Newsletter
First cannabis delivery license issued in Colorado (Newsletter: March 20, 2020)
CA psilocybin activists request e-sigs for ballot; Poll: CT residents back legal marijuana; Doubts on legalization in NY budget
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Colorado regulators have issued the state’s first marijuana delivery license.
Activists working on a California ballot measure to legalize psychedelic mushrooms are the latest to ask officials for permission to collect signatures electronically instead of in person due to the coronavirus pandemic.
A poll found that Connecticut residents strongly support legalizing marijuana and that even opponents can be swayed with information about tax revenue, restricting youth access and lowering incarceration.
A key New York lawmaker is raising doubts about whether marijuana legalization will be included in the state budget, though Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) has said in recent days he still wants it in.
/ FEDERAL
Marijuana businesses are not eligible for Small Business Administration coronavirus aid programs.
The Securities and Exchange Commission will soon make a determination on a proposed rule change to allow the AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF to trade.
The Department of Veterans Affairs tweeted, “While VA follows all federal laws regarding marijuana, Veteran participation in state marijuana programs does not affect eligibility for VA care and services. VA providers can discuss marijuana use with Veterans as part of comprehensive care planning.”
California Republican congressional candidate Beatrice Cardenas blamed marijuana legalization for young people ignoring coronavirus social distancing advice while partying on spring break in Florida, where cannabis is illegal.
Here’s a look at where Indiana Republican congressional candidates stand on marijuana.
/ STATES
Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee (D) and regulators are facing a federal lawsuit filed by activists who allege that the state’s marijuana licensing system is corrupt and racially discriminatory.
California’s treasurer spoke about her work on cannabis industry issues.
Maryland regulators issued social distancing requirements for medical cannabis businesses, including a directive to stop the use of “sniff jars.”
Michigan regulators released a new mapping tool for marijuana businesses.
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/ LOCAL
The Santa Fe, New Mexico Municipal Drug Strategy Task Force recommended a number of harm reduction policies.
Denver, Colorado regulators sent guidance on steps that marijuana businesses can take to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Canadian lawmakers are asking the finance minister to extend economic support measures to the country’s marijuana sector amid the coronavirus outbreak.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study of rats suggested that “THC may be more beneficial than CBD for reducing inflammatory pain, in that THC maintains its efficacy with short-term treatment in both sexes, and does not induce immune activation.”
A study concluded that “a single THC administration induces psychotic, negative, and other psychiatric symptoms with large effect sizes” and that “there is no consistent evidence that CBD induces symptoms or moderates the effects of THC.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation is calling on the National Labor Relations Board to prevent states from requiring marijuana businesses to enter into labor peace agreements.
A British Medical Journal investigation looks at links between UK groups and individuals campaigning for medical cannabis access and those advocating broader recreational legalization. The journal also examined tobacco industry funding for medical marijuana research.
Houston Young Republicans are calling on Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) to temporarily allow legal sales of marijuana to boost the economy.
The president of the Hemp Industries Association has left the organization.
The Michigan Cannabis Industry Association is asking Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) to classify marijuana as an “essential item” and let doctors issue medical cannabis recommendations via phone amid the coronavirus outbreak.
/ BUSINESS
The Detroit Metro Times temporarily laid off half of its staff as coronavirus concerns cause a slowdown in advertising, though ads for marijuana businesses are “providing a lifeline.”
Michigan retailers sold $14.8 million worth of marijuana products in February, a 34% increase from the month before.
Newton Hill Labs filed a federal lawsuit alleging that Bay Water Greens and Baywater Farms lied about hemp biomass it sold being pesticide-free.
/ CULTURE
The first commercial toilet paper in 1857 was made out of hemp.
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