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Harris unveils cannabis legalization plan (Newsletter: October 15, 2024)

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SCOTUS CBD drug test case; PA voters back legalization; Group backed by Musk donates to FL anti-marijuana campaign; Cannabis & seniors’ mental health

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Vice President Kamala Harris rolled out a plan to make federal marijuana legalization “the law of the land” and to ensure that “Black men—who have, for years, been overpoliced for marijuana use—are able to access wealth and jobs in this new market” as a “national cannabis industry takes shape.”

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on Tuesday in the case of a truck driver who sued a cannabis company after he was fired over a positive drug test that he says was caused by consuming a hemp-derived CBD product falsely advertised as having “0% THC.”

New polling shows that bipartisan majorities of Pennsylvania voters in key GOP-controlled districts support legalizing marijuana, and that they believe that enacting the reform before the end of the year is crucial to stimulate economic growth.

A group that’s been supported by Elon Musk made a $500,000 donation to a committee focused on defeating the marijuana legalization initiative on Florida’s November ballot. Meanwhile the pro-legalization campaign has exceeded $100 million in donations as a new poll shows the measure falling short of passage.

A new study found that legal availability of medical marijuana “improved self-reported mental health among people aged 65 years and older.”

  • Medical cannabis has “considerable mental health benefits for older adults” and “pain relief is the likely mechanism through which medical cannabis availability reduces poor mental health days among older adults.”

A Nebraska judge said a lawsuit challenging the validity of signatures for two medical cannabis legalization initiatives on the November ballot may not be resolved until after Election Day.

/ FEDERAL

A former Drug Enforcement Administration agent was convicted of conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) said he’s hopeful there is a path forward for marijuana banking legislation.

Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA) posted on Twitter about the anniversary of President Ronald Reagan declaring “illicit drugs a significant threat to U.S. national security.”

Former Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) said marijuana banking legislation he used to sponsor is eventually “going to get done.”

/ STATES

North Dakota gubernatorial candidates spoke about the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot during a debate.

North Carolina House candidates discussed their views on marijuana policy.

The Florida marijuana legalization campaign released a new ad reminding voters that public cannabis smoking is already illegal.

California regulators announced a recall of marijuana products that are potentially prohibited, adulterated and misbranded.

Washington State regulators are considering changing rules on acceptable forms of ID to purchase cannabis.

Illinois regulators are advancing changes to hemp rules.

Michigan regulators published a monthly report on disciplinary actions taken against marijuana businesses.

Missouri regulators published an annual report about the state’s marijuana programs.

Oregon regulators are investigating a fatal incident at a marijuana business.


Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,500 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

Easthampton, Massachusetts’s mayor discussed her support for the psychedelics legalization initiative on the state’s November ballot.

/ INTERNATIONAL

The Philippine Department of Justice announced it will begin a preliminary investigation into killings in the nation’s bloody “war on drugs.”

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that “CBD inhibits oral cancer growth by causing DNA damage.”

A study found that “psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy improves psychiatric symptoms across multiple dimensions in patients with cancer.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Florida Chamber of Commerce launched a new website about its opposition to the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot.

/ BUSINESS

Former employees of Higher Level in Fresno, California are suing over alleged wrongful termination.

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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.

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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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