Newsletter
GOP bill would ease cannabis & psilocybin research (Newsletter: December 22, 2021)
Fed official: State marijuana revenue can do good; Another city decrims psychedelics; IA legalization referendum; Medical cannabis guide for hospitals
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A top federal health official with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration spoke about how states can use legal marijuana revenue to help reduce youth use. He made the comments in a webinar hosted by prohibitionist group Smart Approaches to Marijuana.
A group of Republican House and Senate lawmakers filed legislation that would make it easier to study marijuana, psychedelics and other Schedule I drugs. The bills are mostly focused on fentanyl, but the research provisions would have broad implications.
Iowa Democratic senators announced a plan to put a marijuana legalization referendum on the ballot for voters to decide.
The Port Townsend, Washington City Council unanimously approved a psychedelics decriminalization resolution.
A St. Louis, Missouri alderman who sponsored a recently enacted local cannabis decriminalization policy said in response to Marijuana Moment’s question that he’s wary of pursuing broader psychedelics reform because of potential federal interference.
Americans for Safe Access launched a guide aimed at helping hospitals comply with a new California law that requires them to let certain patients use medical cannabis. The group says it will act as a “watchdog” to check against facilities that block access.
/ FEDERAL
The Department of Justice, in a policy reversal, said that people on home confinement will not have to return to federal prison following the end of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Veterans Health Administration tweeted, “While VA follows all federal laws regarding marijuana, Veteran participation in state marijuana programs does not affect eligibility for VA care and services. VA providers can discuss marijuana use with Veterans as part of comprehensive care planning.”
/ STATES
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) reiterated his concerns with pending medical cannabis legislation.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) tweeted, “Pennsylvanians have spoken, and they want to see us legalize recreational marijuana. I’m for it — I just want to be sure we also include measures to restore justice to those who have been harmed by the war on drugs. Legislators, let’s get this done for PA.”
North Carolina’s House majority whip said he’s in favor of a pending medical cannabis bill but has not done a vote count to see how much support it has in his chamber.
A North Carolina senator tweeted that the legislature accomplished some criminal justice reforms but still needs to adopt recommendations from a gubernatorial task force to decriminalize marijuana.
A Missouri representative spoke about his support for marijuana reform.
A Michigan judge denied regulators’ request to reconsider the scope of a marijuana product recall.
Vermont’s hemp plan received federal approval.
Louisiana regulators published amended hemp rules.
Oklahoma’s top medical cannabis regulator spoke about how revenues from the program are spent.
California regulators issued emergency rules waiving fees for marijuana social equity businesses.
Washington State regulators sent an update on transitioning to a new marijuana tracking system.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,300 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
Billings, Montana officials set fees for marijuana business licenses.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration issued a safety warning about THC levels in a hemp oil product.
Canadian retailers sold C$364.2 million worth of legal marijuana products in October.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study of rats suggested that “THC may be an effective analgesic to manage [neuropathic pain] in morphine-tolerant subjects.”
The University of Texas at Austin launched a new Center for Psychedelic Research and Therapy.
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Detroit Regional Chamber will host an event on funding for cannabis businesses on January 13.
/ BUSINESS
Organigram Holdings Inc. acquired Laurentian Organic Inc.
Missouri medical cannabis sales have exceeded $200 million since the program began.
/ CULTURE
Travel writer Rick Steves, who chairs NORML’s board, wrote a fundraising solicitation for the organization.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
