Newsletter
Fed cannabis rescheduling update (Newsletter: June 16, 2023)
Marijuana security clearance amendment; House approves resolution on cannabis prisoner in Russia; Psychedelics research funding; WI medical marijuana
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra told Marijuana Moment that his department and the Department of Justice are aiming to complete a review of cannabis’s federal scheduling status by the end of “this year.”
- “Stay tuned. We hope to be able to get there pretty soon.”
The Senate Intelligence Committee approved legislation to protect applicants at CIA, NSA and other agencies from being denied security clearances solely because of past marijuana use.
The House of Representatives unanimously passed a resolution expressing “continued support” for U.S. citizen Marc Fogel, who is being detained in Russia under a “politicized, excessive sentence for his alleged offense” of possessing medical cannabis.
Wisconsin’s Republican Assembly speaker says lawmakers are crafting a medical cannabis legalization bill that could be filed this summer—but a top Democrat tells Marijuana Moment that her party hasn’t been invited to meetings about it.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse is looking to fund research on the impact of psychedelics legalization and decriminalization in cities and states across the country—including the effects of allowing regulated access to substances like psilocybin.
/ FEDERAL
The National Institute of Justice will host an event on the “merging of the e-cigarette and cannabis industries” on June 29.
The House bill to repeal the law blocking hemp industry participation by people with felony drug convictions got one new cosponsor for a total of eight.
The House bill to ease restrictions on hemp growers got one new cosponsor for a total of three.
/ STATES
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey (D) is recommending pardoning a handful of people, including a few with drug convictions.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed a bill allowing prosecutors to file murder charges against sellers of fentanyl if their customers die of overdoses.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little (R) claimed that “legalization of marijuana triggers numerous unintended consequences.”
An Ohio representative spoke about his marijuana legalization bill.
An Arkansas judge voided 27 medical cannabis laws, saying lawmakers overstepped their authority when changing the voter-approved constitutional amendment that legalized patient access.
A member of New York’s Cannabis Control Board stepped down amid criticism of the role that another agency he leads, the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, has played in the slow rollout of legal dispensary locations. Separately, regulators approved additional retail licenses.
Arizona regulators announced a voluntary recall of marijuana products due to possible contamination with aspergillus and salmonella.
Michigan regulators revoked a marijuana business’s license over several alleged violations.
Colorado regulators are accepting public feedback on improvements to the cannabis social equity program.
Oregon regulators will consider proposed rules on the deadline for CBN manufacturers to meet general requirements on Friday.
Iowa’s Medical Cannabidiol Board will meet on Friday.
Tennessee’s Medical Cannabis Commission will meet on Friday.
The Massachusetts Cannabis Social Equity Advisory Board will meet on Friday.
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Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,000 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.
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/ LOCAL
Denver, Colorado officials are hosting a marijuana industry check-in meeting on June 29.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The Colombian Senate debated but did not vote on a marijuana legalization bill, with consideration expected to resume next week.
A UK member of Parliament pressed the secretary of state for foreign, commonwealth and development affairs about the government’s refusal to provide assent for a cannabis bill in Bermuda.
Himachal Pradesh, India’s finance minister said most people that a group of lawmakers have met with favor legalizing cannabis cultivation.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “prescription of [cannabis-based medicinal products] in those with [generalized anxiety disorder] is associated with clinically significant improvements in anxiety with an acceptable safety profile in a real-world setting.”
A study found that “respondents who lived closest to legal stores had higher odds of sourcing from legal stores, and lower odds of sourcing from legal websites or growing their own cannabis.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Albuquerque Journal editorial board criticized New Mexico regulators’ new cannabis public education campaign, saying it effectively amounts to “pro-pot ads.”
/ BUSINESS
HEXO Corp. reported quarterly net revenue of C$21.6 million and a net loss and comprehensive loss of C$115.3 million.
Numinus Wellness Inc. has a new chief financial officer.
Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. declared a quarterly dividend of $1.80 per share.
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