Newsletter
SD cannabis ballot measures filed for 2022 (Newsletter: July 6, 2021)
Lawmakers back drones to spot illegal marijuana grows; New CT legal cannabis website; TX activists push gov for medical marijuana in special session
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
South Dakota activists filed four new ballot initiatives to legalize marijuana—in case the state Supreme Court upholds the overturning of the measure that voters passed last year. They also filed a new proposal to repeal the single-subject rule that has held up the prior measure in court.
The House Appropriations Committee issued a report saying it supports the use of drones by federal agencies to spot illegal marijuana grow sites—but only after concerns about “cybersecurity, technology and domestic production have been addressed.”
Connecticut regulators launched a new website to help people understand the marijuana legalization law that took effect last week.
Texas activists are pushing Gov. Greg Abbott (R) to add further medical cannabis expansion to the agenda for a special legislative session he is convening this week.
/ FEDERAL
Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich tweeted, “The prohibition on marijuana is purely a form of social control. It needlessly punishes Black and brown Americans. It delegitimizes their talent and success, while white techies and bankers get high without consequence.” He also tweeted, “So let me get this straight: Elon Musk can smoke a joint on Joe Rogan’s podcast and SpaceX gets millions in federal contracts, but Sha’Carri Richardson tests positive for THC and she’s disqualified from the Olympics?”
Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) tweeted, “We know what our own freedom looks like… End the War on Drugs… WE are the experts on our own liberation. And we won’t stop until it’s won.”
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (d-NJ) tweeted, “End the War on Drugs!”
Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) sent a press release about cosponsoring a bill to deschedule marijuana and fund programs to repair the drug war’s harms.
Ohio Democratic congressional candidate Matthew Diemer tweeted, “We need complete marijuana reform. Stop hurting people’s lives/careers for recreational use.”
/ STATES
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) appointed a new member to the Marijuana Control Board’s public health seat.
Virginia’s attorney general tweeted, “For too long, Virginia’s marijuana policies were not working, and they were disproportionately affecting Black and brown communities. Marijuana legalization is an important step to making our criminal justice system more fair.”
Some provisions of a new Montana marijuana law took effect last week.
The California Legislative Analyst’s Office issued a report on the utilization of tax exemptions for donations of medicinal cannabis.
Michigan regulators released updated technical guidance for sampling and testing marijuana products.
West Virginia regulators said more than 2,000 medical cannabis patients took advantage of a special offer to get a two-year extension on an annual card.
Oklahoma regulators published a map of medical cannabis facilities by county.
Arizona’s Industrial hemp Advisory Council will meet on Tuesday.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,100 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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/ INTERNATIONAL
The UK Food Standards Agency missed its third deadline to publish a list of validated CBD products.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “a cohort of human patients previously taking CBD had significantly lower SARS-CoV-2 infection incidence of up to an order of magnitude relative to matched pairs or the general population.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Kansas City Star editorial board is urging Missouri Gov. Mike Parson (R) to issue mass commutations for people imprisoned on drug offenses.
Al Sharpton criticized the marijuana-related suspension of summer Sha’Carri Richardson.
The Cannabis Freedom Alliance published recommendations for federal marijuana reform legislation.
/ BUSINESS
Harborside Inc. completed its acquisition of Sublimation Inc.
WeedMD Inc. is changing its name to Entourage Health Corp.
A subsidiary of MediPharm Labs got a grant from the Australian government to fund a capacity optimization project at a marijuana extraction facility.
A Washington State court ruled in favor of Secret Gardens of Washington LLC in a case where a former employee claimed he was owed wages promised in his contract.
/ CULTURE
Former football player Ricky Williams said he hopes that Sha’Carri Richardson’s marijuana-related suspension leads to a change in rules for athletes.
Actor Ed Asner tweeted, “I think if we are going to rethink marijuana in life we have to rethink it in all areas of life. Even sports.”
Actress Selma Blair tweeted, in response to Richardson, “Marijuana is not a performance enhancing drug. This is wrong and a shame. I am so sorry. Champ. You.”
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