Newsletter
Congresswoman slams Biden’s DC cannabis move (Newsletter: June 1, 2021)
TX medical marijuana & psychedelics bills to gov; TN gov signs medical cannabis expansion; War on ballot initiatives targets legalization
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) told Marijuana Moment in an interview that she’s “very disappointed” President Joe Biden’s budget would keep blocking Washington, D.C. from legalizing cannabis sales.
- “It’s hard to reconcile with his strong support for D.C. statehood.”
Texas lawmakers sent bills to expand the limited medical cannabis program and require the state to study the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics to the desk of Gov. Greg Abbott (R). But separate measures to lower penalties for marijuana concentrates and regulate hemp did not cross the finish line by the end of the session.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R) signed a bill to add new qualifying conditions to the state’s limited medical cannabis program and create a commission to study further expansion—though that would be contingent on federal rescheduling.
An op-ed from the Marijuana Policy Projects highlights how cannabis is in the crosshairs of a new war on ballot initiatives. In state after state, legalization opponents have resorted to trying to block popular reform initiatives from appearing on the ballot or are working to overturn election results after a majority of voters approve.
/ FEDERAL
The Congressional Research Service published a report on the Drug Enforcement Administration’s move to license additional growers of marijuana for research.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) inserted remarks into the Congressional Record about his newly reintroduced federal marijuana legalization bill.
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) tweeted, “Legalize cannabis. Expunge records for cannabis-related offenses.”
Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) tweeted, “I’m pleased to see the reintroduction of the #MOREAct, which passed in the House last Congress. This bill will end the federal ban on marijuana and allow states like NJ who legalized to set their own policies. We need to fix our country’s broken marijuana laws & restore justice.”
/ STATES
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) signed a bill revising several medical cannabis policies.
The Illinois Senate Executive Committee approved a bill to allow the administration of medical cannabis-infused products to a person with disabilities in a summer camp or park district program.
Ohio regulators released updated medical cannabis patient and caregiver numbers.
New York regulators posted a FAQ about the state’s cannabinoid hemp program.
California regulators sent a letter to hemp cultivation applicants about regulatory requirements.
New Jersey regulators will discuss the role of town governments in designing marijuana regulations, as well as product approvals, at a Tuesday meeting.
A Michigan marijuana licensing and social equity workgroup will meet on Wednesday.
Washington State regulators will host a dialogue about rulemaking related to tetrahydrocannabinols other than delta-9-THC on Thursday.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,100 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 Alamogordo, New Mexico City Commission repealed a marijuana criminalization ordinance.
A Seattle, Washington City Council member met with activists to discuss psychedelics decriminalization.
The city of Albuquerque, New Mexico is conducting a survey that includes questions about marijuana policy.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro joked that police seizures of marijuana are resulting in fewer people turning out to protests against his administration.
The Ukrainian Parliament speaker said he opposes legalizing marijuana.
Italy’s Ministry of Health published guidelines for making cannabis extracts.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study of orthopaedic surgery patients concluded that “marijuana use was not an independent predictor of any outcome measure.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The CEO of Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America spoke about the benefits of medical cannabis.
/ BUSINESS
WeedMD Inc. reported quarterly unaudited gross revenue of $12 million.
Organigram Holdings Inc. has a new senior vice president of marketing.
/ CULTURE
A new documentary chronicles how Lamar Odom used ketamine to treat addiction and depression.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
