Newsletter
Cannabis tax cut bill signed in NY (Newsletter: November 20, 2023)
Congressional marijuana banking report; South Africa legalization; SD cannabis initiative; Marijuana consumers have more empathy; DEA CBD lawsuit
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A new Congressional Research Service report outlines penalties that could apply to banks working with marijuana businesses while reform legislation languishes in the Senate—including under the Controlled Substances Act, anti-money laundering laws and Bank Secrecy Act.
Sen. Kirsten GIllibrand (D-NY) sent a letter urging the Drug Enforcement Administration to act with “great urgency” to reschedule marijuana in line with a recommendation from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
A new federal court brief filed on behalf of a Drug Enforcement Administration agent who was fired for using hemp-derived CBD products that caused a positive THC test says the agency’s actions were “unjustifiable, unlawful and inexplicable.”
South Africa’s National Assembly passed a marijuana legalization bill.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) signed legislation to allow marijuana companies to deduct business expenses from local NYC taxes—expanding a partial 280E workaround that had already been enacted for state taxes.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley (R) issued a draft explanation for a marijuana legalization initiative. It’s the second such measure proposed for the 2024 ballot— though this one would regulate sales in addition to legalizing possession and cultivation.
A New Hampshire commission charged with proposing legislation to legalize marijuana sales through a system of state-controlled stores finished going over a draft bill at a marathon meeting—but members remain divided over key issues as a December 1 deadline looms.
A new study concluded that marijuana consumers have more “empathic comprehension” and “a greater understanding of the emotions of others”—findings that “highlight positive effects of cannabis on interpersonal relationships and potential therapeutic applications.”
The Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation is revoking the license of a marijuana manufacturing company accused of illegally importing cannabis products from out-of-state.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is conducting a survey about its weekly hemp report.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) received a Drug Enforcement Administration briefing about efforts to address illegal Chinese-run marijuana operations in Maine.
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) tweeted, “I was proud to lead the first-ever @HouseVetAffairs Committee hearing on the potential for psychedelic-assisted therapy treatments in the emerging battle against suicide.”
The House resolution noting that Black people are “systematically targeted and criminalized” by the war on drugs got one new cosponsor for a total of 13.
/ STATES
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) said he’s not willing to consider legalizing marijuana as long as federal prohibition is in place.
The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that police can continue using a disputed method to identify drug-impaired driving, but only with new limits.
California regulators issued an embargo on cannabis products that may have been “adulterated” with “poisonous or deleterious” substances.
New York regulators approved revised hemp rules but canceled a planned vote on a settlement of ongoing litigation that has prevented more marijuana dispensaries from opening.
Oregon regulators approved changes to marijuana tax rules.
Maine regulators issued guidance on changes to marijuana rules.
Oklahoma officials seized more than 77,000 untraceable and untagged marijuana plants at medical cannabis grow operations.
The Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice held a training for police about cannabis regulation.
An Ohio court sentenced two men to probation for defrauding investors by convincing them to invest in a fake medical cannabis grow operation.
Guam regulators will consider marijuana issues on Monday.
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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.
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/ LOCAL
The Bluefield, West Virginia City Board of Directors is considering a marijuana decriminalization proposal.
Aurora, Colorado officials are concerned about funding for homeless services as marijuana revenue declines.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Luxembourg’s new government plans to maintain the country’s noncommercial marijuana legalization law.
Irish lawmakers are expected to consider a marijuana legalization bill in January.
UK lawmakers sent a letter urging Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to allow medical cannabis to be prescribed on the National Health Service.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “cannabis use reduced weight by 1.87 kg and [waist circumference]” and that “when examining subgroups, longer follow-up periods were associated with a more pronounced [body mass index] reduction.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Ohio Mayors Alliance hosted a conference call to discuss localities’ options under the state’s voter-approved marijuana legalization law.
Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America will host a hemp beverage exhibition area at its conference in January and February.
/ BUSINESS
MedMen Enterprises Inc. provided an update on its ability to file required financial statements.
Strawberry Fields workers in Columbus, Ohio voted to join Teamsters Local 413.
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Photo courtesy of California State Fair.
