Newsletter
NY legal cannabis bill to gov’s desk (Newsletter: March 31, 2021)
NM marijuana special session starts; Biden’s anti-legalization stance “has not changed”; Hemp THC boost bill in Senate; NE medical cannabis advances
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
New York lawmakers sent a marijuana legalization bill to the desk of Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), who has pledged to sign it.
New Mexico lawmakers advanced bills to legalize marijuana and expunge prior cannabis convictions in a special session called by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D). The goal is to get the legislation to her desk by week’s end.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said President Joe Biden’s opposition to legalizing marijuana “has not changed.”
The Nebraska legislature’s Judiciary Committee approved a bill to legalize medical marijuana.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) filed a new bill to triple the concentration of THC that can legally be in hemp and to make other changes to federal rules for the crop to address industry concerns.
Texas’s House speaker discussed his support for medical cannabis and decriminalizing marijuana at a Texas Young Republicans event.
- “If we can prescribe barbiturates and highly addictive pharmaceuticals, why can’t we look at other options, correct?”
/ FEDERAL
The Census Bureau said in another Federal Register filing that it intends to begin collecting marijuana revenue data from state and local governments on a quarterly basis.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) tweeted, “The NY legislature is voting on the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act to legalize marijuana today. I’m proud to see leaders in Albany keeping front and center the effort to repair harm done by prohibition. And I will keep working to end the federal marijuana prohibition.”
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) spoke about the need to federally legalize marijuana and expunge past records.
Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA) tweeted, “Cannabis laws and convictions have always been applied in inconsistent and unfair ways. I’m calling on President Biden to be a leader in breaking this harmful pattern of discrimination, starting with employment policies at the White House.”
Former Rep. Peter King (R-NY) criticized New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) for saying marijuana legalization is a top priority issue.
Former Rep. Nan Hayworth (R-NY) tweeted, “I’m not asserting that the use of marijuana is an inherently good or bad thing. It can be either, as can the use of alcohol. Information; moderation; discernment; and deterrence of abuse are key. But criminalization of marijuana is a net bad thing and should be discontinued.”
/ STATES
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) signed a bill to eliminate fines for marijuana possession by minors and modifies the requirement for community service to a maximum of 48 hours.
Pennsylvania’s lieutenant governor tweeted a picture of marijuana leaf-shaped cookies.
Florida’s agriculture commissioner sent a letter urging the White House to stop firing staffers for marijuana. She also tweeted, “#Marijuana shouldn’t keep you from getting or keeping a job — whether as a teacher, social worker, or at the @WhiteHouse. It’s time to reform outdated federal marijuana policies.” Separately, the Senate Criminal Justice Committee approved a bill to expunge certain prior marijuana convictions.
The West Virginia House of Delegates rejected an amendment to remove the criminal penalty for marijuana possession.
The Mississippi House of Representatives again rejected a Senate plan to enact an alternate medical cannabis program if the one approved by voters is struck down by the courts.
The Missouri House of Representatives approved a plan to pressure regulators to remove limits on the number of medical cannabis business licenses in the state.
New York’s Assembly majority leader will host three marijuana expungement clinics next month.
Maryland lawmakers spoke about plans to lay the groundwork for marijuana legalization even though they can’t pass a bill to enact the reform this session.
Maine regulators published a handbook on hemp licensing and cultivation.
The Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Wednesday.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 900 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 mayors of Freeport and Rockville Center, New York said they will seek to locally ban marijuana retail operations under statewide legalization.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Malta Prime Minister Robert Abela launched a public consultation on marijuana reform legislation.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “although a majority of radiation oncologists believe there are benefits to therapeutic cannabis, many are hesitant to recommend for or against its use.”
The University of California, San Francisco is forming a new Neuroscape Psychedelics Division.
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The South Carolina Democratic Party tweeted in support of a medical cannabis bill that will receive a Senate committee hearing on Wednesday.
The Albuquerque Journal editorial board laid out the provisions it wants to see in a New Mexico marijuana legalization bill.
/ BUSINESS
Harvest Health & Recreation Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $69.9 million and a net loss of $7.4 million.
Schwazze reported quarterly revenue of $7.9 million and a net loss of $8.5 million.
Terra Tech Corp. reported annual revenues from continuing operations of $14.3 million and a net loss of $30.1 million.
Parallel fired an executive after her husband opened a Massachusetts marijuana store that competes with its New England Treatment Access property.
Ayr Wellness Inc. closed its acquisition of Parma Wellness Center, LLC.
Eaze is adding private label marijuana brands to its service.
BevCanna Enterprises Inc. entered into an agreement to co-manufacture CBD and THC-infused beverages for State B Cannabis Beverage Co.
/ CULTURE
David Spade joked about the website of Seth Rogen’s marijuana company crashing.
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