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Cannabis rescheduling won’t violate treaties, memo says (Newsletter: February 14, 2024)
SC medical marijuana approval; HI & NH legalization; SD gov signs cannabis & gun bill; VA legal sales; IN & NM psilocybin; FL hemp restrictions
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A new legal opinion commissioned by the Coalition for Cannabis Scheduling Reform argues that moving marijuana to Schedule III will not violate international drug treaties as the Drug Enforcement Administration has previously asserted.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) signed a bill requiring medical cannabis patients to formally acknowledge the federal ban on gun possession for marijuana consumers when they apply for their state ID cards.
The South Carolina Senate gave initial approval to a bill to legalize medical cannabis, with a third reading vote to formally send the measure to the House expected soon.
The Hawaii Senate Health and Human Services Committee and Judiciary Committee amended and approved a bill to legalize marijuana despite opposition and concerns expressed by several state agencies in contravention of pro-reform Gov. Josh Green (D).
The Virginia Senate and House of Delegates have now both given final passage to competing versions of legislation to legalize recreational marijuana sales—ignoring a letter from police groups that argued that allowing cannabis commerce would be “the wrong path” for the state.
A New Hampshire House Commerce subcommittee amended and approved a bill to legalize marijuana, with a full committee vote scheduled for Wednesday.
The Indiana House Public Health Committee approved a Senate-passed bill to create a state fund to support research on using psilocybin to treat military veterans and first responders with PTSD and other conditions. Members added an amendment to include alcohol and tobacco use disorders.
The New Mexico Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee unanimously approved a resolution calling on state officials to research the therapeutic potential of psilocybin and explore the creation of a regulatory framework to provide access to the psychedelic.
The Florida House Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee approved a bill to restrict consumable hemp products despite testimony that it could have a detrimental economic impact.
The Missouri marijuana company BeLeaf Medical is seeking to invalidate its employees’ union election because, it says, they are agricultural workers and are thus exempt from certain labor protections under federal law.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. attorney for the Western District of Washington touted the sentencing of a father and son who were convicted of “a scheme to violate the state’s marijuana production regulations and produce and sell marijuana on the black market.”
The National Institute on Drug Abuse posted a notice about its interest in funding research on strategies to address stigmatizing beliefs and policies affecting people who use drugs.
The Environmental Protection Agency cited reports about children ingesting cannabis-infused foods that are marketed to look similar to candy products in a Federal Register notice about flexible packaging for pesticide products.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) tweeted, “It is time for our federal government to join the 21st century and legalize marijuana.”
/ STATES
The New Mexico House of Representatives passed a bill to make it a crime to bring marijuana into prisons and jails unless it is medical cannabis recommended by a doctor.
Pennsylvania’s Senate president pro tempore said it will be “hard” to pass marijuana legalization legislation.
An Iowa Senate subcommittee approved a bill to restrict hemp products.
An Idaho representative filed a bill to create a minimum $420 fine for possessing less than three ounces of marijuana.
A Missouri representative introduced a bill to require marijuana education in public schools.
Oklahoma lawmakers will hear from medical cannabis regulators on Friday
The U.S. Virgin Islands Cannabis Advisory Board approved proposed marijuana legalization regulations.
Minnesota regulators published guidance for financial institutions serving marijuana businesses.
Vermont regulators posted guidance on marijuana business employee ID applications.
Maryland regulators are conducting a survey of cannabis business operators.
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/ LOCAL
The Sussex County, Delaware Council is considering a proposal to regulate marijuana businesses.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Thailand’s government is delaying consideration of a proposal to clarify that recreational marijuana use is banned.
The Jersey States Assembly passed legislation to allow people repeatedly caught possessing small amounts of Class B and C drugs to avoid criminal prosecution.
The head of the Philippine Food and Drug Administration said he is “very open” to medical cannabis but expressed concerns about legalization legislation, with the Department of Health separately saying that any reform should be based on scientific evidence and evaluation of public health implications.
Canadian regulators clarified that cannabis producers can provide samples to licensed retailers and their employees.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study suggested that ” consumption of medical cannabis containing THC (1.13–39.18 mg/dose) has a negligible impact on driving performance when used as prescribed.”
A study found that “long-term social-emotional benefits of MDMA are associated with whether users seek self-insight or have mixed intentions.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Boston Globe editorial board is calling on the Drug Enforcement Administration to “expeditiously” complete its marijuana rescheduling review.
The Cannabis Policy Lab published a report recommending potential changes to California marijuana policies.
/ BUSINESS
Organigram Holdings Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of C$36.5 million and a net loss of C$15.8 million.
Blüm Holdings, Inc. is acquiring three dispensaries from Operators Only Corporation.
CLIC Risk Retention Group, Inc. is a new private insurance company that says it is owned by, and operated for, the benefit of participants in the legalized cannabis industry.
High Tide Inc. signed a distribution agreement with the Manitoba, Canada Liquor and Lotteries Corporation.
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