Newsletter
House lists & cancels cannabis research vote (Newsletter: September 28, 2020)
The marijuana election has already started; 1st NJ legalization ad & new poll; Mexican official gifted cannabis plant; VT Dems back drug decrim
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
House Democratic leaders briefly listed a bill to expand marijuana research—including by allowing scientists to study cannabis from dispensaries—in a group of legislation that could receive a floor vote this week. But, hours later, they deleted it.
- “It was just an error,” a spokesperson for House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) told Marijuana Moment. The scheduling snafu comes shortly after Democratic leaders delayed a vote on a separate federal legalization bill.
Election Day is November 3, but the marijuana election has already started in several early voting states. Marijuana Moment compiled information about how people can get registered and make their voices heard in key states with drug policy reform measures on the ballot.
The campaign to pass New Jersey’s marijuana legalization referendum on the November ballot launched its first ad. Meanwhile, a new poll shows that 65% of likely voters back the cannabis measure.
A top Mexican government official accepted a gifted marijuana plant from a senator—and pledged to plant it in her own garden. Lawmakers are expected to pass legislation legalizing cannabis by mid-December.
The Vermont Democratic Party formally adopted a platform that calls for decriminalization of all drugs and the legalization of marijuana sales.
/ FEDERAL
President Trump tweeted, “I will be strongly demanding a Drug Test of Sleepy Joe Biden prior to, or after, the Debate on Tuesday night. Naturally, I will agree to take one also. His Debate performances have been record setting UNEVEN, to put it mildly. Only drugs could have caused this discrepancy???”
The White House tweeted, “.@DHSgov seized nearly twice as many hard drugs—narcotics that do not include marijuana—at the U.S.-Mexico border during President @realDonaldTrump’s first term than in the last administration’s two terms.”
The Food and Drug Administration said it needs more time to respond to a petition to allow CBD products as dietary supplements.
The Library of Congress published a post about a new French law allowing police to issue immediate fines for drug possession.
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) tweeted, “Hemp holds so much potential for Oregon. Glad that OSU was able to receive this NIFA grant to move their program and our state forward. I’ll keep fighting for the federal support they need.”
Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) tweeted, “New Jersey’s marijuana laws ruin lives and waste money. Marijuana legalization is on the ballot in New Jersey and it’s time to right this wrong.”
Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) and Democratic challenger Mia Mason spoke about their differing views on marijuana policy.
Mississippi Democratic congressional candidate Antonia Eliason tweeted, “I want to see cannabis legalized recreationally and medically at a federal level. But right now, in Mississippi, we have a chance to take the first step and legalize medical marijuana. Vote for Initiative 65 NOT for Initiative 65A.”
/ STATES
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) vetoed a bill that would have sunsetted the Bureau of Cannabis Control.
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) included updating the state’s hemp law in a list of priorities for a special legislative session.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) received a letter from attorneys representing successful marijuana social equity business license applicants who are concerned that a revised process could make it less likely they will be able to open their businesses.
New Jersey lawmakers sent Gov. Phil Murphy (D) a bill to allow medical cannabis recommendations via telemedicine.
Pennsylvania’s lieutenant governor tweeted, “Today marks one full year since @GovernorTomWolf and I called on our state’s legislature to earnestly examine legalizing adult-use cannabis. Why haven’t they gotten started? Please tell your state representatives and state senators to get started, now.”
The legal firm that brought a case that kicked a Nebraska medical cannabis initiative off the November ballot is refusing to disclose who paid for its work.
Massachusetts regulators adopted draft marijuana delivery rules.
Missouri regulators announced that a medical cannabis testing lab passed its commencement inspection and touted the speed with which the system is getting off the ground compared to those in other states.
A Colorado law allowing the governor to unilaterally pardon people for certain past marijuana convictions took effect.
Hawaiian regulators approved additional medical cannabis dispensary licenses.
Georgia’s Access to Medical Cannabis Commission met.
Michigan regulators will hold a marijuana business resource workshop on Wednesday.
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/ LOCAL
The New York City Police Department is being sued for allegedly forcing an officer off the job for using medical cannabis.
The Sacramento, California City Council’s Law and Legislation Committee will consider steps to add 10 social equity marijuana dispensaries on Tuesday.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that whole plant medical cannabis “does not have a widespread impact on cognition in older chronic pain patients.”
A study concluded that “prenatal cannabis exposure after maternal knowledge of pregnancy was associated with greater psychopathology during middle childhood, even after accounting for potentially confounding variables.”
/ BUSINESS
Nature’s Medicines and AMMA Investment Group are being sued by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission over allegations that a dispensary manager sexually harassed employees.
WeedMD Inc. secured a C$30 million loan from the LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada.
The Supreme Cannabis Company, Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $9.5 million and a net loss of $33.3 million.
Playboy launched a marijuana reform advocacy campaign.
/ CULTURE
Basketball player Malik Beasley was arrested on charges of possessing marijuana and receiving and concealing stolen property.
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