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Cory Gardner talks cannabis, reelection and Trump (Newsletter: May 28, 2020)

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NY blocks marijuana biz from state COVID aid; LA Senate approves medical cannabis expansion; Fmr. AG backs federal legalization waivers for states

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There are now 1,506 cannabis-related bills moving through state legislatures and Congress for 2020 sessions.

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  • Kyle Connors: “I had been using recreationally for over 20 years, but the last 6 I have been relying on cannabis to help with the symptoms of ALS. I realize that I’m fortunate to be able to access cannabis because of advocates like yourself and I want to give back.”

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) spoke about cannabis, President Trump and his reelection bid in a new interview with Marijuana Moment. Among other things, he said that he would vote for legalization if it were on Colorado’s ballot again, takes issue with GOP colleagues’ rhetoric on marijuana language being included in coronavirus relief bills and expects a Senate cannabis banking vote by the end of the year.

New York’s state-level coronavirus relief program blocks marijuana dispensaries from eligibility just like the federal one does. Medical cannabis has been legal in the state since 2014, though the businesses—along with payday loan providers, pawn shops, strip clubs, liquor stores and astrologers—can’t get COVID aid.

The Louisiana Senate approved a House-passed bill to allow doctors to recommend medical marijuana for any debilitating condition they see fit. The House needs to sign off on one last amendment before it goes to the desk of Gov. John Bel Edwards (D).

A task force including former officials like Acting Attorney General Sally Yates, a Georgia governor, a Philadelphia mayor and a Washington, D.C. police chief are calling on the federal government to issue waivers that would let states legalize marijuana without interference.

/ FEDERAL

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit put a stay on a judge’s ruling allowing Ohio marijuana activists to electronically collect signatures for local decriminalization ballot measures.

The Government Accountability Office made recommendations to improve Bureau of Prisons drug treatment and education programs.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) tweeted in support of a Pennsylvania House candidate he said would work to “end the war on drugs.”

Kentucky Democratic Senate candidate Mike Broihier tweeted, “Mitch won’t get away with his half-baked hemp hoax. Farmers have been left holding the bag while Mitch’s wealthy donors find a way to profit. Again.”

West Virginia Democratic congressional candidate Hilary Turner tweeted, “We made yard signs out of hemp! It took us a while to make it happen, but we were tired of seeing so many plastic yard signs. We’re hopeful that in the future other campaigns will follow suit in ditching plastic signs, especially those with environmental platforms.”

North Carolina Democratic congressional candidate David Wilson Brown tweeted, “We need to decriminalize marijuana use and expunge the records of drug offenders related to its use. We need to undo our nation’s drive to for-profit prisons and make reducing recidivism the priority by helping those who served their time succeed at re-integrating with society.”

/ STATES

California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) senior marijuana advisor tweeted a link to resources on “what CA is doing to support legal cannabis businesses and consumers during COVID-19.”

One of two separate Arkansas campaigns working to qualify proposed marijuana legalization ballot measures has given up for 2020 and is now focusing on 2022.

New Jersey regulators approved two additional medical cannabis dispensaries to operate.

Michigan regulators issued an updated bulletin on marijuana business operations amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Massachusetts regulators will begin accepting applications for marijuana delivery licenses on Thursday.

A Montana law allowing medical cannabis patients to purchase from any dispensary goes into effect on Tuesday.


Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,500 cannabis 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

Boston, Massachusetts’s Cannabis Board is expected to hold its first meeting next month.

/ INTERNATIONAL

The Czech Republic’s health minister said the government approved an amendment allowing the issuance of licenses for cultivation and export of medical cannabis.

Zimbabwe’s Health Ministry announced that all local and foreign investors involved in medical cannabis production will be offered 100% ownership of their farms and licenses to improve competitiveness.

A Mexican senator will host a discussion on marijuana legalization on Thursday.

U.S. federal prosecutors charged a former member of Venezuela’s National Assembly with participation in a cocaine importation conspiracy and related weapons offenses.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that “individuals believe cannabis will improve some [eating disorder] symptoms; however, these expected improvements are not associated with increased cannabis use and problems.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The State Bar of California’s Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct issued an opinion saying that lawyers can advise cannabis clients.

Human Rights Watch published a report on the harm the bloody Philippine “drug war” causes to children.

/ BUSINESS

MedMen Enterprises Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $45.9 million and an adjusted loss of $20.7 million.

Tilray, Inc.’s subsidiary Tilray Portugal, Unipessoal Lda. received a Good Manufacturing Practice certification in accordance with European Union standards for its medical cannabis extraction facility.

Harvest Cannabis Dispensary won a preliminary injunction from an Arkansas judge blocking facilities managed by Harvest Health & Recreation from using the Harvest name in the state.

A federal judge paused a  labeling lawsuit against CV Sciences until federal CBD regulations are enacted.

/ CULTURE

UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya endorsed marijuana legalization in New Zealand.

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Tom Angell is the editor of Marijuana Moment. A 20-year veteran in the cannabis law reform movement, he covers the policy and politics of marijuana. Separately, he founded the nonprofit Marijuana Majority. Previously he reported for Marijuana.com and MassRoots, and handled media relations and campaigns for Law Enforcement Against Prohibition and Students for Sensible Drug Policy.

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