Newsletter
Congressman want feds to “buy American’ cannabis (Newsletter: Sep. 20, 2018)
OH & NM gov candidates clash on marijuana; PETA says getting lobsters high isn’t “humane”; CA gov vetoes bill letting cannabiz write off expenses
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-FL) is questioning why the federal government approved a deal to import marijuana products from Canada for a research study instead of granting more licenses to domestic cannabis cultivators.
- “What happened to ‘buy American, hire American?'”
Gubernatorial candidates in Ohio and New Mexico clashed on marijuana legalization during debates.
A Maine restaurant is getting lots of press for its supposedly “humane” practice of blowing marijuana smoke on lobsters before boiling them. But People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is not buying it:
- “It is highly unlikely that getting a lobster high would make a lick of difference when it comes to the full-blown agony of being boiled or steamed alive.”
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia tweeted again from a Department of Justice marijuana meeting.
A provision of a House-passed opioids bill, which is not in the Senate version, would give the U.S. attorney general the power to create a new category of scheduling for synthetic drugs.
Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and her Democratic challenger debated marijuana research restrictions.
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-NY) tweeted about an upcoming event to help people clear their misdemeanor marijuana convictions and outstanding summons warrants.
North Dakota congressional candidates said they will vote against the state’s marijuana legalization ballot measure but believe that the federal government should not interfere with state cannabis laws.
Louisiana Democratic congressional candidate Mimi Methvin tweeted about racial disparities in marijuana enforcement.
/ STATES
California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) signed bills clarifying that marijuana distributors can transport products to other distributors and that labs can test home-grown cannabis. He also vetoed a bill that would have allowed marijuana businesses to deduct business expenses under the state’s personal income tax law.
Staffers for New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) and legislative leaders are expected to meet on Thursday to hammer out details of a marijuana legalization bill that could be introduced and voted on soon.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) tweeted, “We want to hear from communities across the state as we work to draft legislation on a regulated marijuana program in New York.”
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) said he doesn’t support legalizing marijuana.
An Oregon advisory committee is urging regulators to rescind purchasing restrictions on medical cannabis.
A Montana judge indicated he may overturn regulators’ decision to strip licenses from two medical cannabis businesses.
Guam senators are set to consider three medical cannabis expansion bills next month.
Massachusetts regulators are accepting public comment about the state’s medical cannabis program.
Here’s a look at the looming launch of California’s marijuana track-and-trace system.
Alaska marijuana businesses are criticizing regulatory hurdles and delays.
/ LOCAL
Minneapolis, Minnesota’s mayor tweeted, “A majority (56%!) of Minnesotans understand that marijuana legalization is a huge opportunity to improve our criminal justice system while increasing important resources for social services & drug treatment.”
New York’s City Council speaker tweeted, “New York is about to enter the 21st century when it comes to marijuana. I 100% support the full legalization of marijuana – always have & always will. From decreasing number of arrests to creating jobs & revenue, it’s a no-brainer.”
/ INTERNATIONAL
The chief minister of Australia’s Capital Territory said he’s “favourably disposed towards” legalizing marijuana.
Georgia’s government halted plans to legalize medical cannabis cultivation following protests from the Orthodox Church.
Colombia saw a record level of coca production last year.
/ ADVOCACY
The National Cannabis Industry Association released a report making the case that marijuana reform is a winning issue for whichever candidates or political parties fully embrace it first. (Disclosure: I worked with NCIA to compile the report.)
Opponents of Michigan’s marijuana legalization ballot measure held a press conference.
The vice president of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police published an op-ed urging lawmakers not to legalize marijuana.
The Nevada Resort Association is urging Las Vegas officials to delay consideration of a proposal to allow marijuana consumption lounges.
/ OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll found that Long Island and New York City residents support legalizing marijuana, 50% – 40%.
A poll asked Great Britain adults whether they think it is acceptable for CEOs to use marijuana and other drugs.
/ BUSINESS
Tilray Inc. stock took a metaphorical roller coaster ride on Wednesday.
Canopy Rivers Corp. is going public.
The Financial Times looks at the impact of marijuana legalization on property values.
/ CULTURE
Musician Macy Gray spoke about her involvement in the marijuana industry.
Former NBA player Matt Barnes said he smoked marijuana before every game.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
