Newsletter
Trump endorsement could boost FL cannabis ballot measure, ally says (Newsletter: August 14, 2024)
Veterans Affairs official talks psychedelics; NE hemp & CBD tax; Study: marijuana reduces prescription drug use; SXSW cannabis & psychedelics panels
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A Department of Veterans Affairs mental health official touted the “stunning and robust results” of new MDMA research, while also praising Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) for being “so highly impressive in her knowledge of the psychedelic literature…that it actually blew me away.”
Republican political operative Roger Stone told Marijuana Moment in an interview that former President Donald Trump endorsing the cannabis legalization initiative on Florida’s November ballot “would guarantee victory.”
The Nebraska legislature’s Revenue Committee approved a property tax bill relief bill that would levy a 30 percent tax on consumable hemp and CBD products—down from a 100 percent rate in earlier legislation.
South by Southwest is asking people to vote on proposed marijuana and psychedelics panels for its 2025 festival—including talks on the history of prohibition, cannabis marketing, hempcrete construction, MDMA therapy and much more.
A new study of Appalachian patients with anxiety, depression, insomnia and chronic pain found that “health and well-being improved significantly after medical cannabis was added to the treatment regimen” and that “prescription medication use decreased significantly.”
The New Jersey Civil Service Commission is set to hear the case of a Jersey City police officer who says he was improperly fired for off-duty marijuana use in contravention of state law on Wednesday.
/ FEDERAL
The Drug Enforcement Administration highlighted an article about states moving to allow hemp-derived beverages.
The Environmental Protection Agency said a public comment about infrastructure requirements for cannabis dispensaries is outside the scope of a rule on New Jersey air quality implementation plans.
Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) tweeted, “I don’t think any adult should have their life impacted criminally for nonviolent marijuana possession. Rescheduling weed was the right move—now it’s time to legalize it.”
Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI) discussed his support for MDMA-assisted therapy.
/ STATES
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) touted a law enforcement operation that seized more than 2.2 million illegal marijuana packages marked with the universal symbol of legal cannabis.
An Oklahoma senator said he’s not concerned about a recent Medical Marijuana Authority staffing cut.
The Arkansas campaign behind a proposed ballot initiative to expand medical cannabis access filed a court brief arguing that the secretary of state is improperly seeking to keep a separate abortion rights measure from going before voters.
Cannabis drink companies challenging Iowa rules on THC-infused consumables dropped their lawsuit.
Illinois regulators adopted rules changes to correct errors in listed fees for cannabis infusers.
Maine regulators rejected a proposal to let utilities report suspected illegal cannabis cultivation operations to police.
Vermont regulators published guidance on cannabis pre-rolls and propagation cultivator policy.
Michigan regulators published a monthly report on disciplinary actions taken against marijuana businesses.
Oregon regulators published an overview of marijuana tax revenue distributions.
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/ LOCAL
New York City Council members sent a letter asking Gov. Kathy Houchul (D) to block regulators’ push to allow more licensed marijuana retailers to open.
The Boston, Massachusetts Cannabis Board will meet on Wednesday.
/ INTERNATIONAL
An Iraqi grand ayatollah issued guidance reiterating that “all types of drugs that lead to addiction are strictly prohibited.”
Canadian regulators are seeking feedback on proposed rules for registering pesticide uses on marijuana and hemp.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found “improved verbal reasoning in people with daily lifetime cannabis use.”
A study found that “people with cannabis use disorder had an increased risk of any [head and neck cancer], as well as oral, oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, salivary gland, and laryngeal cancer.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
Four Cannabis Association of New York board members resigned.
/ BUSINESS
Tilray Brands, Inc. is acquiring four craft breweries from Molson Coors Beverage Company.
SNDL Inc. is acquiring the remaining minority interest of Nova Cannabis Inc.
Glass House Brands Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $53.9 million.
Organigram Holdings Inc reported quarterly net revenue of C$41.1 million.
Workers at Apothecarium in Cumberland, Maryland voted to organize with United Food and Commercial Workers Local 27.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
