Newsletter
NH gov signs cannabis legalization commission bill (Newsletter: August 9, 2023)
Fed official: prohibition complicates worker safety; DeSantis signs rec marijuana ad ban; MN GOP cannabis complaints; FDA wants nitrous ban input
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) signed a bill creating a commission tasked with drafting legislation to legalize marijuana sales through a system of state-run stores. The proposal is due by December 1, for lawmakers to consider passing in 2024.
An official with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration said that ongoing marijuana prohibition makes the agency’s job “complicated” when it comes to ensuring the safety of workers in the cannabis industry.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), a 2024 presidential candidate, signed a little-noticed bill that bans marijuana ads promoting “recreational” use—a policy that could cause complications if voters approve an adult-use cannabis legalization measure that might be on the 2024 ballot.
- The new law also adds more stringent background check requirements for workers in the state’s medical cannabis industry.
Minnesota Republican lawmakers sent another letter saying they are “disappointed” with Gov. Tim Walz (D) and Democratic legislative leaders over their “unwillingness to address glaring defects” in the state’s new marijuana legalization law.
The Food and Drug Administration is seeking public input on whether nitrous oxide and other drugs should be restricted under international drug control treaties.
A New York judge issued a temporary restraining order on new marijuana dispensary licenses under a program favoring people with previous cannabis convictions amid a legal challenge from a group of veterans who say they should also be allowed to get priority licenses.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York said he is considering enforcement actions against safe consumption sites for illegal drugs in New York City.
/ STATES
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) signed a bill increasing penalties for people who “cause the death of another human being by manufacture, distribution, or delivery of, or by administering or assisting in administering” certain drugs.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) tweeted, “Criminalizing cannabis hasn’t worked. Minnesota recognized this – and chose a new direction. That’s why we legalized adult-use cannabis and are expunging nonviolent cannabis convictions in Minnesota.
The Colorado Office of the State Auditor issued a report concluding that regulators need to improve “processes for prioritizing retail marijuana store inspections.”
Missouri regulators sent an alert about potential marijuana microbusiness license scams.
Massachusetts marijuana regulators reportedly banned a journalist from asking questions due to his advocacy work.
Michigan regulators are seeking additional feedback on proposed rules that would grant testing allowances for marijuana businesses that voluntarily participate in certification-based incentive programs.
A New York regulator discussed the need for cannabis rules to keep consumers safe.
Utah’s Medical Cannabis Establishment Licensing Board will meet on Wednesday.
Alabama regulators are expected to award medical cannabis business licenses on Thursday.
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/ LOCAL
La Crosse, Wisconsin’s mayor discussed the impact of marijuana legalization in neighboring Minnesota.
/ INTERNATIONAL
A European Parliament member spoke about how continental laws present obstacles for countries wishing to legalize marijuana.
The UK Court of Appeal ruled that hemp flower with a THC content of less than 0.2 percent is not a “narcotic drug.”
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “blacks are 5% more likely to live in a state where marijuana is illegal, while whites are 7% more likely to live in a state where marijuana is legal. Analysis also compared the percentage of blacks arrested for marijuana possession for states of varying legality, finding that legalization decreases the arrest disparity and makes blacks slightly less likely to be arrested.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The American Psychedelic Practitioners Association and BrainFutures published professional practice guidelines for psychedelic-assisted therapy.
/ BUSINESS
Green Thumb Industries Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $252.4 million.
Verano Holdings Corp. reported quarterly net revenue of $234.1 million and a net loss of $13.1 million.
Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $123 million.
WM Technology, Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $50.9 million.
Cronos Group Inc. reported quarterly consolidated net revenue of $19 million and a net loss of $8.5 million.
MMJ International Holdings is preparing to sue the Drug Enforcement Administration over delays in acting on an application to grow marijuana for research purposes.
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