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GOP senator says cannabis firms aid coronavirus response (Newsletter: March 26, 2020)

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Mayor accidentally posts pic of marijuana vape?; OR psilocybin campaign hits COVID snag; NORML builds database of politician legalization positions

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) took to the Senate floor to talk about how Colorado marijuana and hemp companies are stepping up to help with the coronavirus response.

Raleigh, North Carolina Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin (D) appeared to  inadvertently tweet a picture of a marijuana vape pen alongside a large take-out order of Indian food she shared with friends.

Oregon’s campaign to legalize psilocybin mushrooms for therapeutic use is the latest drug policy reform effort to hit a snag amid the coronavirus pandemic. Activists have collected more than the required number of raw signatures but still want about 15,000 more to ensure a sufficient number of valid submissions and are working with state officials to “find responsible ways” to mail ballot petitions to potential supporters.

NORML is asking for help building out its database of where politicians stand on marijuana. If you know what your representatives have said about cannabis or how they’ve voted on reform bills, you can submit that info for other voters to see.

/ FEDERAL

Libertarian presidential candidate Lincoln Chafee, a former U.S. senator and Rhode Island governor, posted on Facebook, “Donald Trump does not support legalization. Joe Biden does not support legalization. I support legalization, because I support jobs and industry. 2020 is going to be the roughest for us in years for our economy. Marijuana legalization can provide a stable job source for our economy going forward to help younger people get employed. I will make it happen!”

Sens. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Patty Murray (D-WA) said that marijuana businesses should be eligible for coronavirus-related disaster aid.

/ STATES

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis’s (D) coronavirus stay-at-home order exempts medical cannabis dispensaries (and curbside marijuana delivery) as critical businesses.

Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s (D) coronavirus order temporarily closing many businesses exempts medical cannabis dispensaries and cultivation centers as essential.

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert (R) signed a bill amending medical cannabis rules. Meanwhile, the state’s top medical marijuana regulator said patients can still buy their medicine from approved pharmacies during the coronavirus pandemic.

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) issued an executive order allowing doctors to issue medical cannabis recommendations via telemedicine, extending patient renewal deadlines and loosening some restrictions on businesses amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee (D) signed a proclamation letting regulators defer taxes and waive penalties for marijuana businesses amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Michigan regulators are allowing people to purchase marijuana using expired drivers licenses or government-issued identification cards because they cannot process renewals during the coronavirus outbreak.

Rhode Island regulators are directing medical cannabis patients and caregivers to email their documents amid the coronavirus outbreak instead of physically going to a state office as previously required.

Oregon regulators proposed rules on sampling marijuana products to determine whether they contain undisclosed ingredients or additives.

The California Legislative Analyst’s Office released an overview of cannabis-related budget provisions.

Alaska regulators hosted a Facebook Live chat to explain new hemp rules.


Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,000 cannabis 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.

/ LOCAL

Juneau, Alaska’s coronavirus stay-at-home order exempts marijuana businesses.

A Los Angeles, California city councilman is being sued by a former staff member who alleges he demanded political donations and cash bribes in exchange for helping marijuana businesses secure licenses.

/ INTERNATIONAL

The Australian Senate Community Affairs References Committee published a report on barriers to patient access to medical cannabis.

Here’s a look at Macedonian lawmakers’ delays in expected passage of an amendment allowing medical cannabis flower exports.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found support for the “medicinal potential of CBN in anti-cancer therapy.

A study found that “[first-episode psychosis] patients with a history of daily use of high-potency cannabis present with more positive and less negative symptoms, compared with those who never used cannabis or used low-potency types.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

Anti-marijuana author Alex Berenson suggested in a Fox News appearance that there is a correlation between places with the most cannabis use and coronavirus cases.

The Alaska Marijuana Industry Association is calling on Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) to maintain legal marijuana access during the coronavirus outbreak.

/ BUSINESS

MedMen Enterprises Inc. announced a new member of its board of directors and the resignation of another member.

Third Wave Farms is asking a federal court to void its contract with Oregon LLC Pure Valley Solutions because it says the coronavirus pandemic has made it impossible to uphold the terms of the deal.

/ CULTURE

A UFC victory by Journey Newson has been overturned due to a positive marijuana test.

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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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