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DeSantis won’t decriminalize cannabis (Newsletter: June 26, 2023)
FDA psychedelics guidance; DC marijuana ban; Congressman celebrates 50th decrim anniversary; Vets cannabis research push; Anti-Big Tobacco op-ed
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) says he would not decriminalize marijuana if elected president—arguing that cannabis use undermines “workforce readiness” and “hurts people’s ability to prosper in life.”
The Food and Drug Administration filed draft guidance on the use of psychedelics in clinical trials—just days after bipartisan congressional lawmakers introduced a bill requesting such a move.
The House Appropriations Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee approved a bill that would continue blocking Washington, D.C. from spending its own local tax dollars to legalize and regulate marijuana sales in the nation’s capital for at least another year.
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) took to the House floor to celebrate his home state of Oregon’s 50-year anniversary of decriminalizing marijuana—calling out the federal government for still not catching up a half-century later.
Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA) said at a hearing that Congress should pass legislation to force the Department of Veterans Affairs to study the medical benefits of cannabis after years of inaction.
Former Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission member Shaleen Title explains in a new Marijuana moment op-ed why she’s skipping out on attending the Cannabis Regulators Association meeting this week due to its invitation for an organization funded by “Big Tobacco” companies to participate.
The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that police cannot search a car’s trunk based on the smell of marijuana within the passenger compartment.
An Alabama judge issued a stay on medical cannabis business licenses amid litigation challenging regulators’ award process.
The New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing at which lawmakers grilled marijuana regulators about the roll-out of legalization—including on the way they handled denying and then approving Curaleaf’s license renewal.
/ FEDERAL
Senate Banking Committee Chairman Sherrod Brown (D-OH) said that a marijuana banking bill is “a little further behind in the queue” amid Sen. Jack Reed’s (D-RI) raising concerns about one section of the legislation.
The House resolution on reparations that notes the racially disproportionate impact of the drug war got one new cosponsor for a total of 10.
/ STATES
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) appointed a new member to the Cannabis Control Board.
Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) spoke about the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics but said he doesn’t think they will follow the same path as marijuana toward broad legalization.
North Carolina’s House speaker indicated that a medical cannabis legalization bill does not yet have sufficient Republican support to move forward, but its sponsor said he’s “not worried about it.”
Nevada regulators issued a health and safety bulletin about marijuana products that tested positive for Aspergillus fumigatus.
Illinois regulators again extended rules allowing curbside pickup for medical cannabis patients.
Minnesota regulators issued guidance about cannabinoid product taxes and created a form for submitting complaints regarding product manufacturers, distributors or retailers.
The Connecticut Social Equity Council is awarding $6 million in marijuana revenue-funded grants through a Community Reinvestment Pilot Program.
A Montana Highway Patrol official said recent impaired driving trends predate marijuana legalization.
Maryland regulators hired a public relations agency to conduct an education and communications campaign about the legal marijuana law taking effect on Saturday.
The California State Fair Cannabis Awards announced its winners.
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/ LOCAL
The New York City Council passed a bill to penalize landlords who knowingly lease space to unlicensed marijuana businesses.
The Berks County, Pennsylvania court system is being sued over its policy that keeps people who use medical cannabis out of court-run treatment programs.
The Dewey Beach, Delaware Town Council voted to ban marijuana businesses from operating.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Saint Kitts and Nevis lawmakers approved legislation to designate specific public places where marijuana smoking is allowed.
Canadian regulators are pressing cannabis product manufacturers to stop using the words “soda,” “cola,” “root beer” or “ginger ale” on labels and in promotions for infused beverages.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that 5-Flurouracil and cannabidiol loaded combinatorial lipid-based nanocarrier gel “was able to reduce tumor volume significantly compared to conventional formulation.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelics Studies received a $5 million donation from New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and his wife, bringing the couple’s total support to date for psychedelics reform to $60 million.
/ BUSINESS
TerrAscend Corp. shareholders approved the reappointment of directors as well as resolutions on the company’s reorganization and changes to plans for stock options and share unit plans.
Glass House Brands is suing the CEO of Catalyst Cannabis for alleged defamation.
Workers at The Botanist in Egg Harbor and Atlantic City, New Jersey voted to ratify a bargaining agreement.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
