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Trump vows to “get much tougher” on drugs in SOTU (Newsletter: Jan. 31, 2018)

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Public bank for marijuana biz in CA; IN House OKs CBD bill; Israel decrim

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

President Trump vowed to “get much tougher” on drugs in his State of the Union address, but he also vaguely pledged to push prison reform this year. Congressman Joe Kennedy III (D-MA), who delivered the Democratic Party’s response to the president, has consistently voted against marijuana measures.

California Treasurer John Chiang (D), a gubernatorial candidate, is teaming up with Attorney General Xavier Becerra (D), to launch a process exploring how to create a public bank to serve the marijuana industry. Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, also a Democratic gubernatorial contender, criticized Chiang for not endorsing legalization earlier and standing on the “sidelines as the racist war on drugs ensnared a generation of young men of color.”

/ FEDERAL

Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-FL) said he will soon introduce legislation to increase military veterans’ access to medical cannabis.

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) called marijuana prohibition “a moral crisis in our nation.”

Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA) wants the Trump administration to respect Pennsylvania’s medical cannabis law.

Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA) tweeted, “Communities of color have been disproportionately arrested and convicted of marijuana possession for way too long. We should all demand restorative justice for communities targeted by the war on drugs.”

Congressman Tim Walz (D-MN) is continuing to pressure the Trump administration to research medical cannabis for military veterans.

The U.S. Senate bill to increase marijuana businesses’ access to banks got one new cosponsor, bringing the total to 13.

The U.S. House bill to increase marijuana businesses’ access to banks got one new cosponsor, bringing the total to 75.

The U.S. House bill to remove the 280E tax penalty on marijuana businesses got one new cosponsor, bringing the total to 42.

The U.S. House bill to increase military veterans’ access to medical cannabis got one new cosponsor, bringing the total to 19.

/ STATES

Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt (R), a gubernatorial candidate, said he thinks concern about federal interference with the state’s marijuana laws is “overblown.”

Georgia Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle (R), a gubernatorial candidate, said he wants the federal government to rescind its prohibition on interstate CBD medical cannabis sales, though he is concerned about recreational marijuana legalization.

The Indiana House of Representatives unanimously approved a bill clarifying CBD medical cannabis’s legality. And Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) extended a moratorium on police citations against CBD sellers.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker’s (R) budget gives marijuana regulators the $7.59 million in funding they requested to implement legalization.

Idaho Democratic gubernatorial candidate Paulette Jordan, currently a state legislator, spoke about her support for marijuana law reform.

Maine lawmakers are looking at an extended moratorium on legal marijuana sales.

Colorado representatives are considering legislation to allow marijuana delivery services. Separately, the number of municipalities allowing legal marijuana sales has grown considerably over time.

An Alabama senator is filing a bill to lower marijuana penalties.

California regulators are asking for public input ahead of a series of cannabis advisory subcommittee meetings next month.

Oregon regulators ratified fines and license suspensions against marijuana businesses for violations.

/ LOCAL

The Jackson, Mississippi City Council is considering a proposed marijuana decriminalization ordinance.

Barre, Vermont’s mayor is proposing an ordinance that would require people to obtain licenses to grow marijuana at home.

/ INTERNATIONAL

The New Zealand government’s medical cannabis bill passed first reading without dissent. A broader bill from the Green Party was defeated.

Israel’s public safety minister released draft marijuana decriminalization legislation.

Canada’s Senate resumed debate on the government’s marijuana legalization bill.

/ ADVOCACY

The New York Times published an obituary for medical cannabis advocacy pioneer Dennis Peron.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that “neither current nor former marijuana use was associated with increased risk for cough, wheeze, or chronic bronchitis when compared to never marijuana users after adjusting for covariates” and “among older adults with a history of tobacco use, marijuana use does not appear to increase risk for adverse lung function.”

/ BUSINESS

Overstock.com CEO Patrick Byrne is helping to legalize medical cannabis in Utah.

The New York Times looks at the use of CBD in health and beauty products.

Texas’s first low-THC medical cannabis dispensary is on track to open next month.

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Tom Angell is the editor of Marijuana Moment. A 20-year veteran in the cannabis law reform movement, he covers the policy and politics of marijuana. Separately, he founded the nonprofit Marijuana Majority. Previously he reported for Marijuana.com and MassRoots, and handled media relations and campaigns for Law Enforcement Against Prohibition and Students for Sensible Drug Policy.

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