Newsletter
NJ legislators review “unacceptable” cannabis delay (Newsletter: March 30, 2022)
GA psychedelics bill approved; Tribal marijuana protection push; WA officials want cannabis banking; Anti-legalization PAC launches
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A group of nine U.S. senators led by Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) sent a letter urging Attorney General Merrick Garland to “respect the inherent sovereignty of Tribal governments” that choose to legalize marijuana.
New Jersey’s Senate president is forming a special committee to conduct oversight of what he says is a “totally unacceptable” delay in launching recreational marijuana sales in the state.
The Georgia House Veterans Affairs Committee unanimously approved a resolution to form a study committee to investigate the therapeutic potential of psychedelics like psilocybin and make recommendations for reforms.
Washington State’s treasurer and cannabis regulators tore into Congress for its failure to pass marijuana banking legislation amid a spate of deadly robberies at dispensaries.
- “A decade of congressional dithering is enough.”
Protect Our Kids PAC—a new super PAC run by a leader of prohibitionist group Smart Approaches to Marijuana—is backing a slate of candidates who oppose cannabis commercialization, and is going after pro-legalization Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) as one of its first targets.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) signed intergovernmental cannabis agreements with two pueblo tribes, days ahead of the state’s launch of recreational marijuana sales.
/ FEDERAL
The National Institute on Drug Abuse published a draft plan to address racism in addiction science.
Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), speaking about a forthcoming marijuana legalization bill, said, “I would love to see it done on 4/20.”
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) said “we’re losing the war on drugs down at the border.”
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) said a marijuana legalization bill scheduled for a House floor vote this week is “good for the economy, good for economic activity, good for public safety, good for social, racial and economic justice.”
Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) is conducting a web poll on support for marijuana legalization ahead of a scheduled House vote this week.
Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-SC) said fellow lawmakers have done cocaine in front of him and invited him to an orgy.
The House resolution calling to reduce incarceration by “decriminalizing addiction,” “legalizing marijuana,” and “expunging the records of individuals for all drug-related offenses” got one new cosponsor for a total of 19.
/ STATES
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) tweeted, “Legalizing marijuana boosts the economy. Most importantly, it’s what Pennsylvanians want.”
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) tweeted, “Legalized adult-use cannabis is a critical step forward for a 21st century economy in New Mexico, creating jobs and economic opportunities in communities small and large across the state. After years of effort, we made recreational cannabis a reality – sales start this Friday.” She also tweeted, “Hey New Mexico! There are only 3 days until recreational cannabis sales go live! By legalizing cannabis, we’re New Mexico’s cannabis businesses will help create 11,000 jobs in #NM. We’re using bold strategies to ensure we create opportunities for all New Mexicans.”
Kentucky’s Senate majority floor leader said a House-passed medical cannabis bill has no chance of clearing his chamber.
Here’s a look at Oklahoma medical cannabis reform bills that are advancing.
Some Missouri cannabis activists are staging protests against other activists’ proposed legalization initiative, calling it a “corrupt marijuana monopoly ballot initiative.”
A judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging Georgia regulators’ medical cannabis business licensing process.
An Illinois judge declined to take control over a stay that has put marijuana business licenses on hold, saying it should remain under a separate case.
Vermont regulators published guidance on marijuana business application and licensing fees.
Massachusetts regulators issued a final order allowing marijuana business license applicants to conduct required community outreach meetings virtually.
The U.S. Virgin Islands’s deputy health commissioner warned about keeping marijuana edibles away from young people.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife accused an unlicensed marijuana operation of multiple environmental violations.
Ohio regulators published updated medical cannabis patient and caregiver numbers.
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Marijuana Moment is already 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 Austin, Texas City Council’s Public Safety Committee held a hearing on allowing first responders to use medical cannabis.
New York City regulators will hold a public hearing on proposed rules on where cannabis can and can’t be smoked and vaped on April 27.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Two Colombian presidential candidates proposed using cannabis as an economic crop to replace coca leaves.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review of medical cannabis use by people with cancer concluded that “two main reasons for medical cannabis use emerged from the thematic analysis: limiting the impacts of cancer and its side effects; and staying connected to others” and that “medical cannabis is mostly used for three approved indications: to manage refractory nausea and vomiting, to complement pain management, and to improve appetite and food intake.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Alabama Democratic Party tweeted, “Decriminalizing cannabis is long overdue. We spend upwards of $22M annually locking folks up & ruining people’s lives over a little bit of weed. A decriminalization bill has already passed in committee. It’s time for the Senate to vote on this bill & show us where they stand.”
NORML published a report on best practices for regulating state marijuana markets.
The New York State Bar Association’s president authored an op-ed criticizing the practice of no-knock police raids, calling them a “relic of the war on drugs.”
/ BUSINESS
Leafly Holdings, Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $12.1 million and a net loss of $5.1 million.
Bright Green Corp. filed plans to list on the Nasdaq.
Pabst Labs opened a new cannabis beverage manufacturing and packaging facility.
/ CULTURE
Killer Mike is partnering with Weedmaps on a docuseries that celebrates cannabis culture in Las Vegas, San Francisco, New York and Chicago.
Brooke Shields joined the board of CBD product company Prospect Farms.
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