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OH cannabis ballot measure short on signatures (Newsletter: July 26, 2023)
GOP senators inadvertently tout legalization; DOJ safe injection motion; FL marijuana ballot case; Colombian cannabis bill; AMA drug policy moves
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Ohio’s secretary of state determined that activists fell just 679 valid signatures short of putting a marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot—but the campaign now has 10 days to make up the difference to qualify.
The Department of Justice is moving to dismiss a lawsuit that would allow a safe consumption site for illegal drugs to open in Philadelphia, a disappointment to advocates who hoped the Biden administration would embrace such facilities as part of its harm reduction strategy.
Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ted Budd (R-NC) and Bill Hagerty (R-TN), none of whom support legalizing marijuana, inadvertently made the case for the policy change by acknowledging that it disrupts the illegal market for cartels.
The Florida Supreme Court granted the attorney general’s request for more time to file a brief arguing why voters should not get a chance to decide on a marijuana legalization initiative on the 2024 ballot.
The Florida Department of Health issued medical cannabis business licenses to two Black farmers under a bill signed into law last month by Gov. Ron DeSantis (R).
Colombian lawmakers refiled a marijuana legalization bill one month after an earlier version stalled out in the Senate at the final stage of an eight-step legislative process.
The American Medical Association’s House of Delegates adopted several drug policy resolutions—including ones supporting psychedelic research, opposing the criminalization of kratom, backing the continued inclusion of marijuana in employment drug testing and calling for the elimination of sentencing disparities between crack and powder cocaine.
/ FEDERAL
The Food and Drug Administration published an updated webpage on its position on kratom.
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) inserted remarks in the Congressional Record about his new bill on CBD regulations.
The House bill to allow CBD-infused foods got one new cosponsor for a total of 11.
The House resolution on reparations that notes how the war on drugs systematically targeted Black Americans got one new cosponsor for a total of 11.
/ STATES
Wisconsin’s Senate minority leader tweeted, “A reminder that Wisconsinites spent over $121 million on #cannabis products in Illinois in 2022, including $36 million in tax revenue to the State of Illinois! This tax revenue should stay in WI, for our public schools, communities and local governments. It is high time we get this done and grow and invest in our future.”
The Florida Supreme Court is being asked to take up the case of a former Department of Corrections officer who was fired over medical cannabis use.
The Texas Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that a child died in its custody after he was taken from his mother over allegations she smoked marijuana.
Arizona regulators announced a voluntary recall of marijuana products due to possible contamination with Aspergillus.
New York regulators are facing potential litigation from the owners of a chain of unlicensed marijuana businesses that were recently raided.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Department of Natural Resources and State Patrol hosted an event about traffic safety ahead of the launch of marijuana legalization.
A Massachusetts regulator discussed the impact of marijuana legalization on the unregulated market.
Oklahoma officials expressed concerns about the role of marijuana edibles in accidental intoxication.
The Maryland Cannabis Administration is hiring for several positions.
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/ LOCAL
Denver, Colorado officials sent a reminder about marijuana businesses odor control plan requirements.
/ INTERNATIONAL
A report commissioned by German lawmakers looks at limitations the country may face in enacting marijuana reforms under current European law.
Uruguayan regulators published data on the country’s first six years of legal cannabis sales.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “in patients with pain and [Parkinson’s disease], mixed formulations of THC/CBD were tolerated with no serious [adverse events].”
A study found that ” psilocybin therapy is safe, tolerable and acceptable for [females with anorexia nervosa], which is a promising finding given physiological dangers and problems with treatment engagement.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A League of Southeastern Credit Unions and Affiliates officials spoke about the importance of marijuana banking legislation.
/ BUSINESS
Aleafia Health Inc. and its Canadian subsidiaries were granted creditor protection.
Cheech & Chong’s Global Holding has reportedly been spending between $250,000 and $500,000 a month Twitter ads to promote its cannabis gummy products.
Maryland retailers sold $42.6 million worth of legal marijuana products in the past week.
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