Newsletter
CT gov releases legal cannabis plan (Newsletter: February 11, 2021)
NM legal marijuana hearing; WV GOP leader’s legalization survey; IA rep files psilocybin bill; CO sees huge sales
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) included a marijuana legalization plan in his budget proposal.
West Virginia’s House majority whip included marijuana legalization in a survey about what issues his GOP caucus would support to raise revenue and eliminate the personal income tax.
The New Mexico House Health and Human Services Committee is set to hold the state’s first marijuana legalization hearing of the year on Saturday as Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) steps up her push to enact the change this year.
An Iowa Republican representative filed a bill to decriminalize psilocybin—the latest in a growing trend of lawmakers across the country embracing psychedelic policy reform.
Colorado retailers sold $186 million in legal marijuana products in December, for a total of nearly $2.2 billion for the year. Since 2014, the state has collected more than $1.6 billion in cannabis tax revenue.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Department of Agriculture posted a short podcast about hemp pest control issues.
A former top Drug Enforcement Administration agent spoke about his use of medical cannabis and his newfound support for rescheduling.
Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) tweeted, “The #SAFEBanking Act is good for Montana jobs, small businesses, and local economies. Look forward to leading this effort with @SenJeffMerkley.”
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) wrote in a constituent letter that he opposes federal marijuana legalization.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) wrote in a constituent letter that he does “not support the broad legalization of marijuana for recreational use.”
Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) mentioned during a hearing that he pressed President Obama to act on cannabis and clemencies during his second term.
/ STATES
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) is urging lawmakers to delay implementation of the state’s voter-approved medical cannabis law for a year.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said he is “optimistic” he will be able to resolve disputes with lawmakers about marijuana legalization enabling legislation.
Connecticut’s treasurer tweeted about his testimony in support of a bill about equity in the cannabis industry.
Delaware’s state auditor tweeted, “My recently released marijuana special report highlighted that the legalization of marijuana for adult use in Delaware could potentially create 1,400 jobs+ over 5 years.”
The Utah Senate Health and Human Services Committee approved a bill to allow more providers to issue medical cannabis recommendations.
An Arizona representative responded to another lawmaker’s concern about conflicting federal and state laws on gun policy by comparing it to the one that exists for marijuana.
California regulators are letting refugees and people granted asylum or with special immigrant visas seek an expedited process for cannabis licenses.
Ohio regulators are considering adding Huntington’s Disease, terminal illness, restless leg syndrome and muscle spasticity as medical cannabis qualifying conditions.
Nevada regulators submitted reports to lawmakers about demographics in the marijuana industry and the feasibility of allowing cannabis consumption lounges.
Minnesota regulators published a report about the 2020 hemp growing season.
Washington State regulators sent a newsletter with information on systems modernization, cannabis consultants and rules updates.
Montana lawmakers are considering a bill to align the state’s hemp program with federal law.
Here’s a look at marijuana bills that Indiana lawmakers have filed this session.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 500 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 Maui County, Hawaii Council passed a resolution calling on state lawmakers to legalize marijuana.
Denver, Colorado officials released updated drafts of marijuana bills.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “opioid analgesic expenditure decreases after cannabis [is] legalised.”
In a study, Department of Veterans Affairs “clinicians described ambivalence towards cannabis for therapeutic purposes and identified several factors that inhibit conversations about cannabis use with their patients including…uncertainty regarding [Veterans Health Administration] policy.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Indiana Democratic Party tweeted, “Cannabis should be decriminalized. Democrats know this and have been leading the charge on this effort for years. As for the @indgop, they would rather peddle misinformation about the product than accept science and truth.”
The Kansas Democratic Party tweeted, “Contact your state-legislator by phone/email/social media and demand they vote YES to legalize Medical Marijuana in KS.”
The Boston Globe editorial board is calling on Congress to federally legalize marijuana and repair the harms of the war on drugs.
The Star-Ledger editorial board is urging New Jersey lawmakers to allow patients to grow their own medical cannabis.
A Leafly analysis looks at the lack of strict state marijuana vaporizer regulations following last year’s outbreak of lung injuries.
/ BUSINESS
Canopy Rivers Inc. reported quarterly comprehensive income of $82.2 million.
Compass Pathways filed a patent application that claims aspects of psilocybin therapy such as using soft furniture and holding hands.
Field Trip Health Ltd. is opening a psychedelics research and cultivation facility in Jamaica.
Cresco Labs reached a settlement with co-founder Joseph Caltabiano over claims he created a “toxic working environment” and engaged in a “litany of misconduct.”
Power REIT raised $36.7 million through a rights offering.
Some marijuana stocks rose sharply as people on Reddit’s WallStreetBets focused on the sector.
/ CULTURE
Willie Nelson spoke about the time that he out-smoked Snoop Dogg in Amsterdam.
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