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Feds may need to regulate cannabis, former FDA head hints (Newsletter: September 10, 2019)

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Booker: Marijuana safer than french fries; Oregon psilocybin measure cleared for signatures; Study: Media perpetuates cannabis stereotypes

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb hinted in tweets and a TV appearance that the federal government may need to start regulating marijuana products in the wake of an epidemic of severe lung injuries tied to the use of illegal vaping devices.

Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), a presidential candidate, joked during a campaign stop in New Hampshire that marijuana is safer than french fries.

  • “Maybe we should schedule those fries because they are very addictive.”

Oregon’s proposed measure to legalize psilocybin mushrooms for medical use now has a certified ballot title and has been cleared for signature gathering.

A study that examined how mainstream news organizations perpetuate stereotypes about cannabis consumers found that “‘ready-made’ images of what marijuana users are supposed to look like are indeed being used and reinforced by the media.”

/ FEDERAL

Former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reportedly took exception to a National Review reporter’s suggestion that “we’d be materially better off with heroin manufactured under the exacting conditions of an American pharmaceutical factory than with junk cooked up by criminals in a jungle shed.”

Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA), a presidential candidate, released a criminal justice reform plan that says “it is past time to end the failed war on drugs, and it begins with legalizing marijuana.” She also tweeted, “It’s time to end mass incarceration. This includes legalizing marijuana, sentencing reforms, and abolishing private prisons. With the addition of job training and education, these actions will reduce crime and help build healthy communities.” In a TV interview about the plan she continued to refer to the drug war in the past tense.

Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), a presidential candidate, tweeted, “My first day as president I’ll start a historic clemency process for those serving time for: ✅ Marijuana-related offenses  ✅ Unjust sentences due to the crack and powder cocaine sentencing disparity ✅ Certain mandatory minimums that were already reduced for some”

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), a presidential candidate, thanked Colorado for leading the way on marijuana legalization.

Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro, a presidential candidate, tweeted, “We need to invest in diversion programs and legalize marijuana, so that our kids can achieve their dreams instead of getting caught up in the criminal justice system.”

Congress’s Joint Economic Committee published a report trends in “deaths of despair” that has a significant focus on drug overdoses.

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) sent a letter asking the Food and Drug Administration’s head for information about the epidemic of severe lung injuries associated with vaping “including what role marijuana-derived products are playing.”

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) spoke at the NORML conference.

Rep. Charlie Crist (D-FL) spoke at a briefing about military veterans and medical cannabis.

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) said she wants to “make sure that we have people who’ve been affected by the terrible war on drugs first in line to be able to apply for licenses and develop their own businesses.”

Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) said he thinks the marijuana legalization debate “is only going to get louder and more pervasive as time goes on.”

Former House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) responded to concerns that he’s just trying to make money in the marijuana industry after opposing legalization in office by saying, “I know what my motivations are, and I’ve tried to make that clear. I can understand why some people would look at it and say, ‘Oh, you’re just cashing in.’ They’re entitled to their opinion.”

/ STATES

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) said he’ll take cues from regulators on any rules changes that might be needed following a mayor’s arrest for allegedly extorting marijuana businesses seeking municipal non-opposition letters. Separately, regulators suspended six licenses from a marijuana company for which one owner was arrested for allegedly participating in an illegal cannabis growing operation.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) directed officials to send subpoenas to companies marketing and selling thickening agents used in unregulated vaping products and to issue emergency regulations mandating that vape and smoke shops post signs warning consumers about the risks of vaping amid an epidemic of severe lung injuries.

Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) will speak at a Wednesday event to promote black female entrepreneurs in the marijuana industry.

Virginia’s attorney general received an award at the NORML conference.

California’s Senate majority leader pulled a bill that would have created state-chartered banks to serve the marijuana industry ahead of a vote.

A Louisiana agriculture commissioner candidate endorsed marijuana legalization during a debate.

Arizona activists will make minor changes to a proposed marijuana legalization ballot measure in response to input from the state Legislative Council. Separately, here’s a look at where the state’s newest Supreme Court justice stands on cannabis.

The Utah legislature’s Health and Human Services Interim Committee held a hearing on a bill to revise the state’s medical cannabis distribution system.

The Alabama legislature’s medical cannabis study committee held its second meeting.

Idaho activists estimated that they have collected roughly 10% of the signatures needed to qualify a medical cannabis measure for the 2020 ballot.

A top Nevada regulator was placed on leave following months of criticism over his conduct in the marijuana business licensing process.

New Mexico’s marijuana legalization work group will meet on Tuesday.

New Jersey regulators are pushing for new medical cannabis dispensaries to open quickly.


Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,000 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.

Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.

/ LOCAL

The Baltimore, Maryland City Council is considering a proposal to ban marijuana testing of candidates for many city jobs.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s mayor will speak at the Cannabis Opportunities Conference on Tuesday.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley said a marijuana legalization bill will be filed in the coming session.

The Mexican Supreme Court validated articles of Mexico City’s constitution, including one establishing a right to medical cannabis.

Jamaican regulators are circulating draft medical cannabis export rules.

Russian authorities have detained an American woman for allegedly possessing a small amount of medical cannabis.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A review concluded that “CBD may have a role in the development of new therapeutic strategies in mental diseases.”

A study found that “contrary to expectations, the results indicated that individuals with [alcohol use disorder] were more likely to decrease, rather than increase, their alcohol use when they reduced their marijuana use.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

A poll found that Scotland residents support legalizing marijuana, 47%-37%.

The San Diego Union-Tribune editorial board has concerns about a California bill to allow medical cannabis at schools.

Republican pollster Frank Luntz tweeted, “It would be a brilliant political maneuver for Trump to pardon all non-violent marijuana offenders a few months before November 2020.”

/ BUSINESS

Tilray, Inc. and Privateer Holdings, Inc. finalized a merger agreement.

Wellness Connection of Maine is suing CanWell LLC for an alleged breach of contract over THC content in cannabis extracts.

Volteface published a report on how social media platforms are being used to sell illegal drugs.

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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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