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Senate bill on CBD drinks and foods filed (Newsletter: May 20, 2021)

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LA gov: Legal marijuana “is going to happen”; SC medical cannabis vote first thing in 2022; TX psychedelics bill advances in Senate

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Sens. Ron Wyden (D-OR), Rand Paul (R-KY) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) filed a new bill that would force the Food and Drug Administration to finally allow foods, drinks and dietary supplements infused with hemp-derived CBD and other cannabinoids.

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) said marijuana legalization “is going to happen in Louisiana eventually.” In the interview, which came one day after a legal cannabis bill stalled in the legislature, the governor also spoke about separate decriminalization and smokable medical flower bills that are still alive.

South Carolina’s Senate Majority Leader has committed to the sponsor of a medical marijuana bill that his legislation will be “the first order of business in the Senate when we return in January.”

The Texas Senate Veteran Affairs & Border Security Committee unanimously approved a House-passed bill that would require the state to study the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for military veterans. It now heads to the Senate floor for a final vote on sending it to the desk of Gov. Greg Abbott (R).

/ FEDERAL

The U.S. Department of Education said licensed hemp businesses are eligible for the Rural Business Development and Delta Health Care Services grant programs.

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Republicans filed a bill that would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to “study the effect that marijuana use has on driving and research ways to detect and reduce incidences of driving under the influence of marijuana” and issue a report on the issue.

/ STATES

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) said he is willing to consider calling a special session for lawmakers to pass medical cannabis legislation, but “we are a long way from being able to make that decision.” Meanwhile, the House speaker discussed the prospects for medical cannabis legislation in a potential special session.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) tweeted, “The state is accepting applications to fill several positions on the newly created Cannabis Control Division (CCD), which will administer the regulatory structure for adult-use cannabis in New Mexico.”

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) signed a bill legalizing drug testing strips. Lawmakers also sent the governor legislation to legalize needle exchange services.

Florida’s agriculture commissioner spoke about the history of hemp in the U.S.

Connecticut’s House speaker and majority leader reiterated that lawmakers could hold a special session to finalize a marijuana legalization bill.

The Colorado House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee approved a bill to enact limits on marijuana concentrates, place restrictions on medical cannabis recommendations and require the state to study the impacts of marijuana on certain health outcomes, among other changes.

The Michigan House Regulatory Reform Committee approved legislation to regulate hemp-derived delta-8-THC.

New York regulators published updated proposed cannabinoid hemp regulations and are accepting public comments until July 19.

West Virginia regulators are offering bonus extended validity time on medical cannabis patient cards as an incentive for early registration.

Pennsylvania regulators sent a press release touting the growth of the medical cannabis program.

The California Cannabis Advisory Committee’s Enforcement Subcommittee met.


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.

Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.

/ LOCAL

Cincinnati, Ohio’s mayor tweeted, “The majority of Ohioans know it’s time to legalize marijuana and expunge the records. We can regulate it like alcohol and use the tax revenue to reinvest right here in our schools, healthcare, and communities.”

Milwaukee, Wisconsin officials held a meeting to answer questions about local marijuana laws.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that “when low dose THC is introduced as an adjunctive therapy, we observe better pain control clinically with lower doses of opioids, improved pain related outcomes and reduced opioid related harm.”

A study found that “high-THC and high-CBD strains are similarly effective in reducing pain” but that “specific phytocannabinoid compositions are associated with more adverse effects.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Tennessee Democratic Party tweeted, “Your reminder that if it were up to @TNSenateDems and @TNDemocrats medical marijuana would be legal in Tennessee. The @TNGOP supermajority has repeatedly blocked efforts to legalize.”

The Coalition of Texans with Disabilities and other organizations are calling on the Senate to take up a House-passed medical cannabis expansion bill.

Ohio State University’s Drug Enforcement and Policy Center published an analysis of marijuana decriminalization policies.

/ BUSINESS

TerrAscend Corp. reported quarterly sales of $56.5 million and a net loss of $12.7 million.

Workers at March and Ash marijuana dispensaries in City Heights, Vista and Imperial, California voted to unionize.

Cookies and WebberWild are forming a partnership to provide resources and create opportunities in the cannabis industry aimed at empowering marginalized communities and people.

Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. priced a private offering of $300 million aggregate principal amount of 5.50% senior notes due in 2026.

Missouri dispensaries have sold more than $44.5 million worth of medical cannabis since sales began.

/ CULTURE

NBA players being considered for Team USA in the Olympics will be tested for marijuana even though the league has generally stopped such testing.

Kristen Bell said using psilocybin helped her manage depression.

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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.

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Tom Angell is the editor of Marijuana Moment. A 20-year veteran in the cannabis law reform movement, he covers the policy and politics of marijuana. Separately, he founded the nonprofit Marijuana Majority. Previously he reported for Marijuana.com and MassRoots, and handled media relations and campaigns for Law Enforcement Against Prohibition and Students for Sensible Drug Policy.

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