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Fed judge allows e-signatures for Ohio cannabis campaigns (Newsletter: May 21, 2020)

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USDA reverses total hemp COVID aid ban; Louisiana lawmakers approve marijuana banking; Jamaica allows online cannabis ordering

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

A federal judge ruled that Ohio marijuana activists can electronically collect signatures for proposed local decriminalization ballot measures in municipalities across the state as coronavirus has hampered in-person petitioning.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture singled out hemp as one of two legal crops—along with tobacco—for which farmers are blocked from the $19 billion Coronavirus Food Assistance Program without any recourse for reconsideration. But hours after Marijuana Moment reported the story, the department deleted language from its website that said farmers couldn’t appeal for reconsideration of the ban.

The Louisiana House of Representatives approved a cannabis banking bill, and a Senate committee advanced House-passed legislation to let doctors recommend medical marijuana for any debilitating condition they see fit.

The Jamaican government is allowing patients to place online orders of medical marijuana for pickup at “herb houses” as a measure to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

/ FEDERAL

The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy updated its Freedom of Information Act implementing regulations.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) blasted House Democrats’ coronavirus bill, saying, “diversity and inclusion in the marijuana industry wasn’t going to study itself, after all.”

Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) tweeted, “And we must pass the immediate, bipartisan opportunities to support jobs and economic activity. The Great American Outdoors Act, the SAFE Banking Act, and infrastructure investments all enjoy bipartisan support and would help generate new investments and liquidity.”

Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) said the fate of marijuana banking provisions in coronavirus legislation will “depend on how hard the House fights for it in the final negotiations.”

Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) defended the inclusion of marijuana banking provisions in coronavirus relief legislation passed by the House.

Montana Democratic Senate candidate Mike Brohier tweeted, “We must de-schedule marijuana. We must legalize marijuana. We should tax marijuana. It will help Kentuckians in pain, it will help our budget, and it will remediate harmful opiate addictions.”

Georgia Democratic congressional candidate Michael Owens tweeted, “92% of Americans are against marijuana prohibition laws, while over 600K were arrested for simple possession. States spend more than $3B annually enforcing the ban. Marijuana should be removed from the Schedule of Controlled Substances, sentences commuted and records expunged.”

/ STATES

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed an executive order extending expired medical cannabis patient and caregiver identification cards.

Massachusetts regulators formally moved to allow recreational marjuana businesses to resume sales via curbside pickup on Monday.

The New York Assembly’s Health Committee chair said that “marijuana legalization is just one of the reasons the legislature should return to work as soon as possible.”

The Illinois legislature’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules reviewed proposed rules on cannabis legalization and social equity.

Michigan regulators sent a bulletin on mandatory coronavirus infection-control practices for marijuana businesses.

Colorado marijuana social equity legislation has been jeopardized by the coronavirus outbreak.

The Oregon Cannabis Commission’s Governance and Frame Working Subcommittee will meet on June 3.

Alaska regulators will consider marijuana business licensing and rules on June 10-11.


Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,500 cannabis 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.

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/ INTERNATIONAL

Ecuador’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock held a webinar on cannabis cultivation opportunities.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A review “provided evidence in supporting the use of medical marijuana to reduce common symptoms reported in patients with” multiple sclerosis.

A study found that “rates of marijuana usage in pregnant women who underwent universal drug screening increased after legalization” and “there were no differences in neonatal outcomes between users and non-users.”

/ BUSINESS

A deal for Hightimes Holding Corp. to acquire Humboldt Heritage has been canceled.

Aurora Cannabis Inc. announced a deal to acquire Reliva, LLC.

Trulieve Cannabis Corp. reported quarterly revenue of $96.1 million.

Green Growth Brands Inc. filed for insolvency protection.

Charlotte’s Web got a utility patent for a new hemp variety.

A bankruptcy judge approved a plan to sell the bulk of GenCanna’s assets.

The entire board of directors and senior management of Great Northern Cannabis has been ousted after an audio recording appeared to reveal a conversation between personnel discussing selling moldy products as well as CBD oil that contained too much THC.

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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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