Newsletter
US Army clarifies cannabis pardon situation (Newsletter: February 29, 2024)
VA legal sales deal; NY gov to Google: Stop illegal marijuana listings; FDA on CBD/kratom; Cannabis for orgasm disorder; OH & NJ patient fees slashed
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The U.S. Army published a notice clarifying that President Joe Biden’s marijuana pardon proclamation “does not cover military drug offenses….and therefore does not result in a pardon for military personnel.”
Food and Drug Administration Deputy Commissioner for Policy, Legislation, and International Affairs Kimberlee Trzeciak said the agency is “actively” exploring a potential regulatory framework for CBD—with plans to prioritize the issue within the next year, while also investigating issues related to kratom.
The Virginia House of Delegates and Senate approved identical bills to legalize recreational marijuana sales—one day after new amendments had threatened to upend a bicameral compromise. The legislation now heads to the desk of Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R), who has said he doesn’t have “any interest” in signing cannabis reform this year.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) is calling on tech companies like Google and Meta to “do the right thing” by taking steps to stop listing unlicensed marijuana businesses on their platforms that she says are undermining the legal market.
Regulators in Connecticut, Illinois, Ohio and New Mexico are set to consider adding female orgasmic disorder as a medical cannabis qualifying condition, activists behind the petitions told Marijuana Moment.
The Ohio Division of Cannabis Control is dropping medical marijuana patient and caregiver fees to just 1¢, and the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission is offering free digital ID cards for the state’s program.
The Missouri Senate Emerging Issues Committee approved an amended bill to legalize the medical use of psilocybin by military veterans and fund studies exploring the therapeutic potential of the psychedelic.
The Drug Policy Alliance led a group of equity advocates in an event seeking to “correct the record” on the Biden administration’s marijuana policy achievements, calling attention to unfulfilled campaign promises and the shortcomings of a move to Schedule III.
Marijuana arrests in Kansas have seen a “plateau” since neighboring Missouri enacted legalization, according to an analysis of law enforcement data—with one county district attorney saying that “we’re just not doing” cannabis possession cases.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Department of Agriculture posted a short podcast about the importance of collaboration in hemp germplasm research.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico wanted Americans not to bring drugs, including medical marijuana, to the country during spring break.
The Congressional Research Service wrote about Congress’s interference with Washington, D.C. marijuana laws in a report on the District’s autonomy.
/ STATES
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) is asking a court to stay a lawsuit challenging his veto of legislation to reallocate marijuana tax revenue.
An Iowa House subcommittee advanced a bill to license additional medical cannabis dispensaries.
Indiana lawmakers discussed the prospects of marijuana reform legislation.
The New York Cannabis Advisory Board discussed the rollout of the Community Grants Reinvestment Fund at a meeting, with regulators also providing an update on licensing more marijuana businesses.
California generated $157 million in cannabis retail excise tax revenue in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Missouri’s most populous counties are among those with the lowest marijuana expungement rates.
Virginia regulators are accepting applications for a medical cannabis business license in one area of the state.
The Tennessee Medical Cannabis Commission will meet on Friday.
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/ LOCAL
Caro, Michigan voters rejected a ballot measure to increase the number of marijuana cultivation licenses in the city.
The Annapolis, Maryland City Council is considering a moratorium on recreational marijuana businesses.
Healdsburg, California officials are being sued by a marijuana business that claims the local licensing process is corrupt.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Greek medical cannabis prescriptions launched.
The Canadian House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance is recommending changes to cannabis tax rules.
Philippine senators endorsed a committee report on medical cannabis legislation.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study indicated that “CBD could be used as an adjuvant in the treatment of cancer cachexia to help maintain muscle mass and improve patient quality of life.”
A study of rats “highlights CBD’s potential in mitigating [methotrexate]-induced lung damage.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The American Heart Association published a study that found cannabis use is associated with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
/ BUSINESS
Green Thumb Industries Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $278.2 million.
Agrify Corporation announced share pricing for a $2.6 million public offering.
New Jersey retailers sold $220.4 million worth of legal marijuana products in the fourth quarter of 2023.
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