Newsletter
DOJ makes concession to drug policy reformers (Newsletter: Oct. 24, 2018)
Legal marijuana oppo wants “mandatory assessment” for consumers; NY could make insurance cover medical cannabis; WI ballot measures drive turnout
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Newly revealed letters to U.S. senators show that the Department of Justice quietly made a concession to drug policy reform advocates this year by clarifying that providing free water and harm reduction drug education materials at events don’t violate the so-called RAVE Act.
Prohibitionist organization Smart Approaches to Marijuana, after years of working to impede cannabis reform efforts, finally released a document outlining its preferred provisions for state legislation. Among other things, it includes “mandatory assessment” and potential diversion to treatment and social services for people caught with small amounts of marijuana.
Medicaid and other publicly funded health insurance programs would be required to cover medical cannabis under a new bill filed by 18 New York lawmakers.
A poll found that Wisconsin voters support legalizing marijuana, 64%-29%. The survey also showed that 56% say they are more likely to vote if they know a cannabis question is on the ballot, which is the case in 16 Wisconsin counties and two cities next month.
Three more studies add to a growing body of research suggesting that patients see marijuana as a safer alternative to opioids.
- “Cannabis access laws reduce the average provider’s opioid prescriptions by the equivalent of half a kilogram of morphine.”
Former U.S. House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) hosted what essentially amounted to a marijuana stock tip infomercial.
/ FEDERAL
Drug Enforcement Administration offices are partnering to highlight the “collateral damage of marijuana legalization.”
An activist filed a lawsuit and complaint against Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) over injuries she allegedly suffered amidst a scuffle that took place outside the entrance to his Capitol Hill office during a marijuana protest.
Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) tweeted, “With rising support for marijuana legalization, it’s clear we need to decriminalize marijuana at the federal level. It’s the smart thing to do.”
Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) and Democratic challenger James Singer debated marijuana policy.
Georgia Democratic congressional candidate Josh McCall spoke in favor of marijuana legalization during a debate.
Wisconsin congressional candidates debated marijuana policy.
Pennsylvania congressional candidates debated marijuana policy.
Illinois congressional candidates debated marijuana policy.
/ STATES
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) and Republican challenger Marc Molinaro debated marijuana policy. Separately, officials released a list of the experts involved in drafting the state Health Department’s marijuana legalization report.
During a debate, Colorado Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jared Polis said that he would support legalizing marijuana tasting rooms with caveats, while Republican candidate Walker Stapleton said he would veto it. Stapleton also said that legalization hasn’t helped the state’s homelessness issues. Separately, Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) reacted to a federal prosecutor’s comments on cannabis enforcement. And here’s a look at how marijuana tax revenue is used for schools.
South Dakota gubernatorial candidates debated medical cannabis.
Nevada Democratic gubernatorial candidate Steve Sisolak is pushing for clearer marijuana regulations and an easier process to expunge prior convictions.
Florida attorney general candidates debated the issue of smokable medical cannabis.
The Massachusetts Legislature’s Afterschool and Out-of-School Time Coordinating Council is recommending that marijuana tax revenue be used to fund after-school programs.
A Utah senator traveled to Nevada to try a marijuana gummy bear. Separately, opponents of the state’s medical cannabis ballot measure launched a campaign stunt involving a U-Haul truck dressed as a “mobile pot shop.”
Louisiana medical cannabis products aren’t going to be available until January at the earliest, at least two months later than expected.
Montana’s medical cannabis patient count is increasing.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Mexico’s incoming foreign affairs minister and his Canadian counterpart discussed marijuana legalization during a meeting.
The Republic of Vanuatu is reportedly moving to legalize medical cannabis.
A Philippine lawmaker is skeptical about his medical cannabis bill’s chances of being enacted this session.
The UK House of Commons had a debate on drug policy reform.
Belize’s government rejected an opposition party’s call to legalize marijuana.
/ ADVOCACY
A staffer for prohibitionist organization Smart Approaches to Marijuana said the group is “very close” to having members of Congress introduce legislation they have been working on.
The Detroit NAACP came out against Michigan’s marijuana legalization ballot measure.
Tweed Inc.’s latest congressional lobbying disclosure says it is interested in the hemp provisions of the Farm Bill as well as “legislation related to the travel of Canadian citizens to and from the United States.”
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted breakthrough therapy designation to a company working on psilocybin therapy for treatment-resistant depression.
A study examined the motivations of so-called marijuana tourists.
/ OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Joplin Globe editorial board endorsed one of Missouri’s medical cannabis ballot measures and is opposing the other two.
/ BUSINESS
Marijuana stocks dipped again.
Aurora Cannabis started trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
The American Society for Testing and Materials International and the International Cannabis and Cannabinoids Institute announced a Memorandum of Understanding to work together on standards for the cannabis industry.
Barron’s says that the rise of alcohol stocks just before the repeal of federal prohibition in 1933 could be an indicator for marijuana businesses today.
/ CULTURE
VICE looks at the intersection of marijuana and mixed martial arts.
The Onion chimed in about reports of young people vaping marijuana.
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Photo courtesy of Kyle Jaeger.
