Newsletter
Surgeon general says Schedule I blocks cannabis research (Newsletter: Dec. 7, 2018)
Marijuana’s biggest wins of 2018; Advocates say don’t give NY legalization revenue to subways; Report: Former AG considered as Sessions replacement
Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day.
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 344 Patreon sponsors. Cannabis industry professionals receive valuable rewards for pledges of $25 and up.
Check out the perks of being a sponsor on our Patreon page.
https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment
/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams criticized marijuana’s Schedule I status, saying that it creates unnecessary “difficulty” for scientists who want to research cannabis.
Marijuana had several huge political victories in 2018, including:
- Legislatures passing legalization for the first time
- Red states approving medical cannabis
- President Trump backing reform
- Longtime prohibitionists in Congress flipping
- Canada legalizing and Mexico moving to do so
- Hemp legalization being included in the Farm Bill
Check out Marijuana Moment’s overview of the ten biggest wins for cannabis this year.
The Drug Policy Alliance and other advocates are pushing back on plans to fund subways with potential New York marijuana tax revenue and instead want the money to go to communities harmed by prohibition.
/ FEDERAL
Former U.S. Attorney General William Barr is reportedly being considered for the job again by President Trump. Also in the running is Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-TX).
/ STATES
Texas’s agriculture commissioner called on Congress to legalize hemp.
The New York Assembly Republican leader launched a Twitter poll about legalizing marijuana.
Maryland regulators voted to ban most advertising by cannabis companies.
Colorado cannabis reform advocates hope that under Gov.-elect Jared Polis (D) they can pass legislation allowing marijuana social use areas, delivery services and broader investments in the industry. Meanwhile, lawmakers and the state’s attorney general-elect are pushing for legislation to clear past marijuana convictions.
The Washington State Supreme Court blocked a proposed local ballot measure that would have banned public funding for safe injection sites.
Michigan regulators released information about the implementation of legalization and changed their agency’s name to the Bureau of Marijuana Regulation. Also, regulators will consider several medical cannabis license applications on Friday.
Connecticut’s House Progressive Caucus plans to push for legalizing marijuana in 2019.
Massachusetts marijuana regulators are set to take over control of the state’s medical cannabis program from the Department of Public Health this month.
A member of the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission plans to resign prior to the end of his term.
Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Advisory Committee will meet on Thursday.
The Hill looks at the growing push to legalize marijuana through state legislatures.
—
Marijuana Moment is currently tracking more than 900 cannabis bills in state legislatures and Congress. 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 City Council members want to place a marijuana decriminalization question before voters.
The Appleton, Wisconsin Common Council endorsed a resolution calling on the state to legalize medical cannabis.
Denver, Colorado is punishing a landlord for his tenant’s marijuana cultivation violations.
/ INTERNATIONAL
A top Israeli lawmaker said the nation will likely allow medical cannabis exports by the end of the year.
Uruguay regulators will accept applications for additional marijuana production and distribution licenses in February.
Dominican President Charles Savarin is asking Israel to assist the Caribbean nations with research on marijuana as the region considers decriminalization.
Politico looks at European countries’ moves to allow medical cannabis.
/ ADVOCACY
The Connecticut Republican Party included legalizing marijuana in a survey about “the most important issues” people want lawmakers to address in 2019.
Fire It Up Kansas launched a marijuana legalization billboard campaign.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A report found that “supervised injectable [heroin-assisted treatment] — with optional oral methadone — can offer benefits over oral methadone alone” and that “scientific evidence about the effectiveness of [supervised consumption sites] is limited in quality and the number of locations evaluated.”
/ BUSINESS
Wiz Khalifa and Supreme Cannabis are partnering on a line of marijuana products.
MedMen is facing a class action lawsuit from former employees alleging labor law violations by the company.
Canopy Growth Corporation is acquiring vaporizer company Storz & Bickel.
The Lansing City Pulse newspaper handed out free joints on the first day of Michigan marijuana legalization.
/ CULTURE
Singer Toni Braxton spoke about how she uses cannabis products to treat pain associated with lupus.
Seth Meyers joked about using marijuana tax revenue to fund the New York City subway.
Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox.
