Newsletter
DC psychedelics decrim clears initial hurdle (Newsletter: February 6, 2020)
CT gov pushes legal marijuana in budget; VT legal cannabis sales bill passes another committee; VA decrim advances; Steyer touts legalization support
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Vermont House Ways and Means Committee approved a bill to legalize marijuana sales. One more panel is set to consider the legislation before a full House floor vote.
The Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee approved a marijuana decriminalization bill. Separate decriminalization legislation is advancing in the Senate.
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) renewed his push to legalize marijuana in his State of the State address and budget proposal.
- “Look, we just marked the 100th anniversary of prohibition. How did that work out?”
The Washington, D.C. Board of Elections gave initial language approval to a proposed ballot initiative to effectively decriminalize psychedelics such as psilocybin, ayahuasca and ibogaine, finding that a congressional rider barring the lowering of penalties for Schedule I drugs in the city doesn’t block the measure.
Democratic presidential candidate Tom Steyer, confronted by a voter who thought Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) is “the only candidate for marijuana,” responded, “I’m from California, are you kidding me?” The two then shared a hug.
/ FEDERAL
A federal court ruled that police could stop and search a car on the basis of seeing a suspect rolling a marijuana cigarette inside.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary Scott Hutchins spoke about “industrial hemp as a value-added innovation” at a conference.
Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR) criticized Democratic lawmakers for holding a hearing on the harms of tobacco so soon after having one on the benefits of marijuana reform.
The House bill to deschedule marijuana and fund programs to repair the harms of the drug war got one new cosponsor for a total of 70.
The House bill to require the Food and Drug Administration to allow CBD as a dietary supplement got one new cosponsor for a total of six.
New Jersey Democratic congressional candidate Brigid Callahan Harrison met with marijuana industry participants and discussed her support for descheduling.
Texas Democratic congressional candidate John Biggan tweeted, “Want real criminal justice reform Mr. President? Legalize cannabis and expunge the records.”
/ STATES
Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) signed a bill repealing a law that gave the legislature an effective veto over cannabis regulations. She will also withdraw a pending lawsuit concerning the provision.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) said that he is prepared to sign a marijuana legalization bill “today” but acknowledged that it is “not an easy vote” for some lawmakers.
The Massachusetts House of Representatives approved a bill to let regulators review agreements and payments between marijuana businesses and the municipalities that host them.
The New Mexico Senate Public Affairs Committee approved a bill clarifying that only in-state residents qualify for the medical cannabis program.
The Hawaii House Agriculture Committee approved a hemp bill.
Virginia legislation to modestly expand the state’s medical cannabis program is advancing through House and Senate committees.
A North Dakota activist said his organization is “on schedule” to collect more than enough signatures to place a marijuana legalization measure on the November ballot.
Washington State regulators took action on several marijuana rules.
Alaska regulators proposed rules changes dealing with on-site marijuana consumption clean-up.
Montana regulators will hold a public hearing on proposed medical cannabis rules changes on February 20.
Michigan regulators published a technical bulletin on requirements for testing marijuana products for heavy metals.
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/ INTERNATIONAL
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson declined to visit with a group of families who benefit from medical cannabis, sending his health secretary instead.
The Philippine House Health Committee created a working group to consolidate various medical cannabis bills.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “cannabinoids and cannabis remain potential drugs to alleviate the pain associated with rheumatic diseases, as they were shown to be safe and to cause limited adverse effects.”
A study found that “cannabinoids exhibit antibacterial activity against MRSA, inhibit its ability to form biofilms and eradicate pre-formed biofilms and stationary phase cells persistent to antibiotics.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The National Cannabis Industry Association announced new members of its board of directors.
/ BUSINESS
Aurora Cannabis Inc. reportedly plans to lay off approximately 10% of its workforce.
GenCanna Global USA, Inc. filed for voluntary Chapter 11 reorganization with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
WeedMD’s CEO stepped down.
Akerna and PAX Labs signed a supply chain analytics deal.
Michigan retailers sold nearly $18 million worth of recreational marijuana products in the first two months of legal sales.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
