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Interstate cannabis commerce could stem from fed court ruling (Newsletter: August 19, 2022)

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FL marijuana homegrow initiative planned; ID medical cannabis ballot measure filed; Poll: WI voters back legalization; AZ sales

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

A new U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit ruling overturning Maine’s residency requirements for medical marijuana business owners could open the door to interstate cannabis commerce while potentially upending equity efforts, according to legal experts.

Idaho activists filed a proposed medical cannabis initiative that they hope to qualify for the 2024 ballot.

Florida activists are planning a 2024 marijuana home grow ballot initiative they hope will run parallel to a recently filed cannabis sales measure being backed by the industry. Trulieve says it’s open to supporting both but made no specific commitment.

A new poll found that 69 percent of Wisconsin voters support legalizing marijuana. That includes majorities of Republicans, Democrats and independents.

The Arizona Department of Revenue reports that as recreational marijuana sales continue to rise, medical cannabis purchases are dropping month over month.

/ FEDERAL

Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) authored an op-ed outlining his evolution toward supporting marijuana legalization and urging Congress to catch up.

Former Rep. Mary Bono (R-CA) coauthored an op-ed arguing that drug cartel leaders should be treated as terrorists.

Kentucky Democratic Senate candidate Charles Booker tweeted, “A vote for me is a vote to legalize cannabis.”

/ STATES

Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried, currently the agriculture commissioner, criticized the state surgeon general for his handling of the medical cannabis program. Separately, Fried and rival Democratic contender Charlie Crist, currently a congressman, spoke about their support for legalizing marijuana.

The California Senate approved a bil to seal marijuana records.

Maryland’s Senate president said he expects the legislature to focus on implementing marijuana legalization next session if voters approve a referendum on the policy change in November.

A New York senator cheered a New York City police crackdown on trucks that were allegedly selling illegal cannabis products.

A Connecticut senator who voted against marijuana legalization discussed her concerns with implementation, including her desire to regulate THC content.

A top New Jersey regulator discussed the state’s marijuana business licensing process at a New Jersey CannaBusiness Association event.

Michigan regulators issued guidance on required standard operating procedures for marijuana businesses.

Oregon regulators said a THC vaping product containing a banned ingredient was sold at two licensed cannabis retailers.

Vermont regulators are being criticized for delays in processing marijuana cultivation license applications.

Nevada regulators will consider changes to marijuana business rules on Tuesday.

Washington State’s Social Equity in Cannabis Task Force will meet on Tuesday.


Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,500 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.

Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.

/ LOCAL

Bell County, Texas’s attorney suggested that a marijuana decriminalization ballot measure in Killeen conflicts with state law.

The Superior, Wisconsin City Council voted to place a nonbinding marijuana legalization advisory question on the November ballot.

New York City’s mayor defended police seizures of vehicles that were allegedly involved in selling illegal cannabis products.

Erie County, New York’s district attorney and public defendants are hosting marijuana conviction expungement clinics this month and next month.

The Hattiesburg, Mississippi City Council approved conditional-use zoning variances for two medical cannabis dispensaries.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves announced he will be proposing legislation to legalize marijuana.

Basel-Stadt, Switzerland is launching a marijuana legalization pilot program next month.

Thailand’s public health minister suggested that the country may legalize recreational marijuana at some point.

Germany’s health minister spoke about his past marijuana use and his evolution from opposing legalization to supporting it.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that “cannabinoids have anti-cancer effects on mesothelioma cells in vitro and alternatives of drug delivery may be needed to enhance their effects in vivo.”

A study found that “participants perceived [medical marijuana] to be helpful in alleviating cancer symptoms.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Republican National Committee blasted Pennsylvania Democratic Senate candidate John Fetterman, currently the state’s lieutenant governor, for saying he’s “for decriminalizing across the board” and for backing safe consumption sites.

The Nebraska Democratic Party criticized the author of a letter to the editor that claimed there is “no such thing as medical marijuana.”

/ BUSINESS

Ayr Wellness Inc. reported $110.1 million in quarterly revenue and a net loss of $40.2 million.

Compass Group USA Inc. and a New York man who alleged that his job offer was unlawfully rescinded over medical cannabis use settled his disability discrimination lawsuit.

Greenleaf Compassionate Care Center workers in Portsmouth, Rhode Island voted to ratify a contract, which United Food and Commercial Workers Local 328 said makes it the first cannabis dispensary in the state to secure a labor peace agreement.

/ CULTURE

Diane Keaton said she has never done psychedelics because they are “scary” and that when playing someone on psilocybin in a movie involved acting “like you’re an idiot.”

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Tom Angell is the editor of Marijuana Moment. A 20-year veteran in the cannabis law reform movement, he covers the policy and politics of marijuana. Separately, he founded the nonprofit Marijuana Majority. Previously he reported for Marijuana.com and MassRoots, and handled media relations and campaigns for Law Enforcement Against Prohibition and Students for Sensible Drug Policy.

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