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Cannabis rescheduling could boost science, fed cancer agency says (Newsletter: October 17, 2024)

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DE marijuana banking bill; Trump in FL legalization ad; NY cannabis-funded grants; Study: Psilocybin for depression

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

The National Cancer Institute acknowledged that 20-40 percent of cancer patients use marijuana or cannabinoids to treat the symptoms of the disease or side effects from medicines, adding that rescheduling “would likely open the doors for more studies” to address an ongoing “scientific evidence deficit.”

Delaware Gov. John Carney (D) signed a bill to provide state-level protections to banks that service marijuana businesses as Congress continues to consider broader federal cannabis industry banking legislation.

The Florida marijuana legalization campaign released a new ad featuring former President Donald Trump endorsing the measure on the November ballot. Another new spot shows a GOP state senator backing the reform.

The New York Office of Cannabis Management is accepting applications for a $5 million grant program funded by marijuana revenue to aid “communities disproportionately affected by prior federal and state drug policies” to “redress a wide range of community needs” like housing, childcare and job skills training.

A new study found that up to 6 in 10 people receiving treatment for depression could be eligible for psilocybin-assisted therapy if the psychedelic is approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

  • The “prospective demand will be shaped by the extent to which insurers” cover the therapy.

New Jersey regulators said they will only enforce one part of the state’s new law restricting sales of hemp products following a federal judge’s mixed ruling on the policy, which a lawyer representing the industry said leaves people “incredibly confused” about the future.

Massachusetts Treasurer Deborah Goldberg (D) said the search for a new Cannabis Control Commission chair could be made “more challenging” by an ongoing inquiry lawmakers are conducting of the agency.

/ FEDERAL

Vice President Kamala Harris said she has not yet decided how she will vote on a California initiative to increase penalties for certain drug and other offenses.

Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) said he supports rescheduling cannabis as well as “decriminalization of recreational marijuana.”

Former Rep. Joe Garcia (D-FL) authored an op-ed on his support for the marijuana legalization initiative on Florida’s November ballot.

/ STATES

New Hampshire Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joyce Craig tweeted, “Granite Staters want to see the legalization of cannabis. I’ll make sure we get it done.”

Texas’s agriculture commissioner was subpoenaed to testify in the trial of his former political consultant who is facing felony charges of theft and bribery related to allegedly taking money in exchange for hemp licenses.

The New Mexico legislature’s Interim Economic and Rural Development and Policy Committee held a hearing on cannabis industry issues.

A North Carolina House of Representatives candidate discussed her support for legalizing marijuana.

California regulators revoked the license of a cannabis company and put an embargo on its products.

New Jersey officials launched a Cannabis Training Academy.

Missouri officials transferred $5.5 million in marijuana revenue to veterans, public defender and other programs.

Maryland regulators posted guidance on keeping children and pets safe from cannabis products.

Washington State regulators are conducting a survey on cannabis traceability issues.

New York’s former top marijuana regulator was appointed executive director of the NAACP New York State Conference.

Colorado regulators will hold a hearing on psychedelic services application and compliance fee rules on Monday.


Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,500 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 touted the seizure of illegal cannabis vape products.

The Detroit, Michigan City Council is considering a proposal to regulate marijuana advertising.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that “approximately 15% of new urban hand patients use cannabinoids for pain control, and these compounds have similar analgesic efficacy in hand pathologies as Rx/OTC medications,” concluding that “cannabinoids are equally liked or preferred relative to traditional medications in this cohort, and they may play an important role in pain management for hand patients.”

A study found that “a correlation between subjective symptoms and therapeutic benefit was present for both ketamine and psilocybin in the treatment of depression and” substance use disorder.

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

Prohibitionist organization Smart Approaches to Marijuana Action launched new ads opposing the marijuana legalization initiative on Florida’s November ballot.

The Coalition for Adult Beverage Alternatives is a new partnership of hemp beverage manufacturers, supply chain partners and alcohol retailers and distributors.

/ BUSINESS

A federal judge gave initial approval to a settlement between Aurora Cannabis Inc. and investors who are suing the company for allegedly orchestrating a scheme to keep stock prices high.

Colorado retailers sold $122.5 million worth of legal marijuana products in August.

/ CULTURE

Actress Rachel Sennott said it is “embarrassing” that she was arrested for possessing CBD during a trip to the Cayman Islands.

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Tom Angell is the editor of Marijuana Moment. A 20-year veteran in the cannabis law reform movement, he covers the policy and politics of marijuana. Separately, he founded the nonprofit Marijuana Majority. Previously he reported for Marijuana.com and MassRoots, and handled media relations and campaigns for Law Enforcement Against Prohibition and Students for Sensible Drug Policy.

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