issued a health and safety advisory about potentially unsafe levels of yeast and mold contamination in marijuana products produced by LivWell. Separately, regulators began accepting applications for the new  Cannabis Business Pilot Grant program.

Michigan’s top marijuana regulator says he spoke to the Drug Enforcement Administration about getting permission for colleges to utilize marijuana as part of cannabis degree programs,

South Dakota regulators held a lottery to award medical cannabis dispensary licenses.

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Marijuana Moment is already 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.
—

/ LOCAL

Jackson and Josephine County, Oregon officials moved to declare states of emergency in order to enact moratoriums on new hemp licenses.

A Denver, Colorado official will give a cannabis business update at a Black Economic Opportunities Council meeting on Monday.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Canadian regulators proposed rules changes on marijuana research and public possession limits for cannabis beverages.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that medical cannabis “treatment demonstrates good efficacy and tolerability in adult [Gilles de la Tourette syndrome] patients.”

A study concluded that “50, 75, and 100 µg LSD are tolerable with favourable safety profiles in healthy adults, only mild adverse events during the day of drug administration, and mystical-type subjective experiences.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America’s CEO spoke about how medical cannabis is “proven…to be much more effective than traditional opioids and pain pills” for many military veterans.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation published a guide about medical cannabis and Parkinson’s disease.

The Drug Policy Alliance, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Human Rights Watch and other organizations criticized Congress for extending the Schedule I status of fentanyl-related substances as part of omnibus appropriations legislation.

/ BUSINESS

Jones Soda is launching a line of cannabis-infused sodas, gummies and syrups.

MedMen filed amended counterclaims maintaining that it believes Ascend Wellness Holdings Inc. inappropriately used political influence to push through approval of the latter company’s acquisition of the former firm’s New York assets.

WM Technology, Inc. has a new board chair.

Eaze’s former CEO is avoiding prison time due to cooperation with an investigation into a scheme to trick banks into processing marijuana transactions.

Metrc was awarded a new marijuana tracking contract in New Jersey.

Michigan retailers sold $154.8 million worth of legal cannabis products in February.

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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.

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KY medical marijuana bill advances; NY equity sales regs advance; WA psilocybin ballot measure; St. Louis cannabis testing ban

Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day.

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

The Delaware House of Representatives rejected a marijuana legalization bill. A majority of members supported the legislation, but it did not reach the 3/5 supermajority threshold needed to pass.

The Kentucky House Judiciary Committee approved a bill to legalize medical cannabis.

New York’s Cannabis Control Board advanced proposed regulations giving people with marijuana convictions the first shot at dispensary licenses—ahead of current medical cannabis businesses. The proposal, which is part of a broader new “Seeding Opportunity Initiative” announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), will now undergo a public comment period.

Washington State activists filed a proposed ballot measure that would legalize “facilitated” psilocybin sessions.

The St. Louis, Missouri County Council approved a measure to ban pre-employment and random marijuana testing for most county workers.

Black Missourians are worried about being boxed out of the marijuana industry by proposed licensing caps they say could result in big businesses controlling the market.

/ FEDERAL

The U.S. Sentencing Commission published a report on compassionate release from federal prison.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) tweeted, “37 states and DC legalized cannabis for medical use. 18 states and DC legalized both medical and adult use. It’s past time the federal government caught up. Comprehensive federal cannabis reform with equity for communities most impacted by the War on Drugs is a top Senate priority.”

Rep. Tim Ryan (D) tweeted, “No person should be sentenced to a lifetime of hardship because of a marijuana arrest. I’m proud to stand on the side of justice by supporting legislation that will begin righting the wrongs of decades of misinformed drug policy and make marijuana legal in all 50 states.”

New York Democratic congressional candidate Rana Abdelhamid tweeted, “The war on drugs has torn so many communities of color apart, so it’s a breath of fresh air that New York has not only legalized marijuana, but is giving those with drug convictions another chance. That’s a step towards restorative justice.”

North Carolina Democratic congressional candidate Charles Graham tweeted, “In NC, any adult can go into a CBD store and purchase Delta 8, a substance that closely mimics the effects of marijuana. At the same time, folks are sitting in jail cells — separated from their families — for possessing marijuana. It’s unfair and frankly stupid. Let them out.”

The House bill to deschedule marijuana and fund programs to repair drug war harms got one new cosponsor for a total of 109.

/ STATES

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s (R) leadership committee received a $50,000 contribution from the CEO of one of only six companies to win a medical cannabis business license in the state.

Attorneys for men on trial for conspiring to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) blamed the scheme on marijuana use and “stoned crazy talk.”

South Dakota lawmakers sent Gov. Kristi Noem (R) a bill to set limits on medical cannabis home cultivation.

Alabama lawmakers sent Gov. Kay Ivey (R) a bill to legalize fentanyl test strips.

The West Virginia Senate advanced a bill on security and surveillance requirements for medical cannabis businesses.

Louisiana lawmakers have filed several bills aimed at expanding medical cannabis access.

The Maryland Judicial Ethics Committee determined that a law clerk is allowed to author an article about medical cannabis employment protections as long as he does not identify the court he works for.

New Jersey regulators posted an update on the marijuana business licensing process, saying they are “moving through a critical milestone” this week.

California regulators are moving to readopt emergency rules consolidating cannabis regulations.

Illinois regulators issued a policy statement blocking cannabis businesses from producing delta-8 or delta-9 THC from hemp oil.

The chairman of Oregon’s Psilocybin Advisory Board resigned.

Connecticut regulators began accepting lottery applications for marijuana product manufacturer licenses.

New York regulators are holding training sessions for people who want to become certified hemp sampling agents.

—
Marijuana Moment is already 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.
—

/ LOCAL

New York City’s mayor included a pledge to “build the country’s most equitable cannabis industry” in an economic recovery blueprint, and also spoke about the rollout of legal marijuana sales at a press conference.

Los Angeles, California’s top marijuana regulator is stepping down.

Springfield, Illinois firefighters may no longer be tested for marijuana if a pending contract is ratified.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Canada’s Supreme Court is taking up a case on the constitutionality of Quebec’s ban on marijuana home cultivation.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that “the vast majority of patients self-selecting into cannabis use for treatment of nausea likely experience relief within a relative short duration of time, but the level of antiemetic effect varies with the characteristics of the cannabis products consumed in vivo.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Kentucky Democratic Party tweeted, “The vast majority of Kentuckians support legislation — like @CherlynnForKY’s HB 582 — to legalize medical marijuana, offering much-needed relief for patients with chronic pain, PTSD and other debilitating health issues. It’s time for the General Assembly to act.”

The Missouri State Medical Association is calling on the federal government to “promptly revise marijuana’s current classification as a Schedule I controlled substance in order to facilitate evidence-based, scientifically-valid clinical research to evaluate its efficacy and safety.”

/ BUSINESS

Acreage Holdings, Inc. reported quarterly consolidated revenue of $58.1 million and a net operating loss of $35.6 million.

Johns Hopkins University, Yale University, and New York University are collaborating to create a psychedelics curriculum for psychiatrists.

TerrAscend Corp. completed its acquisition of Gage Growth Corp.

National Labor Relations Board prosecutors are asking a federal court to order Curaleaf Arizona to reinstate a dispensary worker who was allegedly terminated for leading a union organizing effort.

Authentic 231 in Manistee, Michigan became the state’s first union-organized cannabis business.

/ CULTURE

Mike Tyson spoke about how using cannabis helps him be “at peace.”

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