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GOP congressman visits cannabis store with busload of senior citizens (Newsletter: Oct. 17, 2018)

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Dem’s memo on passing marijuana bills in 2019; ND legalization oppo outraises supporters; Senator congratulates Canada on legalization

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  • Chris Hager: “As an attorney representing people victimized by civil rights violations at work and outside of work, I am certain that the legalization of marijuana will continue to challenge our society’s norms and progress. I look to use my legal skills and commitment to representing people to further that crucial progress. I look forward to seeing your newsletter and updates.”

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) issued a memo to his party’s leadership laying out a step-by-step process for how they can pass marijuana legislation in 2019 should they control one or both chambers of Congress.

The congressman is also filing legislation addressing border-related cannabis issues in light of Canada’s legalization law going into effect on Wednesday.

In less than a week, the Food and Drug Administration has already received more than 2,000 submissions in response to its request for cannabis rescheduling comments. Marijuana Moment compiled some of the best (and worst).

New North Dakota campaign finance filings show that supporters of the state’s marijuana legalization ballot measure are being heavily outraised by prohibitionists.

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) issued a statement celebrating Canada’s marijuana legalization policy going into effect.

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) took time to accompany a literal busload of senior citizens on their trip to a marijuana dispensary.

/ FEDERAL

A Customs and Border Protection official said that a Canadian move to grant pardons for past marijuana offenses wouldn’t necessarily shield those individuals from being denied entry into the U.S.

The head of the U.S. Consulate in Calgary met with local business leaders to discuss Canada’s legalization of marijuana.

The National Transportation Safety Board is calling on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to develop standards for devices police can use  test drivers for drug impairment on the roadside.

Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) tweeted, “Reason #6 why you should vote: to decriminalize marijuana at the federal level. Too many lives have been ruined because of our regressive policies.”

Rep. Dan Donovan (R) and Democratic challenger Max Rose debated marijuana policy reform.

Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA) said he’s hopeful for the prospects of marijuana law reform if Democrats take control of Congress.

/ STATES

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder (R) signed legislation prohibiting marijuana-infused alcoholic beverages.

New Mexico gubernatorial candidates debated marijuana policy reform.

Rhode Island regulators added autism spectrum disorders as medical cannabis qualifying conditions.

Four New York Assembly committees held a joint hearing on marijuana legalization.

Vermont’s Opioid Coordination Council said it is “virtually impossible” to open a safe injection site for illegal drug consumers due to legal obstacles.

Louisiana’s first medical cannabis crop is being harvested this week.

Utah Democratic lawmakers will hold a town hall meeting on medical cannabis next week.

Ohio regulators extended the deadline for medical cannabis processor license applicants to submit clarifications on their plans.

Arkansas regulators met to discuss scoring of medical cannabis dispensary license applications and a change in ownership by a cultivation licensee.

Guam regulators made medical cannabis license applications available.

Kentucky regulators held an informational session about applying for industrial hemp licenses.

/ LOCAL

Chicago, Illinois Democratic mayoral candidate Paul Vallas said the city should demand half of the tax revenue from any marijuana sales in city after legalization.

/ INTERNATIONAL

The Canadian government will launch a process to grant pardons to people with past convictions for simple possession of marijuana under 30 grams. Separately, a former Canadian army captain who was in the U.S. waiting to get a green card after marrying an American woman has spent the past 75 days detained because of a decades-old marijuana conviction for which he was pardoned in Canada.

A Thai lawmaker said that the vast majority of members of the public who have weighed in on potential marijuana legislation support reform.

/ ADVOCACY

The Michigan Republican Party criticized Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gretchen Whitmer for supporting marijuana legalization and greater restrictions on tobacco.

The Democratic Party of New Mexico tweeted, “It’s important to remember that this future billion dollar industry was opposed by Republicans like Susana Martinez because they couldn’t understand the difference between hemp and marijuana.”

The Marijuana Policy Project published new voter guides for Illinois, South Carolina and Vermont.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

Almost half of the most popular hip-hop and R & B music videos depict marijuana or tobacco consumption, a new study found.

/ OPINION & ANALYSIS

A poll found that Utah voters narrowly support the state’s medical cannabis ballot measure, 51%-45%.

A poll found that U.S. likely voters support drug testing lawmakers in their state, 65%-26%.

/ BUSINESS

Terra Tech placed ads in the Wall Street Journal and on Fox & Friends urging President Trump to support marijuana reform.

Acreage Holdings is adding former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney to its board of directors.

The CEO of Starbucks Corp. said the company has no plans to enter the marijuana industry.

Poynter looks at parts of the marijuana media landscape.

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Tom Angell is the editor of Marijuana Moment. A 20-year veteran in the cannabis law reform movement, he covers the policy and politics of marijuana. Separately, he founded the nonprofit Marijuana Majority. Previously he reported for Marijuana.com and MassRoots, and handled media relations and campaigns for Law Enforcement Against Prohibition and Students for Sensible Drug Policy.

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