Newsletter
Huge number of gubernatorial candidates say legalize cannabis (Newsletter: Nov. 2, 2018)
GOP candidate tells opponent to smoke joint during debate; FDA gets lots of marijuana comments; Study: Conservative pol backing key to voter support
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A new Marijuana Moment analysis finds that at least 20 major party gubernatorial nominees in this year’s elections support legalizing cannabis—far more than in any previous election cycle.
Rhode Island Republican gubernatorial nominee Allan Fung told prickly independent contender Joe Trillo to smoke a joint to relax during their debate. “You probably smoke it all the time,” Trillo replied.
Activists with NORML delivered 10,000 comments in support of marijuana rescheduling to the Food and Drug Administration headquarters.
A study found that conservatives are less likely to support marijuana legalization when told that it is backed by left-wing politicians. Progressives, on the other hand, “did not significantly shift their opinion” based on the endorsements.
/ FEDERAL
Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND) and Rep Kevin Cramer (R-ND) said they back states’ rights to enact their own marijuana laws but plan to vote against North Dakota’s cannabis legalization ballot measure.
Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH) and Republican challenger Chris DePizzo debated marijuana policy.
Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) spoke about his support for marijuana policy reform.
Missouri Democratic congressional candidate Henry Martin supports decriminalizing marijuana and is open to legalization.
/ STATES
New Hampshire’s marijuana legalization study committee released a lengthy report looking at policy considerations for the potential end of prohibition. Separately, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) and Democratic challenger Molly Kelly debated cannabis legalization.
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) and Democratic challenger Jay Gonzalez agreed during a debate that they aren’t OK with having marijuana in their houses. Separately, Massachusetts regulators approved more recreational marijuana licenses.
A New Mexico judge ruled that the state’s 450-plant limit on medical cannabis dispensaries is arbitrary and capricious and has no factual basis. Separately, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Michelle Lujan Grisham tweeted, “As governor, I’ll raise the cap on medical cannabis plants and increase access to licenses for producers so every patient has the access to medical cannabis they need.”
New York attorney general candidates debated allowing safe consumption facilities for people who use illegal drugs.
Maine regulators estimate that the first recreational marijuana stores could open next year.
Ohio regulators are now accepting petitions to add additional medical cannabis qualifying conditions.
Colorado regulators will host a Marijuana Science and Policy Work Group meeting on Monday.
Oregon regulators will hold a public hearing on technical changes to marijuana rules on November 16.
/ LOCAL
Filter looks at the marijuana and drug policy positions of district attorneys in the nation’s 50 most populous counties.
Manhattan’s district attorney announced that marijuana prosecutions are down 94% in the first quarter of a newly implemented policy. He also tweeted, “We have exited the marijuana business. Now it’s time for New York State to legalize, regulate, and expunge.”
/ INTERNATIONAL
Mexico’s incoming public safety secretary said that the Supreme Court’s move to strike down marijuana prohibition is a “good decision” and will “have a positive impact on the reduction of violence and insecurity.”
Ghanaian presidential candidate John Dumelo said that legalizing marijuana would be a top priority if he is elected.
/ ADVOCACY
Prohibitionist organization Smart Approaches to Marijuana released a music video attempting to articulate their reasons for opposing legalization.
A number of retired Michigan law enforcement officers endorsed the state’s marijuana legalization ballot measure.
The Vermont Medical Society passed a resolution opposing the legalization of marijuana sales.
/ OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll of U.S. voters in congressional districts with competitive primaries found that Democrats support marijuana legalization, 84%-16%, and Republicans oppose it, 52%-48%.
A poll found that Florida voters support amending the state constitution to reclassify felony drug possession offenses as misdemeanors and to reinvest the savings in rehabilitation programs by a margin of 42%-37%.
The San Francisco Chronicle editorial board said that the city’s marijuana equity policies are flawed.
/ BUSINESS
CBD drug Epidiolex is now available in the U.S.
Constellation Brands Inc. closed its $5 billion investment in Canopy Growth Corporation.
The State Bank of North Dakota said it won’t work with medical cannabis businesses.
Alaska collected about $1.5 million in marijuana tax revenue in September.
/ CULTURE
Actor Bette Midler tweeted, “Orange #JohnBoehner, who looks like a ghost, compared to #Trumpkin, is headlining a Cannabis event! Guess Republicans figured out how much $$$ they can make from it, and suddenly pot’s not just something you put people you don’t like in jail for!”
Hugh Grant is joining the cast of a Guy Ritchie-penned film about “the collision between European old money and the modern marijuana industry.”
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