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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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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House GOP blocks drug war apology; Senate considers cannabis research amendment; WA treasurer wants banking solution
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that legal recreational marijuana sales will begin on October 17, and that the government will consider clemency for people with cannabis criminal records after that date.
The U.S. House Rules Committee blocked an amendment that would have provided a congressional apology to people harmed by the war on drugs.
The U.S. Senate could vote this week on an amendment to encourage the Department of Veterans Affairs to study the medical benefits of marijuana for military veterans.
/ FEDERAL
President Trump nominated a new U.S. attorney for Colorado, a move that could have implications for the state’s marijuana businesses.
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) inserted remarks into the Congressional Record about her new bill to allow marijuana use in public housing.
Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN) tweeted, “Canada’s Senate votes to legalize recreational use of #marijuana and House has already voted for it so it’s #Trudeau signature and #Canada becomes 2nd nation to legalize #cannabis .Oh Canada leads the way! #marijuananews #marijuana failed #WarOnDrugs”
The U.S. House resolution calling for equity in the marijuana industry got two new cosponsors, for a total of 15.
The U.S. House bill to prevent federal agencies from punishing people following state marijuana laws got two new cosponsors, for a total of 16.
The U.S. House bill to require the licensing of more marijuana cultivators for research got one new cosponsor, for a total of 36.
The U.S. House bill to address the gap between federal and state marijuana laws got one new cosponsor, for a total of 10.
/ STATES
Utah’s lieutenant governor and medical cannabis activists asked a court to dismiss opponents’ lawsuit seeking to remove a legalization measure from the November ballot.
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) reiterated that he doesn’t support legalizing marijuana.
Michigan gubernatorial candidates all said they support legalizing marijuana during a debate.
Tennessee Republican gubernatorial candidates debated medical cannabis.
Kansas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Carl Brewer tweeted in support of legalizing marijuana.
Washington State’s treasurer is pressing for marijuana banking solutions.
Delaware’s Supreme Court upheld the conviction of a woman who illegally sold medical cannabis.
An Oklahoma medical cannabis advocate sued police after being forcibly removed from an opposition event.
Colorado regulators released a request for applications for medical cannabis research grants.
The Vermont marijuana commission’s taxation and regulation subcommittee scheduled a meeting for July 20.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Canada’s governing Liberal Party is already fundraising off its marijuana legalization victory.
/ ADVOCACY
NORML released a comprehensive overview of local marijuana decriminalization policies in the U.S.
The Drug Policy Alliance and allies held a rally about marijuana enforcement outside New York City’s city hall.
/ OPINION & ANALYSIS
The New York Times editorial board criticized New York City’s marijuana enforcement changes, suggesting they could actually intensify racial disparities in arrests.
Conservative commentator Bill O’Reilly decried New York City’s marijuana enforcement change.
/ BUSINESS
(Sponsored) Here’s an overview of what marijuana business leaders need to know about protecting their intellectual property rights.
Canadian marijuana stocks surged following the passage of legalization legislation.
Marijuana producer Tilray filed notice of intent to go public on the Nasdaq.
MassRoots is launching a marijuana dispensary finder tool. (Disclosure: I am a former employee and minority shareholder.)
/ CULTURE
NBA player Nick Young said he supports legalizing cocaine.
Musician Henry Rollins is calling on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to pardon people with marijuana convictions.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
FDIC chair talks cannabis banking; Bill OKs marijuana use in public housing; NY gov admits legalization is inevitable
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Canadian Senate gave final approval to the government’s marijuana legalization bill as amended. Legal cannabis sales are expected to begin in September.
A poll finds that 68% of U.S. voters — and 57% of Republicans — now support legalizing marijuana.
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) filed a bill to allow state-legal marijuana use in public housing.
/ FEDERAL
The chair of the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation said that she’s asked staff to think about how to address marijuana banking issues, but that the agency’s hands are “somewhat tied.”
Some details are emerging about Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-NY) marijuana descheduling bill, which could be introduced as soon as this week.
U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) tweeted, “States across America are already working to stop our country from repeating the same mistakes of the past. We need to move a step further — it’s time to legalize marijuana at the federal level.”
The U.S. Senate bill to respect state marijuana laws got two new cosponsors, for a total of nine.
/ STATES
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) said legalizing marijuana is “not or yes or no, it’s a how.” He added that legalization legislation will not move this year. Democratic primary challenger Cynthia Nixon is taking credit for the governor’s evolution on cannabis.
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted 167-31 to again approve a medical cannabis research bill.
New Jersey lawmakers are not including revenue from legal recreational marijuana sales in budget legislation, in contrast to a proposal that Gov. Phil Murphy (D) put forth earlier this year.
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands House Judiciary & Government Operations Committee will reconsider a marijuana legalization bill on Thursday.
Massachusetts regulators are poised to grant the state’s first recreational marijuana business license on Thursday.
Colorado Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jared Polis, currently a congressman, tweeted, “Colorado has proven that allowing responsible adults to legally purchase #cannabis gives money to classrooms, not cartels; creates jobs, not addicts; and boosts our economy, not our prison population.” Meanwhile, regulators adopted emergency rules to implement new marijuana legislation recently signed into law.
The California Assembly Committee on Business and Professions approved a bill to allow dispensaries to provide free, untaxed marijuana to low- or no-income people.
A leading advocate for Oklahoma’s medical cannabis ballot measure was forcibly removed from an opposition event by police. Separately, here are two looks at where gubernatorial candidates stand on marijuana policy.
Arkansas regulators used differing sets of guidelines when scoring medical cannabis business license applications.
Vermont State Police held a press conference about enforcement changes resulting from marijuana legalization.
/ LOCAL
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) and NYPD officials announced that as of September 1, police will no longer arrest people for smoking marijuana publicly, with some exceptions. Brooklyn’s district attorney spoke in support and announced he will move to expunge past cannabis convictions. Manhattan’s district attorney is also on board, but Staten Island’s district attorney said the new enforcement policy will cause “confusion.” Legalization advocates say the exceptions laid out in the new policy will ensure continued racial disparities in arrests. Meanwhile, the city is convening a task force to “to determine the appropriate regulatory framework and identify the public safety, health and financial consequences should the State move forward with legalization.”
The Bethlehem, Pennsylvania City Council approved a marijuana decriminalization ordinance.
The Los Angeles County, California Board of Supervisors kept in place a ban on marijuana businesses in unincorporated areas.
The San Diego, California City Council voted to ban growing marijuana in urban gardens.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The UK home secretary announced an official review of the legal status of medical cannabis. And the government granted CBD access to a second epileptic child.
/ ADVOCACY
Here’s a look at the Marijuana Policy Project’s challenges as it deals with fundraising issues and searches for a new executive director.
Hemp industry advocates do not plan to appeal a federal court ruling in a case they lost concerning a Drug Enforcement Administration filing on CBD.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “young persons who use alcohol and/or marijuana experience heightened likelihood of condomless sex.”
/ OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll of UK residents found 82%-8% support for medical cannabis, and 41%-40% support for legalizing marijuana.
/ CULTURE
Musician Bryan Adams congratulated the Canadian government on legalizing marijuana.
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