Newsletter
RI legal cannabis bill approved in committee (Newsletter: June 15, 2021)
MT anti-marijuana orgs drop lawsuit; “Mass scale” NE medical cannabis campaign launches; Local decrim push in OH, SC & WV
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee amended and approved a marijuana legalization bill. It’s the first time recreational cannabis legislation has ever advanced in the state legislature.
Montana anti-marijuana groups are moving to dismiss their own lawsuit that sought to overturn a voter-approved legalization ballot measure. Implementation legislation approved by lawmakers addressed the central dispute about allocating cannabis revenue.
Nebraska activists are preparing to launch a “mass scale” signature gathering drive to qualify at least one—and possibly several—medical cannabis ballot measures for 2022. Lawmakers have also discussed a potential recreational marijuana initiative.
The Sensible Movement Coalition is working to put marijuana decriminalization measures on local ballots across Ohio, South Carolina and West Virginia. A separate group is spearheading local cannabis efforts in Texas.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Department of Agriculture said licensed hemp businesses are eligible for Rural Cooperative Development Grants and Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Grant Program.
A federal judge said a lawsuit over the seizure of hemp plants should be dismissed because the 2018 Farm Bill did not provide for a private right of action.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) tweeted, “Americans are sending a clear message—they want an end to marijuana prohibition. That is why I’m working with @RonWyden and @SenBooker to end the federal prohibition and to repair the damage done by the War on Drugs.”
Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), along with members of Nevada’s U.S. House delegation, issued statements in support of marijuana banking legislation.
Rep. Marie Newman (D-IL) tweeted about cosponsoring a federal marijuana legalization bill.
Former House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) and Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) discussed marijuana legalization.
/ STATES
Hawaii Gov. David Ige (D) signed a proclamation declaring Monday “Medical Cannabis Day.”
Pennsylvania’s attorney general tweeted, “Legalize marijuana. Regulate it. Tax it. But let me be clear: legalization must include expungement for those in jail or who have served time for possessing small amounts of marijuana. Our Black & brown communities have been disproportionately impacted by this for far too long.”
Virginia’s attorney general tweeted, “Marijuana legalization is a step in the right direction for public safety, equity, and economic opportunity for all in Virginia.”
New York’s Assembly speaker and majority leader highlighted marijuana legalization as a top accomplishment this session.
A majority of Wisconsin Democratic senators said they support legalizing marijuana, contrary to a claim by the caucus’s leader.
Here’s a look at how Colorado marijuana bills fared this session.
Massachusetts regulators moved to extend marijuana business curbside operations, telehealth services and web-based community outreach meetings until September 1.
California tax officials said the cannabis mark-up rate will remain unchanged at 80 percent for the rest of the year.
Michigan regulators launched a survey about the state’s marijuana tracking system.
Minnesota regulators tweeted about the legalization of smokable medical cannabis flower.
Ohio regulators will consider adopting new rules on medical cannabis dispensary license applications on Friday.
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/ LOCAL
The Sonoma County, California Board of Supervisors approved $370,000 in funding to help expedite the processing of a backlog of cannabis business permit applications.
The Boston, Massachusetts Cannabis Board will meet on Wednesday.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The International Criminal Court Office of the Prosecutor is seeking permission to launch an investigation into the bloody Philippine “war on drugs.”
Toronto, Canada’s Board of Health voted to ask permission from the federal government to decriminalize drugs.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “light cannabis use as well as late-onset thereof was associated with increased decision-making skills both cross-sectionally at follow-up as well as longitudinally compared to non-using controls.”
A review concluded that “promising preclinical and clinical investigations suggest that cannabidiol (CBD) is an effective adjuvant for treatment of symptoms of opioid use disorders; however, the mechanism through which CBD drives this outcome is unclear.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll found that 67 percent of Americans support legalizing marijuana for both recreational and medical use, 25 percent back medical legalization only and 8 percent want cannabis to remain completely illegal.
The Hemp Industries Association has a new president and other leaders.
Virginia Marijuana Justice is planning a marijuana seed giveaway to coincide with legalization taking effect on July 1.
/ BUSINESS
HEXO Corp. reported quarterly revenue of C$22.7 million and a net loss of C$20.7 million.
A subsidiary of Cronos Group Inc. is acquiring approximately 10.5 percent of PharmaCann Inc.
Acreage Holdings, Inc. sold promissory notes for $26 million.
/ CULTURE
Rohan Marley is an investor in a company looking for sites for a marijuana business in upstate New York.
Family Feud had a question on places people should never be seen smoking marijuana.
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