Newsletter
Former DEA heads oppose cannabis rescheduling (Newsletter: October 16, 2023)
GOP sponsor: delay marijuana banking vote; German cannabis timeline; Williamson: Cover psychedelic therapy; OH legalization repeal plan; NJ smell poll
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Former Drug Enforcement Administration administrators and White House drug czars sent a letter warning the Biden administration that rescheduling marijuana “would supersize the cannabis industry”—but they also made a questionable claim about potential penalty changes under Schedule III.
Lead GOP marijuana banking bill cosponsor Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) said he’s working to delay a Senate floor vote until there are assurances the legislation can pass the Republican-controlled House, according to a cannabis financing executive who spoke with the senator.
Germany’s Bundestag postponed Friday’s planned initial debate on the government’s marijuana legalization bill due to the conflict in Israel—but lawmakers say the cannabis legislation is on track to still be enacted by early next year.
Democratic presidential candidate Marianne Williamson’s new mental healthcare plan says the federal government should “fully legalize” psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and cover costs for patients within a universal healthcare system.
Ohio’s Senate president said that if voters approve a marijuana legalization initiative on the November 7 ballot, he’ll push for “reviewing it and repealing things or changing things that are in it.”
A new poll shows that New Jersey residents believe the right to use legal marijuana in one’s own home is more important than neighbors’ right not to have to smell that cannabis.
The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation reports that retailers sold a record-high $7.1 million worth of recreational marijuana products in September—but medical cannabis purchases hit a new low since the launch of the adult-use market.
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission approved new marijuana business application and licensing rules amid several lawsuits from companies that are challenging regulators’ prior award processes.
/ FEDERAL
National Institute on Drug Abuse Director Nora Volkow wrote in a blog post that “cannabis use is associated with cognitive deficits, motivation problems, and perceptual distortions, as well as increased risk for workplace injuries and accidents.”
The House marijuana banking bill got one new cosponsor for a total of 84.
/ STATES
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) discussed medical cannabis in a meeting with conservative voters.
Ohio’s attorney general authored an op-ed explaining why he published explanations of marijuana and abortion initiatives on the November ballot.
Wisconsin’s Senate minority leader spoke about public support for marijuana legalization.
An Indiana senator attended a town hall meeting about marijuana legalization.
The Georgia Court of Appeals upheld lower court decisions to dismiss lawsuits from companies that were denied medical cannabis business licenses.
A Maryland judge placed a preliminary injunction on rules that restrict the sale of some hemp-derived products.
Missouri regulators published ownership guidance for marijuana microbusinesses.
Michigan regulators published a monthly report on disciplinary actions against marijuana businesses.
The Arkansas Legislative Council’s Medical Marijuana Subcommittee will meet on Monday.
New York marijuana regulators will meet on Tuesday.
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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.
Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
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/ LOCAL
McHenry County, Illinois’s state’s attorney responded to current and former state lawmakers who criticized his efforts to force marijuana dispensaries to post mental health warnings.
/ INTERNATIONAL
European Parliament members will host an event on psychedelics on November 6.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study of rats suggested that “CBD can improve topiramate-induced memory impairment.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Cleveland Plain Dealer editorial board is urging voters to support the marijuana legalization initiative on the November 7 ballot.
/ BUSINESS
Trulieve Cannabis Corp. filed amended federal tax returns that claim a refund of $143 million from taxes paid that the company believes it does not owe due to legal interpretations of the 280E provision.
Transamerica Life Insurance Co. is being sued over a refusal to pay death benefits due to an alleged omission of information about marijuana use on the coverage application.
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