Newsletter
Fmr. MN gov wants to start cannabis brand (Newsletter: August 3, 2023)
MA psychedelics ballot initiatives; Forest Service on marijuana use; MD cannabis sales
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A federal handbook published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology is getting new cannabis-focused sections with recommendations on packaging, labeling and storage practices following a National Conference of Weights and Measures vote.
Massachusetts activists filed two psychedelics legalization initiatives for the 2024 ballot.
Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura says he wants to be the “first major politician in America” to launch his own line of branded marijuana products as his state rolls out its new legalization law.
- “We’ve always been a great farm state. There is no doubt Minnesota can produce corn, we can produce wheat—we can also produce the best cannabis in the world too. There’s no doubt we can do that also.”
The U.S. Forest Service posted a reminder that Minnesota’s new marijuana legalization law does not mean people can possess or use cannabis at national forests in the state—and it is recommending buying a map to know where you can and can’t indulge.
Minnesota’s first legal marijuana store—run by the Red Lake Nation Indian tribe—is seeing so much demand that it has had to turn away customers at the door and take down online orders.
The Maryland Cannabis Administration reported that retailers sold $87.4 million worth of legal marijuana products during the first month of recreational legalization in July.
The former head of the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission says he intends to file a lawsuit claiming that Gov. Tina Kotek (D) ousted him from office at the behest of a marijuana business owner who donated to her and other Democratic politicians’ campaigns.
Rhode Island marijuana industry workers are stepping up the push for unionization.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Supreme Court is being asked to take up cases from California cannabis farmers who say that they were denied cultivation permits by corrupt officials and who allege that state officials are ignoring abuse by police and prosecutors.
Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) tweeted, “Thank you @SenatorHick for introducing the Senate companion to my PREPARE Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation is an important first step for the federal government toward commonsense cannabis reform.”
/ STATES
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s (D) office said 150 people have applied to be the head of the Office of Cannabis Management. Separately, the senator who sponsored the successful legalization bill discussed provisions that create a new community reinvestment program, calling it “a form of reparation.”
The Oklahoma Supreme Court’s chief justice heard arguments in a lawsuit challenging increased medical cannabis business licensing fees.
Kentucky regulators filed rules on hemp-derived cannabinoid products.
New Mexico regulators are asking a court to order a marijuana business to halt operations over allegations it illegally sold out-of-state cannabis and made extracts without proper permits.
Montana regulators published guidance on marijuana industry trade shows, concentrates, advertising, taxes and other issues.
Colorado regulators published a compliance tip about zero and negative quantity marijuana packages remaining unfinished in the inventory tracking system.
The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission will meet on Thursday.
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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.
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/ LOCAL
Minneapolis, Minnesota’s mayor issued a proclamation declaring Tuesday to be Cannabis Legalization Day. He also discussed his plans for marijuana in the city.
The East Grand Forks, Minnesota City Council is considering a proposal to ban public marijuana use.
Oakland, California’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission will meet on Thursday.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Albanian lawmakers approved a hemp bill.
The Philippine House Committees on Health and on Dangerous Drugs formed a working group to consider medical cannabis legislation.
A Bahamian judge ruled that potential religious exemptions to marijuana laws are up to lawmakers to decide.
A New South Wales, Australia lawmaker authored an op-ed arguing that it’s time to consider legalizing cocaine.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “preliminary studies show that [cannabis and cannabinoid therapies] have evidence for the management of migraine.”
A study found that “legalization with store and product restrictions does not increase [emergency department] visits for cannabis-induced psychosis” but that “cannabis commercialization may increase cannabis-induced psychosis presentations.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
Mycologist Paul Stamets is supporting a proposed California ballot measure to create a $5 billion state psychedelics research institute.
Moody’s Investors Service published a report about the revenue potential of changes to marijuana tax laws.
/ BUSINESS
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company’s cannabis-focused Hawthorne unit reported $154.5 million in quarterly sales.
Sunnyside workers in Elmwood Park, Illinois voted to join Teamsters Local 777.
4Front Ventures Corp. announced executive team compensation details and signed an agreement for an extension of senior secured debt.
RAW Rolling Papers made a $100,000 donation to The JUSTÜS Foundation, which is dedicated to facilitating the entry of legacy marijuana operators to the legal cannabis market.
New Mexico retailers sold more than $34 million worth of recreational marijuana products in July.
/ CULTURE
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones noted the “laid back” attitude and prevalent smiles in California, saying, “Now, it may be something that’s in the air, too. The weed out here has a lot going on.’
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