Newsletter
Hemp legalization included in final Farm Bill (Newsletter: Nov. 30, 2018)
More banks working with marijuana businesses; Air Force warns about cannabis-infused foods; Rohrabacher touts marijuana work in farewell speech
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Hemp legalization language is included in the final conference report on the Farm Bill that will be voted on in Congress as soon as next week.
A report from the U.S. Treasury Department shows that the number of banks that are actively maintaining accounts for marijuana businesses has grown by nearly 20 percent since the beginning of this year.
The U.S. Air Force sent a memo to military members warning that “your friend’s grandma’s miracle sticky buns” might be infused with marijuana and could get them dishonorably discharged.
Outgoing Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) spoke about his legislative achievements on marijuana reform during a half-hour farewell address on the House floor.
/ FEDERAL
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said Elon Musk’s on-camera marijuana smoking “did not inspire confidence, and the leaders of these organizations need to take that as an example of what to do when you lead an organization that’s going to launch American astronauts.”
A U.S. Tax Court judge ruled against Harborside Health Center in a case about 280E.
A federal judge ruled that denying methadone to prisoners violates the Americans with Disabilities Act and the constitutional prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.
Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) said he thinks hemp is “going to be a good crop everywhere.”
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) sent a press release about hemp legalization being included in the Farm Bill.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA) wrote an op-ed calling on Congress to pass criminal justice reform legislation.
/ STATES
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) tweeted, “Our administration is committed to social justice and breaking the cycle of non-violent, low-level drug offenses that disproportionately affect people, especially people of color. That is why I support the legalization of adult-use marijuana.”
Kentucky’s Senate president said lawmakers are “open to” medical cannabis if evidence on its efficacy can be presented.
Missouri officials are currently considering whether medical cannabis patients should be denied welfare benefits.
Virginia regulators gave final approval to four CBD oil processors.
Michigan regulators set new maximum THC concentrations for medical cannabis products. Meanwhile, the Senate majority leader filed a bill to eliminate legal marijuana home cultivation. And the Senate Judiciary Committee will consider hemp and CBD bills on Tuesday.
Alaska officials warned consumers about unregulated CBD products.
A California senator filed a bill to exempt compassionate care programs that give free medical cannabis to low-income people from taxes.
New Mexico State University regents signed off on state regulations for a hemp research program.
Washington State officials released a survey on driving under the influence of marijuana and alcohol.
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/ INTERNATIONAL
Luxembourg’s incoming government plans to legalize marijuana.
Mexican regulators said they expect commercial sales of cannabis medicines in the last quarter of 2019. Separately, the nation’s secretary of economy rejected medical cannabis regulations.
Lawmakers in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are expected to debate three marijuana bills on December 10.
Scotland’s health secretary said she would look into the case of a young boy would could benefit from medical cannabis.
/ ADVOCACY
The Republican Party of New York tweeted, “.@NYGovCuomo’s pay to play has now entered the marijuana business with friends of the Governor’s top ally getting a coveted state contract worth tens of millions. Another gross abuse of power that demands investigation.”
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
Researchers are recruiting participants for a study on the use MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in treating PTSD.
New Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows that drug overdoses killed more than 70,000 Americans in 2017, an annual record.
/ BUSINESS
Tobacco company Turning Point Brands is buying a stake in Canadian American Standard Hemp Inc.
Credit Union 1 said it will work with Alaska marijuana businesses.
Reuters looks at patenting in the marijuana industry.
Massachusetts marijuana retailers are seeing their Facebook and Instagram accounts shut down.
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