Newsletter
Fed power agency threatens cannabis businesses (Newsletter: February 9, 2022)
NY marijuana ‘gifting’ crackdown; Bill to increase hemp THC content; WA drug decrim ballot measure; New cannabis ‘BOWL PAC’ launched
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The federally owned power company Tennessee Valley Authority is threatening to block electricity delivery to state-legal marijuana businesses and says it may report any such grow operations or dispensaries it discovers to law enforcement.
Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) filed a new bill to increase the legal limit of THC in hemp and remove a ban on industry participation by people with felony drug convictions. But it also has a provision that could upend the delta-8 THC product market.
New York regulators sent letters warning businesses to cease unlicensed cannabis sales, including instances where it is given as a “gift” in exchange for purchasing an unrelated product or service.
Washington State activists filed a ballot measure to decriminalize possession of all drugs and direct funding toward expanding substance misuse treatment, with a focus on outreach and long-term recovery support.
A new political action committee called Better Organizing to Win Legalization (BOWL) PAC—pun totally intended—was launched by former NORML lobbyist Justin Strekal to fight for marijuana legalization and elect pro-reform politicians.
Ongoing police seizures of cash being transported from licensed marijuana businesses to banks has led to federal litigation over “the repeated and continuing highway robberies of armored cars by government agents.”
/ FEDERAL
White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Rahul Gupta tweeted, “As a physician, I’ve witnessed the life-saving results of evidence-based harm reduction services. In honoring my “do no harm oath,” as Director of @ONDCP, I am doing everything I can to make these services available so we can save lives. Every life is precious and worth saving.”
The Government Accountability Office issued a revised report on the use of virtual currency in drug and human trafficking
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) spoke about efforts to build support for her marijuana legalization bill.
Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) tweeted, “Outdated and prejudicial laws criminalizing marijuana usage can be so harmful to Minnesotans – while preventing legitimate business owners from helping grow our community.”
Former Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR) authored an op-ed urging fellow Republicans to back marijuana reform.
South Carolina Republican congressional candidate Katie Arrington criticized the incumbent’s focus on marijuana legalization in a campaign ad, saying, “Is Nancy Mace high?”
/ STATES
The South Dakota Senate voted to remove an affirmative defense for medical cannabis patients who don’t have registration cards.
An Iowa Senate Judiciary subcommittee approved a resolution calling for a federal exception for the state’s medical cannabidiol program.
Wisconsin lawmakers held a roundtable meeting on medical cannabis.
Maryland lawmakers are considering several marijuana legalization bills. House Democrats tweeted, “House Bill 837 puts Maryland on the right path to adult recreational cannabis should Marylanders vote to legalize it in the 2022 General Election.”
Colorado representatives filed a bill to prevent employers from firing or refusing to hire workers for off-the-job marijuana use.
A Pennsylvania representative tweeted, “Exciting steps forward in marijuana decriminalization in Pennsylvania, but if we are to #legalizeit, we must repair the damages criminalization caused the marginalized communities from aggressive enforcement. That includes expungement of marijuana-related offenses.”
Florida activists began collecting signatures for a proposed 2024 marijuana legalization ballot measure.
New Mexico regulators filed amended cannabis rules.
Oklahoma’s top medical cannabis regulator spoke about efforts to oversee a growing industry.
The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development awarded $35 million in grant funding to local jurisdictions to promote equity and reduce barriers to entry in the cannabis industry.
Maine regulators held a public hearing on proposed medical cannabis rules changes.
Hawaii regulators approved a second medical cannabis dispensary on Oahu.
Vermont regulators released the results of a medical cannabis patient survey.
South Carolina regulators published a list of permitted hemp transporters.
The Washington State Social Equity in Cannabis Task Force’s Licensing Workgroup will meet on Thursday.
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/ LOCAL
The Grand Rapids, Michigan City Commission voted to create a city-backed nonprofit that will work to “heal the harm” caused by the war on drugs.
The Detroit, Michigan City Council’s president pro tempore is proposing an ordinance on recreational marijuana business licensing.
The Worcester, Massachusetts Human Rights Commission heard a presentation about decriminalizing psychedelics.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Thailand’s health minister officially signed off on removing cannabis and hemp from Category 5 of the country’s list of narcotics.
The Uruguayan government is launching an effort to train marijuana growers.
A Guernsey lawmaker released a committee’s answers to questions he submitted on cannabis licensing.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “when experienced cannabis users control their own intake, one cannot infer impairment based on the product THC content or blood concentrations.”
A review of psychedelics research found that “available studies indicate a potent, rapid onset and in many cases long-lasting antidepressant effect over several months.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Indiana Democratic Party tweeted, “There’s no legitimate reason for Indiana to sit on the sidelines on cannabis. If Mississippi can legalize medicinal marijuana, then the Hoosier State can legalize this product in some form too.”
The Center for Christian Virtue organized a press conference in opposition to an Ohio marijuana legalization proposal.
/ BUSINESS
Schwazze completed its acquisition of the operating assets of Reynold Greenleaf & Associates, LLC, and the equity of Elemental Kitchen & Laboratories, LLC.
Red White & Bloom Brands Inc. closed its acquisition of PharmaCo, Inc.
Tilray Brands, Inc. is consolidating its medical cannabis offerings under a new division called Tilray Medical.
Mydecine Innovations Group Inc. announced that Canadian officials included the dealer’s license it operates under as a supplier for the special access program that allows healthcare providers to request specific drugs for approved patients who have not responded to other available treatment options.
Dr. Bronner’s is allowing customers to direct 10 percent of their purchase amounts, at no additional cost, to marijuana and drug policy reform nonprofits.
Eaze published a cannabis market report that found consumer support for and dollar value of social equity brands are growing.
Illinois dispensaries sold $29.7 million worth of medical cannabis products in January.
/ CULTURE
The National Football League said cannabis is in a “restricted category” that can’t be advertised during the Super Bowl.
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