Newsletter
Dem senator’s anti-cannabis banking vote explained (Newsletter: October 11, 2023)
CA psychedelics initiative; Study: Marijuana & humans over 1000s of years; IN legalization op-ed; CT sales; CA cannabis grants
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) discussed his reasons for being the only Democrat to vote against a marijuana banking bill during a recent committee markup, saying he’s “trying to help us summon the will to pair justice with common sense so that everybody can be safe.”
California activists began collecting signatures for a 2024 ballot initiative that would create a $5 billion state psychedelics agency tasked with funding and promoting research on the therapeutic benefits of substances like psilocybin and ibogaine.
Indiana State Rep. Blake Johnson (D) authored a new Marijuana Moment op-ed arguing that it’s time for the state to “sow the seeds and reap the economic benefits of cannabis.”
- “Now is the time to vote in the best interest of our communities and catch up to the rest of the nation.”
The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development will soon begin accepting applications for a local grants program aimed at “economic justice for populations and communities impacted by cannabis prohibition and the War on Drugs.”
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection reported that retailers sold $25.2 million worth of legal marijuana products in September—a new monthly record.
A new study traces the history of cannabis through “thousands of years of contact with mankind”—contradicting the claims of prohibitionists who say outlawing marijuana while allowing alcohol is justified because the latter has a longer history of use.
- “Cannabis is possibly the first plant to be cultivated for non-food purposes.”
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission is facing yet another lawsuit over its medical marijuana business licensing process ahead of a Thursday meeting at which regulators could consider a third round of awards.
/ FEDERAL
Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) tweeted, “Current federal law forces cannabis businesses to operate on a cash basis–putting employees and customers at risk. We just moved one step closer to bringing our laws into the 21st century and ensuring legal businesses in Colorado can operate safely.”
Former Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) said he is optimistic about the prospects for marijuana banking legislation that he previously sponsored earlier versions of.
/ STATES
Questions are being raised about why a Kentucky commission appointed mostly by the state’s attorney general is pushing to spend $42 million on ibogaine research.
The New Mexico legislature’s Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee will consider marijuana issues on Wednesday.
An Ohio senator expressed concerns about legalizing marijuana.
A former Alabama representative who championed medical cannabis legislation is urging an end to delays in launching the program.
Alaska regulators filed revised hemp rules.
Rhode Island regulators published guidance on the state’s marijuana tracking system.
New York regulators are conducting a statewide tour to raise awareness about the marijuana licensing process.
Massachusetts regulators will consider marijuana business issues on Thursday.
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Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,000 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.
Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
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/ LOCAL
Pleasant Hill, Drexel and Parkville, Missouri voters will decide on local marijuana tax measures on their November ballots.
The Ohio County, West Virginia Board of Education is considering school medical cannabis policies.
Oakland, California officials will hold a cannabis equity stakeholder meeting on Thursday.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering said he does not support legalizing marijuana.
A Canadian government expert panel published a report on the country’s marijuana legalization law.
An Italian court temporarily blocked the classification of CBD as a narcotic.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “medical cannabis is not associated with a decrease in activities of daily living in older adults.”
A study found that “rates of substance use related [student office discipline referrals] in middle schools increased by 0.14 per 100 students with [marijuana] legalization relative to comparison schools” but that there was” no statistically discernible changes in high school ODRs.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Ohio Insurance Institute is urging voters to reject the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot.
/ BUSINESS
Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. filed an application to list shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Columbia Care workers in Vineland, New Jersey voted to join United Food and Commercial Workers Local 152.
Canopy Growth Corporation received EU GMP certification for its cultivation facility in Kincardine, Ontario, Canada.
/ CULTURE
Former football player Ryan Shazier is launching a line of CBD products in partnership with Sugarloaf Organics.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
