Newsletter
High-ranking Dem says cannabis decrim is “next step” (Newsletter: Dec. 26, 2018)
Study: Legalization reduces border smuggling; 16% of local CA ballot measures were about marijuana; Thai lawmakers OK medical cannabis
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…
This issue of Marijuana Moment, and our original reporting that is featured in it, are made possible by the generous support of 355 Patreon sponsors. Cannabis industry professionals receive valuable rewards for pledges of $25 and up.
Check out the perks of being a sponsor on our Patreon page.
https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment
/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), the fifth highest ranking member of the incoming House Democratic majority, said that decriminalizing marijuana should be the “next step” after the passage of the criminal justice reform bill titled the First Step Act.
A new Cato Institute analysis shows that marijuana legalization in U.S. states has coincided with less smuggling by cartels, with border cannabis seizures declining 78% in five years.
A new analysis shows that marijuana questions made up 16% of all the local ballot measures that went before California voters last month.
/ FEDERAL
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism uploaded new information about state marijuana laws to an online tracking database.
The U.S. attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia tweeted, “Hemp industry can potentially be good industry for WV but hemp producers, like all other industries, must follow law & regs. Before hemp grows, states must submit plan & make certifications to USDA. It’s all in the Farm Bill.”
Former White House Drug Czar Bill Bennett said he believes that marijuana is a gateway drug and that Colorado will want to repeal its legalization in a few years.
Former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York Preet Bharara tweeted, “I think we can all agree on legalizing marijuana for [Senior Advisor to the President] Stephen Miller and come together as a nation.”
Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) authored an op-ed about the legalization of hemp through the Farm Bill.
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) tweeted, “Nobody should be ineligible for student loans, an apartment or a job because they were caught using marijuana. The #MarijuanaJusticeAct will end this injustice by expunging minor convictions and reinvesting in the communities of color impacted by decades of racist drug policies.”
The House bill to require the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct a survey on medical cannabis got one new cosponsor, for a total of six.
The House bill to require the Department of Veterans Affairs to train doctors about medical cannabis got one new cosponsor, for a total of five.
/ STATES
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) spoke about his disagreements with lawmakers over marijuana tax rates.
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) said he is “not willing to look at” marijuana reform proposals.
Oregon regulators approved new rules “with a focus on tightening licensing and compliance requirements, providing licensees flexibility to conduct business, and improving access to medical marijuana for patients.” The rules allow medical cannabis deliveries to jurisdictions that ban storefronts.
Florida’s incoming agriculture commissioner praised the Farm Bill’s legalization of hemp.
A Massachusetts commission on impaired driving recommended that motorists suspected of being under the influence who refuse to take a drug test should lose their license for six months. Separately, a senator is proposing legislation to prevent companies from firing workers for off-the-job marijuana use.
Ohio regulators announced that in three weeks, they have received 4,440 medical cannabis patient and caregiver recommendations.
—
Marijuana Moment is currently tracking more than 900 cannabis bills in state legislatures and Congress. 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
Racine, Wisconsin police officials denounced the City Council’s move to reduce marijuana arrests.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Thailand’s legislature unanimously voted to legalize medical use of cannabis and kratom.
Israeli lawmakers unanimously approved a bill to allow medical cannabis exports.
Canadian officials issued a recall on a company’s marijuana products over labelling and recordkeeping issues.
The Associated Press looks at marijuana issues in South Africa.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “cannabis users with medical cannabis recommendations drink less and have fewer alcohol-related problems than those without recommendations, even after adjusting for health status.”
A review concluded that “sufficient evidence supports use of cannabis for palliative indications in oncology, however, patients should be carefully selected, guided and followed.”
Politico looks at the difficulty scientists face in obtaining quality marijuana for research.
/ CULTURE
MMA fighter Elias Theodorou is criticizing U.S. Anti-Doping Agency restrictions on marijuana use.
Here’s a look at how major sports leagues handle marijuana.
Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox.
