Newsletter
Sanders says Biden can act on cannabis, but he hasn’t (Newsletter: August 12, 2021)
Fed drug official slams criminalization; Senate marijuana biz aid amendment; NH allows cannabis for opioid disorder; MS deal nears for special session
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) discussed President Joe Biden’s refusal to take administrative action marijuana reform.
- “Joe Biden and I on marijuana… I think marijuana should be legalized. We do [could] that fairly simply. But yeah, so we have differences.”
The head of the National Institute on Drug Abuse—the top federal agency on drugs and health—said criminalization perpetuates “overwhelming stigma” that treats consumers in a “demeaning and dehumanizing way.”
- “An effective public health response to substance use and substance use disorders must consider the policy landscape of criminalizing substance use, which constitutes a major socially sanctioned form of stigma.”
Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) filed an amendment on “ensuring that small businesses have access to loans and technical assistance in States that have legalized the use of cannabis” but it wasn’t considered as part of the budget reconciliation vote-a-rama.
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) signed a bill adding opioid use disorder as a medical marijuana qualifying condition and allowing out-of-state patients to shop at cannabis dispensaries.
Mississippi lawmakers say they’re “very close” to reaching a deal on a medical marijuana bill to replace the voter-approved initiative that was overturned by the state Supreme Court. They could pass the cannabis measure in a special session this month.
/ FEDERAL
The Food and Drug Administration rejected an application from Charlotte’s Web Holdings Inc. for a CBD product to be sold as a dietary ingredient.
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) said “there will be a federal change in the foreseeable future to liberalize or legalize marijuana.”
/ STATES
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) noted the marijuana oversight work of the state’s outgoing Department of Taxation director.
The New Mexico representative who sponsored a marijuana legalization bill that was signed into law this year was elected as the new House majority floor leader.
Michigan regulators sent a bulletin about an upcoming requirement to have a license to produce or sell delta-8-THC.
Hawaii regulators adopted interim hemp rules.
Oklahoma regulators published updated medical cannabis patient, caregiver and business license numbers.
Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Advisory Committee will meet on Thursday.
Colorado’s Retail Marijuana Public Health Advisory Committee will meet on Monday.
The Washington State Social Equity in Cannabis Task Force’ Disproportionately Impacted Communities Workgroup will meet on Tuesday.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,200 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.
Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
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/ LOCAL
A Grand Rapids, Michigan city commissioner spoke about his forthcoming psychedelics decriminalization proposal.
The mayor of Northfield, New Jersey broke a tie vote to block marijuana retailers from the city.
Los Angeles, California regulators sent a bulletin about changes to local marijuana rules.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Canadian regulators sent a reminder to marijuana producers that “THC and CBD content values displayed on a dried cannabis product label should reflect the value as tested for the lot.”
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study of mice “highlighted the prosocial effects” of nonpsychotropic cannabis.
A study suggested that “hot-water extracts of the four psilocybin-containing magic mushrooms have potential anti-inflammatory effects executed by down-regulating pro-inflammatory mediators.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Fireside Project launched an app to facilitate psychedelic peer support.
/ BUSINESS
Green Thumb Industries Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $221.9 million
COMPASS Pathways plc reported a quarterly net loss of $17.5 million.
The husband of Trulieve’s CEO reportedly told undercover federal agents that he worked with Florida lawmakers to craft provisions that would serve as barriers to others who want to enter the industry.
GW Pharmaceuticals received approval from UK officials for its CBD medicine EPIDYOLEX to be used for the treatment of seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis complex.
Colorado retailers sold more than $187 million worth of marijuana in June.
/ CULTURE
South Park creator Matt Stone suggested he and Trey Parker would “bring Tegridy Weed into real life.”
Method Man’s cannabis brand TICAL is coming to Colorado dispensaries.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
