Newsletter
Schumer’s new cannabis “pledge” for 2023 (Newsletter: December 27, 2022)
Google changes CBD ad policy; MN Medical Association backs drug decrim; Latest TX on marijuana decrim; VA gov wants hemp product enforcement
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
In a floor speech, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) made a “pledge” to keep working on federal marijuana reform in 2023.
Google is updating its policies to allow advertising of certain CBD products in parts of the U.S.
The Minnesota Medical Association adopted a resolution calling on lawmakers to decriminalize drugs, expunge past records and invest in harm reduction programs.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s (R) budget proposal includes funds to ramp up oversight and enforcement on intoxicating hemp-derived products.
Harker Heights, Texas activists submitted enough signatures to qualify a ballot initiative to reverse the City Council’s repeal of a voter-approved marijuana decriminalization measure. Meanwhile, Killeen’s separate local cannabis reform is facing a lawsuit from Bell County officials.
/ FEDERAL
The Food and Drug Administration is fast-tracking a review of allowing people to access naloxone without a prescription.
Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich tweeted, “The DOJ moving to end sentencing differences between crack and powder cocaine is a huge deal. It’s an injustice that Congress failed to make the DOJ’s guidance permanent. It’s long past time to end the racist war on drugs.”
A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report found that more than half the people injured or killed in traffic crashes had one or more drugs in their bloodstreams.
The Government Accountability Office determined that the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy’s drug strategy “does not address some statutory requirements, including some related to future planning.”
In his 2022 Festivus report on government waste, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) flagged funding for a study that involved injecting beagle puppies with cocaine.
/ STATES
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) granted clemency to people with convictions for marijuana and other offenses.
Florida’s outgoing agriculture commissioner spoke about the growth of the hemp industry.
Connecticut’s House majority leader said lawmakers will consider ways to deter people from continuing to submit hundreds of applications each in marijuana licensing lotteries.
A New York senator spoke about next steps for marijuana legislation in 2023.
Massachusetts regulators filed changes to marijuana tax rules.
Vermont regulators are recommending that the potency cap on solid cannabis concentrates be lifted.
Washington State regulators sent a reminder about the launch of a new marijuana tracking system.
Missouri regulators posted updated numbers on medical cannabis facilities approved to operate.
Colorado regulators will hold a kratom stakeholder meeting on Wednesday.
The Illinois Adult Use Cannabis Health Advisory Committee will meet on Wednesday.
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Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,500 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
Some Minnesota municipalities are scrambling to enact regulations on cannabinoid-infused edible products.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The United Nations Conference on Trade & Development tweeted, “Hemp is a highly fascinating eco-friendly plant as all its parts – roots, flowers, fruit, stems & leaves – can be exploited.🌱 The plant can notably be used in agriculture, textiles, automotive, furniture, food products, paper & construction materials.”
Ireland has a new drugs minister.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “medicinal cannabis improves sleep in adults with insomnia.”
A case report indicated that “using potential opioid alternatives, such as medical cannabis, may prove beneficial to clinicians looking to improve pain management and reduce opioid therapy in patients.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
NSF posted an explainer on hemp and CBD product testing.
/ BUSINESS
Arkansas dispensaries sold $23.2 million worth of medical cannabis in November.
/ CULTURE
Elon Musk tweeted an image of a classic Onion article about drugs winning the drug war.
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