Newsletter
CT legal cannabis deal ready for vote this week (Newsletter: June 7, 2021)
Civil rights groups want vote on federal marijuana bill this month; MS medical cannabis hearing; Federal THC & driving study
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Connecticut lawmakers released an updated marijuana legalization bill following negotiations with Gov. Ned Lamont (D). Votes on this version, which equity advocates say is a major improvement, are expected Monday or Tuesday.
A coalition that includes ACLU, NAACP, AFL-CIO, National Organization for Women and hundreds of other groups sent a letter demanding that congressional leaders schedule a vote on a federal marijuana legalization bill by the end of this month.
The Mississippi Senate Public Health Committee held a hearing about medical cannabis in the wake of the state Supreme Court striking down the voter-approved program. Leaders are considering a special session to pass a new marijuana law.
A study funded by the National Institute of Justice, a federal agency, found that “THC levels in biofluids were not reliable indicators of marijuana intoxication”—raising questions about per se driving laws that punish people for certain levels of cannabis metabolites.
/ FEDERAL
The Department of Transportation issued a notice to commercial drivers about CBD products and drug testing.
Rep. Anthony Brown (D-MD) tweeted, “The MORE Act would eliminate criminal penalties that bar marijuana users, particularly in communities of color, from work. Congress, localities and the private sector must do their part. @Amazon’s new hiring policy is common sense and more in corporate America should do the same.”
Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) tweeted about visiting a hemp production facility.
The House bill to allow CBD as a dietary supplement got one new cosponsor for a total of 26.
/ STATES
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) signed a bill to reduce marijuana penalties for minors.
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott (R) signed a bill to legalize possession of buprenorphine.
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R) is seeking applicants to serve on the Medical Marijuana Advisory Board.
Florida Republican leaders are requesting an investigation into Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried, currently the state’s agriculture commissioner, over an amended disclosure form showing substantially more marijuana industry income than she previously reported.
Members of the Washington, D.C. Council pushed back on a plan from D.C. Public Schools to require contractors and volunteers to undergo marijuana testing.
A Texas appeals court heard oral arguments about a temporary injunction in a case challenging the state’s ban on smokable hemp.
An Arkansas judge is considering a hospital system’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by a man whose job offer was rescinded over medical cannabis use.
Colorado regulators submitted a revised hemp plan for federal approval.
California generated $245 million in marijuana tax revenue for the first quarter of 2021.
Alaska regulators published guidance on cannabis waste.
Michigan regulators released tips for marijuana businesses about common issues.
The Oregon Cannabis Commission’s Health Equity Subcommittee will meet on Tuesday.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The Czech Republic Chamber of Deputies approved legislation to increase access to medical cannabis.
The governor of Ondo, Nigeria said the country should legalize medical cannabis cultivation.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “hemp seed oil is effective for reducing oxidative stress at the cellular level.”
A review concluded that “medicinal cannabis is generally well tolerated when dosed appropriately.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll found that 68% of UK adults support allowing psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for terminal patients.
The Democratic Governors Association tweeted about how Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) signed medical cannabis into law.
The Alabama Democratic Party tweeted, “Ainsworth, Ivey, Marshall, & AL GOP politicians have done nothing to improve our lives. We need leaders who will raise the minimum wage to $15, legalize cannabis, & expand Medicaid. Republican politicians like Ainsworth refuse to take any action that will help Alabama.”
The Cleveland Plain Dealer editorial board cheered a federal marijuana legalization bill filed by Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH).
/ BUSINESS
Akerna reported more than $234 million worth of legal marijuana sales on Memorial Day weekend.
Charlotte’s Web Holdings, Inc. asked a federal judge to pause a proposed class action lawsuit against it until Congress acts on a bill to allow CBD as a dietary supplement.
Cannabis extraction company WellgreensCA, Inc. pleaded guilty to federal charges of illegally transporting hazardous waste.
A California judge is allowing Kool cigarette maker ITG Brands LLP’s trademark infringement lawsuit against Bloom Brands to proceed.
LivWell Enlightened Health made a $57,000 donation to Mental Health Colorado.
Iterable co-founder Justin Zhu spoke about being ousted from the company over his microdosing LSD.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
