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Cannabis use undermines “good moral character” for immigrants, feds say (Newsletter: April 22, 2019)

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Congressional committees publish marijuana plans; USDA clarifies hemp seed rules; POTUS candidates’ 4/20 tweets; Ben & Jerry’s is woke on drug war

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued a memo saying that using marijuana or working in the cannabis industry—even if it is legal under state law—makes immigrants ineligible for citizenship because it means they don’t have “good moral character.”

Several congressional committees issued reports highlighting the marijuana reforms they plan to address in 2019.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture clarified that farmers are allowed to import hemp seeds from other countries and that there’s nothing the Drug Enforcement Administration can do to stop them.

Ben & Jerry’s used 4/20 to call attention to ongoing racial disparities in marijuana enforcement—and partnered with a dispensary that donated partial proceeds to expungement efforts—in stark contrast to other mainstream brands that just seemed to be trying to make a buck off the cannabis holiday.

Several presidential candidates—along with many other politicians and brands—commemorated 4/20 with marijuana-themed tweets.

/ FEDERAL

A federal judge ruled that Salem, West Virginia officials must place a measure to remove municipal marijuana penalties on the June 4 ballot.

Former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D), a presidential candidate, spoke about his evolution on marijuana legalization.

Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), along with Reps. Charlie Crist (D-FL), Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Lou Correa (D-CA) sent video messages to be played at a marijuana conference, with Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) delivering a keynote address.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), a presidential candidate, sent a 4/20-themed fundraising email. She also spoke about her support for marijuana reform in an interview.

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) predicted that the House will vote on marijuana banking legislation this spring.

Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) tweeted, “Yesterday I introduced a bill to permit marijuana use in federal housing in states where marijuana use is legal. No American should fear eviction for using a legal substance in their state. It’s time Congress catch up with the American people. With Democratic control of the House, I will also continue to push to remove anti-home rule provisions preventing DC from commercializing recreational marijuana use. Congress has no business interfering with DC local government.”

The House marijuana banking bill got one new cosponsor, for a total of 166.

The House comprehensive medical cannabis bill got two new cosponsors, for a total of eight.

The House bill to force the Department of Veterans Affairs to study medical cannabis got one new cosponsor, for a total of 60.

The House bill to require the Department of Justice to license additional marijuana growers for research got one new cosponsor, for a total of nine.

/ STATES

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) signed a commercial hemp bill into law.

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott’s (R) spokesperson said there is “still opportunity to reach consensus” on legalizing marijuana sales, and he is “not at the point at which he will draw lines on issues.”

Nevada’s treasurer tweeted about discussing marijuana banking access with Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), a presidential candidate.

The Colorado Senate Finance Committee advanced a bill to allow publicly traded companies and out-of-state investors in the marijuana industry.

A Michigan judge continued a temporary restraining order allowing some unlicensed marijuana businesses to remain open.

Missouri regulators are being sued by BioTrackTHC over their awarding of a contract to Metrc LLC.

The New Hampshire Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on marijuana legalization on Tuesday.

Nebraska lawmakers are considering compromise language for a medical cannabis bill.

Here’s a look at pending Louisiana marijuana legislation.

A study found that Wisconsin could generate $1.1 billion in economic benefits in the first five years of legal medical cannabis.


Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,000 cannabis 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

Denver, Colorado’s mayor sent a letter to other mayors urging they work with him to reverse federal policies that negatively count working in the marijuana industry against immigrants’ citizenship status.

New York City’s mayor said he will be looking into the issue of people losing child custody over marijuana.

A Baltimore, Maryland mayoral candidate is calling for marijuana legalization.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley is meeting with Canadian marijuana companies interested in operating in the country.

Uganda’s first lady said a deal to allow an Israeli firm to grow medical cannabis in the country is “satanic.”

/ ADVOCACY

NAACP’s president said that the organization will develop a position on marijuana legalization by July.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that “CBD may have independent positive effects on [quality of life] beyond improved seizure control.”

A review concluded that marijuana “may play a safe role in [chronic migraine] management by helping to improve headache profile, anxiety, sleep, mood, and opioid reduction.”

Louisiana State University launched a study on treating epilepsy with medical cannabis.

/ OPINION & ANALYSIS

A poll of Americans found that 65% support legalizing marijuana and 62% oppose federal intervention in state laws, among other findings.

BuzzFeed conducted a lengthy survey of U.S. and Canadian adults about attitudes toward marijuana and policies surrounding it.

/ BUSINESS

MenMen’s chief operating officer, general counsel and senior vice president of corporate communications have resigned.

CNN is starting a new marijuana coverage initiative, to be led by former Cannabist reporter Alicia Wallace.

Eaze’s website crashed on 4/20.

Pax Labs closed a $420 million funding round.

/ CULTURE

Actor Seth Rogen is calling on the Canadian government to expunge marijuana convictions.

The Onion endorsed legalizing marijuana in the most Onion way possible.

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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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