Newsletter
DEA cannabis rescheduling update (Newsletter: January 4, 2024)
Congressman sees “productive” 2024 for marijuana; OH gov wants sales ASAP; MO cannabis odor bill; SD gun warning in dispensaries; NM sales record
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Drug Enforcement Administration reminded Congress in a new letter that it has “the final authority” on marijuana rescheduling—regardless of the Schedule III recommendation from the Department of Health and Human Services.
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) predicts a “productive year” for marijuana reform in a new memo that looks back on 2023 accomplishments and what could be ahead in 2024—including a push for President Joe Biden to embrace legalization as his reelection campaign approaches.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) is pushing lawmakers to “very quickly” allow regulated recreational marijuana sales with a “sense of urgency” now that possession is legal. He is also calling for a ban on intoxicating hemp-derived products.
Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin (D) certified that activists collected enough signatures to force lawmakers to consider a psychedelics legalization initiative this year. If they don’t pass it, voters could decide on the November ballot.
A Missouri representative introduced a bill to prevent police from using the smell of marijuana as justification to conduct searches of vehicles, homes or property.
South Dakota lawmakers filed a bill to require medical cannabis dispensaries to post warnings about a federal law that criminalizes possession of guns by people who are “addicted to marijuana.” Those that don’t would face daily fines.
The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department reported that retailers set a new marijuana sales record in December—capping off a total of more than a half-billion dollars in overall cannabis purchases in the state’s first full year of the legal recreational market.
/ FEDERAL
A former Food and Drug Administration official discussed the implications of marijuana rescheduling.
A former Drug Enforcement Administration supervisor and special agent claimed that Mexican drug cartels are growing marijuana in the U.S. and selling the product through state-licensed cannabis businesses.
Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) tweeted, “When I was Governor, we implemented a voter-led initiative to establish the first legal recreational marijuana market IN THE WORLD. 10 years later, our state is the gold standard for legalization – 23 states have followed Colorado’s lead!”
Former Rep.Tim Murphy (R-PA) claimed that marijuana “has a huge impact in increasing anxiety and depression.”
/ STATES
Texas’s agriculture commissioner touted the state’s hemp licensing program as part of a year in review.
Wisconsin representatives discussed the prospects for marijuana legislation in 2024.
An Arkansas judge delayed a ruling in a lawsuit challenging rules restricting medical cannabis advertising.
Virginia’s top cannabis regulator spoke about challenges associated with delta-8 and delta-10 THC products.
New Mexico regulators revoked licenses from two cannabis businesses over alleged violations.
Missouri regulators published a report on cannabis equity efforts.
Alabama regulators are facing additional legal challenges to their medical cannabis business licensing decisions.
Oregon regulators published guidance on psilocybin services rules.
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Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 900 cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy 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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/ INTERNATIONAL
A German lawmaker said that revisions to a pending marijuana legalization bill are being considered.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study “underscores the promise of cannabinoids as SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic agents.”
A study of mice found that CBD “improves learning and memory deficits and alleviates anxiety.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
Hemp industry advocacy groups published a unified list of priorities for the 2024 Farm Bill.
/ BUSINESS
1933 Industries Inc. reported quarterly revenue of C$5.5 million and a net loss of C$0.4 million.
Agrify Corporation reported quarterly revenue of $3.1 million and a net loss of $2.1 million.
Auxly Cannabis Group Inc. signed a non-binding term sheet to amend and restate a credit facility between its subsidiary Auxly Leamington Inc. and a syndicate of lenders.
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