Newsletter
Challenge to NE cannabis initiative gets day in court (Newsletter: September 4, 2020)
PA gov slams GOP’s legalization opposition; CA state campaign touts marijuana industry; USDA OKs more hemp plans; Drone drops free cannabis
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Nebraska Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case filed by a local sheriff who is trying to prevent voters from having a chance to decide on a medical cannabis ballot initiative in November.
- “The Nebraska Constitution provides the power of initiative is the first power reserved by the people. The power is precious. It is one which the courts are zealous to preserve the fullest tenable measure, spirit as well as letter.”
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) stepped up criticism of Republican leaders in the state legislature for not advancing the popular issue of marijuana legalization at a time the state badly needs new revenue and jobs.
- “There’s nothing going on. That’s why we’re having this press conference. We’re saying, ‘Remember a year ago?’”
The California Department of Food and Agriculture launched a new “This Is California Cannabis” campaign to promote the state’s legal marijuana industry. It features videos profiling famers.
- “We’re proud of California’s vibrant cannabis cultivator community.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved hemp plans for Maine, Missouri and another Indian tribe, bringing the total number of state, territory and tribal programs cleared by the federal government to 58.
A drone dropped hundreds of free bags of marijuana as cannabis enthusiasts ran into a busy Israeli street to scoop them up.
/ FEDERAL
Several members of Congress will speak at the National Cannabis Policy Summit on Thursday.
Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA) tweeted, “Cannabis should be legalized in Pennsylvania. And around the country, small businesses & people of color should have fair and equal access to this booming business!”
West Virginia Democratic congressional candidate Cathy Kunkel tweeted, “It is long past time to make this happen. Decriminalizing cannabis and removing it from the Drug Enforcement Agency’s list of controlled substances is something I would support when in Congress.”
/ STATES
New Hampshire Democratic gubernatorial candidates said they support legalizing marijuana.
Pennsylvania regulators are allowing medical cannabis testing laboratories to analyze hemp potency.
A Nevada judge determined that regulators erred in their marijuana business licensing process but said she can’t do much about it.
Ohio regulators issued a public health warning for Limitless CBD LLC products, which they say were made without a license.
Illinois regulators released the names of tied applicants for marijuana dispensary licenses.
Vermont regulators posted information about hemp businesses’ eligibility for COVID-19 relief funds.
Oklahoma regulators provided an update on medical cannabis licensing numbers.
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/ LOCAL
The Delaware County, Pennsylvania Council is considering a marijuana decriminalization proposal.
Portland, Oregon officials highlighted more recipients of a grant program intended to help communities disproportionately impacted by marijuana prohibition.
/ INTERNATIONAL
South African lawmakers will be briefed on a bill allowing marijuana use and possession on Friday.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study suggested that “hemp essential oil can inhibit or reduce bacterial growth, also exerting antioxidant activity, and therefore it can find an advantageous application in the food processing field.”
A case study examines a man whose obsessive-compulsive disorder “significantly improved after treatment with medicinal cannabis with markedly reduced OCD and depression resulting in a considerable improvement of quality of life.”
A review concluded that “psilocybin appears to be effective at reducing depression and anxiety immediately after dosing as well as for several months after administration in patients with life-threatening cancer.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Social Equity Empowerment Network is a new organization pushing for a diverse cannabis industry in Illinois.
AARP tweeted about increasing marijuana use among boomers.
The U.S. Hemp Authority has released a draft 3.0 version of industry standards for public comment.
/ BUSINESS
MedMen was denied a conditional use permit for a marijuana dispensary in Pasadena, California.
Aurora Cannabis is being sued by CTT Pharmaceutical Holdings, Inc. for allegedly trying to avoid making owed payments under a licensing deal for sublingual cannabis-infused strips.
Canopy Growth Corp. laid off more employees.
GFA Federal Credit Union and Hypur are partnering to offer digital, contactless solutions for marijuana dispensary payments.
Dr. Bronner’s outlined the more than $3 million it is donating to psychedelic policy reform efforts in 2020 and launched a new “Heal Soul” label on its products to highlight the issue.
The founder and former CEO of Covalent Collective Inc. is being accused by the Securities and Exchange Commission of misappropriating investors’ funds.
/ CULTURE
Miley Cyrus talked to Joe Rogan about her use of marijuana and other drugs.
/ CORRECTION
An item in Thursday’s issue about Fayetteville, Georgia incorrectly referred to Fayetteville, Arkansas.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
