Newsletter
NM gov signs legal cannabis into law (Newsletter: April 13, 2021)
4 more states could legalize marijuana in 2021; Uber CEO open to cannabis delivery; MN legalization advances
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) signed a marijuana legalization bill into law—making her state the third to enact the reform in recent days. She also signed separate cannabis expungements legislation.
Four more states still have a good shot of legalizing marijuana this year, following the enactment of new laws in New Mexico, New York and Virginia. 2021 could set a record for legalization—even though nothing is on the ballot this year.
The Minnesota House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee approved a marijuana legalization bill—the fifth panel to do so. The majority leader, who is sponsoring the legislation, said a floor vote is coming next month—but at least one more committee is set to take it up this week first.
Uber’s CEO said the company will “absolutely” explore entering the marijuana delivery space once federal laws change.
/ FEDERAL
President Joe Biden is dropping plans to create a national police oversight commission.
The Internal Revenue Service, through a Freedom of Information Act request, released documents about how it handles marijuana businesses.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) tweeted, “I’m working in the Senate with @SenBooker and @RonWyden on comprehensive marijuana reform legislation. It’s long past time to end the federal prohibition on marijuana and ensure equity for communities—especially those of color—impacted by the War on Drugs.”
Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) tweeted, “The failed drug war must end, and that begins with legalizing marijuana. It’s time to turn the page on this sad chapter in American history and undo the devastating consequences of discriminatory policies that have ruined countless lives and communities.”
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) said he supports Virginia’s new marijuana legalization law but has remaining concerns about impaired driving.
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) tweeted, “It’s time to legalize cannabis, expunge records for non-violent crimes, & invest in economic opportunities for Black & brown communities hit hardest by the War on Drugs.”
/ STATES
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) tweeted about a marijuana event he is hosting on Wednesday.
Guam’s attorney general is waiting for regulators to send draft legal marijuana rules.
Mississippi’s Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case challenging the state’s voter-approved medical cannabis law on Wednesday.
The California Senate approved a bill to end mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent drug offenses.
Connecticut’s House speaker said he still thinks there’s a 50-50 chance of passing a marijuana legalization bill this year.
A North Dakota legislature conference committee accepted amendments to a hemp bill that were proposed by the attorney general’s office.
The Montana Senate Select Committee on Marijuana Law held a hearing on House-passed legalization implementation bills.
The Rhode Island House Committee on State Government & Elections held a hearing on a bill to allow veterinarians to recommend medical cannabis for pets.
A Maryland delegate said he thinks the state will legalize marijuana next year.
New Jersey marijuana regulators held their first meeting and launched a new website.
Massachusetts regulators launched a public catalog of marijuana products that are legally available in the state.
Illinois regulators sent a bulletin about a new cannabis retailer occupation tax in Kane County.
A Michigan law that automatically expunges prior marijuana and other convictions took effect.
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/ LOCAL
The Denver, Colorado City Council gave initial approval to a proposal to allow marijuana delivery services and social consumption areas.
The New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority is facing a possible lawsuit from an employee who says he was forced into drug rehabilitation classes due to his medical cannabis use.
Detroit, Michigan officials are being sued over a decision to prevent a medical cannabis facility from operating near a church.
The Sonoma County, California Board of Supervisors is considering accepting state funding to help people enter the marijuana industry.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Mexico’s Senate majority leader published a blog post explaining why lawmakers need more time to pass marijuana legalization legislation.
A French lawmaker who chaired a parliamentary committee that examined marijuana issues says it should be legalized.
Malawi’s government issued 86 cannabis cultivation licenses.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “most driving-related skills are predicted to recover within ∼5-hs (and almost all within ∼7-hs) of inhaling 20 mg Δ9-THC” and that “regular cannabis users experience less Δ9-THC-induced impairment than occasional users.”
A study found that “psilocybin increased ratings of (spontaneous) creative insights, while decreasing (deliberate) task-based creativity” and that “seven days after psilocybin, [the] number of novel ideas increased.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The American Medical Association published a post outlining its concerns about legalizing marijuana.
Vanderbilt University’s Robert Mikos published an article arguing that it is not within the power of the president to legalize marijuana through executive action.
/ BUSINESS
Aphria Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of C$153.6 million and a net loss of C$361 million.
Weedmaps launched a new service that tracks individual cannabis consumption habits.
Curaleaf workers in Hanover, Massachusetts voted to join the United Food and Commercial Workers Local Union 328.
/ CULTURE
311’s Nick Hexum recorded a video message to a “tattletale” who posted on Nextdoor to complain about marijuana odors.
Jay-Z’s cannabis brand MONOGRAM launched a campaign of new photographs by Hype Williams depicting how “the good life” can involve consuming marijuana.
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