Newsletter
Legal cannabis won’t be on 2020 Florida ballot (Newsletter: January 14, 2020)
Montana marijuana initiatives filed; DC psychedelics decrim measure proposed; Senator tours cannabis store
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Montana marijuana activists filed a proposed 2020 marijuana legalization measure for the 2020 ballot, as well as a separate constitutional amendment needed for its provisions to apply only to adults over 21.
Florida marijuana activists gave up on placing a legalization measure on the 2020 ballot and will instead aim for 2022—a midterm election, when turnout is usually not as favorable to reform as in presidential years. Meanwhile, state lawmakers filed new cannabis legalization legislation.
Washington, D.C. activists filed a proposed psychedelics decriminalization ballot measure and are now waiting to see if the Board of Elections says it violates a congressional rider barring any moves by the city to reduce penalties for Schedule I drugs.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) met with key Illinois state officials at a marijuana dispensary to discuss banking access and social equity in the cannabis industry.
/ FEDERAL
Customs and Border Protection data shows that marijuana seizures along the Canadian border rose by about 75% in the year following that country’s legalization law being enacted.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture tweeted about insurance, loan and other assistance programs that hemp farmers are eligible for.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) tweeted about meeting with Kentucky hemp industry participants and showing off his hemp pen.
Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) tweeted, “There is an urgent public safety risk facing the majority of communities & Americans today that needs to be resolved. The #SAFEBankingAct passed the House in September & I urge the Senate to do the same so we can protect businesses, employees & communities.”
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) tweeted, “There are strong economic arguments behind progressive priorities… Legalizing marijuana? Reducing prison populations and putting more people to work.”
Rep. Denver Riggleman (R-VA) tweeted, “Increasing hemp production in #VA05 has been a priority for me during my time in Congress. This new hemp processing plant combined with my efforts in hemp crop insurance can serve as ignition sparks for hemp production in the 5th district.”
Texas Democratic congressional candidate John Biggan tweeted about his support for legalizing marijuana.
Tennessee Republican congressional candidate Nichole Williams said she backs federal marijuana legalization.
/ STATES
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) proposed using some medical cannabis revenue to expand drug treatment, create a student loan repayment program for substance misuse counselors and support other programs.
Minnesota’s Senate majority leader said marijuana legalization won’t be on the agenda this session.
Indiana regulators submitted a hemp plan for federal approval.
Illinois regulators warned some marijuana dispensaries that they are investigating apparent violations of a rule meant to prevent stockpiling of cannabis from a single grower. Separately, the state treasurer tweeted, “For the past couple of year we’ve pushed for state & federal changes to make sure these legitimate & legal cannabis businesses can use banks & credit unions like other legal businesses. Doing so will minimize the risk of theft & promote safety.”
A New Jersey court ruled that a construction company must comply with a state workers’ compensation judge’s order to reimburse a former employee’s use of medical cannabis. Separately, regulators are working to implement the state’s hemp plan now that it has received federal approval.
Here’s a look at marijuana issues expected to be considered by Arizona lawmakers this year.
Oklahoma’s medical cannabis community is divided about proposed marijuana legalization ballot measures.
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/ LOCAL
Chicago, Illinois’s mayor said she has enough City Council support for a measure to license social marijuana consumption areas, but then moved to delay its consideration.
Marijuana citations in Dayton, Ohio are down more than 65% in the year since city commissioners approved a decriminalization ordinance.
The San Diego, California City Council approved a ban on marijuana billboards within 1,000 feet of schools, playgrounds, public parks, day care centers and youth centers.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Christopher Rowley said that marijuana is a “dangerous drug” and people shouldn’t use it even though it was recently decriminalized.
A former prime minister of The Bahamas said he doesn’t regret not moving marijuana reform forward sooner.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study concluded that “cannabis exposure is linked to a lower odds of [neurocognitive impairment] in the context of HIV.”
A study found that “marijuana is increasingly detected in homicide victims irrespective of demographic characteristics” and that “further research is needed to assess the causal role of marijuana use and concurrent use of marijuana and alcohol in homicide victimization.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll of New Mexico adults found that when given options, 34% support marijuana legalization, 21% back decriminalization, 23% want cannabis legal for medical use only and 22% support outright prohibition.
Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy is hosting a series of regional advocacy workshops around the state.
/ BUSINESS
Aphria Inc. reported net quarterly revenue of $120.6 million, with a net loss of $7.9 million.
GW Pharmaceuticals plc reported $108 million in quarterly revenue.
Illinois retailers sold more than $19.7 million in recreational marijuana products in the first 12 days of legal sales.
/ CULTURE
Rapper Wyclef Jean launched a new cannabis brand.
Jimmy Kimmel Live ran another “Who’s High” segment.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
