Newsletter
GOP congressman presses DEA for cannabis details (Newsletter: August 25, 2023)
OH legalization ballot language approved; Hemp report; NC medical marijuana appointment; NYC cannabis revenue; High-THC for neuropathy
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) sent a letter pressing Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator Anne Milgram for an update on the timeline for a federal marijuana scheduling review and asking her to provide a copy of a letter she previously said President Joe Biden sent to initiate the process.
The Ohio Ballot Board finalized ballot language for a marijuana legalization initiative that will appear before voters in November.
A new Congressional Research Service report examines challenges facing the hemp industry as lawmakers work to craft a regulatory framework for CBD amid ongoing inaction by the Food and Drug Administration.
North Carolina lawmakers enacted legislation appointing the first member of the Medical Cannabis Production Commission—but that body won’t even exist until the House of Representatives stops stalling consideration of a Senate-passed legalization bill.
New York City’s government-funded Independent Budget Office published a report projecting that the city could see marijuana sales reach up to $1.2 billion annually, resulting in about $47 million in local tax revenue—but only if more dispensaries open and illicit sales are curbed.
A New Jersey administrative law judge ruled that the Jersey City Police Department must reinstate a second officer who was fired after testing positive for marijuana.
A new study conducted by NuggMD suggests that medical marijuana is as effective as opioids. Neuropathy patients “using high-THC cannabis found more significant pain relief,” it says—a finding that raises questions about prior research using lower-potency government-grown marijuana.
The Michigan Office of the Auditor General determined that the Cannabis Regulatory Agency needs to “improve its processes to ensure timely disciplinary action against licensees for identified violations.”
/ FEDERAL
A federal jury heard opening arguments in the case of a man who was filmed smoking marijuana in Sen. Jeff Merkley’s (D-OR) office on January 6, 2021.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture published a post about the establishment of the first conventional pesticide tolerance for hemp.
Sens. Angus King (I-ME) and Susan Collins (R-ME), along with Reps. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Jared Golden (D-ME), sent a letter asking Attorney General Merrick Garland to explain how the Department of Justice is addressing reports of Chinese-backed illegal marijuana operations in Maine.
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) issued a statement celebrating Minnesota’s legalization of marijuana.
/ STATES
A New York judge will hold another hearing in an ongoing lawsuit challenging the state’s marijuana business licensing processes on Friday.
Colorado regulators issued a revised health and safety advisory about marijuana products with potentially unsafe levels of yeast and mold.
Alabama’s top medical cannabis regulator said it’s hard to predict when dispensaries might open.
California regulators are modifying proposed rules on track and trace requirements for delivery of cannabis goods.
Washington State regulators are accepting public comments on proposed rules concerning accreditation of cannabis laboratories through Friday.
New Jersey regulators are accepting public comments on proposed rules concerning cannabis clinical registrants.
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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
The Littleton, Colorado City Council delayed a decision on whether to place a measure to increase marijuana sales taxes on the November ballot.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The Bahamian prime minister, attorney general and health minister are discussing marijuana legislation that is expected to be debated by lawmakers this year.
The Philippine health secretary acknowledged the medical benefits of cannabis.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study of mice suggested that”CBD and CBG as therapeutic agents that can replace NSAIDs in managing post-fracture pain as both cannabinoids exert potent analgesic effects and, at the same time, promote bone healing.”
A review concluded that psilocybin is “an effective treatment for major depressive disorder in adults.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll of Oregonians found that 56 percent want to fully repeal the state’s voter-approved drug decriminalization law and that 64 percent want to repeal parts of it.
The Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party released a line of marijuana legalization-themed merchandise.
The ACLU of Maryland will host an event on understanding rights during police encounters under marijuana legalization on Saturday.
/ BUSINESS
POSaBIT Systems Corporation reported quarterly revenue of $13.5 million and a net loss of $1.8 million.
High Times has a new interim CEO.
Orange Photonics announced that the Food and Drug Administration will be utilizing its LightLab 3 High Sensitivity Cannabis Analyzer.
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