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DC voters back psychedelics decrim measure, poll shows (Newsletter: April 22, 2020)

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WA drug decrim campaign launches; CA issues marijuana equity grant funds; Cops make 4/20 cannabis jokes

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

A Washington State campaign is working to put a measure to decriminalize drug possession and expand treatment—using legal cannabis revenue—on the November ballot. It’s led by the same activists who legalized marijuana there in 2012.

A poll found that Washington, D.C. likely voters are poised to approve a measure to decriminalize psychedelics such as psilocybin, ayahuasca and ibogaine in November—if organizers can qualify it for the ballot amid the coronavirus pandemic that’s impeded signature gathering efforts.

California regulators announced $30 million in grant funding to promote marijuana industry social equity. The money will boost cannabis entrepreneurs from communities historically damaged by the war on drugs.

At least three police agencies made marijuana pun- and joke-filled social media posts on 4/20. One even did a video skit in which an officer pretends to get the munchies after inadvertently inhaling “evidence.”

/ FEDERAL

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit declined to weigh in  on whether California police officers can rely on potential violations of federal marijuana laws to carry out searches and seizures.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci, in a 2009 interview, said there is “no major relationship between smoking marijuana and getting HIV infection except if your inhibitions are decreased somewhat.”

West Virginia Democratic congressional candidate Hilary Turner tweeted, “No plant should be illegal, and no one should be in jail or have a criminal record for cannabis. Let’s do the right thing and legalize hemp and cannabis to create a thriving industry while diversifying our economy here in WV.”

Ohio Democratic congressional candidate Daniel Kilgore tweeted, “We have got to legalize marijuana, expunge past marijuana convictions and end the failed War on Drugs & fix our criminal justice system.”

/ STATES

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said he isn’t surprised to hear about potential medical cannabis shortages amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Connecticut lawmakers adjourned the 2020 regular legislative session, in all likelihood putting marijuana legalization legislation on hold until next year.

Colorado regulators sent a press release about efforts to mandate truthful labeling of hemp seed and clones and to protect them from pests and diseases.

Massachusetts regulators are conducting surveys of medical cannabis patients and caregivers.

Illinois regulators awarded another license permitting an existing medical cannabis dispensary to begin recreational marijuana sales at a second location.


Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,000 cannabis 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.

Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.

/ LOCAL

San Francisco, California’s mayor tweeted, “I want to thank everyone who stayed home for 4/20, as well @E40 and the folks at @RecParkSF, @SFPD, and all the City agencies, neighborhood and community groups who helped us prepare and get the word out. By staying home, you’re protecting your community and saving lives.”

The Aurora, Colorado City Council voted to increase the special sales tax for recreational marijuana products by 1%.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Lebanon’s Parliament approved legislation to legalize cannabis cultivation for medical and industrial use.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A review concluded that “current evidence suggests cannabinoids may reduce pain and spasticity in people with [spinal cord injuries], but its effect magnitude and clinical significance is unclear.”

A study described “four taxa of Cannabis that represent critically endangered reservoirs of germplasm from which modern cannabinoid strains originated, and which are in urgent need of conservation.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The National Cannabis Industry Association is hosting an Earth Day webinar on sustainable marijuana production practices on Wednesday.

/ BUSINESS

Canopy LATAM Corporation and Clever Leaves entered into a regional supply agreement.

Therapeutic Hemp, Inc. is being sued for alleged text message spam.

The Securities and Exchange Commission charged Steven L. Brickner with allegedly defrauding more than 60 investors out of approximately $5.5 million through purported investments in marijuana-related companies.

Ohio medical cannabis companies are seeking to prevent regulators from releasing testing data on their products because they say the information amounts to trade secrets.

/ CULTURE

The Onion made fun of the history of marijuana, saying that 6.38 million years ago Satan planted the first cannabis seed.

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Tom Angell is the editor of Marijuana Moment. A 20-year veteran in the cannabis law reform movement, he covers the policy and politics of marijuana. Separately, he founded the nonprofit Marijuana Majority. Previously he reported for Marijuana.com and MassRoots, and handled media relations and campaigns for Law Enforcement Against Prohibition and Students for Sensible Drug Policy.

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