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GOP senator to press DEA on cannabis exemption (Newsletter: August 18, 2021)

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Poll: Half of US adults have used marijuana; Ann Arbor declares psychedelics awareness month; SCOTUS comments cited in cannabis prisoner’s release bid

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA)—a longtime opponent of marijuana legalization—now says he will press the Drug Enforcement Administration about a federal exemption for Iowa’s medical cannabis program that state officials and activists are seeking.

Nearly half of American adults have now tried marijuana, according to a new Gallup poll. When it comes to active cannabis use, “nearly as many Americans today say they smoke marijuana as say they smoke cigarettes.”

The Ann Arbor, Michigan City Council unanimously passed a resolution declaring September as Entheogenic Plants and Fungi Awareness Month. The move comes almost a year after the body voted to decriminalize psychedelics in the city.

Attorneys for Luke Scarmazzo—who’s serving time in federal prison for state-legal medical cannabis activity—are citing Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’s recent criticism of marijuana policy to bolster his case for compassionate release.

/ FEDERAL

The Food and Drug Administration is allowing more time for public comments about the U.S. government’s position on the international scheduling of kratom following a lawsuit from advocates.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) wrote about his support for federal marijuana reform in a constituent letter.

/ STATES

An Illinois judge said it’s “very possible” that the state’s marijuana business licensing process will have to be redone due to legal challenges.

Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Advisory Board rejected requests to add traumatic brain injury, hepatitis, hepatitis C, chronic insomnia and major depressive disorder as medical cannabis qualifying conditions.

Florida regulators’ move to stop medical cannabis dispensaries from using pre-order services is being challenged by Leafly Holdings.

Michigan regulators posted information about CBD.

California officials will soon be accepting applications for marijuana revenue-funded community reinvestment grants.

South Dakota regulators will hold a public hearing on medical cannabis rules on Wednesday.

Iowa regulators will discuss the medical cannabis program on Friday.

West Virginia regulators will host a second medical cannabis patient sign-up event on August 25.


Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,200 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.

Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.

/ LOCAL

The Knoxville, Tennessee district attorney is being asked to investigate a City Council candidate who promoted discounts at a cannabis store for anyone who shows their voting sticker.

The Rapid City, South Dakota City Council gave initial approval to an ordinance prohibiting smoking marijuana in public.

Humboldt County, California launched a $2 million equity program to help people enter and succeed in the marijuana industry.

Denver, Colorado officials will host a marijuana delivery FAQ session on August 27.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found “significant improvement in [health-related quality of life] among patients using [medical marijuana] for pain.”

A review concluded that “most of the selected studies showed significant correlation between psilocybin and DMT use and reduction in depression symptom intensity.”

/ BUSINESS

Tilray, Inc. acquired the majority of outstanding senior secured convertible notes of MedMen Enterprises Inc. that were originally held by funds affiliated with Gotham Green Partners, LLC.

MedMen Enterprises Inc. raised $100 million selling units of the company to investors.

Cresco Labs is acquiring the Baltimore, Maryland dispensary Blair Wellness, LLC.

Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. acquired a property in Hancock, Maryland and entered into a long-term lease with a subsidiary of Harvest Health & Recreation Inc.

TILT Holdings Inc. is upgrading its public listing to the NEO Exchange.

The operator of Oklahoma medical cannabis businesses Cannabless pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection with a scheme to open a bank account under false pretenses to launder proceeds from marijuana sales.

A federal judge granted class certification to Trulieve workers and job applicants who claim the company illegally fired them or pulled employment offers based on consumer reports.

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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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