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Kentucky lawmakers approve medical cannabis bill (Newsletter: February 13, 2020)

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First gov’t psychedelic body meets; Mexico vote this month? Study: Legal marijuana reduces workers’ comp claims

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

The chairman of the Mexico Senate Justice Committee said the full Senate will vote to pass a marijuana legalization bill by the end of this month. But advocates are skeptical of the timeline and want changes to the current version of the legislation.

The Denver, Colorado Psilocybin Mushroom Policy Review Panel—the U.S.’s first-ever government psychedelics decriminalization body—held its inaugural meeting.

The Kentucky House Judiciary Committee voted 17-1 to approve a bill to legalize medical cannabis.

A study found that legalizing medical cannabis reduces workers’ compensation claims and amounts.

  • “Medical marijuana can allow workers to better manage symptoms associated with workplace injuries and illnesses and, in turn, reduce need for” workers’ compensation.

/ FEDERAL

The House of Representatives approved an environmental protection bill that includes provisions to remediate land that has been damaged by illegal marijuana cultivation.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited two Florida medical cannabis companies for violations.

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) tweeted about the expansion of hemp research at Oregon State University, saying, “Exactly how I hoped my hemp legalization bill would help grow jobs & drive innovation in Oregon & nationwide.”

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) tweeted, “Together we are going to expand marijuana legalization nationwide to create good jobs, generate tax revenue, expunge prior offenses and bring restorative justice to the communities that were harmed by the failed ‘war on drugs.'”

Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) tweeted, “Proud to see Colorado continuing to lead the way on cannabis reform, standing up for farmers, and innovating in this new industry.”

Virginia Democratic congressional candidate John Lesinski tweeted, “The war on drugs has clogged our legal system and cost us billions from incarcerating nonviolent drug offenders. It’s time to legalize cannabis for adult use, regulate it like alcohol, and expunge the records of those convicted of possession. It’s the right thing to do.”

/ STATES

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) said he is “optimistic” marijuana legalization will be included in the state budget but that he doesn’t think it can pass otherwise.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) touted progress on marijuana decriminalization in an update on the midpoint of the 2020 legislative session.

Pennsylvania’s lieutenant governor tweeted, “OurTime for legal weed in PA  #StonerDatingApps”

The New Mexico Senate approved a bill to allow regulators to enter into medical cannabis agreements with Indian tribes. Bills to clarify hemp laws and expand marijuana research are also advancing through the legislature.

A Hawaii Senate committee approved a bill to allow medical cannabis edibles.

California regulators adopted a 10-year ban on being involved in hemp cultivation for people with felony drug convictions.

Ohio regulators advanced petitions to consider adding anxiety, autism spectrum disorder and cachexia as medical cannabis qualifying conditions.

Missouri’s top medical cannabis regulator took questions from lawmakers during a House Special Committee on Government Oversight hearing.

Michigan regulators held a public hearing on proposed marijuana rules changes.

Alaska regulators proposed changes to rules on marijuana product administrative holds and seizures.

Louisiana regulators issued a notice that they intend to adopt hemp rules.


Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,000 cannabis 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

Kansas City, Missouri’s mayor said during his State of the City address that he will begin pardoning people for past marijuana possession convictions next week.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Paraguayan lawmakers debated a medical cannabis regulation bill.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study “using the roll out of recreational dispensaries in Colorado in 2014” estimated that “the change in retailers’ market share of antacid medications using a difference-in-differences design. Antacid market share decreases after a dispensary enters a county by 0.85 percentage points.”

A study found that “cannabis consistently increases susceptibility to false memories.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

An informal poll of Rhode Island business leaders attending a Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce event found that they support legalizing marijuana, 52%-48%.

Conservative commentator Ann Coulter tweeted, “Obesity, the vaping and marijuana culture will finish the job of destroying the healthcare system.”

/ BUSINESS

Molson Coors reported that the warrants it has received from cannabis company Hexo Corp. lost $14.3 million in value in the past quarter.

Akerna Corp. reported quarterly revenue of approximately $3.3 million and a net loss of $4.3 million.

/ CULTURE

The Doors drummer John Densmore spoke about Jim Morrison taking psychedelics prior to a show.

The Onion made fun of the University of Colorado offering a bachelor’s degree in cannabis biology and chemistry.

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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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