Newsletter
House speaker candidates on cannabis (Newsletter: October 24, 2023)
OH lawmakers expect legalization; Irish drug decrim; RI marijuana licenses & sales data snafu; NJ cannabis edibles rules; Airline employment lawsuit
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Marijuana Moment compiled a detailed look on where the nine House speaker candidates stand on cannabis. Most have backed marijuana banking legislation, none support broad legalization and one has actually been arrested for cannabis.
A new survey found that a majority of Ohio lawmakers—both Democrats and Republicans—believe that voters will approve a marijuana legalization initiative next month, despite the fact that the GOP-controlled Senate passed a resolution opposing it.
The Irish Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use—a representative panel of residents randomly selected by the government—voted to recommend decriminalizing drugs. A proposal to legalize and regulate marijuana failed by one vote, however.
The chair of Rhode Island’s Cannabis Control Commission discussed the process of preparing to issue additional business licenses and reacted to a recent Marijuana Moment report on the state posting months’ worth of incorrect sales data.
The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission is accepting public comments on proposed rules to expand the types of ingestible marijuana products that are allowed—including beverages, chocolates, baked goods, butters, jams and jellies.
Alaska Airlines filed a federal lawsuit seeking to reverse an arbitration panel’s decision that it needs to reinstate a maintenance technician who was fired over a positive marijuana test.
/ FEDERAL
Former Surgeon General Jerome Adams tweeted, “One of my concerns with ⬆️ marijuana use is the impact on smoke-free policies. Currently in my hotel room, overwhelmed by the smell of neighbor’s marijuana. The hotel clerk says there’s nothing they can do due to the legality of medical marijuana.🤷🏽♂️”
The Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control will hold a hearing on drug cartel use of precursor chemicals to manufacture illicit drugs on Tuesday.
Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) expressed concerns about the “cultural effects and the legal outcomes” of marijuana reform.
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) tweeted, “We’ve passed the SAFER Banking Act in committee, and the next step is a vote on the Senate floor. I’m working to get this done so legal cannabis businesses have access to the financial services they need to keep their employees and communities safe.”
/ STATES
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) appointed a chief policy coordinator for the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) tweeted, “You’ve got to be able to bring people together to get things done for Kentucky, and that’s what I’ve done for my entire career. From medical marijuana to legalized sports betting, I have a record that proves I’ll continue to deliver big results as your governor.”
Wisconsin’s Senate minority leader tweeted a photo of herself visiting a hemp research lab.
An Ohio senator discussed his opposition to the marijuana legalization initiative on the November 7 ballot.
The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled that growing any amount of illegal marijuana plants is only a misdemeanor.
A former New Jersey judge authored an op-ed about the state’s hurdles to achieving equity in the cannabis industry.
Louisiana regulators published revised medical cannabis pharmacy rules.
Connecticut regulators are considering increasing marijuana purchase limits.
The Minnesota Psychedelic Medicine Task Force will hold its first meeting on November 6.
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Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,000 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.
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/ LOCAL
Jersey City, New Jersey’s mayor discussed his city’s lawsuit seeking to overturn a state policy that allows police to use marijuana while off duty.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The Australian Senate rejected a bill that would have overturned the local drug decriminalization law in the Australian Capital Territory.
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI appointed a general director for the National Agency for Regulating Cannabis Related Activities.
Malta’s top marijuana regulator is refusing to comment on an apparent violation of rules against advertising by a cannabis club.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found “increased cannabinoid content in the cigarette sections closer to the mouth, as compared with those closer to the lit end.”
A study of psilocybin-assisted neurofeedback found that “significant improvements were observed in self-reported executive functions in daily life” and that “participants reported improvements in working memory, shifting, monitoring and inhibition with high effect sizes.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission sent a letter urging the Drug Enforcement Administration to reject a marijuana rescheduling recommendation.
The Wall Street Journal editorial board is cheering on Jersey City’s lawsuit that seeks to overturn a policy allowing New Jersey police to consume marijuana while off the job.
/ BUSINESS
Altria Group, Inc.’s operating company NJOY, LLC is suing other companies for allegedly unlawfully marketing and selling disposable e-vapor products, some of which are used for cannabis.
Curaleaf laid off more employees.
A former Green Thumb Industries employee is dropping a lawsuit that alleged age and gender discrimination.
Village Farms International, Inc. received an extension to regain compliance with Nasdaq’s minimum closing bid price.
The Dank Poet Dispensary in Washington, New Jersey is hosting a state legislative candidate forum on Tuesday.
Leafly conducted a nationwide survey of budtenders in celebration of International Budtenders Day.
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