Newsletter
TX psychedelics law takes effect (Newsletter: June 22, 2021)
CT gov signing legalization today; Final NYC prohibition-era marijuana arrest data; PA health officials’ warning on federal anti-cannabis provision
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) allowed a bill to mandate the state study the medical benefits of psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA for military veterans with PTSD to take effect without his signature.
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) will sign a marijuana legalization bill in a small ceremony on Tuesday, his office wrote in an email to advocates.
New York City marijuana enforcement data from the state’s final quarter of prohibition shows ongoing racial disparities in cannabis arrests and summonses. The governor signed legalization on the last day of the quarter.
The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs sent a bulletin warning about a federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration policy that blocks grant money from health programs that allow medical marijuana use among participants—with some exceptions.
/ FEDERAL
The Biden administration will endorse legislation to eliminate the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday.
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to take up a case challenging the Internal Revenue Service’s ability to investigate marijuana businesses.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) tweeted, “New York not only legalized marijuana—but ensured restorative justice for those harmed by the War on Drugs. This is a model for how Congress must deal with this issue. I’m working with @SenBooker & @RonWyden on comprehensive marijuana reform legislation.”
Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) tweeted, “The War on Drugs is a war on Black and brown communities. We need care, not punishment.”
Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) tweeted, “Now that we’ve celebrated Juneteenth, it’s time to:… – End the War on Drugs… We need full liberation along with celebration.”
/ STATES
Disagreements between New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) and top lawmakers over appointments to the state’s new marijuana regulatory body could lead to a delay in the implementation of legal sales.
Maryland Democratic gubernatorial candidate Doug Gansler, a former state attorney general, tweeted, “For law enforcement to be their most effective, they must build and maintain the trust of their communities. Cannabis regulation would free up police resources, so they can focus on more serious crimes and help strengthen community relationships, to keep all of our families safe.”
Mississippi’s secretary of state reiterated that he wants Gov. Tate Reeves (R) to call a special session for lawmakers to replace the medical cannabis law that the state Supreme Court struck down.
Pennsylvania lawmakers attended the opening of a new medical cannabis dispensary and spoke about their push for broader legalization.
Guam regulators changed rules about the operation of marijuana businesses by people with past cannabis convictions.
Florida regulators are preparing to award a medical cannabis business license to a black farmer as required under the state’s law.
A federal judge placed a preliminary injunction on Missouri’s residency requirements for medical cannabis business ownership.
A Michigan appeals court upheld the dismissal of defamation allegations brought against the city manager of Walled Lake after he called a would-be marijuana distribution business a “cartel.”
Colorado’s new top marijuana regulator spoke about her plans for the role.
Utah regulators sent an update on the state’s medical cannabis program.
Subcommittees of Oregon’s Psilocybin Advisory Board will meet on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,100 cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy 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
New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Eric Adams said he’s worried that marijuana legalization sends the wrong message to young people.
Denver, Colorado officials will host a marijuana rulemaking workgroup on Thursday.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Papua New Guinea’s National Narcotics Control Board signed an agreement to allow cannabis research.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study of mice concluded that “CBD can prevent the development of cocaine addiction, and, when administered during cocaine abstinence, may be of help in avoiding relapse to drug-seeking and in ameliorating the memory disturbances provoked by chronic consumption of cocaine.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The South Dakota Democratic Party tweeted, “70% of South Dakota voters voted in favor of medical #cannabis. 54% voted to legalize recreational #marijuana. Kristi Noem said they made the wrong choice and sued voters using taxpayer money. It is time to VOTE HER OUT.”
The South Dakota Municipal League is asking lawmakers to allow cities to own medical cannabis dispensaries they could lease to private operators.
The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations asked lawmakers to drop a requirement that physicians specifically recommend medical cannabis in order for patients to qualify for access.
The Kennebec Journal editorial board is calling on Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) to support a drug decriminalization bill.
/ BUSINESS
Sonoma Lab Works employees voted to join the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 5.
Charlotte’s Web Holdings, Inc. has a new board member.
Some regional banks and credit unions are becoming more comfortable lending to marijuana businesses.
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