Newsletter
Harris dodges question on Gabbard cannabis prosecution criticism (Newsletter: August 2, 2019)
Lawmakers press FDA on CBD regs; Orgs want quick vote on marijuana bill; TX stops cannabis arrests; ACLU highlights cannabis-drive family separations
Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day.
Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible…
By starting a $10 per month pledge on Patreon—or about 45 cents per issue of this newsletter—you can help us rely less on ads to cover our expenses, hire more journalists and bring you even more marijuana news.
https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment
/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
More than 100 organizations—including NAACP, ACLU and Human Rights Watch—are calling on Congress to quickly pass Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler’s (D-NY) bill to deschedule marijuana and fund programs to repair the harms of the war on drugs.
Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) refused during a post-debate interview to respond to questions about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s (D-HI) pointed criticism of her marijuana record.
- “This is going to sound immodest, but I’m obviously a top-tier candidate… I can only take what she says and her opinion so seriously.”
Five members of the House Small Business Committee sent a letter urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Food and Drug Administration to move quickly on CBD regulations and issue enforcement guidance “no later than September 30, 2019 so that businesses around the country are provided with clarity and understanding.”
A Texas Department of Public Safety memo is directing officers to stop arresting people for marijuana possession in light of confusion created by the state’s new hemp law. People found with cannabis are still asked to appear in court, however.
A federal court filing from ACLU highlights cases of immigrant children separated from their families solely because of a parent’s marijuana possession conviction.
/ FEDERAL
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Center for Substance Abuse Prevention National Advisory Council will discuss marijuana at a meeting on August 21.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), a presidential candidate, tweeted, “Our criminal justice system benefits the rich and punishes the poor. This is why I’ve introduced legislation like the ‘Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act.'”
The reelection campaign of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) touted his successful efforts to legalize hemp.
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) tweeted, “We have a real chance to right the wrongs of the failed War on Drugs. As Co-Chair of the Cannabis Caucus, I’ll fight to make sure everyone has a fair shot – especially communities of color who have been harmed the most by US drug laws.”
Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI) tweeted, “Losing financial aid can be devastating and often determines whether one can remain in school. A marijuana conviction shouldn’t jeopardize a students’ future or access to educational opportunity.”
The Senate bill to remove barriers to marijuana research got one new cosponsor, for a total of 10.
The House bill to deschedule marijuana and provide funding for programs to repair the harms of the drug war got two new cosponsors, for a total of 32.
The House bill to require the Department of Veterans Affairs to study medical cannabis got three new cosponsors, for a total of 75.
/ STATES
Louisiana regulators announced that medical cannabis products cleared testing and are available for immediate release to pharmacies.
Illinois regulators released guidance on banking for hemp businesses.
Tennessee’s state pension fund invested in a marijuana company.
Alaska regulators proposed changes to rules on marijuana violation fine schedules, handler permit revocation, overlapping premises and testing oversight.
An Indiana representative predicted that cannabis will be a primary issue of focus during the next session.
A Colorado law allowing medical cannabis for any condition for which an opioid can be prescribed takes effect on Friday.
The Massachusetts Cannabis Study Group will meet on Monday.
Michigan regulators published a marijuana licensing report.
—
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
Voters in three Michigan municipalities will decide whether to allow local marijuana businesses on Tuesday.
A Tallahassee, Florida city commissioner is calling for marijuana decriminalization.
The Harris County, Texas judge created a diversion program to largely avoid marijuana possession arrests of juveniles.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The Canadian government is now accepting applications to pardon marijuana possession convictions.
Australia’s government is acting to remove red tape from the medical cannabis approvals process.
Thailand’s government plans to distribute about 10,000 bottles of medical cannabis oil next week for hospital patients.
Colombia is the second biggest destination for cannabis-related greenfield foreign investment following the U.S.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study confirmed that “cannabis principally influences the motivational factors that lead to the initiation of eating and the hedonic factors implicated in maintaining eating.”
A study found that “treatment with JW-1, an antioxidant compound found in soybeans, eliminated the effects of THC exposure” on blood vessels.
/ BUSINESS
CannTrust Holdings Inc. is being investigated by the Ontario Securities Commission following revelations that it illegally grew marijuana in unlicensed rooms. The Schall Law Firm is also investigating the company on behalf of shareholders.
The CFO of HighTimes Holding resigned after just three months on the job.
Short selling on marijuana stocks is increasing.
Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox.
