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MD gov signs cannabis sales bill (Newsletter: May 4, 2023)
OH marijuana ballot sigs; DOT drug testing changes; CO psychedelics to gov; NBA cannabis details; Cancer patient study
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- Graham: “I was actively involved in the passage of HB 1802 here in Texas 2 years ago. I’m a veteran as well and it just happened to be a synergistic miracle how I got connected to key people that provided testimonials that passed a controversial bill so quickly here in conservative Texas. I am giving a discussion this evening with the Texas Psychedelic Network otherwise known as PsyT. I donated to you guys so I could use your wonderful bill update tool to find out the latest in psychedelic legislation across the country.”
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) signed legislation to regulate marijuana sales in preparation of the state’s voter-approved legalization law taking effect on July 1.
The U.S. Department of Transportation finalized drug testing rules changes to allow saliva as an alternative to urine screening. Advocates say it could result in fewer positive tests for transit workers who used marijuana days prior and aren’t high on the job.
Ohio activists are proceeding with a plan to collect the second half of the signatures they need to place a marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot after lawmakers let a deadline to legislatively act on the measure lapse.
Colorado lawmakers sent Gov. Jared Polis (D) a bill to regulate psychedelics under a voter-approved legalization ballot initiative.
A “key deal points” document on the National Basketball Association’s new collective bargaining agreement clarifies that players will not be allowed to promote marijuana companies—though they can passively invest in them. It also confirms that cannabis is being removed from the prohibited substances list and that players can promote CBD products.
A new study found that cancer patients who use medical cannabis for two weeks see “improvements in pain intensity and interference, sleep quality and subjective cognitive functioning.”
Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced he will call a special session beginning May 16 for lawmakers to pass legislation preventing the expiration of the state’s drug possession criminalization laws on July 1.
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) vetoed a bill to revise how marijuana tax revenue is allocated.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Sentencing Commission submitted sentencing guidelines amendments, including one suggesting that federal judges treat prior marijuana possession offenses more leniently when making sentencing decisions, to Congress for review.
Federal prosecutors are reportedly nearing a decision on whether to charge Hunter Biden with allegedly lying about his drug use on a gun purchase form.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) tweeted, “Legal cannabis businesses need to have access to safe, stable financial services to keep their employees, business, and community safe. We need to pass the #SAFEBankingAct.”
Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) tweeted, “Current federal law makes it impossible for many small business owners to protect their property, employees, and customers. I reintroduced the CLAIM Act to ensure legal marijuana and related businesses have access to insurance coverage.”
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) sent a press release about Senate Republicans’ move to block a veterans cannabis research bill.
Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Dan Crenshw (R-TX) filed a resolution claiming that “the risk of infertility is increased by…use of marijuana…”
The House bill to allow CBD as a dietary supplement got one new cosponsor for a total of 21.
/ STATES
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) signed budget legislation to increase civil and tax penalties on unlicensed marijuana sellers.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) signed a bill giving law enforcement authority to combat illegal marijuana cultivation, a move that was praised by the attorney general.
Tennessee lawmakers sent Gov. Bill Lee (R) a bill to regulate sales of hemp-derived cannabinoid products.
The Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill to criminalize selling delta-8 THC products to people under 21.
Wisconsin’s Senate minority leader authored an op-ed on the need to legalize marijuana.
Rhode Island lawmakers are expressing frustration at Gov. Dan McKee’s (D) delay in appointing members of the new Cannabis Control Commission and have filed legislation to allow an existing agency to handle marijuana advertising rules in the interim.
A Delaware State Police official spoke about the agency’s approach to enforcing DUI laws under marijuana legalization. Separately, state lawmakers sent a letter urging the state’s congressional delegation to support federal marijuana reform.
Massachusetts regulators are launching advanced course curricula for marijuana social equity program participants.
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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.
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/ LOCAL
The Evanston, Illinois City Council’s Human Services Committee rejected a proposal to draft an ordinance to decriminalize psychedelics.
New York City’s mayor claimed that children are “picking up cannabis laced with fentanyl” on their way to school.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Germany’s Ministry of Health published a report on the impact of marijuana legalization in other countries.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study of mice demonstrated “an unprecedented regulatory role of neuronal [cannabinoid CB1 receptors] in the [melanoma brain metastases] tumour microenvironment.”
A study “yielded results suggestive of [psilocybin therapy’s] superior efficacy in reducing depressed mood, anhedonia, and a core depression factor, along with specific symptoms such as sexual dysfunction.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll of Maryland residents found that 16 percent say they’ll be more likely to use recreational marijuana now that it is legal and that 76 percent say the change in legal status will not affect their use.
ASTM International’s cannabis committee approved a new standard that defines labeling specifications for consumer products containing cannabinoids.
/ BUSINESS
Green Thumb Industries Inc. reported quarterly net review of $248.5 million.
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company reported that its cannabis-focused Hawthorne unit had $92.7 million in quarterly net sales.
Greenlight issued a dividend to shareholders.
Terrapin is canceling plans to build a cannabis production facility in Auburn, New York.
Illinois retailers sold $132 million worth of recreational marijuana products in April.
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