Newsletter
Senators blocks cannabis banking measure (Newsletter: June 22, 2018)
Legalization advances in US territory; SEC chair addresses marijuana investments; MA grants first license
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee voted to block an amendment that would have protected banks that work with marijuana businesses from being punished by federal regulators. Several Democrats who said they support cannabis banking raised procedural objections. I have the full roll call vote, amendment text and quotes from senators at Forbes.
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands House Judiciary & Government Operations Committee made amendments to a marijuana legalization bill that should help to speed passage.
/ FEDERAL
Key committee chairs in Congress are not planning to hold hearings on bipartisan marijuana reform legislation supported by President Trump. But U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), historically one of the most ardent prohibitionists in Congress, announced that she will cosponsor the bill.
The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration withdrew funding from a pain management group that scheduled a training for doctors about medical cannabis.
U.S. Securities and Exchange Chairman Jay Claxton was asked about impediments to investing in marijuana businesses during a congressional hearing.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Adolescent Health tweeted false information about the availability of pediatric medical cannabis.
The U.S. attorney for West Virginia’s Southern District, a staunch legalization opponent, is hosting a seminar on marijuana.
U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-IN) tweeted that he supports legislation to encourage research on the medical benefits of cannabis for military veterans.
Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA) tweeted, “2018 must be the year that we push for real criminal justice reform: ✔ End the cash bail system ✔ Stop mass incarceration ✔ Legalize marijuana ✔ Replace the ‘war on drugs’ with harm reduction and rehabilitation” He also tweeted, “Even in the 21st century, the “war on drugs” continues to oppress communities of color. Justice, fairness, and equality will remain impossible until we end this double standard which has ruined so many lives.”
/ STATES
Massachusetts regulators granted the state’s first recreational marijuana business license, subject to conditions including a clarified plan to positively impact communities. The chairman of the Cannabis Control Commission said that retail sales will likely begin later than expected.
The Arkansas Supreme Court overturned a lower court ruling that had halted the state’s medical cannabis business licensing process. More litigation is anticipated. Separately, regulators approved hemp rules.
The Maine Senate is reportedly threatening to block medical cannabis expansion legislation unless the House agrees to support a bill to repeal marijuana legalization.
Here’s a look at how Oklahoma regulators plan to implement medical cannabis if voters approve a ballot measure on Tuesday.
Alaska regulators proposed changes to marijuana sampling, testing, reporting and harvesting rules.
The Hawaii House Judiciary Committee approved a resolution calling for state-level marijuana rescheduling.
Here’s a look at where New Jersey marijuana legalization and medical cannabis legislation stands in the legislature.
Early voting on Oklahoma’s medical cannabis ballot measure and primary elections has begun.
/ LOCAL
Brown County, Wisconsin supervisors are considering placing a marijuana legalization advisory question on the November ballot.
Minneapolis, Minnesota’s mayor tweeted in support of legalizing marijuana.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Canada’s governor general provided royal assent to the government’s marijuana legalization bill.
The Philippines is considering instituting mandatory drug testing for children.
Japanese authorities found marijuana plants growing near an office building where lawmakers work.
/ ADVOCACY
In contrast to prohibitionist group Smart Approaches to Marijuana’s public stance about winning the debate against legalization, an internal document uploaded to the group’s website admits, among other things, that “Legalization is now a reality. And it is gaining support every year, “Our message has become stale” and “Legalization proponents have been brilliant… And we have not been!” Meanwhile, the organization is cheering the defeat of cannabis banking legislation.
The Texas Democratic Party is moving to reiterate its support for marijuana legalization. (The linked story misstates the current platform, which already supports legalization.)
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
Federal data shows that teen marijuana use in Colorado is decreasing.
A study concluded that “marijuana use significantly affects acute pain management and results in increased consumption of opioid analgesics and greater self-reported pain following traumatic injury, especially in patients who did not report using other drugs.”
/ OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll found that 80% in Scotland support medical cannabis.
/ BUSINESS
High Times acquired Culture magazine.
MJ Freeway’s cannabis tracking software is continuing to experience issues in Washington State.
Michelle Alexander, a marijuana legalization supporter and author of “The New Jim Crow” has been named a New York Times columnist.
/ CULTURE
The New York Times takes a whiff of the prevalent smell of marijuana in New York City.
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