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Library of Congress highlights racist origins of cannabis prohibition (Newsletter: June 17, 2020)

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Louisiana gov signs marijuana bills; USVI gov: cannabis safer than opioids; Ohio activists seek SCOTUS help for decrim petitions

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) signed a bill that will let patients get medical cannabis for any debilitating condition their doctors see fit. He also approved legislation on marijuana business banking access and legal protections for doctors.

A new Library of Congress post highlights the nakedly racist news coverage that helped to drive the criminalization of marijuana a century ago.

U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. (D) spoke about how cannabis is a safer pain medication than opioids. He also urged lawmakers to pass a broader marijuana legalization bill to expand patient access and generate revenue.

  • “Cannabis is safer, in many instances, for the treatment of pain than opioids that have become commonplace and an epidemic on the mainland. And the other health benefits that cannabis provides are well-documented.”

Ohio marijuana activists plan to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to let them collect electronic signatures for local decriminalization measures after a federal appeals court overturned a lower judge’s ruling that would have allowed digital petitioning.

/ FEDERAL

The U.S. attorney for the Western District of New York advocated against marijuana legalization at a press conference announcing a large bust at the Canadian border.

Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) tweeted, “Glad to see the State Assembly advance legislation to legalize marijuana in NJ and put an end to the over-incarceration of New Jerseyans for petty drug offenses. NJ voters will also have the opportunity on November 3rd to vote to legalize marijuana for those over 21.”

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) tweeted, “The war on drugs has been a war on people of color across America. It’s led to far too many instances of police brutality. It’s time to finally end this war, legalize marijuana, and invest in communities of color instead of criminalizing them.”

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) tweeted, “The failed War on Drugs makes criminal justice reform a racial justice issue.”

Arizona Democratic congressional candidate Eva Putzova tweeted a petition seeking to free a man being detained without bail for a 17-year-old marijuana offense.

/ STATES

The Georgia Senate Agriculture Committee held a hearing on a hemp bill.

Florida regulators publicized a webinar the Southeast Farmers Hemp Association is hosting on Thursday.

Colorado officials launched a new website on marijuana-impaired driving.

The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission met.

Alaska regulators proposed changes to rules dealing with directors of marijuana companies.


Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,500 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.

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

/ LOCAL

The Dallas County, Texas County Commission passed a resolution supporting the replacement of marijuana arrests with a cite-and-release policy.

The Grand Rapids, Michigan City Commission discussed proposed marijuana business social equity measures.

/ INTERNATIONAL

A Canadian member of Parliament is stepping up his push to decriminalize drug possession.

Colombia is set to begin spraying coca fields with glyphosate again.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study indicated that medical cannabis “results in long-term reduction of migraine frequency in >60% of treated patients and is associated with less disability and lower antimigraine medication intake.”

/ BUSINESS

High Street Capital Partners LLC, a holding company for Acreage Holdings Inc., is being sued by former Massachusetts Gov.  Bill Weld (R), who served on the latter company’s board and alleges his shares were inappropriately converted to less valuable ones.

Vireo Health International, Inc. reported $12.1 million quarterly revenue and an adjusted net loss of $8.1 million.

Charlotte’s Web Holdings, Inc. announced a C$67,500,000 public offering.

Thrive Cannabis Marketplace is being sued for allegedly sending unsolicited text messages.

Aurora Cannabis Inc said its co-founder will step down as president and board member at the end of the month.

Employees of New England Treatment Access will vote next week on whether to unionize.

Michigan recreational marijuana sales surpassed those for medical cannabis for the first time last week.

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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.

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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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