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New FDA cannabis guidance (Newsletter: January 24, 2023)

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VA eyeing psychedelics guidance & research; New PA gov talks marijuana pardons; Study: Cannabis enhances sex; ND hemp flag resolution

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

The Food and Drug Administration published final guidance on clinical research to develop cannabis-based drugs.

A top Department of Veterans Affairs mental health official said the agency is keeping a “very close eye” on psychedelics—including exploring new guidance to ensure veterans are protected from losing federal benefits over the use of substances like psilocybin.

Newly sworn-in Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) said he wants to “build on” his predecessor’s marijuana pardon project, including by expanding education through Spanish-language materials. He said previous eligibility information was “somewhat confusing” for people.

The North Dakota House Agriculture Committee approved a resolution urging people to buy U.S. flags made out of hemp—even as one lawmaker expressed concern about “odors” that might be produced from flag burning protests.

A new study indicated that marijuana enhances “sexual functioning and satisfaction, particularly increased desire and orgasm intensity” and can “potentially close the orgasm inequality gap” between men and women.

/ FEDERAL

The Drug Enforcement Administration released an updated version of its “Drugs of Abuse” document.

National Security Agency Director of Cybersecurity Rob Joyce tweeted, “While marijuana / pot is still illegal in federal law, the clearance process will ask about use.  There are adjudications for past use, but you definitely can’t continue using with a TS SCI clearance.”

Rep. James Comer (R-KY) tweeted a photo of a hemp-wood display case he had commissioned.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) cited marijuana reform as an issue with the potential for bipartisan cooperation.

/ STATES

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said he thinks New York opening up marijuana dispensaries nearby will impact sales in his state, but said that the main reason to end prohibition is for social justice and not economics.

The New Hampshire House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee held a hearing on a bill to legalize DMT.

Massachusetts lawmakers are considering several cannabis and drug policy reform bills.

A Tennessee representative introduced a bill to decriminalize marijuana possession.

A North Dakota representative discussed his support for legalizing medical cannabis edibles.

An Indiana representative authored an op-ed calling on colleagues to seriously consider enacting marijuana reform.

Illinois regulators filed cannabis rules changes.

Alaska regulators filed proposed rules on backup power requirements for marijuana business video surveillance and on window pick-up at dispensaries.

Nevada regulators published marijuana advertising guidance.

Missouri regulators released guidance on marijuana business tax deductions.

Rhode Island regulators posted guidance on marijuana tax rules.

Oregon regulators reported a 69 percent compliance rate for minor decoy operations at marijuana businesses in Portland.

Washington State regulators sent a newsletter on various cannabis topics.

Vermont regulators will host a cannabis advertising Q & A session on Tuesday.

New York marijuana regulators will meet on Wednesday. The Cannabis Advisory Board will also meet that day.


Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of 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.

/ LOCAL

Cleveland, Ohio’s mayor touted a $10,000 grant the city was awarded to help facilitate marijuana expungements.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Germany’s health minister said the government will “present a creative and very good solution for the legalization of cannabis” in the first quarter of the year.

Nigerian Presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore responded to a senator who asked him not to legalize marijuana by saying, “I told you cannabis hair products could help keep your beautiful Afro nurtured but you won’t listen.”

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A review concluded that “medical marijuana has a significant clinical response by reducing the length and frequency of migraines” and that “no severe adverse effects were noted.”

A study found “no significant association between lifetime classic psychedelic use and motivationally-based workplace absenteeism.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Marijuana Policy Project elected new members to its board of directors.

The Virginian-Pilot editorial board is urging Virginia lawmakers to pass legislation to establish a legal marijuana marketplace.

The New York Association of Convenience Stores criticized Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) for “blaming flavored tobacco as a vehicle for underage smoking while promoting flavored cannabis.”

Fox News host Tucker Carlson criticized New York for, in his view, restricting tobacco more than marijuana.

/ BUSINESS

Elon Musk testified in court that in his tweet about taking Tesla private for $420 a share he did not pick the price as a marijuana joke, but he did say that “there is some karma around 420 although I should question if that is good or bad karma at this point.”

Dutchie is suing Akerna Corp. for alleged unfair business practices in Pennsylvania.

American Express and Citizens Bank lobbied Congress on cannabis banking issues, disclosures show.

Missouri dispensaries sold $40.25 million worth of medical cannabis in December.

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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.

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Tom Angell is the editor of Marijuana Moment. A 20-year veteran in the cannabis law reform movement, he covers the policy and politics of marijuana. Separately, he founded the nonprofit Marijuana Majority. Previously he reported for Marijuana.com and MassRoots, and handled media relations and campaigns for Law Enforcement Against Prohibition and Students for Sensible Drug Policy.

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