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Direct-to-consumer cannabis shipment bill in Congress (Newsletter: September 15, 2022)
SAFE Banking sponsors talk way forward; MO GOP legal marijuana bill; NV Schedule I ruling & consumption lounge apps
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) discussed provisions that could be included the “SAFE Banking Plus” package of cannabis reforms, including a previously unreported “process of no job discrimination” for people with marijuana convictions in now-legal states. Meanwhile, Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) said he’s increasingly tempted to “go to the nuclear option” of “holding up” separate must-pass legislation like the National Defense Authorization Act in order to get his cannabis banking bill enacted.
- The SAFE Banking Act sponsors’ comments came at a press conference organized by the National Cannabis Industry Association, whose members are holding more than 100 lobbying meetings on Capitol Hill this week to build support for marijuana reform.
Reps. Jared Huffman (D-CA) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) filed a bill in Congress that would allow small marijuana growers and manufacturers to ship products directly to consumers across state lines via the U.S. Postal Service once federal cannabis prohibition ends.
A Missouri Republican representative introduced a cannabis legalization bill—the Marijuana Freedom Act—that he wants lawmakers to pass in a special session starting this week as an alternative to a separate reform initiative on the November ballot.
Nevada saw two big marijuana policy developments in one day, with a judge ruling that the Board of Pharmacy’s refusal to remove cannabis from Schedule I is unconstitutional and regulators announcing that they’ll soon begin accepting social consumption lounge license applications.
Oklahoma prosecutors are going after pregnant women who use medical cannabis.
/ FEDERAL
A National Credit Union Administration board member spoke about the need for cannabis banking legislation at a National Association of Federally Insured Credit Unions event.
White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Rahul Gupta issued a statement reacting to new drug overdose death data.
A spokesperson for Rep. John Yarmuth (D-KY) pushed back on suggestions of a potential conflict of interest concerning his investments in marijuana stocks, saying, “It also appears these stocks have lost between 60-90 percent of their value since the time he purchased them. So while his investment meets all House ethics standards, I’m not sure it’s one that will carry him through his upcoming retirement in January.”
Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) tweeted, “Fentanyl is pouring over our borders, and Democrats want to legalize drugs. Violent crime is skyrocketing in cities, and Democrats want to empty prisons. The destruction is intentional.”
Former Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) spoke about growing Republican support for cannabis reform.
Iowa Democratic Senate candidate Mike Franken tweeted, “For sensible cannabis laws, pass on Grassley.”
/ STATES
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) touted a hemp processing company’s new location in the state.
Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke, a congressman, tweeted, “Republicans and Democrats across Texas agree that it’s time to legalize marijuana. Now we just need a governor who will get it done.”
North Dakota attorney general candidates discussed marijuana during a debate.
The Montana legislature’s Economic Affairs Interim Committee approved a draft bill that would extend the moratorium on new recreational marijuana businesses, clarify that dispensaries can sell CBD and make clear that Indian tribes can obtain manufacturing and dispensary licenses that can be scaled up, among other changes.
Iowa House Democrats included marijuana legalization in an agenda of four priorities they want to enact.
Kansas House Democrats cheered Wichita’s move to decriminalize marijuana locally. They tweeted, “We’ll be BLUNT. We don’t mean to be a BUZZ KILL but our fundraising numbers are, well, not as HIGH as we need to win in November. The @CityofWichita city council voted to decriminalize marijuana on Tuesday. The energy around #mmj legalization is growing like a WEED.”
Vermont regulators issued the state’s first recreational marijuana retail licenses.
Washington State regulators withdrew a statement of inquiry about additives, solvents, ingredients, compounds or concentrates used in the production or processing of cannabis products.
Connecticut’s Social Equity Council hired CohnReznick to create a system to review marijuana equity business license applications.
The Oklahoma State Fire Marshal published guidance for medical cannabis facilities.
The Oregon Business Development Department published a request for proposals to conduct a comprehensive market analysis for the state’s cannabis agriculture and products sector.
Pennsylvania’s vague medical cannabis employment protections are causing confusion for employers and patients alike, according to a media investigation.
Utah regulators posted tips on safe storage of medical cannabis.
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Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,500 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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/ LOCAL
The Sedgwick County, Kansas Commission is threatening to bill Wichita for costs it says it could incur due to the city’s move to decriminalize marijuana.
Albany, New York’s mayor is promoting a series of Cannabis Advisory Committee public input meetings that begin on Tuesday.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he intends to move away from his predecessor’s bloody “war on drugs” but will try to protect the former administration from an International Criminal Court investigation.
Colombian lawmakers gave initial approval to a marijuana legalization bill.
The Canadian government’s overdue review of cannabis laws is reportedly expected to begin this week.
Some Thai lawmakers are pushing to reclassify marijuana as a narcotic to prevent recreational use.
New Zealand officials approved the country’s first domestic producer of medical cannabis.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study concluded that “artisanal cannabidiol-enriched cannabis may be an effective and safe long-term treatment for refractory epilepsy.”
A study on cannabis oil dietary supplements for dogs with osteoarthritis found that “inflammation and oxidative stress were reduced in the treated group…as well as chronic pain.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Arkansas Democratic Party tweeted, “Republicans have used every trick in their playbook to keep Arkansans from having a say on legalizing cannabis on the November ballot. What a shame. A fair Arkansas means our voices matter and our votes count.”
The National Conference of State Legislatures published an overview of state marijuana taxation.
The Cannabis Regulators Association has a new president and treasurer.
The Legalise Cannabis Victoria Party in Australia is asking the Electoral Commission to reject the registration application of the rival Legalise Marijuana Party, arguing it is “designed to confuse voters to siphon votes.”
/ BUSINESS
High Tide Inc. reported C$95.4 million in quarterly revenue and a net loss of C$2.7 million.
Jushi Holdings Inc.’s CEO criticized New York marijuana regulators for being “very anti-capitalistic” and” socialistic.”
Akanda Corp. and Cookies signed a cannabis product licensing agreement for the European market.
Profile Solutions Inc. settled Securities and Exchange Commission allegations that it lied about being preliminarily approved to grow cannabis in Africa and operated a fraudulent penny stock scheme.
New Frontier Data hired a former Drug Policy Alliance staffer as its new chief knowledge officer.
Curio Wellness added new positions to its leadership team.
/ CULTURE
The chief executive of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency accused the World Anti-Doping Agency of being misleading about the U.S.’s position on removing marijuana from the list of prohibited substances for athletes.
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