Newsletter
DOJ weighs cannabis economic impact of rescheduling (Newsletter: May 21, 2024)
Dem senator’s SAFE Banking concerns; FL & LA legalization developments; Fed lawsuit hearing; DE & OH marijuana licenses; Study: Cannabis & exercise
Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day.
Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible…
Before you dig into today’s cannabis news, I wanted you to know you can keep this resource free and published daily by subscribing to Marijuana Moment on Patreon. We’re a small independent publication diving deep into the cannabis world and rely on readers like you to keep going.
Join us at https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment
/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Department of Justice is seeking input on the “unique economic impacts” of its marijuana rescheduling proposal for the “multibillion dollar” cannabis industry—including the tax relief that Schedule III will bring when the 280E provision no longer applies.
A judge granted marijuana businesses’ request that a Wednesday hearing in a lawsuit seeking to block federal enforcement against their in-state activities be available to the public via remote access.
Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA)—who was the only Democrat to vote against a marijuana banking bill in committee—said he supports the reform but has continued “concern” that as it gets “closer to getting over the finish line” there are still no criminal justice reforms attached.
Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) will respect voters’ decision if they approve the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot—even though he is currently campaigning against it and the state’s chief financial officer is arguing that a recent deadly car accident is an example of why voters should reject the reform.
The Louisiana House of Representatives rejected a bill to create a regulatory framework for marijuana legalization, which would have been the first measure in a three-part plan to end cannabis prohibition in the state.
Delaware lawmakers filed a new bill to let current medical cannabis businesses apply by August 1 to convert to dual licensees that could serve both patients and recreational consumers—but only if they have a labor peace agreement and plan to support social equity, among other requirements.
A new study found that marijuana use does not make people less likely to engage in moderate or vigorous exercise and actually slightly increases light physical activity.
- “Our findings provide evidence against existing concerns that cannabis use independently promotes sedentary behavior and decreases physical activity… The stereotypical ‘lazy stoner’ archetype historically portrayed with chronic cannabis use does not acknowledge the diverse uses of cannabis today.”
Ohio medical cannabis businesses are preparing to apply for licenses to begin selling recreational marijuana as soon as next month under newly approved rules.
/ FEDERAL
Former President Donald Trump is demanding that President Joe Biden take a drug test ahead of their first debate.
Vice President Kamala Harris tweeted, “Marijuana is currently classified on the same level as heroin and as more dangerous than fentanyl. We are on the path to changing that.”
Current and former Drug Enforcement Administration officials discussed the Biden administration’s move to reject the agency’s request for more time to consider a marijuana rescheduling proposal.
Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee Chairman Sherrod Brown (D-OH) tweeted, “It’s time to legalize marijuana across the country.”
Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) tweeted about meeting with Oklahoma agriculture leaders, saying that “local law enforcement also shared with us the risks facing OK ag & national security from illegal marijuana operations & foreign land ownership.”
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) tweeted, “Just in time for the election, @POTUS has rescheduled marijuana. While this is great news, it only scratches the surface of the industry’s challenges such as access to loans & banking services. Let’s roll up (our sleeves) & get to work!”
/ STATES
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) signed a kratom regulation bill.
California’s treasurer attended the ribbon cutting of a new marijuana cultivation campus in Coachella.
Minnesota lawmakers sent Gov Tim Walz (D) legislation to provide legal immunity for people seeking medical assistance for someone experiencing a drug-related overdose.
The West Virginia legislature’s Joint Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the regulation of hemp, kratom and THC products.
A Pennsylvania appeals court overturned a workers compensation judge’s decision upholding the denial of reimbursement for medical cannabis costs.
Rhode Island regulators are being sued over the state’s marijuana social equity business rules.
Vermont regulators posted a reminder about seasonal restrictions on artificial lighting in cannabis cultivation.
Utah regulators published an overview of changes to medical cannabis laws enacted during the 2024 legislative session.
The Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency will hold a public meeting on September 11.
—
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.
Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
—
/ LOCAL
Birmingham, Alabama’s mayor spoke about the positive impact of the Biden administration’s marijuana moves.
The Providence, Rhode Island City Plan Commission is expected to consider a proposal to allow marijuana businesses to operate in more areas on Tuesday.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The co-chair of a Bahamian government marijuana commission expressed concern that weak enforcement could spur the illegal market.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that CBD is a “promising tool for refractory epilepsy in pediatric patients, showing efficacy in reducing seizure frequency and improving overall quality of life.”
A review concluded that “CBD can exert its antitumor effect by regulating the cell cycle, inducing tumor cell apoptosis and autophagy, and inhibiting tumor cell invasion, migration, and angiogenesis.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll of Thailand residents found that 76 percent agree with the government’s plan to recategorize marijuana as a narcotic.
Here’s a look at the evolution of marijuana reform funding as the legalization movement has expanded.
/ BUSINESS
Eaze is facing foreclosure.
Agrify Corporation and Nature’s Miracle Holdings Inc. agreed to terminate a planned merger.
Glass House Brands Inc. has a new board of directors member.
/ CULTURE
Musician Noel Gallagher said the UK should legalize marijuana and use the revenue to fund the National Health Service.
Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox.
