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GOP’s anti-cannabis report in Congress (Newsletter: March 26, 2024)
Census posts state marijuana data; HI legalization; UT & VT psychedelics; SAFER Banking poll; Cannabis terpene study; VA equity; MN drug decrim
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The House Republican Policy Committee published a new report calling marijuana a “gateway drug” that causes “violence, depression and suicide”—and specifically urging GOP lawmakers to oppose a cannabis banking bill.
The U.S. Census Bureau posted an updated map tracking state marijuana tax revenue, showing which markets had the greatest increases and decreases in cannabis earnings over the past quarter and where governments are most reliant on the industry to fund public services.
The Hawaii House of Representatives narrowly voted to advance a Senate-passed marijuana legalization bill to its final committee stop—with the Democratic majority whip urging lawmakers to defeat the legislation.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R) allowed a bill to create a pilot program for hospitals to administer psilocybin and MDMA as an alternative treatment option to become law without his signature.
The Vermont Senate Appropriations Committee approved a bill to create a Psychedelic Therapy Advisory Working Group to “examine the use of psychedelics to improve physical and mental health” and make recommendations for legal access.
A new poll commissioned by the American Bankers Association found that three in five U.S. adults want Congress to pass a marijuana banking bill.
A new federally funded marijuana study found that the citrusy-smelling terpene limonene “significantly reduced ratings of ‘anxious/nervous’ and ‘paranoid'” compared to consumers who vaped THC alone—demonstrating “the validity of the cannabis entourage effect.”
Virginia lawmakers passed a budget provision to transfer funds from the Office of Diversity, Opportunity and Inclusion to a cannabis business loan program in retaliation for Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) removing “equity” from the office’s name.
The Minnesota Senate Judiciary and Public Safety approved a bill to decriminalize possession of illicit drug residue.
/ FEDERAL
National Institute on Drug Abuse Director Nora Volkow said it is unlikely ibogaine will be approved as a treatment for opioid addiction.
A former Drug Enforcement Administration official complained that there is a “lack of interest by federal prosecutors to charge illicit marijuana cases.”
Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Tim Scott (R-SC) filed a resolution commemorating National Poison Prevention Week that cites “accidental edible cannabis ingestion” as a key issue.
Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) expressed concerns about Chinese-backed illegal marijuana operations in the U.S.
/ STATES
New York’s Assembly minority leader said the state’s marijuana program needs a “complete overhaul.”
A Pennsylvania representative said he doesn’t think marijuana legalization legislation will pass this year.
A Missouri senator and representative discussed psychedelics legislation they are sponsoring.
California regulators announced a mandatory recall of marijuana products due to the presence of aspergillus.
Texas regulators filed proposed rules on consumable hemp products.
Montana regulators adopted rules on marijuana packaging, labeling, wholesaling and advertising, and on manufacturing.
Kentucky regulators held a hearing on proposed medical cannabis rules.
The North Carolina Department of Justice posted several podcasts about hemp.
Vermont regulators will consider recommendations for marijuana business licensure on Wednesday.
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/ INTERNATIONAL
Germany’s finance minister spoke about the benefits of the government’s marijuana legalization plan. Separately, the health minister contrasted the country’s cannabis plan with the unregulated system of cannabis tolerance in the Netherlands.
Sri Lanka’s minister for indigenous medicine said rules on medical cannabis cultivation will be released soon.
Malawi lawmakers are considering legislation to allow cannabis cultivation.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “majority of participants viewed cannabis as a reasonable alternative (65.8%) and an effective (70.5%) treatment modality for symptom management in older adults.”
A review concluded that “psychedelics may have potential in alleviating pain symptoms secondary to a multitude of chronic pain conditions.”
/ BUSINESS
Auxly Cannabis Group Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of C$26.9 million and a net loss of C$54 million.
Standard Wellness Holdings, LLC is acquiring the Cannabist pharmacy in Springville, Utah.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
