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MI gov signs cannabis expungements legislation (Newsletter: October 13, 2020)
AZ Dem Senate candidate backs legal marijuana; MS gov signs CBD bill & bashes broad reform; Complaint seeks to uncover MT legalization funders
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed a bill allowing people to apply to have their prior marijuana convictions expunged. It’s part of a package of broader legislation to help people clear their records.
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) signed a bill allowing federally approved CBD drugs to be used in the state, and in doing so took the opportunity to slam broader marijuana reform as voters prepare to decide on two competing medical cannabis ballot measures.
Arizona Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Mark Kelly said he’s inclined to support the marijuana legalization initiative that’s on the state’s ballot. But his wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-AZ), feels differently, he says.
An anti-marijuana activist filed a complaint with the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices that seeks to force public disclosure of funding sources supporting the state’s legalization ballot measures.
/ FEDERAL
Rep. Denver Riggleman (R-VA) cited his work on hemp legislation in accepting an award from the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Libertarian presidential candidate Jo Jorgensen tweeted, “I will pardon the 80,000 people serving federal time for nonviolent drug convictions and send them home to their families. I will dismantle the racist War on Drugs by decriminalizing all substances at the federal level.”
Kentucky Democratic congressional candidate Matthew Ryan Best tweeted, “Many states are looking to recession proof sources of revenue like booze and pot. Kentucky growers want to grow marijuana. Kentuckians want to enjoy the medical and recreational benefits cannabis provides. Let’s make it happen #KY5. Vote for federal legalization. Vote #Best4KY”
Texas Republican congressional candidate Tre Pennie tweeted, “Instead allowing pharmaceutical companies to poison you with prescription drugs. Why not consider natural solutions offered by cannabis? It’s time to think outside the box.”
/ STATES
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) said she opposes the state’s marijuana legalization and medical cannabis ballot initiatives.
A Maine quasi-state agency is allowing marijuana businesses to apply for sustainable energy grants.
An Arkansas regulatory spokesman talked about how demand for medical cannabis is increasing.
Nevada regulators held a workshop to discuss proposed changes to marijuana rules.
Colorado’s Retail Marijuana Public Health Advisory Committee will meet on Monday.
Washington, D.C. regulators will hold a briefing on updates to the city’s medical cannabis program on November 10.
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/ LOCAL
The Dallas, Texas City Council’s Public Safety Committee discussed a resolution to generally prohibit the testing of seized substances for marijuana, which would reduce prosecutions.
/ INTERNATIONAL
A bill to legalize marijuana cultivation in Nigeria cleared second reading in the House of Representatives.
Thailand’s Ministry of Justice is working to reduce sentences for drug crimes.
The leader of a Bahamian opposition party criticized the government for taking so long to enact marijuana reform.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “chronic cannabis consumption had no significant effect on athletic performance” and that “in some sports, advantages may plausibly be conveyed by psychotropic enhancement or pain reduction.”
A study found that “both cannabis‐related, and referendum‐specific tweets, suggest that Twitter users in New Zealand have a generally positive view of cannabis.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The San Francisco Chronicle editorial board called on California lawmakers to legalize safe consumption sites for illegal drugs.
Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy published a voter guide for the state’s elections.
The New York State Bar Association will host an event about the 280E tax provision’s impact on marijuana businesses on Monday.
/ BUSINESS
Harborside Inc. announced that it expects quarterly revenue to exceed $18.5 million.
Maine businesses sold $94,643.38 in recreational marijuana products on the first day of legal sales.
/ CULTURE
Family Feud did a question on things that would make people start smoking marijuana.
The Associated Press looks at the growing number of professional athletes embracing CBD.
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Photo courtesy of Brian Shamblen.
