Newsletter
Limitations of Schedule III cannabis move detailed (Newsletter: January 17, 2024)
GOP congressman on psychedelics use; NY marijuana tax cut; HI legalization; VT safe consumption; MI sales; CA psilocybin; Munchies study
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A new Congressional Research Service report outlines the limitations of moving marijuana to Schedule III—including that state cannabis markets would continue to run afoul of federal law and existing criminal penalties would remain in force.
Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) spoke to Marijuana Moment about his personal experience using psychedelics and how he succeeded in passing legislation to fund research on the benefits of psilocybin, MDMA, ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT for military service members.
Hawaii’s Senate majority included marijuana legalization in its list of economic development priorities for 2024.
- “The Senate remains committed to diversifying and expanding Hawai‘i’s economy.”
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s (D) new budget proposes to repeal the wholesale THC potency tax on marijuana and replace it with a simplified excise tax to “promote and support the expansion of the legal adult-use cannabis market.”
The Vermont House of Representatives passed a bill to legalize and fund safe consumption sites for illegal drugs—but Gov. Phil Scott (R) says the state shouldn’t “be in the business of enabling those who are addicted.”
California activists failed to collect enough signatures to qualify a psilocybin legalization initiative for the November ballot—the third cycle in a row that the campaign attempted to put the reform before voters without success.
The Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency reported that retailers in the state sold more than $3 billion worth of legal marijuana products in 2023—including a new monthly sales record of $279.9 million in December.
A new federally funded study reveals how marijuana causes the munchies—specifically how cannabinoids target mediobasal hypothalamic neurons to stimulate appetite.
- “Our data indicate that cannabis vapor increased meal frequency and food seeking behavior without altering locomotor activity.”
/ FEDERAL
The chair of the Massachusetts State Advisory Committee to the United States Commission on Civil Rights said that “the practice or civil asset forfeiture, like so many of the policies associated with the ‘war on drugs,’ has failed on all fronts.”
Wisconsin Democratic congressional candidate Katrina Shankland, currently a state representative, discussed her support for marijuana reform.
/ STATES
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) spoke about efforts to ensure cannabis products on the market are compliant with state laws.
Oklahoma’s attorney general discussed actions to combat illegal marijuana cultivation operations.
Ohio’s House speaker said it’s better to take time to carefully craft marijuana law revisions and get them right than to rush changes.
Arkansas senators discussed their views on legalizing marijuana.
An Alaska senator sent a press release about his bill to create a Mental Health and Psychedelic Medicine Task Force.
A Kansas senator discussed the provisions he would like to see in medical cannabis legislation.
A New York senator spoke about his support for legislation that would close what he says is a loophole in how people are prosecuted for driving under the influence.
Virginia regulators filed revised medical cannabis and hemp rules.
California officials are moving to renew cannabis water quality policies.
Minnesota regulators are co-hosting a cannabis conference in April.
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Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,000 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.
Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
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/ LOCAL
The Boston, Massachusetts Cannabis Board will meet on Wednesday.
/ INTERNATIONAL
German Social Democratic Party members are increasingly raising concerns about the government’s marijuana legalization proposal.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “medical cannabis was well tolerated and dropout rate was comparable to those in clinical trials of antidepressant medication” and that “patients reported a clinically significant reduction of depression severity.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll of Indiana adults found that 54 percent support legalizing marijuana, 32 percent back legal medical cannabis access only and 15 percent oppose any form of legalization.
/ BUSINESS
Numinus Wellness Inc. reported quarterly revenue of C$5.9 million and a comprehensive loss of C$4.4 million.
/ CULTURE
Mike Tyson spoke about the success of his cannabis brand.
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