Newsletter
PA gov wants cannabis in state stores for COVID recovery (Newsletter: August 26, 2020)
CDC: Teen marijuana use stable in legalization era; Congressman helps raise funds for psilocybin measure; IL official: Cannabis is “recession-proof”
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) is calling on lawmakers to legalize marijuana to boost COVID-19 economic relief—and he’s floating state-run stores to sell cannabis. Some of the resulting revenue would be earmarked for historically disadvantaged businesses and restorative justice programs.
- “I think there was some appetite for it before and my hope is that with the pandemic and the hit that we’ve taken to revenues that there might be a little more interest in it right now.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that lifetime teen marijuana use “decreased during 2013–2019” as states began legalizing cannabis and that there was “no change” in current use during the period.
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) is helping to raise money for Oregon’s ballot measure to legalize psilocybin therapy.
- “Measure 109 gives Oregonians who suffer from depression and anxiety the opportunity to overcome their mental health challenges through a program designed for safety and support.”
The top cannabis aide to Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) says the state’s strong marijuana sales show that the industry is “pandemic-proof” and “recession-proof.”
/ FEDERAL
Libertarian presidential candidate Jo Jorgensen tweeted, “.@JoeBiden won’t end #QualifiedImmunity, nor will he legalize marijuana. Why? Because both would jeopardize his and @KamalaHarris’ standing with police unions. I am the only POTUS candidate who is willing to do both and I’m not beholden to unions.”
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Deputy Administrator James Owens wrote that “marijuana, like many other drugs, can impair their ability to drive safely and can result in being charged with driving under the influence.”
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) bashed Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s role in enacting punitive crime legislation during a speech at the Republican National Convention.
/ STATES
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) tweeted, “I applaud @GovernorTomWolf’s call for the legalization of adult-use marijuana in Pennsylvania. This November, I hope the people of New Jersey will correct a historical wrong and vote to legalize adult-use marijuana – a long-overdue step to balance the scales of justice.”
Rhode Island’s Senate president said he thinks the social costs of legalizing marijuana outweigh revenue that would be generated, but his Democratic primary opponent supports it.
Maine regulators released guidance for marijuana businesses on issues such as advertising, marketing, labeling, scales, product disposal and more.
Oklahoma regulators are investigating a medical cannabis testing lab over allegations it falsified results.
Michigan regulators are hosting a marijuana licensing workgroup on September 21.
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/ LOCAL
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s mayor said “there’s no reason marijuana should not be in the same category as gin and whiskey.”
Chicago, Illinois’s mayor fired her top cannabis advisor.
Denver, Colorado officials are holding a Marijuana Licensing Work Group meeting on September 29.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Ecuador’s Assembly approved a bill establishing medical cannabis guidelines.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study suggested “antimicrobial properties of the extract of cannabis sativa both in vitro and in minced meat.”
A review concluded that evidence-based therapies “could be positively enhanced through incorporating certain non-pharmacological aspects of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy that may facilitate patient engagement and imply important therapeutic mechanisms of action.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Global Commission on Drug Policy condemned Singapore’s caning of a person for a drug offense.
/ BUSINESS
The Securities and Exchange Commission approved a rule change allowing the AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF to trade on NYSE Arca.
Clever Leaves got a license from the Portuguese government to grow, import and export medical cannabis.
Truss Beverage Co., a joint venture between MolsonCoors Canada and HEXO Corp., released five new brands.
TILT Holdings Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $38.6 million and a loss of $9 million.
Quest Diagnostics Inc. said that the percentage of U.S. workers who tested positive for drugs last year is the highest in 15 years.
/ CULTURE
Actor Saverio Guerra tweeted, “@NYGovCuomo now is the time to legalize recreational marijuana. The city needs the revenue and the jobs and commercial landlords need tenants. We have many examples to look to from other states on how it’s done effectively. Follow the data. Get it done.”
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
