Newsletter
These states could put cannabis on the ballot in 2020 (Newsletter: December 27, 2019)
Coke denies CBD drink rumor sparked by video; Indian tribe approves marijuana ballot measures; California legal psilocybin measure finalized
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Coca-Cola sent Marijuana Moment a statement denying a rumor that it is developing CBD-infused drinks with Aurora Cannabis. Speculation ran rampant this week after a man posted a video in which he claimed to have a prototype of the product’s packaging.
Marijuana Moment’s latest analysis shows that there are at least 16 states where cannabis measures could appear on 2020 ballots. Some have already qualified, and others are in the works.
Members of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe—located in upstate New York—have approved two marijuana ballot measures: One on medical cannabis and another on adult-use legalization.
California activists have finalized the language of a proposed ballot measure to legalize psilocybin mushrooms, and they could start collecting signatures soon. If approved, the state would license businesses to sell the psychedelic fungus.
/ FEDERAL
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tweeted, “Don’t end up on next year’s naughty list by driving high. Get a ride from a sober friend, taxi, or ride service – just don’t get behind the wheel after consuming marijuana.”
Surgeon General Jerome Adams will speak at an event about syringe exchange programs on January 15.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), asked by a Twitter user when the last time the government allowed people to do something they couldn’t previously do, tweeted, “Grow hemp, but that’s ALL I can think of at the moment.”
/ STATES
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) tweeted, “Illinois’ cannabis industry is going to create real opportunity in communities harmed by the failed War on Drugs. @IllinoisDCEO hosted 7 workshops across the state & hundreds of entrepreneurs turned out.”
Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) tweeted about a Wall Street Journal editorial raising concerns about marijuana legalization.
The Iowa attorney general’s office issued a reminder that CBD products are not legal in the state.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court declined to weigh in on whether health officials overstepped their authority by temporarily banning the sale of vaping products.
Oklahoma activists withdrew a proposed marijuana legalization ballot measure and plan to file a redrafted version addressing concerns raised by medical cannabis advocates
Missouri regulators began issuing medical cannabis cultivation licenses.
The Arizona Department of Health Services’s medical cannabis testing advisory council has issued recommendations.
West Virginia regulators have so far received 75 registrations for medical cannabis business license applications.
Oregon regulators approved 16 marijuana violation stipulated settlement agreements.
Ohio regulators are accepting petitions for new medical cannabis qualifying conditions through the end of the year.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,000 cannabis 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.
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/ LOCAL
Weld County, Colorado officials launched a “Marijuana is Not Harmless” public education campaign that uses questionable data.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Italy’s Supreme Court of Cassation ruled that growing marijuana plants for personal use is not a crime.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has personally asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to pardon an Israeli-American woman jailed on marijuana charges.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that cannabis-based medicines “might be effective and safe in the treatment of tics and comorbidities at least in a subgroup of adult patients with” Gilles de la Tourette syndrome and that “patients favored THC-rich cannabis over dronabinol and nabiximols, which might be related to the entourage effect of cannabis.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Wall Street Journal editorial board said that legalizing marijuana is a “risky social experiment.”
/ BUSINESS
HEXO Corp. announced that it entered into an agreement with institutional investors to sell $25 million worth of stock at a share price of $1.67, diluting the value of existing shares. The company’s stock dropped more than 20% on the news.
/ CULTURE
A new trailer for the upcoming film “The Gentleman” shows Matthew McConaughey as a ruthless marijuana kingpin.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
