Newsletter
Irish cannabis legalization bill filed (Newsletter: November 28, 2022)
Congress weighs options for safe drug consumption sites; IA medical marijuana federal exemption task force; NV cannabis lounge license lottery
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
An Irish lawmaker filed a bill to legalize marijuana possession—but a top government official is expressing skepticism about the proposal.
A new Congressional Research Service report lays out lawmakers’ options for allowing safe consumption sites for illegal drugs—including by passing an amendment to block Department of Justice enforcement modeled on the existing rider that protects medical marijuana states from federal interference.
The Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Board voted to recommend that lawmakers create a task force to explore obtaining a federal exemption for the state’s limited medical cannabis program.
Nevada’s Cannabis Compliance Board will hold lottery drawings on Wednesday to award the state’s first independent marijuana consumption lounge licenses, with half reserved for social equity applicants.
/ FEDERAL
U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service is partnering with researchers to “optimize hemp production and help hemp growers find new and existing markets for the new crop.”
Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) tweeted, “Cannabis justice is racial & economic justice and the time to act is now. —Legalize marijuana —Expunge records —End the War on Drugs”
/ STATES
Minnesota’s House speaker said it’s “really possible” the state will legalize marijuana in 2023.
A New Hampshire Democratic senator who has voted against marijuana legalization was replaced in this month’s elections by a Republican former House member who has supported the reform.
Michigan and North Dakota lawmakers spoke about efforts to expunge or seal marijuana conviction records.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health launched a pilot program to offer $50 a month in financial assistance to help senior citizens afford the cost of medical cannabis.
The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners rejected a proposal to allow doctors to recommend medical cannabis via telemedicine.
Missouri regulators revised a proposed rule to allow the use of medical cannabis at a licensed alcohol-selling premises under certain circumstances.
Guam regulators are now accepting marijuana business license applications.
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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.
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/ LOCAL
The Deschutes County, Oregon Board of Commissioners will hold a second public hearing to receive testimony on proposed land use regulations for psilocybin businesses on Wednesday.
Los Angeles, California regulators are encouraging marijuana social equity applicants to apply for a $5 million rental assistance grant program.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau touted his government’s moves to support safer supply programs for drugs, saying that “unlike the Conservative Party – whose approach is misguided, irresponsible, and unscientific – we know these programs help prevent overdoses and save lives.
German lawmakers are pressing the health minister to move ahead with drafting marijuana legalization legislation without waiting for European Union approval.
Thailand’s public health minister defended the government’s cannabis policy in a speech to lawmakers.
A Philippine senator who filed a drug decriminalization bill said he is rethinking the idea.
A Jamaica Promotions Corporation official spoke about the tourism boosting potential of psychedelics.
Uttar Pradesh, India police said that rats ate about 581 kilograms of marijuana that was stored in evidence warehouses.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that oral medical cannabis “was demonstrated to be safe and well-tolerated for a sustained period in a large complex cohort of cannabis-naïve, multimorbid patients with polypharmacy.
A review concluded that “while many of the mechanisms are still not yet fully understood, both preclinical and clinical studies show that the effects of cannabis mediated through the endocannabinoid system may prove to be an effective treatment option for individuals with osteoporosis.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The New York Daily News editorial board is calling on Congress to pass marijuana banking legislation immediately.
/ BUSINESS
Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. filed a base shelf prospectus allowing it to sell up to $100 million worth of shares, warrants, debt securities, subscription rights and units.
Twitter owner Elon Musk tweeted that someone’s suggestion to increase the character limits for posts to 420 is a “good idea.”
/ CULTURE
Neil deGrasse Tyson tweeted, “At some level, we all must recognize that people who get high don’t tend to break out into fights.”
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