Newsletter
Liquor stores want to sell cannabis in NY (Newsletter: Oct. 26, 2018)
Washington confusion on marijuana testing; How DEA head got his job; Stop using cannabis as parole violation, former NYC officials say
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A new lobbying effort funded by New York alcohol retailers is aimed at convincing lawmakers to let wine and liquor stores sell marijuana.
A draft report from Washington State environmental regulators highlights problems associated with testing marijuana and setting standards for what constitutes quality cannabis products.
/ FEDERAL
Before taking the job himself, Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon was in charge of vetting candidates for the post and personally urged several to withdraw from consideration, citing concerns about their background checks.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Museum will host an interactive discussion next week featuring drug artifacts from its collection.
Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) and Democratic challenger Gary Trauner debated marijuana policy.
Rep. Jacky Rosen (D-NV), a U.S. Senate candidate, tweeted, “Unlike Senator Heller, I’ll stand up for our legal marijuana industry and all the jobs and revenue that come with it.”
Texas Democratic congressional candidate Catherine Krantz tweeted in support of legalizing marijuana.
Louisiana Democratic congressional candidate Rob Anderson tweeted, “I support decriminalizing cannabis because I don’t think locking someone up and preventing them from earning a living and providing for their #family is acceptable. We have to reduce barriers for #workers. Marijuana criminalization is contrary to that goal! #LegalizeIt”
/ STATES
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert (R) is calling on the federal government to update its marijuana laws. And he reiterated that he is committed to enacting medical cannabis compromise legislation whether or not the state’s ballot measure on the topic passes.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) and Democratic challenger James Smith debated medical cannabis.
Kansas gubernatorial candidates debated medical cannabis and hemp.
Maine Republican gubernatorial candidate Shawn Moody described during a debate how he evolved his position on medical cannabis.
New York Republican gubernatorial candidate Marc Molinaro said he’s “not there yet” on supporting legalizing marijuana but wants to make medical cannabis more available.
Arkansas Democratic attorney general candidate Mike Lee vowed to sue the federal government over its marijuana policy if elected.
It becomes legal for licensed individuals in Oklahoma to buy and sell mature medical cannabis plants on Friday.
Michigan prohibitionists launched a TV ad against the state’s marijuana legalization ballot measure. Separately, regulators began accepting online registrations for medical cannabis patients and physicians.
Alaska regulators are considering increasing marijuana licensing fees.
Ohio regulators will begin accepting petitions to add new medical cannabis qualifying conditions on November 1.
Virginia regulators announced they will issue final approvals for CBD processing facilities on November 28.
California’s treasurer tweeted about marijuana businesses’ banking access issues.
/ LOCAL
Five former New York City probation commissioners say that probation and parole officials should stop testing and locking people up for marijuana use.
San Francisco, California supervisors are calling for changes to the city’s marijuana industry equity program.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government will move forward with “free and rapid” pardons for people with marijuana convictions.
Bermuda Premier David Burt pledged to legalize medical cannabis cultivation within months.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is urging people not to use marijuana.
/ ADVOCACY
Americans for Safe Access gave Utah’s medical cannabis compromise bill an F grade in an analysis.
Prohibitionist group Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America is urging its members to submit comments to the FDA advocating against marijuana rescheduling. The group’s chairman submitted his own letter arguing against a change.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of Missouri endorsed one of the state’s medical cannabis ballot measures.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that cannabis oil has significantly improves the symptoms of Crohn’s disease and the quality of life of sufferers but has no effect on gut inflammation.
/ OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll found that Michigan likely voters support the state’s marijuana legalization ballot measure, 57%-41%.
The Deseret News editorial board is calling for an end to the war on drugs.
/ BUSINESS
MedMen reported $78.7 million in quarterly losses.
Metrc announced a $50 million funding round.
4Front Holdings, LLC completed a private placement of equity securities worth approximately $31 million.
Marijuana stocks started to bounce back from a days-long slump.
The Wall Street Journal looks at non-intoxicating marijuana compounds that could soon form the basis of legal products after the pending Farm Bill is enacted.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
