Newsletter
Mexican officials visit Canada to learn about legal cannabis (Newsletter: Oct. 22, 2018)
Poll: ND legal marijuana measure up 15 points; Canadian lawmaker vapes cannabis; Late-nite TV hosts talk marijuana
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Seven top officials from Mexico’s incoming new government will travel to Canada this week to discuss marijuana legalization, among other issues.
A poll found that North Dakota likely voters support the state’s marijuana legalization ballot measure, 51%-36%.
A Canadian member of Parliament openly spoke about his marijuana consumption and said that soon no one will care whether public officials use cannabis.
- “Just as someone might have a glass of wine or a scotch on a Friday night, I would turn to my vaporizer.”
Here’s a look at the latest in late-night TV marijuana humor. Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, South Park and The Daily Show all weighed in with cannabis quips last week.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia tweeted, “Legalized marijuana linked to a sharp rise in car crashes. A study is not proof but it should be a cautionary sign. Public safety too important for guess work.” He also tweeted about cannabis potency.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) tweeted, “I’ve drafted, but haven’t yet introduced, a bill to remove the marijuana question from ATF form 4473 — the question that requires anyone who uses marijuana (crime) to lie (crime) in order to purchase a gun (crime) from a gun dealer. Any Democrats who would support such a bill?”
Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Republican challenger Susan Hutchison debated medical cannabis.
Sen. ELizabeth Warren (D-MA) and her Republican opponent Geoff DIehl agreed on letting states set their own marijuana laws during a debate.
Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE) and his challengers answered a question about marijuana legalization.
Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) recorded a video message to be played at a cannabis conference.
Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) said he supports Michigan’s marijuana legalization ballot measure.
Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) and Republican challenger Anya Tynio agreed during a debate that states should be able to set their own marijuana laws. (About 51 minutes into the video.)
Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) said he hasn’t smoked marijuana since Washington State legalized it.
The U.S House bill to require the licensing of more cultivators of marijuana for research got one new cosponsor, for a total of 44.
/ STATES
Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) is appealing a judge’s ruling that struck down portions of the state’s medical cannabis law as unconstitutional.
Arizona’s attorney general is asking the state Supreme Court to declare medical cannabis extracts and edibles illegal.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) and Democratic challenger Tony Evers clashed on marijuana policy during a debate.
Colorado Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jared Polis tweeted about the state’s record-breaking marijuana tax revenues. Separately, regulators sent a letter to Denver officials warning them against allowing indoor marijuana consumption. Also,regulators are proposing to loosen restrictions on hemp products and streamline marijuana license renewals.
New Jersey lawmakers are concerned that an investigation into sexual assault allegations into a member of Gov. Phil Murphy’s (D) staff could cause a delay on considering marijuana legalization legislation.
California regulators announced changes to proposed marijuana rules.
Oklahoma regulators are being sued over medical cannabis licensing fees and taxes.
Illinois lawmakers plan to reintroduce a marijuana legalization bill in January.
The chairman of the New York Senate Health Committee said he looks at marijuana legalization “with a very suspicious, not approving view.”
A member of Michigan’s Medical Marihuana Licensing Board was reappointed by Gov. Rick Snyder (R)
/ LOCAL
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s mayor spoke in support of legalization at a marijuana event.
The Phoenix, Arizona mayor’s chief of staff resigned after unsuccessfully pushing a plan to heavily tax medical cannabis.
The San Diego, California City Council is considering a proposal to crack down on marijuana advertising.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Following a visit to Colorado, the former commissioner of London’s Metropolitan Police is calling for the UK government to undertake an urgent review of whether marijuana should be legalized.
A Georgian presidential candidate was detained by police after handing out joints.
/ ADVOCACY
The International Drug Policy Consortium released a report detailing the failure of the war on drugs.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study concluded that “low concentrations of CBD and CBDV cause damage of the genetic material in human-derived cells” and that “currently available data are indicative for potential carcinogenic properties of the cannabinoids.”
A survey found that “1 in 3 medical students has used cannabis, whereas 8.8% were current users.”
/ OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll of Missouri likely voters shows one of three medical cannabis ballot measures winning and the other two falling short.
A poll of Utah voters found that the state’s medical cannabis ballot measure is a key motivating factor to show up at the polls this year.
The Globe and Mail editorial board is calling on Canada’s government to expunge marijuana convictions instead of just offering pardons.
/ BUSINESS
Aphria filed for listing on the New York Stock Exchange.
Payment processor Square said it won’t “support sales of CBD at this time.”
Slate’s Working podcast looks at what it’s like to be a marijuana lawyer.
/ CULTURE
Colorado nonprofit ECS Therapy Center is working to create new cannabis-related signs for the deaf community.
Songify the News did a riff on drug policy debates between Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-TX).
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
