Newsletter
DC psychedelics decrim campaign submits ballot signatures (Newsletter: July 7, 2020)
Forest Service hires hazmat firm for marijuana eradication; MS medical cannabis measure avoids challenge; Study: cannabis consumers exercise more
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Activists in Washington, D.C. submitted what they believe are more than enough signatures to qualify a psychedelics decriminalization measure for the November ballot in the nation’s capital.
- “I can see the Capitol from my house. I think it’s really important to acknowledge that this could lay the groundwork for national reform.”
The U.S. Forest Service is hiring a hazmat firm to train agents on how to safely eradicate marijuana from illegal cultivation sites after too many were “getting sick” and “requiring trips to emergency rooms with possible long term health effects” due to “unique hazardous chemicals” used by unregulated growers.
Mississippi medical cannabis advocates are relieved after one more threat to their legalization measure on the November ballot stalled in the legislature as lawmakers went home for the summer. But they still have an alternate cannabis ballot question to deal with.
A new study of exercise behaviors and body mass index among older adults smashes the ‘lazy stoner’ stereotype.
- “Current cannabis use was associated with lower BMI and more exercise behavior in healthy older adults wishing to increase their physical activity… These findings suggest that it may be easier for older adults who endorse using cannabis to increase and maintain their exercise behavior, potentially because cannabis users have lower body weight than their non-using peers. At minimum, the evidence suggests that cannabis use does not hinder older adults’ ability to engage in physical activity, to participate in a supervised exercise program, or to increase their fitness as a result of physical activity.”
/ FEDERAL
The policy director for former Vice President Joe Biden’s presidential campaign said that “as science ends up with more conclusive evidence regarding the impact of marijuana, I think he would look at that data. But he’s being asked to make a decision right now. This is where the science guides him.”
The House Armed Services Committee approved report language directing the Department of Defense to compile data on the reasons people are being denied security clearances, including for marijuana and other drugs.
/ STATES
Pennsylvania’s lieutenant governor tweeted, “Know this: marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug federally. Veterans w PTSD cannot be prescribed cannabis by the VA. On my 67 County tour, we heard from veteran after veteran: the country I defended considers me a criminal using the 1 thing that makes me feel normal.”
Kentucky’s agriculture commissioner tweeted, “60 new full time jobs and $16 million investment in next generation AgTech jobs with @ecofibre grand opening today in Scott Co! They sell hemp products around the world and CVS stores. Congrats!”
North Dakota marijuana activists working on a proposed legalization ballot measure for 2022 say they already have between a third and a half of the signatures they will need.
Illinois regulators adopted a rule clarifying that marijuana-infused foods must be taxed at the 6.25% general merchandise rate instead of the 1% rate that applies to most groceries.
Ohio regulators rejected requests from medical cannabis cultivators to increase their capacity.
Florida regulators are considering allowing medical cannabis recommendations to be made via telehealth on a permanent basis.
Nevada’s Cannabis Compliance Board will consider adopting regulations on July 21.
Virginia regulators published a FAQ about the state’s medical cannabis law.
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/ INTERNATIONAL
St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Timothy Harris created a new Medicinal Cannabis Authority.
Ireland’s health minister is standing by a prior interview in which he said marijuana possession should be decriminalized and that he supports safe consumption sites for illegal drugs.
The Amsterdam, Netherlands City Council voted to explore how to ban marijuana-flavored products sold in tourist shops.
A member of the UK House of Lords pressed government officials on access to cannabis for medical and research purposes.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study concluded that “low doses of Δ9‐THC are anticonvulsant against hyperthermia‐induced seizures in Scn1a +/ mice, effects that are enhanced by a sub‐anticonvulsant dose of CBD” but that “proconvulsant effects and increased premature mortality are observed when CBD and Δ9‐THC are subchronically dosed in combination.”
A study concluded that “stable isotope ratio analysis of marijuana seizures can significantly improve our understanding of marijuana distribution networks.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
Students for Sensible Drug Policy’s executive director and deputy director are stepping down as the organization experiences budget shortfalls.
The University of Pennsylvania Democrats said that presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden should endorse legalizing marijuana.
/ BUSINESS
Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that the company is selling limited edition short shorts for the price of $69.420.
Aphria Inc. issued more than 1.6 million common shares to Aleafia Health subsidiary Emblem Cannabis as part of a previously announced settlement.
Aurora Cannabis Inc. appointed a new chief commercial officer.
Schwazze terminated two planned acquisitions with Dabble Extracts.
/ CULTURE
Elton John said he “saw God” while smoking a joint and listening to a Kraftwerk album.
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