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DOJ researcher slams hemp THC limit (Newsletter: January 18, 2024)
NFL CBD study; Ukraine medical marijuana; SD guns warnings; WI medical cannabis; IN psilocybin; ME drug decrim; US & Canadian legalization survey
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A researcher with the Department of Justice’s National Institute of Justice said the federal THC limit for hemp is “a really hard line and it’s a really low line” that got arbitrarily “picked up and run with” after “one mention” in an article from the 1950s.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky now has a medical cannabis legalization bill on his desk for signature into law after opponents’ attempt to prevent it from advancing was soundly defeated in parliament.
Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R) said he is unwilling to compromise with Senate GOP colleagues who are opposed to his plan to create state-run dispensaries under a limited medical marijuana program.
The South Dakota House of Representatives passed legislation to require medical cannabis dispensaries to post warnings about a federal law criminalizing possession of guns by people who are “addicted to marijuana.” Businesses that don’t comply would face daily fines.
The Indiana Senate Health and Provider Services Committee amended and approved a bill to create a state fund to support research on using psilocybin to treat military veterans and first responders with PTSD, anxiety, depression, chronic pain and other conditions.
The National Football League is partnering with researchers on a new study of CBD’s role in treating pain and providing neuroprotection from concussions.
A new study comparing attitudes in the U.S. and Canada found broad support for marijuana legalization and similar use rates in both countries—even though Canada has federally legalized cannabis while the U.S. has maintained prohibition.
Oregon Republican representatives filed legislation to repeal major provisions of the state’s voter-approved drug decriminalization law by mandating misdemeanor penalties for possession.
The North Carolina Court of Appeals overturned a lower judge’s decision to suppress evidence that police obtained during a traffic stop in which they used the smell of cannabis to justify a search.
/ FEDERAL
Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) sent a press release about the psychedelics interview he recently did with Marijuana Moment.
The House bill to respect state marijuana laws got one new cosponsor for a total of seven.
/ STATES
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed legislation allowing state officials to represent marijuana businesses.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) held a press conference to press lawmakers to take action to restrict intoxicating hemp products.
The South Dakota Senate Health and Human Services Committee approved legislation to change various medical cannabis rules.
West Virginia lawmakers introduced a marijuana legalization bill.
An Illinois representative filed a bill to change medical cannabis tax rules.
A South Carolina senator spoke at a cannabis rally at the Statehouse.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol told lawmakers that it could take five years to complete marijuana expungements that were supposed to be finished last year.
Colorado regulators are proposing to increase medical cannabis application processing fees.
Vermont regulators published guidance on the marijuana business licensing process.
U.S. Virgin Islands regulators are now accepting cannabis registration applications.
Minnesota marijuana regulators published an annual report and a separate analysis of cannabis demand.
California’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce seized more than $312 million in unlicensed cannabis during its first calendar year of operation.
Oregon regulators will consider cannabis business issues on Thursday.
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/ LOCAL
The Wichita, Kansas City Council voted to include marijuana legalization on its 2024 state legislative agenda.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The parliamentary leader of Germany’s Social Democratic Party said the plan remains to pass a marijuana legalization bill “in a timely manner” despite ongoing concerns within the party.
Panama regulators awarded medical cannabis manufacturing licenses.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “in vitro studies assessing the effects of cannabinoids on oral cancer cells have unveiled promising anti-cancer features, including apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation” and that “cannabinoids may improve overall well-being by relieving anxiety, depression, pain, and nausea.”
A study found “no significant association between cannabis use and non-medical opioid use among patients receiving pharmacotherapies for [opioid use disorder].”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The executive director of the Kentucky Narcotics Officers’ Association raised concerns about a marijuana legalization bill.
The Colorado Springs Gazette editorial board criticized the state attorney general for pushing for federal marijuana rescheduling.
/ BUSINESS
Nabis announced exclusive distribution partnerships in California with several brands.
/ CULTURE
Cypress Hill is pledging $1 from each ticket sold for its new tour to the Last Prisoner Project.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
