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German cannabis plan approved by cabinet (Newsletter: August 17, 2023)
OH legalization gets ballot spot; CA psychedelics; Marijuana cuts diabetes risk; Regulators pushed on standard cannabis symbol; Drug war repair grants
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Ohio’s secretary of state confirmed that activists collected enough valid signatures to put a marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot.
Germany’s cabinet approved the first part of the federal government’s marijuana legalization plan. It next heads to the Bundestag, where lawmakers will officially vote to enact the reform.
The California Assembly Appropriations Committee advanced a bill to legalize possession of certain psychedelics to the panel’s suspense file—a key procedural step that puts the Senate-passed legislation just one stage away from an Assembly floor vote.
The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development is accepting applications for $48 million in marijuana tax-funded community reinvestment grants to help repair the damage of the war on drugs.
Doctors for Cannabis Regulation, Marijuana Policy Project, NORML, National Cannabis Industry Association and other groups sent a letter calling on regulators to adopt a universal symbol for marijuana products to promote safety and facilitate interstate commerce.
Marijuana use provides a “protective effect” against developing type 2 diabetes, a new scientific analysis suggests.
- “The odds of developing T2DM in individuals exposed to cannabis was 0.48 times lower than in those without cannabis exposure.”
New Jersey Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner approved a rule change barring judicial staff from taking outside employment in the marijuana industry.
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission is facing another lawsuit over its business licensing process, this one alleging that members broke the state’s Open Meetings Act when nominating companies for approval.
/ FEDERAL
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration published a new 2023-2026 Strategic Plan.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) tweeted photos of herself visiting a hemp farm, saying, “We need to make sure our farms get the support and resources they need so they — and the communities they support — can thrive.”
The House bill to create a Department of Defense psychedelics research grant program got one new cosponsor for a total of 14.
/ STATES
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (D) tweeted, “Three out of the four states surrounding Kansas have legalized medical marijuana. Legalizing medical marijuana would boost our economy and provide relief to Kansans suffering with severe illnesses.”
New Hampshire’s Senate president appointed members to a commission that will craft proposed legislation to legalize marijuana through a system of state-run stores.
New York’s Assembly speaker said it is unlikely lawmakers will convene a special session to address marijuana business licensing issues.
North Dakota regulators filed changes to medical cannabis rules.
Florida regulators’ decision to deny a medical cannabis license to a business owned by a Black farmer who died is being challenged by his family.
Michigan regulators published a monthly report on disciplinary actions taken against marijuana businesses.
The Colorado Retail Marijuana Public Health Advisory Committee will meet on Monday.
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/ INTERNATIONAL
Ugandan government agencies are offering differing perspectives on marijuana legislation.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “oral CBD does not attenuate cognitive symptoms of anxiety (i.e., worry), following both acute and repeated administration” but that “some evidence for repeated administration of 300mg on physical symptoms of anxiety was obtained,” indicating that “CBD’s modest anxiolytic effects may be specific to the physical aspects of anxious arousal.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The U.S. Hemp Roundtable submitted comments to congressional committees about potential CBD regulations.
/ BUSINESS
Cresco Labs Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $197.9 million and a net loss of $43.5 million.
4Front Ventures Corp. reported quarterly revenue of $30.7 million and a net loss of $11.5 million.
TILT Holdings is ending its partnerships with social equity brands and with the New York Shinnecock Nation.
Colorado retailers sold $131.3 million worth of legal marijuana products in June.
Missouri retailers sold $123.2 million worth of legal marijuana products in July.
/ CULTURE
Melissa Etheridge discussed her use of cannabis and psychedelics.
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