Newsletter
Key Senate chair worries impeachment could delay cannabis banking vote (Newsletter: November 8, 2019)
AOC backs psychedelic decrim; Study: Marijuana use disorder diagnoses decline as legalization spreads; SD gov opposes cannabis ballot measures
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
In an interview with Marijuana Moment, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID) said that an impeachment trial could delay consideration of cannabis financial services legislation—though not necessarily moreso than other issues needing floor time.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) spoke about her support for decriminalizing psychedelic drugs and legalizing marijuana equitably in a video message recorded for the International Drug Policy Reform Conference.
- “I am so encouraged and glad that all of you are here, and know that we are fighting shoulder-to-shoulder in the fight to not only decriminalize marijuana, to not only legalize marijuana, but to do so in a way that is just, that is humane, that doesn’t exacerbate so many of the injustices from the war on drugs.”
A study found that cannabis use disorder diagnoses among people who consume marijuana every day are declining, with the researchers reasoning that “legalization may also be associated with changes in social attitudes resulting in fewer conflicts with relatives and friends around cannabis use.”
/ FEDERAL
The Fish and Wildlife Service, in a Federal Register notice about its decision to list fisher as an endangered species, discussed the dangers of rodenticide use at illegal cannabis grow sites and said that “it is unknown whether or how the legalization of marijuana will change grow-site location and potentially affect exposure and mortality rates of fishers.”
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) tweeted, “Philadelphia police stopped 25,000 cars because they ‘smelled marijuana.’ 84% were African American drivers. They found marijuana only 12% of the time. Our job must be to end the War on Drugs—and get racial bias out of law enforcement at the same time.”
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) said that the biggest hurdles to marijuana reform are “the Trump Administration and the Republicans in Congress who don’t want to see our criminal justice system change for people of color.”
/ STATES
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) says she opposes proposed marijuana legalization and medical cannabis ballot measures.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) spoke about marijuana with prohibitionist author Alex Berenson.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) tweeted, “Pardons Secretary Brandon Flood’s personal story of redemption is an inspiration. When our criminal justice system gets people back on the right track, we all benefit. That’s why PA is expediting pardons for minor marijuana offenses.”
Massachusetts regulators declined to uphold Gov. Charlie Baker’s (R) ban on medical cannabis vaping products, but voted to begin regulating “extracts, concentrates and any marijuana accessories or devices used for the consumption of vaporized marijuana products.”
Wisconsin’s Assembly minority leader criticized Republicans for not acting on issues people support, such as legalizing medical cannabis.
An Ohio judge ruled that a law requiring that 15% of medical cannabis licenses be owned by “economically disadvantaged groups” is unconstitutional.
The North Dakota legislature’s Interim Human Services Committee discussed whether there is a shortage of medical cannabis in the state.
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation crime labs are tied up doing tests to distinguish between hemp and marijuana.
Here’s a look at where efforts to place marijuana legalization measures on Florida’s 2020 ballot stand.
Georgia’s Agriculture Department plans to submit hemp regulations to the federal government by the end of the year.
Arizona regulators will stop issuing physical medical cannabis patient cards as of December 1 and will instead issue documents via email.
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission held a meeting and could release a draft bill by the end of this month.
Illinois regulators approved more medical cannabis dispensaries to sell recreational marijuana.
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/ LOCAL
The Sacramento, California City Council is considering a 120-day ban on marijuana dispensary ownership changes and a cap the number of shops people can own.
Boston, Massachusetts is among a growing list of cities in the state to have received subpoenas from a federal grand jury investigating agreements and payments between municipalities and the marijuana businesses they host.
/ INTERNATIONAL
India’s Delhi High Court is considering a case challenging the constitutional validity of laws criminalizing marijuana and industrial hemp.
An Australian state lawmaker plans to file legislation to legalize marijuana, decriminalize drug possession and allow pill testing.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study suggested that “municipal bond investors impose higher borrowing costs on local governments in states that have legalized medical marijuana.”
An analysis of Reddit discussions on microdosing psychedelics found that “self-reported benefits included cognitive and creative enhancement, reduced depression and anxiety, enhanced self-insight and mindfulness, improved mood and attitude toward life, improved habits and health behaviors, and improved social interactions and interpersonal connections,” while “perceived limitations included issues related to dosing, adverse physical effects, taking illegal substances, limited or no mental health or cognitive improvement, increased anxiety, unpleasant ‘off’ days, only short-term benefits, and concerns about dependence and drug-related risks.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Boston Globe editorial board is welcoming a federal grand jury’s review of local agreements through which marijuana businesses must pay large sums to their host municipalities.
Americans for Safe Access published a travel guide for medical cannabis patients.
/ BUSINESS
Vireo Health International, Inc. brought on former Canopy Growth Corp. CEO Bruce Linton as executive chairman.
Canopy Growth Corp. is laying off 15% of its workforce in Latin America.
There was an explosion at a GenCanna facility in Kentucky.
Cresco Labs launched a California advertising campaign.
Westword is hosting an event focused on marijuana, fashion and wellness.
/ CULTURE
Musician David Crosby said that using marijuana helps his creative process.
Former Japanese Olympic snowboarder Kazuhiro Kokubo was arrested for allegedly smuggling marijuana from the U.S.
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