Newsletter
Inside VP’s cannabis meeting at White House (Newsletter: March 19, 2024)
Marijuana biz federal lawsuit; Feds attach cannabis consumer gun rights; MD & VT psychedelics; CO bill would ban marijuana “promotion” online
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Cannabis pardon recipient Chris Goldstein spoke at length to Marijuana Moment about what happened behind closed doors at Vice President Kamala Harris’s marijuana meeting at the White House once the media was asked to leave the room.
A group of marijuana businesses behind a lawsuit seeking to block federal enforcement against their state-legal activities said in their latest court filing that there is “no rational basis” for the government’s ongoing prohibition policy.
Second Amendment advocates are outraged over reports that a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive agent blocked a gun sale because the buyer allegedly smelled like marijuana. They are also pushing back against a Department of Justice court filing saying cannabis consumers are too dangerous to have firearms.
The Maryland Senate unanimously passed a bill to create a psychedelics task force that would study how to ensure “broad, equitable and affordable access” to psilocybin, DMT and mescaline. The House of Delegates has already approved identical legislation.
The Vermont Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved a scaled back bill that would have originally legalized psilocybin but now focuses on establishing a working group to study regulations for psychedelic therapy.
Colorado lawmakers filed a bill that would require social media platforms to ban users who “promote” marijuana, psychedelics, hemp products and other legal substances—with activists raising concerns it could shut down discussion about the benefits of use.
A new study concludes that “spiritual health practitioners bring unique and specific expertise to psychedelic-assisted therapy based on their training and professional experience.”
- “SHPs are uniquely positioned to contribute to PAT in ways likely to optimize its therapeutic benefit.”
The Montana Supreme Court cleared the way for lawmakers to vote on overriding Gov. Greg Gianforte’s (R) veto of a bill to reallocate marijuana tax revenue.
/ FEDERAL
Vice President Kamala Harris posted resources about how people can apply for marijuana pardon certificates.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) said that cannabis “probably might help some people, you know, medically” but that he opposes legalization.
Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA) tweeted photos of himself visiting a marijuana facility, saying, “Recreational marijuana has been legal for nearly a decade in CA, but farmers like Farming First are still forced to operate in legal limbo. As a co-sponsor of the SAFER Banking Act, I’m committed to normalizing business operations for Central Coast cannabis growers.”
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) tweeted about Vice President Kamala Harris’s cannabis event at the White House, saying, “Glad to see the first ever Administration public event on marijuana reform. This is an important step in the right direction to begin undoing the devastation caused by the war on drugs.”
Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA) discussed the need to reschedule marijuana.
/ STATES
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) is ordering a review of the state’s marijuana business licensing process. Separately, the state’s chief equity officer for cannabis was placed on leave amid allegations of retaliation and selective enforcement. And the Cannabis Control Board will meet on Friday.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) opposes legislation to seal past marijuana conviction records.
Kentucky’s attorney general is urging the state’s Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission to “step back” from a proposal to fund ibogaine research. Separately, the Senate’s budget legislation contains provisions that would block funding for medical cannabis implementation unless there is “conclusive evidence” of its efficacy in leading to “persistent reduction of symptoms of diseases and conditions.”
Connecticut’s attorney general and consumer protection commissioner launched a public service announcement about accidental consumption of cannabis-infused foods by young people.
Pennsylvania Republican attorney general candidates said they oppose legalizing marijuana during a debate.
Florida lawmakers sent Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) a bill to expand the number of medical cannabis business licenses earmarked for Black farmers.
The North Carolina House Select Committee on Substance Abuse took testimony from witnesses concerned about the potential harms of marijuana.
Minnesota lawmakers filed legislation to repeal a tax on the sale of illegal drugs.
The Michigan House Fiscal Agency discussed how marijuana tax revenue is being used to support state and local road programs.
Maryland regulators published an overview of the results of medical cannabis patient surveys.
The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority will meet on Wednesday.
Washington State regulators are hosting marijuana rulemaking workshops this month and next month.
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Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,400 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
Great Barrington, Massachusetts is being sued by marijuana businesses over local impact fees.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Moroccan officials touted the country’s first legal cannabis harvest.
Japanese police made a record number of marijuana arrests of people under the age of 20 last year.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “results are promising and show cannabinoids inhibit [glioblastoma] growth.”
A study found that “cannabidiol exhibits anxiolytic-like effects and antipsychotic-like effects in mice models.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll found that Victoria, Australia residents support legalizing marijuana, 54 percent to 29 percent.
California NORML is raising concerns that marijuana tax revenue is being “misdirected” into programs that were not mandated as part of the state’s voter-approved legalization law.
/ BUSINESS
High Tide Inc. reported quarterly revenue of C$128.1 million and a net loss of C$5 million.
Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. declared a quarterly dividend of $1.82 per share.
/ CULTURE
Fat Joe posted a video of himself discussing marijuana with Vice President Kamala Harris.
Jimmy Kimmel is producing a reality series about a marijuana business for Hulu, titled “High Hopes.”
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