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Census Bureau collects cannabis biz data (Newsletter: August 18, 2023)
Fed survey: Adult marijuana use at “historic high”; Lawmakers press VA on medical cannabis; MN legalization timeline; Safe consumption case
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The U.S. Census Bureau has begun collecting economic data about the marijuana businesses—including specific prompts about sales of everything from flower to cannabis-infused pies—a further sign that the federal government recognizes that the industry is entering the mainstream.
A new survey funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that marijuana and psychedelic use rates for adults have reached “historic highs” as more states enact legalization and reform, but that teen consumption has remained “stable.”
Reps. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Dave Joyce (R-OH) sent a letter pressing the Department of Veterans Affairs to reverse its “detrimental” policy that blocks government doctors from issuing medical cannabis recommendations to military veterans.
Minnesota officials involved in launching the new Office of Cannabis Management spoke about the timeline for implementing legalization—which will involve setting rules on issues like business licensing, packaging, use of pesticides, lab testing and more.
A Philadelphia nonprofit that wants to open a safe consumption site for illegal drugs is pushing back on the Department of Justice’s motion to dismiss its case.
A new study found that patients using medical cannabis to treat neurological disorders see “decrease in their symptoms, better energy and vitality, ability to perform their professional duties, and an improvement in sleeping and appetite.”
- “Participants, who reported a longer period of receiving medical cannabis, reported statistically significant more energy and vitality, but also better mental and general health status.”
Florida lawmakers are previewing that they may try again to enact strict potency limits on hemp products in the 2024 legislative session.
Missouri regulators are facing marijuana industry pushback amid a large-scale recall of cannabis products.
/ FEDERAL
A U.S., Border Patrol memo reportedly expresses concern about Chinese-backed illegal marijuana grow operations in Maine.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Museum posted a video about a diversion investigator’s logbook that’s part of its collection.
/ STATES
Kansas’s House minority whip said the chamber isn’t likely to bring up medical cannabis legislation again until there are signs that the Senate president will stop blocking it.
A Minnesota representative authored an op-ed lamenting the state’s new marijuana legalization law.
Oklahoma regulators adopted changes to medical cannabis rules.
Massachusetts regulators filed draft changes to marijuana rules.
New Mexico regulators are proposing adding additional requirements to obtain marijuana business licenses.
Washington State regulators issued guidance on cloud storage of marijuana business records.
Nevada regulators will consider changes to rules on medical cannabis business license applications on Tuesday.
Colorado regulators will hold listening sessions on psychedelics rulemaking starting on September 5.
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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.
Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
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/ LOCAL
The New York City mayor’s office said it has resolved 14 of the 47 court cases it filed to close unlicensed marijuana retailers.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Nairobi, Kenya’s former governor is pushing the government to legalize marijuana.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study suggested that “combination therapy of cabozantinib and CBD provides therapeutic efficacy against [hepatocellular carcinoma].“
A study found that “naturalistic psilocybin use is associated with persisting improvements in mental health and well-being.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Last Prisoner Project published an annual report.
/ BUSINESS
AYR Wellness Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $116.7 million and a net loss of $30.6 million.
Green Check and TASI Bank are partnering to expand cannabis banking services in the San Francisco, California Bay Area.
High Times’s CEO resigned.
Canopy Growth Corporation is selling its facility in Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
