Newsletter
CT gov asks for legal cannabis advice from NM gov (Newsletter: April 26, 2021)
Bills on marijuana & guns; Fed psilocybin series; WA lawmakers pass drug re-crim with sunset; Another poll: Legal cannabis support
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) called New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) for advice on how to get marijuana legalization through the legislature, as she just did. She told him to break social justice provisions off into a separate bill.
The National Institutes of Health organized a psilocybin research event at which scientists used the federally hosted platform to slam the war on drugs for making studies more difficult and being out of step with voters.
- “The public, to a significant degree, is done with the drug war—and I certainly would applaud that.”
Rep. Don Young (R-AK) and two cosponsors filed a bill that would finally allow people who consume marijuana to also legally exercise their Second Amendment rights to own guns.
The Washington State House and Senate sent Gov. Jay Inslee (D) a bill to recriminalize drug possession as a misdemeanor after the Supreme Court overturned prohibition. But penalties are set to expire in 2023, which advocates believe will give lawmakers incentive to craft a comprehensive health-focused policy in the meantime.
Another new poll found that a supermajority of Americans support marijuana reform, with this one showing that only 11% want the federal government to keep cannabis illegal across the board—as well as other results, including on the benefits of tax revenue and whether marijuana is less harmful than alcohol and tobacco.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture tweeted about studies focusing on hemp as a possible feed alternative for cattle.
A Congressional Research Service report on Washington, D.C.’s budget provides an overview of the history of Congress interfering with the city’s marijuana laws.
Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) tweeted, “I’m glad to see more and more states legalize marijuana. But too many states haven’t taken the critical step of expunging records of past marijuana use and possession crimes. Federal legalization must also include expungement provisions.”
The federal probe into Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) reportedly involves scrutiny of “potential public corruption tied to the medical marijuana industry” and possible “pay-to-play arrangements” related to his work on cannabis reform legislation.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) tweeted, “Over 90% of Americans support legalizing marijuana in some fashion. Let’s legalize it, expunge records, and invest in the communities hit hardest by the racist War on Drugs.”
Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) tweeted, “Legalizing cannabis is a racial justice issue and the communities of color who have been decimated by the so-called War on Drugs must be the direct beneficiaries of legalization. Pass the #SafeBankingAct. Expunge records. Restore voting rights.”
Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI) tweeted, “Cartels aren’t making much money from marijuana anymore because so many states are legalizing it. So, they are smuggling even more dangerous drugs, like fentanyl, into America. That is why we need to secure the border NOW!”
Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA) tweeted, “We need to make sure that the booming legal cannabis industry does not become monopolized by a few big companies. It’s important we put small, local businesses at the center — especially in communities impacted by the drug war.”
Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) tweeted, “Voters in 47 states, 4 US territories & D.C. have legalized some form of recreational or medical marijuana, including CBD. Yet current law restricts legitimate marijuana businesses from accessing banking services. I urge my Senate colleagues to take up & pass the #SAFEBankingAct.”
Former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-TX) will participate in a virtual marijuana convention alongside Willie Nelson this week.
The House bill to federally legalize medical cannabis for military veterans got one new cosponsor for a total of 12.
/ STATES
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) said he is inclined to support a bill to allow medical cannabis flower.
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) spoke about efforts to implement marijuana legalization.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) tweeted, “Our #BadgerBounceback agenda would legalize, regulate and tax marijuana, much like we do with alcohol. This could generate over $165M in tax revenue starting in 2022 and we’d invest $80M of that revenue back into our communities through equity initiatives.”
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (D) spoke about her plan to fund Medicaid expansion by legalizing medical cannabis.
Medical cannabis companies are holding a fundraiser for Missouri Gov. Mike Parson (R).
An advisor to California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) said she sees a “path forward” for federal marijuana legalization.
Florida’s agriculture commissioner tweeted, “2022 will be a referendum on marijuana — and getting rid of any electeds standing in the way.”
The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed a bill to direct medical cannabis tax revenue to schools.
Alabama’s House speaker said he thinks the floor vote on a medical cannabis bill is going to be close.
New York’s Assembly majority leader spoke about how people can clear their past marijuana convictions.
The South Dakota legislature is forming a 24-member committee to study marijuana issues.
Nevada regulators issued updated coronavirus guidance for marijuana businesses.
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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.
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/ LOCAL
Miami, Florida is being sued over its refusal to issue medical cannabis dispensary permits.
A Jefferson County, Washington commissioner is hosting a public meeting about psychedelics reform on Monday.
An Austin, Texas City Council member celebrated the end of local marijuana arrests.
The Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Public Defender’s office held an event to educate people about how they can apply to have marijuana convictions pardoned.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Thailand’s government hosted a press briefing on its efforts to develop “cannabis and hemp for medical use and economic benefits.”
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study of rats found that “CBD attenuated brainstem seizures and prevented the development of limbic seizures.”
A review concluded that “psychedelics are promising therapies, with rapid and lasting efficacy, the use of which seems to be well tolerated.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The South Dakota Democratic Party tweeted, “@govkristinoem blocked voter-approved legalization in South Dakota & is determined to defy the will of her constituents. 54% of voters simultaneously approved legalization of medical & recreational marijuana.”
The Alabama Democratic Party tweeted in support of the Birmingham mayor’s move to pardon thousands of past marijuana convictions. The party also launched new cannabis-related merch.
/ BUSINESS
MindMed was approved to begin trading on the Nasdaq.
Sundial Growers Inc. increased its commitment to the joint venture SunStream Bancorp Inc. to $188 million.
Arizona regulators reported marijuana sales data from February.
/ CULTURE
A new Snoop Dogg song seems to imply that he smoked marijuana with former President Barack Obama.
Ellen DeGeneres said she drove after drinking three cannabis-infused drinks.
Full Frontal with Samantha Bee did an episode about marijuana.
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