Newsletter
NY cannabis lawsuit settlement (Newsletter: November 28, 2023)
USDA hemp licenses revoked from marijuana growers; German legalization changes; Feds pushed on saliva testing for cannabis; AZ & IN psilocybin
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The New York Cannabis Control Board approved settlement agreements to end litigation that has prevented hundreds of marijuana social equity dispensaries from opening their doors across the state.
German government negotiators have agreed to changes to a draft marijuana legalization bill, with a final vote now expected in the Bundestag next week.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is reportedly revoking hemp licenses for farmers who are simultaneously growing marijuana under state-approved programs.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is being urged by public transit groups to quickly certify labs to test for marijuana and other drugs using saliva instead of urine—which will result in fewer bus drivers and train operators being punished for weeks-old use when they are not intoxicated on the job.
The Indiana legislature’s Interim Study Committee on Public Health, Behavioral Health and Human Services is recommending that lawmakers approve a psilocybin therapy pilot program in the 2024 session.
Arizona’s Psilocybin Research Advisory Council will hold its first meeting on Tuesday to begin the process of awarding $5 million in grant funding to support research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelic mushrooms.
/ FEDERAL
The Congressional Research Service published a report on the implications of drug offenses for the Armed Career Criminal Act, which makes it a crime for people convicted of felonies to possess firearms.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Drug Testing Advisory Board will discuss “laboratory-created cannabinoids and other contaminants in commercially available products” on December 5.
/ STATES
Indiana’s House speaker said “no one has made a compelling case to me yet on why legalizing marijuana or having more people use cannabis in the state of Indiana is a positive thing.”
The South Dakota legislature’s Medical Marijuana Oversight Committee heard testimony about a proposal to require formal education for medical cannabis dispensary employees.
Illinois lawmakers are feuding with McHenry County’s state’s attorney over his effort to force marijuana businesses to post warnings about alleged dangers of cannabis use.
A California activist behind a recently rescinded ballot initiative to create a state-funded psychedelics research agency discussed the reasons for shelving the measure.
The Maryland Supreme Court declined to review a lower court’s preliminary injunction on rules banning unlicensed sales of certain hemp products.
Arizona regulators sent a notice about a voluntary recall of cannabis products due to possible contamination with aspergillus.
Alabama regulators vote to throw our third-party scores on medical cannabis business license applications, effectively starting the process over again.
Minnesota’s interim top marijuana regulator spoke about efforts to staff up the Office of Cannabis Management to oversee legalization implementation.
Maine’s top marijuana regulator said he will push lawmakers to enact medical cannabis testing requirements in the 2024 session.
Vermont regulators will consider marijuana business licensing recommendations and upcoming pre-qualification window on Wednesday.
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/ LOCAL
Jersey City, New Jersey officials are being sued by a marijuana business that claims another business with ties to a former governor who is running for mayor was improperly approved to operate in close proximity to its location.
Lewes and Seaford, Delaware officials are considering proposals to restrict where marijuana businesses can operate.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa repealed a policy that allowed people caught with small amounts of drugs to avoid incarceration.
The Philippine House Committee on Dangerous Drugs is expected to vote on a medical cannabis bill.
Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court is being asked to consider an appeal of a High Court dismissal of a lawsuit seeking to overturn marijuana criminalization.
Canadian regulators approved Epidiolex as adjunctive therapy for treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, or tuberous sclerosis complex.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “a large body of research indicates that cannabinoids could hold promise for the treatment of eczema, psoriasis, acne, pruritus, hair disorders, and skin cancer” but that “most of the available data are at the preclinical stage.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Lancet editorial board endorsed drug decriminalization.
/ BUSINESS
Treez and Metrc are partnering to create what they call “the cannabis industry’s first Global Product Catalog.”
Rhode Island retailers sold $9.4 million worth of legal marijuana products in October.
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