Newsletter
Feds evaluate cannabis testing labs (Newsletter: August 9, 2021)
OK marijuana ballot measures; TX court blocks smokable hemp sales ban; MT cities prep for legalization
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The National Institute of Standards and Technology—part of the U.S. Department of Commerce—issued its first report evaluating testing labs’ ability to accurately detect THC, CBD and other cannabinoids in hemp. Future exercises will involve marijuana.
Oklahoma activists are preparing to file separate initiatives they want to place on the 2022 ballot to legalize marijuana and overhaul the state’s current medical cannabis system. They’re taking community feedback on the draft proposals now.
The Texas Third District Court of Appeals ruled that retailers can sell smokable hemp for now despite regulators’ efforts to ban it—but also upheld a rule that says the products can not be manufactured in the state.
Municipalities across Montana are making decisions about how—or if—marijuana businesses can operate in their areas as the launch of recreational sales approaches.
/ FEDERAL
Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and eight cosponsors filed a resolution that criticizes the incarceration of the Philippine vice president over her criticism of that nation’s bloody “war on drugs.”
Indiana Democratic congressional candidate Liam Dorris tweeted, “Hey, @JoeBiden, if you want to boost your approval rating and help Democrats get elected in the midterms, it’s super easy! Legalize #Cannabis. It really is *that* simple.”
/ STATES
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (D) spoke about ongoing efforts to encourage lawmakers to legalize medical cannabis.
The Ohio Supreme Court rejected a request to place a local marijuana decriminalization measure on the Bridgeport ballot because activists filed paperwork with the wrong official.
Arkansas regulators decided to use a reserve list to award two unassigned medical cannabis dispensary licenses and then use a lottery system to issue additional licenses in the future.
Washington State regulators are being sued for allegedly discriminating against a black-owned marijuana dispensary through denied licenses, raids and audits.
California regulators proposed rulemaking for Quick Response Code certificates for marijuana businesses and approved the readoption of emergency regulations allowing for information sharing with financial institutions.
New Mexico regulators named members of the Cannabis Regulatory Advisory Committee.
Iowa regulators are seeking licensed physicians in the fields of neurology and gastroenterology for appointment to the Medical Cannabidiol Board.
Rhode Island regulators are facing possible deposition in an appeal of their decision to reject a medical cannabis license applicant from participating in a delayed lottery.
Michigan regulators are expected to award $20 million in marijuana research grants this month.
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/ LOCAL
Englewood, New Jersey’s mayor vetoed a City Council-passed ban on marijuana businesses. Separately, the Paterson City Council voted to ban recreational cannabis businesses.
Medical experts are reacting skeptically to a video that San Diego, California police released of an officer collapsing while investigating a substance he believed to be fentanyl.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Paraguayan President Marito Abdo visited the facility of a company that exports hemp products to the U.S., Canada and Australia.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “cannabidiol showed promising results as a single agent or in combination with mitoxantrone and vinblastine for treatment of canine urothelial carcinoma cells.”
A study of dead rabbits concluded that “THC was not prone to substantial postmortem redistribution.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee tweeted that Colorado’s new Cannabis Business Office “will create jobs & support small business owners of color, critical to promoting equity in the cannabis industry.”
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review editorial board said the federal government should defer to states on marijuana policies.
/ BUSINESS
Leafly is reportedly in talks to merge with Merida Merger Corp I in a deal that would value the combined company at more than $530 million.
Canopy Growth Corporation reported quarterly net revenue of C$136 million and an adjusted EBITDA loss of C$64 million.
Cronos Group Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $15.6 million and an adjusted EBITDA loss of $49.8 million.
BuzzFeed is reportedly partnering with NUG Inc. on a line of cannabis products.
Cura Cannabis agreed to pay more than $500,000 to resolve a class-action lawsuit alleging that it mislabeled marijuana vapes.
A federal judge dismissed a racketeering claim from a lawsuit filed against Dixie Holdings LLC by a truck driver who claims he lost his job after taking a supplement that contained THC
/ CULTURE
Barbara Streisand said she smoked marijuana once in her life and “didn’t like the way it made me feel.”
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