Newsletter
Florida cannabis potency cap dead (Newsletter: February 28, 2024)
VA legal sales compromise imperiled; NH senators sour on legalization bill; AK psychedelics poll; THCV study; CA market problems op-ed
Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day.
Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible…
Hold on, just one second before you read today’s news. Have you thought about giving some financial support to Marijuana Moment? If so, today would be a great day to contribute. We’re planning our reporting for the coming months and it would really help to know what kind of support we can count on.
Check us out on Patreon and sign up to give $25/month today:
https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment
/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Amendments adopted by the Virginia Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee could blow up a bicameral compromise on legislation to legalize recreational marijuana sales.
New Hampshire senators said they will not support a House-passed bill to legalize marijuana unless it is amended to include state-control of the cannabis market, though the representative sponsoring the legislation says that model wouldn’t be workable.
A Florida bill to preemptively cap THC potency on recreational marijuana in case voters approve a legalization initiative in November is dead for the session, its sponsor says.
A new poll found that most Alaska voters would support a ballot initiative to remove criminal penalties for psychedelics—a result that comes as lawmakers consider legislation to create a task force to issue recommendations on licensing for therapeutic access.
A new double-blind study found that the lesser-known cannabinoid THCV “significantly increased energy, activity, motivation and well-being compared to placebo”—without the fatigue and “munchies” associated with marijuana’s more prominent delta-9 THC compound.
A new case study suggests that cannabis therapy “may be a viable alternative or complementary therapy” for dogs suffering from the common skin disease discoid lupus erythematosus—”particularly for those experiencing adverse effects from conventional treatments.”
Hirsh Jain of Ananda Strategy authored a new Marijuana Moment op-ed arguing that California regulators’ new cannabis dashboard reveals that the legal market is “much smaller and weaker than we thought”—and that the state data itself contains errors.
The South Dakota Senate passed a version of a bill to ban intoxicating hemp-derived products that is stricter than an iteration that was approved by the House of Representatives.
/ FEDERAL
Democratic presidential candidate Marianne Williamson spoke at a psychedelics event in Michigan.
The Drug Enforcement Administration sent a letter to e-commerce companies regarding the sale of pill presses that are sometimes used to make fentanyl pills.
Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) tweeted, “Opponents are attempting to derail the Biden administration’s review of marijuana’s Schedule I status by claiming that rescheduling marijuana would violate U.S. treaty obligations. I sent a letter to @DEAHQ urging them to reject these meritless arguments.”
/ STATES
The South Dakota House Health and Human Services Committee approved a bill to remove some legal protections from medical cannabis businesses. Separately, the House Local Government Committee approved legislation to clarify which governing bodies can license medical marijuana operators.
Oregon lawmakers are continuing to consider legislation to recriminalize drug possession.
Ohio regulators posted proposed marijuana rules for public comment.
Missouri regulators issued guidance on use of the terms, “sativa,” indica” or “hybrid” on marijuana packaging.
Colorado regulators updated the list of pesticides that can be used on cannabis.
Delaware’s top marijuana regulator gave a presentation to the Georgetown Town Council about steps to implement legalization.
Tennessee regulators posted slides from a webinar on taxation of hemp-based cannabinoid products.
Michigan regulators will host an event on the marijuana business licensing process on Thursday.
Washington State regulators will host stakeholder sessions next month on medical cannabis endorsements rulemaking.
—
Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,000 cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy 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
Multnomah County, Oregon’s district attorney is endorsing state legislation to recriminalize drug possession.
The Pueblo, Colorado City Council is moving forward with a proposal to reinstate a local marijuana excise tax.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Pakistan President Arif Alvi approved the promulgation of cannabis rules.
The German Christian Social Union is considering taking legal action to try to block the government’s marijuana legalization legislation that was approved by the Bundestag from taking effect without approval from the separate Bundesrat.
Irish lawmakers debated a proposed ban on the cannabinoid HHC.
Canadian regulators are moving forward with a plan to garnish cash from marijuana businesses that are delinquent on taxes.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “cannabinoids exhibit potential as a disease-modifying treatment [for multiple sclerosis] rather than merely symptomatic relief.”
A review suggested that “psilocybin may induce a positive feedback loop involving empathy and prosocial behavior which helps explain the observed, enduring antidepressant effects.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The American Council on Science and Health published a podcast about the risks and benefits of legalizing marijuana.
/ BUSINESS
Nabis is acquiring Blackbird.
Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $79.2 million.
Tyler Technologies, Inc. signed an agreement with Kentucky regulators to provide licensing services for the state’s medical cannabis program.
/ CULTURE
Tennis player Casey Kania was suspended for two years after testing positive for marijuana.
Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox.
