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Fed employee cannabis use & investing guidance (Newsletter: January 11, 2022)

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CA senator: 50/50 chance to legalize LSD in 2022; Marijuana on Austin ballot; Germany legalization details; Former congressman on psychedelics board

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines published a  memo saying past marijuana use “may be relevant” for security clearances but is no longer on its own “determinative.” But she also wrote that national security job status can be “impacted negatively” by directly investing in cannabis stocks.

California Sen. Scott Wiener (D) told Marijuana Moment in an interview that there’s a “50/50” chance his bill to legalize psychedelics possession will make it to the governor’s desk this year. Meanwhile, his separate legislation to allow safe consumption sites for illegal drugs has an Assembly hearing on Tuesday.

Austin, Texas officials certified that activists with Ground Texas submitted more than enough valid signatures to qualify a marijuana decriminalization measure for the local May ballot. Cannabis initiatives are also planned for three more cities across the state for November.

Germany’s new federal justice minister provided some initial details of the government’s marijuana legalization plan.

Former Rep. Ryan Costello (R-PA) joined the board of directors of the Psychedelic Medicine Coalition.

/ FEDERAL

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute is considering granting a patent license it holds on cannabinoid receptor mediating compounds to a Canadian company.

Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) mentioned his work on marijuana banking legislation in an announcement about his decision not to run for reelection.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) noted that Perlmutter “has led the charge to provide safe harbor to banks that serve licensed cannabis-related businesses.”

Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) said, of Perlmutter, “I didn’t think anybody would ever persuade me to vote for marijuana reform legislation. But my friend from Colorado did.”

Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) tweeted, “.@RepPerlmutter’s hard work on #cannabis reform over the years created the opportunity currently before Congress to get #SAFEBanking signed into law. A good man and common sense legislator who I’m proud to call a friend. He’ll be missed by many on both sides of the aisle.”

Rep. Don Young (R-AK) tweeted, “I thank my friend @RepPerlmutter for his service on the bipartisan Cannabis Caucus and long-time advocacy for the SAFE Banking Act. Ed, let me be blunt: your work has set the stage to get SAFE Banking across the finish line. Let’s get it done.”

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) tweeted, “Criminalizing cannabis destroys hundreds of thousands of lives & wastes billions on the enforcement of an outdated and damaging system. The federal government must catch up to the rest of the country and start leading on cannabis reform.”

Texas Democratic congressional candidate Arthur Dixon tweeted, “The strength of organizing cannot be denied. In 2022 we WILL Legalize Marijuana and see real change in Texas!”

/ STATES

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) said in his budget proposal that his administration wants to reform cannabis taxes to support the legal market.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) said legalizing marijuana would be a “mistake” that would lead to more traffic deaths and more children accidentally ingesting cannabis products.

Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist, currently a congressman, tweeted, “2022 will be the year that Florida elects a Governor who will legalize marijuana.”

Nevada Republican gubernatorial candidate Michele Fiore, currently a Las Vegas City Council member, said she voted to legalize marijuana.

Alabama Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chad Martin wants to legalize marijuana.

The Virginia legislature’s Cannabis Oversight Commission met. Separately, a senator filed a bill to eliminate marijuana social equity funding.

The vice chair of the Maryland Senate Finance Committee is leading a working group of lawmakers crafting a marijuana legalization bill.

A South Carolina representative introduced a bill to make it so police could not use the smell of marijuana alone as the basis to support a stop, search, seizure or arrest.

A South Dakota representative spoke about the large number of cannabis bills filed for the new session.

Illinois regulators are moving to amend rules to “prohibit the use of cannabis on state sites.”

New Jersey regulators approved a marijuana tracking contract with Metrc and denied the winners of a 2018 medical cannabis lawsuit the licenses they expected.

Washington State regulators are requesting funds to upgrade the medical cannabis registry.

Arkansas regulators posted information about the 2022 hemp licensing process.

The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission will meet on Thursday.


Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 800 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

New York City plans to install vending machines to dispense sterile syringes, anti-overdose medications and other harm reduction supplies.

The Denton, Texas City Council is expected to discuss proposed marijuana enforcement changes on Tuesday.

Vanderburgh County, Indiana sheriff candidates are taking varying stances in favor of marijuana reform.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Antigua and Barbuda’s top medical cannabis regulator spoke about efforts to develop the industry.

The Delhi, India High Court is considering a case challenging the prohibition of marijuana.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study concluded that “long-term use of CBD-enriched medical cannabis as add-on treatment seems safe and effective in” drug-resistant epileptic encephalopathies.

A study found that “MDMA/ecstasy and psilocybin use are associated with reduced odds of suicidal thinking and related outcomes.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

AARP tweeted, “The boomer generation is fueling the popularity of CBD oils, a compound from marijuana plants. Studies show that CBD helps in aiding and reducing age-related health problems.”

/ BUSINESS

Tilray, Inc. reported $155.2 in quarterly net revenue.

Jushi Holdings Inc.’s chairman and CEO purchased 66,800 shares of the company.

Flora Growth Corp. announced it will sell CBD-infused skincare products through Walmart.com.

Arkansas dispensaries sold $264.9 million worth of medical cannabis in 2021.

/ CULTURE

Meek Mill tweeted, “I smoke weed everyday and get depressed and soon as I get high …, I be happy as hell sober lol it just helps  me think deeper and more realistic lol”

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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.

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Tom Angell is the editor of Marijuana Moment. A 20-year veteran in the cannabis law reform movement, he covers the policy and politics of marijuana. Separately, he founded the nonprofit Marijuana Majority. Previously he reported for Marijuana.com and MassRoots, and handled media relations and campaigns for Law Enforcement Against Prohibition and Students for Sensible Drug Policy.

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