Newsletter
DEA cannabis biz investigation details revealed (Newsletter: August 7, 2020)
VT to finalize legal marijuana sales bill within weeks; TX smokable hemp ban lawsuit filed; Tulsi Gabbard talks Biden, DNC and cannabis
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Department of Justice revealed details of a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation of marijuana businesses in the latest filing in a case seeking to force California regulators to reveal cannabis licensee information.
- “Specifically, the DEA told the BCC that it was looking into the possible importation/transportation of a controlled substance from Mexico by specific licensees.”
The Vermont House speaker’s office told Marijuana Moment that she expects a bicameral conference committee to meet within the next eight weeks to finalize a cannabis sales legalization bill that has already passed both chambers in differing forms.
Texas regulators are being sued over the state’s new ban on selling smokable hemp products.
- “If allowed to move forward, these bans on smokable hemp products will shutter businesses across the state, resulting in a loss of jobs and tax revenue. They impede the economic liberty of Texas businesses, pose an existential threat to Texas hemp manufacturers, farmers, and retailers, and are sure to stifle growth of a budding Texas industry.”
Marijuana Moment spoke to Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) about her House-passed amendment to let military members use CBD, presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s legalization opposition and the House-Senate clash over cannabis banking.
- Marijuana Moment Patreon supporters get access to the full audio of our conversation with Gabbard, including unpublished answers on whether she plans to be involved in the cannabis industry after leaving Capitol Hill and her reaction to the Democratic National Committee’s refusal to endorse legalization.
/ FEDERAL
The House Republican Conference tweeted, “What are Democrats demanding? ✖️ ‘environmental justice grants’ ✖️ checks for illegal immigrants ✖️ changes to election law ✖️ marijuana banking With just one look, it’s easy to see how out of touch their priorities are with Americans who need real relief.”
Rep. Steve Horsford (D-NV) is conducting a survey on which marijuana issues Congress should focus on.
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) tweeted, “Marijuana is legal in 11 states and Washington D.C. Most Americans support legalization regardless of political party. How is this common sense policy to reduce mass incarceration and end the war on drugs not included in the Democratic Party platform?”
Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) cheered marijuana policy victories achieved through spending bills.
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) tweeted, “With the addition of @RepKatiePorter, our bill to legalize marijuana and enact restorative justice now has 80 House co-sponsors! Momentum is growing to end the failed prohibition of cannabis that has ruined countless lives and disproportionately impacted communities of color.”
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) tweeted, “Places #COVIDー19 thrives according to Democrats: -Church -Work -School -Voting booths -Bars after 10 p.m. Places #COVIDー19 ceases to exist according to Democrats: -Protests -Liquor stores -Marijuana shops -Bars before 10 p.m.”
Rep. Betty McCollum’s (D-MN) reelection campaign tweeted about her “votes and legislation she co-sponsors to earn an ‘A’ rating on cannabis issues from NORML.”
Massachusetts Democratic congressional candidate Ihssane Leckey tweeted, “Legalize marijuana and expunge records.”
/ STATES
Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) tweeted about an American Heart Association paper expressing concerns about the health impacts of marijuana use, but didn’t mention the part of the document that calls for federal rescheduling.
Illinois regulators reported that the state took in $14 million in recreational marijuana revenue in July.
A California court ruled that Granny Purps Inc. can pursue a case to force Santa Cruz police to return seized marijuana plants. Another judge in a separate case said some cities suing to stop regulators from allowing cannabis home delivery services in their jurisdictions don’t have standing, but agreed to hear their arguments on why they should remain valid plaintiffs in November.
Michigan regulators issued a health and safety bulletin about marijuana pre-rolls contaminated with human saliva.
Massachusetts regulators fined Revolutionary Clinics $120,000 to settle charges it sold marijuana vaporizers with excessive levels of ethanol to other dispensaries.
Colorado regulators posted an agenda for a marijuana rulemaking work group meeting on Tuesday.
Washington State regulators proposed rules on a marijuana consultation and education program.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,500 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.
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/ LOCAL
Littleton, Colorado is likely to vote on a ballot measure to legalize marijuana sales in the city.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Uruguay’s president signed decrees authorizing the export of medical cannabis and hemp.
Peru rejected a U.S. government report claiming that there’s been an increase in cocaine production in the country.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “the use of cannabinoids could be beneficial in traumatic brain injuries and multiple sclerosis treatment, especially in those patients who display resistance to conventional treatment.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The American Civil Liberties Union launched a campaign aimed at encouraging governors to use their clemency powers to release people incarcerated on drug and other charges.
The U.S. Hemp Roundtable’s board of directors adopted an equity and inclusion framework.
The Marijuana Policy Project published voter guides for Connecticut’s legislative primary elections on Tuesday.
/ BUSINESS
GW Pharmaceuticals plc reported quarterly revenue of $121.3 million and a loss of $8.8 million.
Cronos Group Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $9.9 million and a net loss of $55.8 million.
TerrAscend Corp. announced quarterly sales of C$47.2 million.
CV Sciences, Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $5.4 million and an operating loss of $4.7 million.
Fusion Pharm, Inc.’s CEO is settling a Securities and Exchange Commission fraud case against him.
Redemption Cannabis is forming a new nonprofit focused on helping people harmed by marijuana prohibition.
/ CULTURE
Seth Meyers quipped that “Trump talks about hydroxychloroquine more than your yoga instructor talks about CBD oil.”
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Photo by Aphiwat chuangchoem.
