Newsletter
Feds host conference on researching cannabis under prohibition (Newsletter: Nov. 26, 2018)
Michael Moore: Put marijuana on the ballot to drive Dem turnout; Study: Cannabis use doesn’t cause youth behavior problems; NJ & UT hearings Monday
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The federal government is hosting a workshop next month on researching marijuana “within the current regulatory framework.” But the National Institute of Health’s notice says panelists “will NOT discuss challenging or changing current Federal laws, policies or regulations.”
Filmmaker Michael Moore says the key to Democrats winning 2020 is to put marijuana legalization on the ballot everywhere—especially in swing states.
A study concluded that “cannabis use in adolescence does not appear to lead to greater conduct problems,” but that the inverse—behaviors like school truancy or shoplifting can predict whether a young person later uses marijuana—seems to be true.
/ FEDERAL
President Trump tweeted, “Really good Criminal Justice Reform has a true shot at major bipartisan support. @senatemajldr Mitch McConnell and @SenSchumer have a real chance to do something so badly needed in our country. Already passed, with big vote, in House. Would be a major victory for ALL!”
Former Acting Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Andy Slavitt tweeted that descheduling marijuana would be “a sensible evolution.”
Rep. Joe Kennedy III (D-MA) said that instead of leaving marijuana policy solely up to states, the federal government should enact specific guidelines on issues like “warning labels, dosage [and] advertising to kids.”
/ STATES
Minnesota Gov.-elect Tim Walz (D) says “the time is here” for legalizing marijuana, but state legislative leaders seem reluctant about rushing ahead with the issue.
New Jersey Assembly and Senate committees are expected to vote on marijuana legalization, expungement and medical cannabis expansion legislation on Monday.
The Utah Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee will consider a draft medical cannabis compromise bill on Monday. Separately, more than 100,000 people voted on the state’s medical marijuana ballot measure without participating in the state’s congressional elections.
Massachusetts marijuana regulator Shaleen Title spoke about the benefits of legalizing all drugs.
Four New York Assembly committees will hold another joint hearing on marijuana legalization next week. Meanwhile, some lawmakers are suggesting that the state should take its time in considering ending prohibition. One senator wants the state to replicate Nevada’s legalization model.
Michigan’s State Board of Canvassers is expected to certify election results on Monday, setting up marijuana legalization to go into effect on December 6.
Vermont’s marijuana legalization study committee will hold a series of public meetings to receive public input ahead of finalizing its report.
An Illinois representative spoke about her plans to file a marijuana legalization bill.
Here’s a look at the rollout of North Dakota’s medical cannabis program.
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/ LOCAL
Calhoun County, Michigan and the city of Battle Creek will no longer prosecute low-level marijuana offenses.
A security guard at a Detroit, Michigan medical cannabis dispensary was shot.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Thai lawmakers approved a bill allowing marijuana for medical and research purposes.
The Australian Capital Territory seems poised to approve a bill legalizing marijuana.
Former Mexican President Felipe Calderón said he supports a discussion about legalizing drugs but that it won’t entirely solve cartel violence problems.
/ ADVOCACY
The Illinois Farm Bureau will consider a resolution next month to shift its position on marijuana legalization from opposed to neutral.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study concluded that “hemp becomes a valuable pollen source for foraging bees, giving it the potential to have a strong ecological value.”
/ OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll of UK adults found that 60% want to legalize or decriminalize marijuana, but that relatively few want to end the prohibition of other drugs.
The Boston Herald editorial board wants scrutiny and restrictions placed on marijuana businesses.
The Buffalo News editorial board wants New York lawmakers to take their time in considering how to legalize marijuana.
/ BUSINESS
Aurora Cannabis Inc. completed its acquisition of ICC Labs Inc.
Bloomberg surveyed marijuana company CEOs about whether they personally use cannabis.
/ CULTURE
The New York Times looks at the retirement of drug-sniffing dogs in jurisdictions that legalize marijuana.
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