Newsletter
FBI reviewing CBD use policy for agents (Newsletter: April 9, 2020)
Trump hires anti-marijuana press secretary; Lawmakers react to CBD pioneer Charlotte Figi’s death; Cannabis groups ask states for COVID aid feds deny
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Federal Bureau of Investigation said its policy on CBD use by agents is currently “under review.”
New White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany has a long history of bashing marijuana. She opposes the right of states to legalize—contrary to President Trump’s views. She called cannabis reform a “proxy war” for legalizing sex work and said it’s “ridiculous” to tie racism to drug laws, while claiming that alcohol is less dangerous than marijuana. She also cheered on one politician’s claim that cannabis is a gateway drug as a “slam dunk” argument and bashed others for supporting states’ right to legalize marijuana but not to discriminate against LGBT people.
Marijuana Moment took a look at how Charlotte Figi—the 13-year-old CBD pioneer who passed away this week from a likely coronavirus infection—inspired state lawmakers to enact new cannabidiol-focused laws which in turn essentially forced Congress to pass a budget rider protecting all state medical cannabis programs from federal interference. Meanwhile, messages of condolence for her family are pouring in from state and federal senators and representatives from across the country.
A coalition of marijuana industry groups is asking states for access to coronavirus-related loans and assistance that the federal government won’t provide.
- “Like all essential businesses, cannabis businesses are facing significant uncertainty and costs to provide for our employees and to maintain the medical supply chain during this pandemic. Yet, unlike every other essential business, there is an underlying federal-state tension which puts our businesses in a uniquely vulnerable and dire operational and financial position. This is particularly true of our small and minority-owned businesses.”
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit is considering a case challenging Indiana’s smokable hemp ban.
The new U.S. attorney for South Carolina said he won’t let his support for medical cannabis prevent his office from enforcing federal laws.
/ STATES
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) issued an extended coronavirus stay-at-home order that exempts medical cannabis businesses and CBD oil shops as essential.
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) is being sued over his decision to shutter recreational marijuana stores amid the coronavirus outbreak. Pressed on the issue again, Baker reiterated concerns about drawing in customers from out of state. Meanwhile, lawmakers are urging the governor to reverse the move on his own.
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) again cited the fact that people in Washington State can still legally buy marijuana under that state’s coronavirus stay-at-home order as a justification for why he won’t issue one, arguing that the “exemptions override the rule.”
The sponsor of Kentucky’s House-passed medical cannabis bill blamed the coronavirus outbreak on its failure to get a hearing in the Senate, saying it is “something we’re going to have to come back to next year.”
Texas regulators issued the state’s first hemp license.
Maryland regulators are allowing doctors to issue medical cannabis recommendations via telehealth during the coronavirus pandemic.
Oregon regulators are allowing marijuana businesses to accept expired in-state driver licenses or identification cards during the coronavirus outbreak.
Maine regulators implemented marijuna track-and-trace software from Metrc.
Illinois regulators released hemp harvest numbers for the 2019 growing season.
Oklahoma generated $7.8 in medical cannabis tax revenue in March, a new monthly record.
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/ LOCAL
Anchorage, Alaska voters appear to have rejected a ballot measure to allow on-site consumption at marijuana dispensaries.
Dolores, Colorado voters approved several ballot measures to allow and tax marijuana businesses.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that marijuana is perceived to be one of the “most effective treatments for gastrointestinal nausea.”
Federal agencies are funding research to “assess the impact of combining public health and criminal justice (crime prevention) approaches to reduce firearm injury and mortality” including “the evaluation of changes in various laws and policies that may influence the impact of firearm injury and mortality prevention efforts (e.g., changes in alcohol or marijuana access and distribution…).”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Tulsa World editorial board is skeptical of the fiscal impact of legalizing marijuana.
/ BUSINESS
The Securities and Exchange Commission sued Doug Leighton and other investors for allegedly manipulating the stock price of MassRoots. (Disclosure; Marijuana Moment’s publisher is a former employee of and minority shareholder in the company.)
Trulieve Cannabis Corp. reported $79.7 million in quarterly revenue.
HEXO Corp. raised C$40 million in an underwritten public offering.
Cresco Labs announced additions to its senior leadership team.
Oregon retailers sold approximately $84.5 million worth of marijuana products in March, a new monthly record.
Arizona medical cannabis sales are up amid the coronavirus outbreak.
/ CULTURE
Football player Tom Brady said he smoked marijuana in high school.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
