Newsletter
FL AG wants to block cannabis ballot measure (Newsletter: June 28, 2023)
Schumer on SAFE; Senate panel’s marijuana directives; CA psychedelics vote; CT homegrow guidance; NJ psilocybin hearing
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Senate Appropriations Committee issued a new report directing the Department of Veterans Affairs to help veterans get medical cannabis recommendations and to increase research on the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics. Another new report pushes the U.S. Department of Agriculture to take steps to help grow the hemp market.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) highlighted marijuana banking as a key bipartisan priority he wants to pass soon. Meanwhile, Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) is praising Schumer’s efforts on the legislation—but warned Democrats not to try to expand its scope.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody (R) filed a brief arguing that the state Supreme Court should keep a marijuana legalization initiative off of the 2024 ballot because its summary is “misleading.” The Florida Chamber of Commerce and Drug Free America Foundation also filed briefs opposing the measure.
The California Assembly Public Safety Committee approved a Senate-passed bill to legalize possession of psychedelics like psilocybin, DMT, ibogaine and mescaline.
The New Jersey Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee held a hearing on a bill to legalize possession and home cultivation of psilocybin while creating licensed psychedelic services businesses. The measure was filed by the Senate president.
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection is urging people who start growing their own marijuana at home when it becomes legal on Saturday to do so “responsibly.”
- Separately, Gov. Ned Lamont (D) signed a new marijuana omnibus bill containing a number of reforms—including establishing off-site event permits for retailers, restricting intoxicating hemp-derived products and creating a new Office of the Cannabis Ombudsman.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed a bill granting medical cannabis business licenses to Black farmers and allowing doctors to issue patient recommendation renewals via telehealth.
New restrictive Missouri marijuana packaging rules are set to take effect on July 30.
/ FEDERAL
Supporters of a proposed safe consumption site for illegal drugs amended their federal lawsuit against the Department of Justice.
/ STATES
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) tweeted, “In November 2022, I signed an executive order so folks with certain conditions can find safe, effective relief through medical cannabis. In March, the legislature passed a bill to legalize medical cannabis. When we bring people together, we can get things done for Kentucky.”
Maryland’s comptroller discussed marijuana tax issues.
Oregon regulators issued recalls for several batches of cannabis flower that tested positive for aspergillus and heavy metals.
The New Jersey Business Action Center hired the first executive director for its Cannabis Training Academy.
California regulators filed rules on appeals before the Cannabis Control Appeals Panel and on registration requirements and fees for industrial hemp manufacturers.
Alaska regulators proposed rules on breastfeeding at licensed marijuana business premises.
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/ LOCAL
A Howard County, Maryland Council member is proposing to create a working group and advisory panel to address cannabis issues.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Luxembourg lawmakers are expected to vote on a marijuana legalization bill on Wednesday.
Germany’s government is expected to submit a draft marijuana legalization law to the cabinet by mid-August.
Australian psychiatrists will be able to apply to become authorized prescribers of MDMA and psilocybin starting on Saturday.
The Canada Border Services Agency issued a holiday travel reminder not to take cannabis over the border.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “a majority (>86%) of all studies has shown potential in CBD as a treatment for skin diseases.“
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies and its for-profit subsidiary MAPS Public Benefit Corp. have differing policies on drug use by on-the-clock employees, with the executive director of the former calling the latter’s more restrictive stance “timid and risk-averse.”
/ BUSINESS
TerrAscend Corp. is acquiring Hempaid, LLC.
The auction of Evermore Cannabis’s assets was halted by a Maryland court.
Würk has a new chief operating officer.
/ CULTURE
Elon Musk tweeted, “Depression is overdiagnosed in the US, but for some people it really is a brain chemistry issue. But zombifying people with SSRIs for sure happens way too much. From what I’ve seen with friends, ketamine taken occasionally is a better option.”
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