Newsletter
Feds’ cannabis report deadline (Newsletter: December 4, 2023)
NY marijuana license injunction lifted; OH legalization revision plans; R’s one-year sales anniversary; NJ cannabis equity grants; AL licenses awarded
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Department of Health and Human Services had a Saturday deadline to send Congress a report on marijuana’s “potential therapeutic effects” and recommendations to overcome “barriers” to researching it. HHS and other agencies were already late with a separate cannabis report that was due to lawmakers last month.
An official with the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health said the government is working to launch a new cannabis research center to help overcome “barriers that have hampered” studies on marijuana—including “complex” federal rules such as Schedule I registration requirements.
The New York Supreme Court officially lifted an injunction that has blocked regulators from processing hundreds of new marijuana retailer licenses—clearing the path to significantly expand the state’s cannabis market.
Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman (R) discussed his plan to change provisions of the voter-approved marijuana legalization law, which involves amending a House-passed bill in committee on Monday and getting it enacted before cannabis possession becomes legal on Thursday.
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee (D) and the Cannabis Control Commission celebrated the one-year anniversary of legal adult-use marijuana sales launching in the state.
Germany’s health minister defended the government’s marijuana legalization plan from criticism ahead of a vote that had been planned for this week. Meanwhile, the state of Bavaria is exploring legal options to stop or slow down cannabis reform from taking effect locally.
In a letter ahead of Monday’s oral arguments in federal court, lawyers for a proposed safe consumption site for illegal drugs slammed the Department of Justice’s “irreconcilable” position that giving out food is a protected “religious exercise” but providing harm reduction services is not.
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority is accepting applications for “Seed Equity” grants that will provide up to $8 million in funding for 48 marijuana equity businesses.
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission awarded cultivator, processor, dispensary, secure transport and testing lab business licenses—for the third time, in a round that regulators hope will avoid further litigation.
/ FEDERAL
The Department of Veterans Affairs highlighted a study that indicates the “risk of cannabis use disorder varies by race.”
The House marijuana banking bill got one new cosponsor for a total of 96.
The House bill to federally legalize marijuana got four new cosponsors for a total of 73.
/ STATES
Massachusetts’s treasurer accused the suspended chair of the Cannabis Control Commission of making “racially, ethnically, culturally insensitive statements.”
A Virginia senator discussed the prospects for passing legislation to legalize marijuana sales.
Utah regulators filed rules on cannabis testing quality assurance.
A Minnesota regulator said her office lacks legal authority to inspect raw hemp flower to determine whether they exceed the 0.3 percent THC limit.
The California Legislative Analyst’s Office projected cannabis tax revenues of $702 million in 2023-24.
Colorado regulators are developing guidelines for law enforcement and medical professionals responding to psychedelic-related incidents.
Illinois officials discussed a new state-level workaround to the 280E tax penalty on marijuana businesses.
Ohio regulators published updated medical cannabis patient and caregiver numbers.
California’s Cannabis Advisory Committee will meet on Thursday.
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/ LOCAL
Detroit, Michigan officials are being sued by companies that say the city improperly rescinded approval for a marijuana cultivation and processing facility.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The Victoria, Australia Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee filed a hemp report.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study of mice found that “cannabidiol protects the liver from α-Amanitin-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Star Tribune editorial board said officials are right to be careful in selecting the state’s top marijuana regulator.
/ BUSINESS
StateHouse Holdings Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $25.5 million.
POSaBIT Systems Corporation reported quarterly revenue of $13.6 million and a loss of $7.5 million.
Canopy Growth Corporation completed the sale of its BioSteel business.
MedMen Enterprises Inc. sent an update on its ability to timely file required financial statements.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
