Newsletter
U.S. on ‘glide path’ to marijuana reform, former AG says (Newsletter: October 8, 2021)
Federal banking regulator’s Marijuana Moment op-ed; CA gov signs hemp bill; OK cannabis ballot measures filed; Another city decrims psychedelics
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said the country is now on a “glide path” to federal marijuana decriminalization.
- “You know it’s going to happen.”
A top federal regulator with the National Credit Union Administration writes in an op-ed for Marijuana Moment that federal legalization is a “foregone conclusion” and that Congress needs to act on cannabis banking now.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a bill to legalize smokable hemp and allow CBD- and other cannabinoid-infused foods, drinks and cosmetics.
Oklahoma activists filed two initiatives they hope to qualify for the 2022 ballot: One to legalize adult-use marijuana and another to strengthen the existing medical cannabis program.
The Arcata, California City Council voted unanimously to decriminalize psychedelics—the third city in the state to do so at this point.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is funding research to define economic opportunities for hemp in the western U.S.
Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Barbara Lee (D-CA) spoke about cannabis reform at the Netroots Nation conference.
Rep. Mike Garcia (R-CA) tweeted, “After bringing attention to the illegal marijuana grows & advocating for more money to help combat the problem, I’m pleased LA County Board of Supervisors has delegated $5M to @LASDHQ to support the eradication of illegal marijuana grow operations in the AV & surrounding areas.”
Pennsylvania Democratic Senate candidate John Fetterman said there’s “no downside” for politicians who embrace marijuana reform.
Washington State Democratic congressional candidate Jason Call tweeted, “The war on drugs has accomplished nothing except throwing millions of Black Americans into our carceral system. It’s time we end it and provide reparations for the damage done.”
The Senate bill to legalize medical cannabis for military veterans got one new cosponsor for a total of seven.
/ STATES
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) signed legislation to decriminalize possession of syringes and expand access to medication for opioid use disorder in jails and prisons.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) touted his moves to pardon people for marijuana in a press release announcing that the state has reached a 20-year low in its prison population. Meanwhile, the House majority leader said legalizing cannabis is “not top of the list” of priorities.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) tweeted, “As environmental impacts from climate change become clearer, Colorado policy makers, consumers, and the cannabis industry all have a role in how sustainable the industry will be moving forward.”
Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Cranley, currently Cincinnati’s mayor, tweeted, “Ohio is in a rut, and it’s going to take big, bold ideas to get us out of it. I’m running for governor to write Ohio’s comeback and I’ve got the plans to do it. We’re going to legalize marijuana, invest that tax revenue back in our communities, create new jobs, and more.”
South Carolina Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joe Cunningham tweeted, “SC is 2nd in the nation in the rate of marijuana arrests. Chester County has the highest rate of any county in the US. I was the first candidate to call for the legalization of marijuana and to expunge the records of those convicted of marijuana offenses.”
Texas Democratic attorney general candidate Lee Merritt tweeted, “We must acknowledge and end the violent and hyper militarized police culture sprung from the 50 year ‘war on drugs.'”
The Michigan House Regulatory Reform Committee held a hearing on legislation to enact restrictions on medical cannabis caregivers.
Arizona regulators filed changes to medical cannabis and hemp rules.
Minnesota regulators are seeking public comment on draft preliminary rules for dried raw medical cannabis.
Missouri’s Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for hep fiber processing grants.
Questions are being raised about why Georgia medical cannabis regulators are exempt from the state’s open records law.
The Washington State Social Equity in Cannabis Task Force’s Technical Assistance & Mentorship Workgroup will meet on Tuesday.
The Nevada Cannabis Advisory Subcommittee on Public Safety will meet on Tuesday.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,200 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.
Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
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/ LOCAL
The Meadville, Pennsylvania City Council gave initial approval to a marijuana decriminalization proposal.
A former St. Johns County, Florida sheriff is endorsing psychedelics research legislation.
Los Angeles, California regulators are hosting webinars this month about how to apply for a marijuana business license.
/ INTERNATIONAL
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson criticized the Labour Party for allegedly wanting to “decriminalize hard drugs.”
The United Nations high commissioner for human rights is pressing the Philippine government to release the findings of an investigation into the nation’s bloody “war on drugs.”
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “cannabidiol-enriched cannabis oil in children with [West syndrome] had a good tolerability” and that “four (50%) of eight had a more than 50% seizure reduction.”
A study determined that “psilocybin can be produced in biologically relevant quantities using a recombinant E. coli strain in a homebrew style environment.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll found that 58 percent Italians support legalizing marijuana.
Students for Sensible Drug Policy crafted a draft resolution and organizing guide to help people advance drug policy reform at the municipal level.
/ BUSINESS
Tilray, Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $168 million and a net loss of $34.6 million.
4Front Ventures Corp. is acquiring New England Cannabis Corporation.
Charlotte’s Web Holdings, Inc. is expanding CBD retail offerings in California following the enactment of new legislation.
/ CULTURE
Will Smith wrote in his new memoir about participating in ayahuasca rituals in Peru.
Football La’el Collins is suing the NFL over his suspension for missing drug tests.
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