Newsletter
Home Depot is ending cannabis testing (Newsletter: August 28, 2024)
Poll: Biden marijuana pardons supported; DEA psychedelics hearing; ND cannabis legalization; US rep backs drug use sites; Study: THC is anti-aging
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Home Depot is removing cannabis from its employee drug testing program, including reasonable suspicion and post-accident, according to an internal memo obtained by Marijuana Moment. The company is also ending most pre-employment drug testing and will no longer require it for lift and material equipment certifications.
A new poll shows that President Joe Biden’s mass marijuana clemency move is the most popular presidential pardon action in U.S. history.
A Drug Enforcement Administration administrative law judge scheduled a 10-day-long public hearing on the agency’s proposed ban of two psychedelics amid pushback from researchers who say it will stymie science.
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) is joining advocates in supporting safe consumption sites for illegal drugs as a lifesaving measure ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day this week.
North Dakota Legislative Management approved a fiscal note for the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot, projecting that the reform will generate $10.3 million in revenue for the 2025-2027 biennium if voters approve it.
A new study found that “long-term low-dose Δ9-THC had an antiaging effect on the brain by restoring cognitive abilities and synapse densities in old mice”—suggesting that the marijuana component “could be the basis for an effective antiaging and pro-cognitive medication.”
- “A long-term low-dose Δ9-THC treatment could be a particularly effective treatment strategy against brain aging.”
A new Maine law that took effect this month allows people to apply to get their marijuana criminal records sealed.
New Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation rules requiring “plain packaging” for marijuana products are set to take effect on Sunday.
/ FEDERAL
Former National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster discussed what he described as former President Donald Trump’s “outlandish” suggestion to “just bomb the drugs” in Mexico.
The Drug Enforcement Administration promoted an article about problems in California’s legal marijuana industry.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) tweeted a link to a podcast about Chinese involvement in the illicit marijuana trade in the U.S.
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) said marijuana reform is not in President Joe Biden’s “comfort zone.”
/ STATES
Oklahoma’s attorney general touted enforcement actions against illegal marijuana operations.
The Florida marijuana legalization campaign received another $5 million donation from Trulieve.
The Tennessee Supreme Court ruled that an alert from a drug-sniffing dog can be part of law enforcement’s probable cause for a search even if it can’t distinguish between illegal marijuana and legal hemp.
Georgia regulators are accepting public comments on proposed hemp product restriction rules.
New York’s acting top marijuana regulator discussed efforts to approve pending marijuana business license applications and improve processes following an audit.
Utah regulators published guidance on medical cannabis patient certification.
Maryland regulators fined cannabis companies for allegedly violating advertising rules.
New Jersey regulators will hold medical cannabis feedback roundtable meetings next month.
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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.
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/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study of patients with chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus found that “the topical cream containing cannabis significantly reduced the severity of itching symptoms compared to the placebo.”
A study concluded that school “drug testing still is found not to be associated with students’ reported illicit drug use–even random testing that potentially subjects the entire student body.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Florida Republican Party is continuing to urge voters to oppose the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot.
The Last Prisoner Project and Dutchie announced that their partnership has resulted in $2 million in donations from dispensary partners and cannabis consumers to support reform efforts.
/ BUSINESS
Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.’s CEO and chief financial officer are leaving the company.
RIV Capital Inc. approved a merger with Cansortium Inc.
Trulieve Cannabis Corp. is partnering with the Carvana PPA Tour and MLP by Margaritaville to sponsor pickleball events.
/ CULTURE
Afroman took credit for Ohio’s legalization of marijuana.
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