Newsletter
DEA judge won’t remove agency from cannabis hearing (Newsletter: November 28, 2024)
Australian Senate rejects legalization; State marijuana officials’ Thanksgiving messages; Study: CBG’s medical uses; FL medical cannabis licenses
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A Drug Enforcement Administration judge denied a motion to remove the agency from its role in an upcoming marijuana rescheduling hearing over claims it engaged in “unlawful” communications with a prohibitionist organization—though he did criticize the agency’s and the group’s responses to the allegations.
U.S. and Canadian federal officials, along with marijuana regulatory agencies in several states, sent cannabis-related Thanksgiving guidance—with some offering friendly tips like a map of dispensaries where consumers can “stock up” ahead of the holiday and others issuing stern warnings not to cross borders with marijuana.
Australia’s Senate rejected a marijuana legalization bill, with the governing Labor party and opposition coalition Liberal and National parties joining forces to defeat the cannabis reform measure from the Greens.
A new scientific review concludes that the lesser-known marijuana compound CBG’s “diverse mechanisms translate into a wide range of potential therapeutic applications, including neuroprotection, anti-inflammation, antibacterial properties, hypotension, cancer treatment, pain management, and metabolic syndrome.”
- Cannabigerol “presents as a promising therapeutic agent with a unique molecular profile and a broad spectrum of potential benefits.”
The Illinois legislature’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and the state Department of Agriculture agreed to delay finalizing new hemp regulations that some small, independent producers said could put them out of business.
The Florida Department of Health selected 22 companies to receive new medical cannabis business licenses, weeks after the failure of a recreational marijuana legalization ballot initiative.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Supreme Court is being asked to take up a case on the scope of protections offered by a congressionally approved rider shielding state medical cannabis laws from federal interference.
Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) said the Biden administration is “just trying to pander” with its move to reschedule marijuana and said he is “still studying” cannabis banking legislation.
Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) tweeted, “The @US_FDA authorized a study of how cannabis helps veterans suffering from PTSD. I have long advocated for reduced barriers to cannabis research and availability for veterans.”
/ STATES
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) defended regulators’ marijuana business licensing process amid legal challenges.
Pennsylvania’s Senate majority leader said there are “very high hurdles” to legalizing marijuana.
Connecticut regulators posted guidance on marijuana packaging testing and secure locations.
Washington State regulators published guidance on cannabis business flexible payment terms.
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/ INTERNATIONAL
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the leader of the Conservative Party clashed on marijuana and drug policy during a House of Commons debate.
A German lawmaker criticized officials’ delay in approving a cannabis club in Munich.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “cannabis-based medicines may be effective in treating the pain and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.”
A study suggested “potential improvement in depressive symptoms with psilocybin administration” in bipolar II disorder.
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Indiana Democratic Party tweeted, “All of our neighbors have legalized medicinal or recreational cannabis, and it’s time for Indiana to join them. In survey after survey, including this latest one, Hoosiers overwhelmingly want to end the complete prohibition.”
/ BUSINESS
Green Thumb Industries Inc. announced it received principal and cash interest payments related to a prior loan to Cansortium Inc.
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