Newsletter
CT gov & lawmakers talk cannabis equity (Newsletter: May 19, 2021)
LA legal marijuana stalls; TX penalty reform advances; MS voters: Impeach justices who overturned medical cannabis; Poll: PA voters back drug decrim
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Louisiana House of Representatives defeated a bill to set tax rates for marijuana sales if it is legalized, likely ending the effort to pass a separate cannabis legalization bill for the year.
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) signed a bill to implement the voter-approved legalization of marijuana.
Top Connecticut lawmakers met with the office of Gov. Ned Lamont (D) to discuss the definition of social equity applicants under marijuana legalization legislation—a signal that talks are progressing toward a passable bill as the end of the session approaches.
The Texas Senate State Affairs Committee approved a House-passed bill to lower penalties for marijuana concentrates, while another panel amended a hemp bill to add language that would restrict delta-8-THC products. Meanwhile, advocates are pressing to advance separate medical cannabis expansion and marijuana decriminalization legislation that haven’t yet been scheduled for Senate consideration.
A new poll shows that Mississippi voters support impeaching Supreme Court justices who overturned the state’s medical marijuana law last week. They also want lawmakers to hold a special session to pass cannabis legislation that mirrors the now-invalidated ballot measure.
A poll found that 60% of Pennsylvania likely voters support decriminalizing possession of all drugs. Meanwhile, the GOP-controlled legislature won’t even take up bills to stop incarcerating people for marijuana alone.
/ FEDERAL
The Biden administration is reportedly formulating its plans for clemency efforts.
Plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit seeking access to psilocybin therapy for patients with serious illnesses filed their opening brief.
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) spoke about the prospects for federal marijuana reform.
/ STATES
Idaho Gov. Brad Little (R) vetoed a bill that would have restricted where signatures can be collected for ballot measures on marijuana and other issues. The state attorney general had said the legislation was likely unconstitutional.
Mississippi’s lieutenant governor said he would like lawmakers to get started passing a medical cannabis bill in a special session.
Colorado’s attorney general endorsed a bill to enact limits on marijuana concentrates, place restrictions on medical cannabis recommendations and require the state to study the impacts of marijuana on certain health outcomes, among other changes. The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee held a hearing on the legislation.
The Vermont House of Representatives approved a bill aimed at improving equity in the marijuana industry.
Amendments filed in the Iowa House of Representatives to increase medical cannabis limits were ruled non-germane.
The Missouri Court of Appeals ruled that medical cannabis business license applications must be disclosed to litigants in denial appeals.
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands regulators issued the territory’s first marijuana production and retail licenses.
A New Mexico judge is considering a medical cannabis patient’s lawsuit against regulators’ move to enact purchase limits and plant count limits.
Maine regulators issued guidance on marijuana kief, production batches, and laboratory uncertainty.
Florida regulators published guidance on transporting hemp.
Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Advisory Board met.
California’s Industrial Hemp Advisory Board will meet on Wednesday.
Michigan regulators will host a workshop on setting aside marijuana convictions 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.
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/ LOCAL
The Little Rock, Arkansas Board of Directors approved a proposal to make misdemeanor marijuana offenses the lowest law enforcement priority.
The Cook County, Illinois state’s attorney tweeted, “As the country continues to move toward legal cannabis, it’s vital to remain focused on righting the wrongs of the failed war on drugs that disproportionately impacted communities of color—as we’ve done here in Cook County.”
The New York Times looks at how Weed, California came to embrace its name’s unintentional connection to marijuana.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Uruguay’s government is moving to allow the sales of more potent marijuana.
A Brazilian lawmaker accosted the chairman of a cannabis-focused committee during a hearing.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “benefit–safety profiles for cannabinoids were higher than for other commonly used medications for [chronic neuropathic pain] largely because they contribute more to quality of life and have a more favorable side effect profile.”
A study concluded that “cannabidiol isolated from cannabis sativa L. protects intestinal barrier from in vitro inflammation and oxidative stress.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Alabama Democratic Party tweeted, “20 years ago, @replaurahalld19 introduced a medical marijuana bill in honor of her late son, Ato. Yesterday, the Gov. signed into law a medical marijuana bill that carries his name. We owe Laura a debt of gratitude for her leadership and dedication to seeing it passed into law.”
/ BUSINESS
The Boston Beer Co. is creating a subsidiary to focus on developing cannabis-infused beverages in Canada.
Verano Holdings Corp. reported quarterly revenue of $143 million.
iAnthus Capital Holdings, Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $51.8 million and a net loss of $19.5 million.
Rubicon Organics Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $4.1 million and a net loss of $4 million.
Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies is set to begin trading on the London Stock Exchange on Friday.
Weekly Missouri medical cannabis sales exceeded $3.5 million for the first time.
/ CULTURE
The racing horse Roses and Candy tested positive for CBD.
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