Newsletter
FDA block pharma’s THC drug protection request (Newsletter: April 25, 2018)
NORML grades governors; NJ atty gen preps for legalization; KS & IL hemp bills advance
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration rejected a request from Insys Therapeutics, which donated half a million dollars to help defeat marijuana legalization in Arizona, to block competitors from being able to manufacture generic versions of its THC drug Syndros.
/ FEDERAL
U.S. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) is reportedly an initial cosponsor of legislation to be introduced this week to remove roadblocks to marijuana research.
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) tweeted, “The time is long overdue for us to remove the absurd federal prohibition on marijuana.”
Congressman Blaine Leutkemeyr (R-MO) said that he sees the medical value of cannabis, and also address marijuana industry banking access issues.
Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) tweeted, “We are losing 115 people every day to opioid overdoses. There is an obvious answer: ending federal marijuana prohibition can help fix our broken criminal justice system, and help save the lives of those who are suffering from opioid addiction.”
Congressman Lacy Clay (D-MO) tweeted, “Part of the new #DemocraticMajority agenda that we are fighting for, passage of my new bill, H.R. 4815, the Marijuana Justice Act, which would finally remove #cannibus from the federal list of controlled substances. Long overdue. #BlueWave2018 #IWillVote”
West Virginia Republican U.S. Senate candidates debated medical cannabis.
/ STATES
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder (R) said he would respect the wishes of voters if they approve a marijuana legalization ballot measure.
Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) said he has no interest in joining the marijuana industry after he leaves public office. He also said that his ex-wife apologized to him for a tweet she posted about marijuana legalization’s effect on children. Separately, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved a bill to direct more marijuana tax revenue to schools.
Kansas Gov. Jeff Coyler (R) signed a hemp research bill into law.
The Illinois Senate approved an industrial hemp bill.
Alabama Democratic gubernatorial candidates debated marijuana policy.
New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal (D) testified before lawmakers about steps law enforcement is taking to prepare for marijuana legalization. Separately, the state’s Legislative Black Caucus held a hearing on the issue.
California’s insurance commissioner is urging companies to provide coverage for the marijuana industry.
Alaska officials finalized marijuana handler permit regulations.
Tennessee lawmakers filed legislation to allow military veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart to use medical cannabis with doctors’ recommendations.
/ LOCAL
New York City First Lady Chirlane McCray spoke about her support for marijuana legalization.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The head of the Caribbean Public Health Agency is urging nations to be cautious about decriminalizing marijuana.
/ ADVOCACY
NORML released a report card that grades governors on marijuana policy.
A Heritage Foundation fellow suggested that federal law is preventing marijuana research.
The Oklahoma State Chamber is opposing the state’s medical cannabis ballot measure.
/ OPINION & ANALYSIS
Scientific American’s editorial board said the federal “war on marijuana is ill informed and misguided.”
/ BUSINESS
Investors Business Daily looks at the growth of the marijuana industry as compared to the beer market.
YouTube is reportedly shutting down a number of marijuana-related channels.
Dixie Brands raised $4 million in a funding round.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
