Newsletter
DEA opposes cannabis rescheduling, new legal filing says (Newsletter: January 8, 2025)
KY gov’s tips on medical marijuana access; DE gov still sour on cannabis; Study: Legalization reduces opioid payments to docs; MD consumption lounges
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A cannabis company and an advocacy group set to testify at marijuana rescheduling hearings are accusing the Drug Enforcement Administration of opposing the proposed rule it is supposed to defend and of engaging in improper communication with opponents.
Outgoing Delaware Gov. John Carney (D), who reluctantly allowed marijuana legalization to become law without his signature, argued that cannabis use is “not such a good thing” and claimed that “nobody” wants dispensaries in their neighborhoods.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) is providing tips on how patients can register for legal access to medical cannabis, including how to find a doctor to issue them a required certification—while also giving an update on how many people have registered since the program began on January 1.
The chairs of the Maryland Senate Finance Committee and House Economic Matters Committee filed legislation to clarify rules for on-site marijuana consumption businesses and to create a new permit for temporary cannabis events.
A new study shows that legalizing medical cannabis leads to a “significant decrease in direct payments from opioid manufacturers to pain medication physicians”—indicating that the companies “perceive marijuana as a superior substitute and respond by reducing these payments.”
The Ohio Division of Cannabis Control reported that retailers sold more than $242 million worth of recreational marijuana products in 2024 after legal sales launched in August.
/ FEDERAL
Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) said Chinese-run illegal marijuana growing operations in the U.S. are a “national security threat.”
/ STATES
A spokesperson for Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) said he is “disappointed that lawmakers failed to take bipartisan, common-sense action to protect children and the public from unregulated and untested hemp products.”
Ohio’s Senate president discussed public use of marijuana and other “unintended consequences” of the state’s voter-approved legalization law.
A Maine representative hosted a marijuana policy summit.
California regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to the presence of aspergillus and inaccurate labeling.
Minnesota regulators published guidance for manufacturers of hemp products.
Vermont regulators sent a reminder about a requirement for marijuana dispensaries to offer a safety flyer at the point of purchase.
The New York Cannabis Control Board will meet on Thursday.
The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission will meet on Thursday.
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/ LOCAL
Chicago, Illinois’s mayor sent a press release about hemp regulation legislation.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “circulating endocannabinoids are associated with mental alertness during ultra-endurance exercise.”
A study found that “MDMA as well as amphetamine and alcohol increase feelings of social closeness in healthy adults.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
An American Enterprise Institute official authored an op-ed arguing that there should be a surgeon general’s warning on marijuana.
/ BUSINESS
WM Technology, Inc. has a new chief technology officer.
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