Newsletter
Congressional cannabis vote scheduled for next week (Newsletter: March 25, 2022)
Senate passes marijuana research bill; Banking push amid robberies; HI psilocybin bill amended; NE medical cannabis activists scramble
Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day.
Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible…
Your good deed for the day: donate to an independent publisher like Marijuana Moment and ensure that as many voters as possible have access to the most in-depth cannabis reporting out there.
Support our work at https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment
/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
House of Representatives leadership formally included a federal marijuana legalization bill in a list of legislation they plan to take up for floor votes next week.
The Senate unanimously approved a bill to remove barriers to marijuana research.
Washington State officials are stepping up the push on Congress to pass a marijuana banking bill following a recent spate of deadly robberies on cash-intensive cannabis businesses in the state.
The Hawaii Senate Health Committee approved two resolutions calling for the formation of a psilocybin working group to explore the therapeutic potential of the psychedelic—but the measures were amended to make patient access provisions contingent on federal approval.
Nebraska activists are scrambling to raise money and enlist volunteers after a large donor who committed to fund their signature drive to place two medical cannabis initiatives on the ballot is no longer able to help due to “a personal and tragic circumstance.”
/ FEDERAL
The Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals reversed a judge’s ruling that a man could receive a security clearance even after using marijuana subsequent to applying.
Customs and Border Protection is asking a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit claiming its seizures of hash oil during temporary traffic checkpoints were unconstitutional.
The Drug Enforcement Administration said it is taking steps to expand access to medication-assisted treatment for people with opioid-related substance use disorder.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) tweeted, “As Senate Majority Leader: Comprehensive federal cannabis legalization with justice for the communities most impacted by the War on Drugs—especially for communities of color—is a Senate priority. We will move forward.”
Ten Senate Republicans have signed onto a bill to eliminate the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine, likely clearing its way to passage.
Former Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) coauthored an op-ed cheering Virginia lawmakers’ failure to pass a marijuana commercialization bill this session.
/ STATES
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R) signed two medical cannabis reform bills into law.
Kentucky’s Senate president said leadership in his chamber is not interested in hearing a presentation from the sponsor of a House-passed medical cannabis bill. Meanwhile, the majority floor leader said he believes the bill is “done for the year.”
The Oklahoma House of Representatives approved more than a dozen medical cannabis reform bills.
The Minnesota House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee approved a bill on tribal medical cannabis programs.
The Ohio House Government Oversight Committee held a hearing on a bill to expand medical cannabis access.
A Florida senator authored an op-ed saying that it’s time for the state to legalize marijuana.
A spokesperson for a California senator defended his bill aimed at increasing medical cannabis access from criticism by some advocates who say it could inadvertently restrict delivery services.
Oregon Democratic House candidate Kaliko Castille highlighted his work in the cannabis industry in his first campaign ad. (Disclosure: Castille supports Marijuana Moment’s work with a monthly pledge on Patreon.)
New Jersey regulators delayed a vote on allowing current medical cannabis dispensaries to sell recreational marijuana, but approved 68 conditional licenses for adult-use cultivators and manufacturers.
Georgia officials are asking a judge to lift a temporary hold placed on a local prosecutor’s ability to go after sellers of delta-8 THC products.
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board said beer and wine licensees cannot sell CBD-infused edibles.
Connecticut regulators began accepting lottery applications for marijuana transporter licenses.
New Mexico regulators said there is enough marijuana produced to meet consumer demand when adult-use sales launch on April 1.
The Missouri Department of Agriculture announced the recipients of grant funding that will be used to expand hemp fiber processing capacity.
Alabama officials are focusing on raising awareness about delta-8 THC products as part of National Poison Prevention Week.
Texas regulators published a list of registered hemp laboratories.
—
Marijuana Moment is already 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.
—
/ LOCAL
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s sheriff and local and state officials held a press conference about a new cannabis industry-backed fund to help “address the overbearing fines and court fees associated with minor, nonviolent marijuana infractions.”
/ INTERNATIONAL
Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob is expected to receive a briefing on medical cannabis, hemp and kratom by next week.
London, England’s mayor ordered police to enact stricter controls on searches based on the odor of cannabis following outrage over the case of a teenage girl who was strip-searched by officers who said they smelled marijuana.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “preinjury THC use may be associated with decreased hemorrhagic stroke in severely injured patients with [traumatic brain injury], but there was no difference in thromboembolic outcomes.”
A study concluded that “compared to placebo plus therapy, not only was MDMA-assisted therapy highly efficacious in those suffering from severe PTSD but it was safe and well-tolerated, even in those with comorbidities.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The For Alternative Approaches to Addiction, Think & do tank published a paper arguing that it is possible for countries to legalize non-medical marijuana while still complying with international anti-drug treaties.
The Family Foundation is urging the Kentucky Senate to reject a House-passed medical cannabis bill.
/ BUSINESS
Columbia Care Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $139.3 million and a net loss of $54.7 million.
Jushi Holdings Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $65.9 million.
Charlotte’s Web Holdings, Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $24.8 million and a net loss and comprehensive loss of $118.2 million.
LeafLink’s new president and COO is a former WeWork co-CEO.
/ CULTURE
Mike Tyson’s cannabis brand, Tyson 2.0, acquired a majority stake in Ric Flair Drip, Inc.
Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox.
