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Congresswoman used cannabis for depression (Newsletter: November 18, 2021)
SD lawmakers advance legalization bill; NYC subway bans marijuana & psilocybin ads; DC farmers market cannabis amendment
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), who filed a federal marijuana legalization bill in Congress this week, said she personally used cannabis to treat depression after being raped.
- “When I was 16, I was raped.I was given prescription medication that made the feelings I had of depression worse, and I stopped taking those prescription drugs and I turned to cannabis for a brief period of time in my life.”
The South Dakota legislature’s Executive Board—led by the House speaker and Senate president pro tempore—unanimously approved a recommendation that a marijuana legalization bill be taken up in the 2022 session.
New York City’s Metropolitan Transit Authority banned marijuana—and psychedelic mushroom—ads on subways, buses and trains.
Washington, D.C. activists are proposing an amendment to a marijuana legalization bill being heard by the District Council on Friday that, if adopted, would allow small entrepreneurs to sell cannabis at farmers markets.
There are divides on recreational marijuana legalization within traditional Democratic and Republican partisan coalitions, a new Pew Research Center analysis shows. Still, there’s broad consensus across the ideological spectrum that medical cannabis should be legal.
/ FEDERAL
The New England High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area sent an alert about reports of apparent fentanyl-laced marijuana.
A since-confirmed federal judge nominee defended prior comments about marijuana reform in response to questions from Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA).
The Drug Enforcement Administration issued a notice of proposed rulemaking about telepharmacy.
The Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control held a hearing on the illegal drug trade and corruption.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) tweeted about meeting with the U.S. Cannabis Council, saying, “While we work to legalize marijuana federally, expunge records, and undo decades of injustice caused by our failed drug policies, we also need to make sure that legal cannabis businesses have the legal protection they need to thrive.”
Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) tweeted, “Our drug laws are outdated and are ineffective at reducing harm. We must pass comprehensive cannabis reform, so we can start lifting people up, not needlessly punishing them.”
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) tweeted, “The ‘war on drugs’ has devastated communities across the country and will continue to do so until we stop treating drug use as a criminal issue and instead treat it as a health issue. I’ve introduced legislation with @RepCori to do just that.”
Rep. Don Young (R-AK) tweeted, “Too many individuals with otherwise clean records have been incarcerated for non-violent cannabis use. This bill includes crucial provisions allowing for the expungement of federal marijuana convictions of non-violent offenders.”
The House bill to deschedule marijuana and fund programs to repair drug war harms got two new cosponsors for a total of 100.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,200 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.
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/ STATES
South Carolina Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joe Cunningham, a former congressman, tweeted, “When I was in Congress, I voted to decriminalize marijuana on a federal level. Now I’m fighting to legalize it right here in South Carolina. Retweet if you’re with me!”
Pennsylvania Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Shapiro, currently the attorney general, tweeted, “It’s time to legalize recreational marijuana. To be clear: Legalization must consist of regulation, taxation, and expungement. With legalization must come justice.”
Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried, currently the agriculture commissioner, tweeted, “More jobs + a stronger economy? Making Florida a hemp powerhouse is a win-win for our state.”
Ohio’s House speaker said he doesn’t think marijuana legalization legislation has enough support to pass.
Michigan regulators issued a bulletin about a recall of marijuana products.
Kentucky regulators are now accepting applications for 2022 hemp licensing.
Maine regulators sent a bulletin about changes to marijuana excise taxes.
Utah regulators awarded a 15th medical cannabis dispensary license.
Iowa regulators provided updated data on the medical cannabidiol program.
Oregon regulators will hold a series of psilocybin listening sessions next month.
New Mexico regulators will hold a public hearing on proposed marijuana business rules on December 9.
/ LOCAL
New York City’s mayor-elect gifted Stephen Colbert rolling papers and joked about giving him marijuana.
The San Diego, California City Council approved a measure to lower taxes on cannabis production facilities.
The Albuquerque, New Mexico City Council is considering several proposals to amend marijuana ordinances.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota officials held a medical cannabis dispensary license lottery.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Colombia’s House of Representatives voted to shelve a marijuana legalization bill.
The Argentina Chamber of Deputies Committee on Agriculture and Livestock approved a medical cannabis and hemp bill. The Budget and Finance Committee also advanced the legislation.
An Israeli lawmaker said she would stop voting with the government coalition in protest of the health minister blocking her cannabis legislation.
Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration is streamlining rules for unapproved medicinal cannabis products. Separately, a South Australia lawmaker filed a local marijuana legalization bill. And a New South Wales legislator introduced a proposal to protect medical cannabis patients from drugged driving charges.
Malaysia’s Health Ministry is open to clinical trials on medical cannabis.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “medical cannabis use was associated with clinical improvements in pain, function, and quality of life with reductions in prescription drug use; 73% either ceased or decreased opioid consumption and 31% discontinued benzodiazepines.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that more than 100,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in the one-year period ending in April.
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Indiana Democratic Party tweeted, “The opioid and prescription drug epidemic has not ended in the Hoosier State. But by legalizing marijuana, Hoosiers can pack a solid punch against addiction and create a better future for Hoosiers across Indiana.”
The Maryland Association of Counties is hosting a course on cannabis policy.
Prohibitionist organization National Families in Action is ceasing operations after 45 years.
/ BUSINESS
Jushi Holdings Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $54 million. It is also acquiring NuLeaf, Inc.
4Front Ventures Corp. reported quarterly systemwide pro forma revenue of $33.1 million and a net loss of $4.6 million.
Schwazze is acquiring MCG, LLC.
Rubicon Organics Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $7.1 million and a net loss of $3.8 million.
Poseidon Investment Management is launching a new cannabis ETF.
Eaze launched its marijuana delivery service in Detroit, Michigan.
Weedmaps published a data and insights report about the cannabis industry.
Arkansas dispensaries have sold nearly 67,000 pounds of medical cannabis since sales began.
/ CULTURE
Cheech Marin is launching a late-night food delivery service catering to cannabis consumers.
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