Newsletter
House approves cannabis research bill (Newsletter: December 10, 2020)
Mexico lawmakers want another marijuana delay; Poll: Voters back congressional legalization bill; Majority support for legal cannabis in Wyoming
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…
*Rattling the tip jar* Got a few dollars you can spare to help Marijuana Moment pay our writers, keep our website running and grow into the kind of robust news organization the fast-paced world of drug policy deserves?
Join us for $25/month and be a part of our work: https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment
/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The House of Representatives passed a bill to expand marijuana research—including by forcing the Drug Enforcement Administration to register more growers and letting scientists study cannabis that consumers buy from state-legal dispensaries. It was approved on a voice vote.
Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies is asking the nation’s Supreme Court for another delay in the deadline to enact marijuana legalization legislation.
A new poll shows that 66% of U.S. voters—including a majority of Republicans—support the House’s passage of a federal marijuana legalization bill last week. Meanwhile, only five GOP lawmakers supported the legislation.
A poll found that 54% of Wyoming residents support legalizing marijuana, and supermajorities back medical cannabis and decriminalization. Two of the state’s neighbors—Montana and South Dakota—voted to legalize last month.
- “As laws regarding the legalization and decriminalization of marijuana change around the U.S., especially in nearby states, it’s not surprising to see attitudes in Wyoming change as well.”
/ FEDERAL
Former Obama White House Cabinet Secretary Chris Lu said that past marijuana use is probably no longer a disqualifying factor for Senate-confirmable nominees.
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) said he voted for his state’s drug decriminalization ballot measure.
Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) launched a petition on nationwide marijuana legalization, tweeting, “It gives me great pride that the people of New Jersey voted overwhelmingly to legalize marijuana in our state. Now we must do the same at the federal level. Add your name if you agree that the Senate should act to end the prohibition on marijuana.”
PolitiFact ruled that a claim by Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC) that marijuana reduces IQ is “mostly false.”
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) argued that social equity provisions in cannabis legislation divide the legalization movement.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) tweeted, “The House passed legislation legalizing marijuana last week, but our work isn’t done. We must ensure that BIPOC communities who have been disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs finally own the profits of this new industry.”
Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) tweeted, “Proud to support the #MOREAct – a long overdue bill to rectify the longstanding injustices that exist in our criminal justice system while allowing the government to collect taxes on billions of dollars’ worth of annual marijuana sales.”
Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) tweeted, “Today the House passed the Medical Marijuana Research Act! I proudly co-sponsored this bipartisan bill because it removes barriers for health researchers that could benefit patients and caregivers.”
Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA) tweeted, “The House just passed the Medical Marijuana Research Act! This bipartisan legislation ensures researchers have access to high quality cannabis products needed to produce the treatments and medications of the future.”
Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) tweeted, “I was pleased to support the Medical Marijuana Research Act which passed in the House today. This bill would amend the Controlled Substances Act to help facilitate cannabis research to better understand its medicinal purposes.”
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) tweeted, “Legalize cannabis and end the War on Drugs.”
Reps. Dean Phillips (D-MN) and Denver Riggleman (R-VA) exchanged marijuana puns in a Twitter discussion.
The House bill to remove the 280E tax penalty on marijuana businesses got one new cosponsor for a total of 12.
The House bill to require the Food and Drug Administration to allow CBD as a dietary supplement got two new cosponsors for a total of 26.
/ STATES
Massachusetts lawmakers sent Gov. Charlie Baker (R) a budget containing a provision allowing hemp farmers to sell products to marijuana dispensaries.
Pennsylvania’s lieutenant governor is continuing to display marijuana and LGBT flags on his office balcony despite an enacted budget rider prohibiting them.
Mississippi’s Supreme Court received a brief from the city of Madison in its case seeking to overturn the state’s voter-approved medical cannabis initiative.
South Dakota marijuana activists filed a response to a lawsuit seeking to overturn the state’s voter-approved legalization initiative.
Oregon regulators withdrew the state’s proposed hemp plan from U.S. Department of Agriculture consideration.
The California Cannabis Advisory Committee recommended that regulators reform some rules so that licensed marijuana businesses can better compete with the illicit market.
New Mexico’s Medical Cannabis Advisory Board recommended that regulators allow licensed producers to grow more plants.
Washington State regulators proposed rules on marijuana vapor products.
A California senator filed a bill to allow the operation of safe consumption sites for illegal drugs.
Tennessee regulators sent a memo clarifying that hemp cigarettes that do not contain tobacco are not subject to tobacco taxes.
Arkansas regulators approved one of three remaining medical cannabis dispensary licenses.
Michigan marijuana regulators will meet on Thursday.
—
Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,500 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
Detroit, Michigan’s mayor released information about the city’s marijuana business licensing process.
The Fort Pierce, Florida Police Community Advisory Committee is urging city commissioners to decriminalize marijuana.
The Alexandria, Virginia City Council discussed the importance of equity in marijuana legislation.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “in addition to a direct effect on vascular smooth muscle and inflammatory cells, cannabinoids can reduce inflammation by silencing small diameter neurones.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Nebraska Democratic Party tweeted about an effort to legalize marijuana in the state in 2022.
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee tweeted about pending New Jersey marijuana legalization enabling legislation’s social equity components.
The Berkeley Patients Group and other marijuana businesses sent a letter urging California Gov. Gavin Newson (D) to appoint Congressional Cannabis Caucus co-chair Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) to fill the Senate seat of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.
/ BUSINESS
Canopy Growth Corporation announced that it is ceasing operations at several of its Canadian facilities.
Charlotte’s Web Holdings, Inc. partnered with InterCure Ltd. to enter the Israeli market.
High Tide Inc. is applying to be listed on the Nasdaq.
The ETFMG Alternative Harvest ETF announced that it now exceeds $1 billion in assets under management.
Colorado marijuana sales in the first 10 months of 2020 are greater than all of last year’s sales.
Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox.
