Newsletter
Senators put cannabis rider in Justice Dep’t bill (Newsletter: June 13, 2018)
SC voters OK medical marijuana question; CNMI legalization hits snag; DE Senate votes to expunge convictions
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, for the first time ever, included protections for state medical marijuana laws in base Justice Department funding legislation as introduced by Republican leaders. In previous years, the extension of the rider has required votes on amendments.
South Carolina voters approved a medical marijuana advisory question on the Democratic primary ballot by a margin of 81% – 19%, with more than 93% of precincts reporting. Of note, several thousand more people voted on the medical cannabis measure than selected a candidate in the Democratic gubernatorial primary on the same ballot.
A marijuana legalization bill in the U.S. territory of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands that was slated to be voted on by the House was instead referred back to committee for changes.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry will take up the Farm Bill, which contains hemp legalization language, on Wednesday. U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) filed an amendment to exclude “cannabinoids,” “extracts” and “derivatives” from the definition of hemp, which has advocates concerned.
A U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration official said that “the men and women of DEA are empathetic to the needs and concerns of those living with chronic pain or other debilitating conditions” but that the agency opposes medical cannabis ballot measures.
Federal prosecutors charged nine people in Oregon with a credit card scheme in which they allegedly used proceeds “to establish and operate illegal marijuana grows and fund a state-licensed marijuana retail business.”
U.S. House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) said he supports medical cannabis but has no position on marijuana decriminalization.
U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) tweeted, “Marijuana laws are not applied and enforced in the same way for all people. I’m happy to see some members of the law enforcement community taking steps to address disparities, but we must go further. It’s time to legalize marijuana at the federal level.”
Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-FL) tweeted that Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s (R) effort to block the smoking of medical cannabis is “neither compassionate nor conservative.”
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) tweeted, “I support the bipartisan, bicameral STATES Act just intro’d to protect states like Maine that have legalized marijuana use. Mainers shouldn’t have to worry about federal prosecution for doing what is legal in their state.”
The U.S. Senate hemp legalization bill got one new cosponsor, for a total of 28.
/ STATES
The Delaware Senate unanimously passed a bill to expunge marijuana convictions. Separately, lawmakers made a procedural move that they hope will allow marijuana legalization legislation to pass within the next two weeks.
Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) defended his vetoing several marijuana bills.
Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R), a candidate for U.S. Senate, said he voted against the state’s medical cannabis ballot measure. Meanwhile, a man suing for the right to grow his own medical cannabis is asking the state Supreme Court to take up the case. And Democratic agriculture commissioner candidate Nikki Fried is running with the goal of increasing access to medical marijuana.
Maryland Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ben Jealous tweeted, “To end the era of mass incarceration, we need to finally legalize marijuana for adult use. It’s time that we confront the racial and economic injustices that result from disproportionate enforcement and make our communities safer at the same time.”
New York senators filed a bill to allow medical cannabis as an alternative to opioids.
Arkansas regulators are coming under fire for granting a medical cannabis cultivation license to one applicant that had the same discrepancies that led to another applicant’s disqualification.
California regulators upgraded their online marijuana business licensing system.
Oregon regulators released a request for information about web-based marijuana inventory tracking systems.
Alaska regulators are being urged to lower marijuana taxes so the legal industry can compete with the illegal market.
/ LOCAL
The St. Louis, Missouri circuit attorney will no longer pursue cases for marijuana in the amount of less than 100 grams.
The Livingston County, Michigan General Government and Health & Human Services Committee failed to pass a proposed anti-marijuana resolution.
Boston, Massachusetts’s mayor isn’t yet joining a new advocacy group made up of other mayors from states with legal marijuana.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Canada’s health minister suggested the House of Commons would not accept some Senate amendments to the government’s marijuana legalization bill. Several motions to reject Senate changes have already been filed. Meanwhile, Quebec enacted provisional cannabis regulations.
/ ADVOCACY
Advocates for kratom held three days of lobbying meetings on Capitol Hill last week.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study examined depictions of blunts in YouTube videos.
/ OPINION & ANALYSIS
A survey of parents who consume cannabis found that 79% say using marijuana makes watching their kids’ TV shows with them more enjoyable.
/ BUSINESS
Aurora Cannabis Inc. is acquiring Anandia Laboratories Inc. in an all-stock transaction worth roughly C$115.
Colorado Public Radio looks at marijuana-focused bus tours.
/ CULTURE
The NCAA released a study tracking marijuana and other drug use by student athletes, finding that cannabis use is higher in states with legalization than without it.
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Mormon church faces lawsuit over marijuana opposition; Study: Cannabis doesn’t impact kidney transplants; Marijuana company’s bizarre court argument
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Here’s a look at where potential candidates to be the new speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives stand on marijuana reform.
A lawyer for Utah medical marijuana patients and advocates is formally requesting that the Mormon church and others preserve records ahead of a potential lawsuit over the proposed “compromise” bill that could undermine the voter-approved ballot measure.
Despite widespread policies denying organ transplants due to marijuana use by patients or donors, a new study on kidney transplants found there is “no difference” in postoperative outcomes based on cannabis use.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit heard arguments from a marijuana security company that claims its workers aren’t protected by the Fair Labor Standards Act because its own operation is illegal under federal law.
A Philadelphia, Pennsylvania doctor filed a federal lawsuit challenging the law that prevents people who use marijuana from purchasing firearms.
The Food and Drug Administration moved to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars.
Former National Transportation Safety Board chair Deborah A.P. Hersman published an op-ed expressing concerns about marijuana-impaired driving.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley (R-IA) spoke about his support for criminal justice reform legislation. The legislation could run into roadblocks, however.
Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) tweeted, “This week I introduced legislation that aims to reform VA medical marijuana practices. We should support our veterans who seek alternatives to highly addictive opioids ravaging our communities.”
Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) tweeted about cannabis companies being forced to pay taxes in cash, adding, “So ridiculous. Federal #marijuana laws must be reformed.”
The House bill to protect federal employees from being fired for state-legal marijuana use got five new cosponsors, for a total of 12.
/ STATES
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) spoke about his continued support for legalizing marijuana. Meanwhile, a key senator who was once opposed to ending prohibition is now expressing support.
A New York senator said she believes Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) and lawmakers will legalize marijuana in the state via the 2019 budget.
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert (R) released a statement on his support for medical cannabis compromise legislation.
Kansas could legalize medical cannabis with the support of Gov.-elect Laura Kelly (D).
Connecticut’s Office of Policy and Management, in a budget submission to Gov.-elect Ned Lamont (D), said “the state could also access additional revenue from any newly authorized activities such as…recreational marijuana sales.”
The Vermont marijuana legalization study commission’s taxation and regulation subcommittee formally recommended a 26% tax rate for cannabis sales.
Oregon officials reported that marijuana tax collections “have come in 7% higher than expected so far in the 2017-19 biennium.”
A North Dakota representative plans to file a marijuana decriminalization bill. Separately, regulators approved additional medical cannabis dispensaries.
Here’s a look at how the results of Indiana state legislative races could impact marijuana reform.
/ LOCAL
Albany County, New York’s district attorney said that starting on December 1, he will no longer prosecute simple marijuana possession cases.
Muskegon County, Michigan’s prosecutor is dropping some pending marijuana charges in light of legalization and is considering expunging past convictions.
The mayors of Newark and Jersey City, New Jersey are urging Gov. Phil Murphy (D) to require that medical cannabis companies operate in a way the benefits communities most impacted by the war on drugs.
Here’s a look at Denver, Colorado officials’ fight to shut down marijuana tour buses.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The Israeli Knesset’s Internal Affairs and Environment Committee approved a bill to allow medical cannabis exports.
Germany’s medical cannabis program is at risk from another lawsuit.
/ OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll of midterm election voters found that they support legalizing marijuana, 62%-37%.
/ BUSINESS
Columbia Care announced that it is the first U.S. cannabis company authorized to operate in the European Union after receiving a license in Malta.
The Wall Street Journal sheds light on appellation systems for marijuana.
The New York Times looks at rising interest in cannabis-infused beverages.
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Newsletter
DEA’s cannabis eradication program criticized by gov’t watchdog (Newsletter: Nov. 15, 2018)
How much marijuana reform supporters & opponents spent per vote; Walking Dead actor raises money for cannabis kids; Al Sharpton has marijuana jokes
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Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible…
This issue of Marijuana Moment, and our original reporting that is featured in it, are made possible by the generous support of 342 Patreon sponsors. Cannabis industry professionals receive valuable rewards for pledges of $25 and up.
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A Marijuana Moment analysis of campaign finance data found that, on average, cannabis reform opponents had to spend more for “no” votes than supporters had to shell out to get “yes” voters to the polls in last week’s midterms.
As he weighs a potential 2020 presidential candidacy, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) continues to admit that marijuana legalization has worked out a lot better than he thought it would. It’s “a better system than what we had,” he said in an appearance on Wednesday.
Walking Dead actor Norman Reedus is helping to raise money for kids who use medical cannabis to treat cancer.
Rev. Al Sharpton had some cannabis quips in response to a conference audience’s reaction to a marijuana bill filed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).
A report from the Government Accountability Office, a federal watchdog agency, scolded the Drug Enforcement Administration over procedural lapses in its marijuana eradication program.
/ FEDERAL
President Trump announced his support for pending congressional criminal justice reform legislation.
The Internal Revenue Service is contracting with a private company to handle “large cash payments for processing cannabis federal taxes.”
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) tweeted, “#MedicalCannabis has huge potential for veterans. It can reduce chronic pain, w/out the harmful side effects of opioids, & some early reports indicate that it may even have potential as a treatment for PTSD. Unfortunately, many veterans fear discussing medical cannabis w/ doctors.”
The Senate bill to increase marijuana businesses’ access to banks got one new cosponsor, for a total of 20.
/ STATES
A spokesperson for New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) said the governor plans to “introduce a formal comprehensive [marijuana legalization] proposal during the 2019 legislative session.” Separately, the state Department of Health issued a report with recommendations to improve the medical cannabis program.
New Jersey’s Assembly speaker and Senate president said they expect committee votes on legalizing marijuana by the end of this month. The Republican Assembly leader said legalization is “inevitable.”
It’s possible that Massachusetts recreational marijuana sales could begin on Sunday. The state’s top regulator said sales will likely start in “a week plus or minus maybe a couple of days longer than that.”
The Vermont marijuana legalization study committee’s taxation and regulation subcommittee plans to recommend a 26% or 27% tax rate on sales.
A top Utah regulator testified before lawmakers about the proposed compromise medical cannabis bill. Separately, House Democrats held a briefing on the issue.
Illinois Republican lawmakers are divided on marijuana legalization.
North Dakota regulators have received fewer than 100 medical cannabis patient applications in the first two weeks of accepting them.
New York magazine put together an oral history of how California became the first state to legalize medical cannabis. Separately, water regulators will hold a cannabis cultivation permitting and compliance workshop next week.
/ LOCAL
Manhattan’s district attorney congratulated a Missouri prosecutor for no longer pursuing most marijuana possession cases.
The Boston, Massachusetts City Council heard complaints about the Boston Freedom Rally at a meeting.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Canadian police have not seen a spike in marijuana-impaired driving in the month since legalization went into effect. Separately, Ontario officials released regulations for private cannabis stores.
/ ADVOCACY
Marijuana policy reform advocates are targeting Arizona and Ohio, and potentially Florida and North Dakota, for 2020 legalization ballot measures. They are also looking at medical cannabis initiatives in Mississippi, Nebraska and South Dakota.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study concluded, “Cannabinoid drugs may prevent the onset of pain by producing small increases in pain thresholds but may not reduce the intensity of experimental pain already being experienced; instead, cannabinoids may make experimental pain feel less unpleasant and more tolerable, suggesting an influence on affective processes.”
A study on marijuana and PTSD in veterans reached its recruitment goal.
A survey found that 65% of Minnesota oncology physicians, advanced practice nurses and physician assistants who care for adults and children with cancer support the use of medical cannabis.
/ OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Chicago Tribune editorial board wants Illinois lawmakers to take their time in considering marijuana legalization.
/ BUSINESS
California collected $93.1 million in marijuana taxes in 3rd quarter of the year, a figure that does not include revenue to local governments.
Nevada generated $8.1 million in recreational marijuana taxes in August, setting a new monthly record.
Eaze launched delivery of CBD products in 41 states.
Former chewing gum executive William Wrigley Jr. II, is taking over as CEO of Surterra.
Sterling Trustees LLC filed a federal lawsuit over investments it made in Puerto Rican medical cannabis companies.
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Newsletter
Group representing 19,000 US cities pushes cannabis rescheduling (Newsletter: Nov. 14, 2018)
Michelle Obama talks smoking marijuana; New veterans & cannabis bills in Congress; Why women back legalization less than men
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The National League of Cities—which represents the U.S.’s 19,000 cities, towns and villages— adopted resolutions calling for federal marijuana rescheduling and access to banks for cannabis businesses.
Top lawmakers in Illinois and New Mexico expressed optimism about newly elected governors’ plans to legalize marijuana in 2019.
In a new filing, the National Institute on Drug Abuse indicates it wants to hire a new company to:
- Grow 2,000 kg of marijuana
- Develop new cannabis cultivation methods
- Produce THC/CBD extracts
- Make oral solutions, oils, vaping fluids, capsules/tablets
Former First Lady Michelle Obama wrote about smoking marijuana in her new memoir released on Tuesday, a subject she also discussed in a TV interview.
A new study examines why women are less likely to support legalizing marijuana than men. Contrary to one hypothesis, it has nothing to do with motherhood.
Reps. Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Matt Gaetz (R-FL) are filing three new separate bills on medical cannabis for military veterans.
/ FEDERAL
President Trump is reportedly leaning in favor of backing congressional criminal justice reform legislation.
Newly released documents show that shortly after 9/11 the Central Intelligence Agency considered using a drug it thought might work like a truth serum and force terror suspects to give up information about potential attacks.
The federal trial against Mexican drug cartel leader Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman began.
Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) tweeted, “I’ve long supported legislation to give our #veterans access to medical #cannabis. We should empower VA medical personnel to discuss all options for treatments with their patients and promote research. The R’s have blocked this from progressing.”
/ STATES
Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura met with Gov.-elect Tim Walz (D) and urged him to push for marijuana legalization. He also suggested the slogan “pot for potholes.”
Ohio regulators released an update on the rollout of the state’s medical cannabis program.
Colorado regulators released guidance about new marijuana rules going into effect on January 1.
Oklahoma regulators have already collected nearly $6.57 million in medical cannabis application fees.
A Wisconsin representative plans to file a marijuana legalization bill in January.
The Washington, D.C. Council chairman said that smoking marijuana doesn’t have victims and shouldn’t be a crime.
Arkansas regulators are responding to public criticism about a lack of transparency in the medical cannabis licensing process.
/ LOCAL
The Jackson County, Missouri prosecutor said she will stop pursuing most marijuana possession cases.
Some Michigan municipalities are already moving to opt out of allowing legal marijuana sales, at least temporarily.
Here’s a look at how Oregon municipalities voted on marijuana regulation ballot measures last week.
Two people were shot and killed in an apparent attempted robbery at an unlicensed Los Angeles, California marijuana dispensary.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Thailand’s cabinet approved medical cannabis legislation.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found “an advantage of [medical cannabis therapy] in [fibromyalgia] patients with [low back pain] as compared with [standardised analgesic therapy].
The University of Mississippi Medical Center is conducting a study on CBD and youth seizures.
/ OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll of Indiana adults found that when given options, 39% support legalizing marijuana, 42% back medical cannabis and 16% don’t want it legal at all. Separately, 78% said that if marijuana is not legalized, people still should not be sent to jail for it. The survey also showed that people see cannabis as less of problem than other drugs, including alcohol.
A poll found that the majority of Canadians want the minimum age for cannabis use to be higher than 18 years old.
/ BUSINESS
Tilray’s earnings report showed lower than expected sales.
Bloomberg Businessweek looks at the growing number of companies interested in making cannabis beverages.
/ CULTURE
Actor Michael Colyar spoke about visiting Mike Tyson’s marijuana farm.
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