Newsletter
US backs global cannabis rescheduling move (Newsletter: October 12, 2020)
Senate candidates pressed on marijuana at debates; Sanders celebrates VT legalization; Poll: NJ referendum leads; Madison public cannabis use measure
Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day.
Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible…
Looking for more cannabis news and resources? If you support our reporting with a monthly donation of $25 or more, we’ll give you access to our Cannabis Bill Tracker, exclusive material from our interviews and more.
Don’t miss out – join us at https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment
/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The U.S. government is supporting a World Health Organization recommendation to remove marijuana from the most restrictive global schedule, but the country opposes another proposal to clarify that CBD is not controlled under international anti-drug treaties.
Incumbent GOP senators and their Democratic challengers in three separate states were pressed on marijuana issues in debates on the same day. Marijuana Moment analyzed the responses and records of the Colorado, South Carolina and Texas candidates.
A majority of the Madison, Wisconsin City Council is sponsoring a measure to allow people to use marijuana in public without fear of prosecution, with certain restrictions.
A poll found that New Jersey likely voters support the state’s marijuana legalization ballot referendum by a two-to-one margin. The cannabis measure has majority support among all groups—Democrats, Republicans, independents, old, young, men, women, whites, nonwhites and people in every region of the state.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) celebrated his home state of Vermont’s new law legalizing marijuana sales, as well as another policy to expunge prior cannabis convictions.
/ FEDERAL
A federal judge ruled that a Minnesota congressional race can be held in November and doesn’t need to be delayed until February because the Legal Marijuana Now Party’s candidate died.
Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) tweeted, “It is way past time to finally end the prohibition of marijuana in our state and across this nation. I hope my fellow New Jerseyans will join me in strongly supporting this ballot initiative.”
Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) and Democratic challenger Amy Kennedy both endorsed rescheduling marijuana during a debate.
Green Party presidential candidate Howie Hawkins tweeted, “End the war on drugs. Legalize and tax marijuana. Decriminalize all other drugs for personal possession. This is a health crisis, not a criminal one!” He also tweeted, “Demilitarize the police. Invest in social services. Legalize marijuana. End the war on drugs. We need community control of the police!”
Louisiana Democratic congressional candidate Kenny Houston tweeted, “Almost all of Louisiana’s politicians on the Congressional level are against legalizing marijuana because they want to protect their title as #1 in incarceration rank in the WORLD! More Act will mess with the private prisons money 🤷🏿♂️”
/ STATES
Pennsylvania’s lieutenant governor tweeted, “The majority of Pennsylvanians have told their truths: Democratic and Republican, they want adult-use cannabis to be legalized, now. It is time for legislators to listen to their constituents. There is support in all districts.”
New York’s Assembly majority leader spoke about her support for legalizing marijuana.
Maine’s recreational marijuana sales launched.
Colorado regulators adopted marijuana rules on a range of subjects.
Oregon’s Department of Agriculture tweeted about the extension of the federal hemp pilot program.
Here’s a look at key New Mexico Senate and House races that could determine whether marijuana legalization has enough votes to pass in 2021.
Alaska regulators will consider marijuana licensing issues on October 28 and 29.
—
Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,500 cannabis 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.
—
/ LOCAL
A Jacksonville, Florida City Council member plans to introduce a marijuana decriminalization proposal.
The Gilbert, Arizona City Council is considering adopting an ordinance banning marijuana businesses ahead of a vote on a statewide legalization initiative.
/ INTERNATIONAL
South African lawmakers extended the deadline to submit public comments on a marijuana reform bill.
The French government announced the details of a pilot program through which patients will have free access to medical cannabis.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “cannabis is used to reduce pain after [spinal cord injury] and enable increased community participation.”
A study on mice and exercise found that “THC does not affect running preference or performance in a T-maze task” and that “THC increases motivation in a cued-palatable food instrumental task.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture submitted comments requesting that the U.S. Department of Agriculture amend proposed hemp rules.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is opposing Arizona’s marijuana legalization ballot initiative.
The Arizona Daily Star editorial board enforced the state’s marijuana legalization ballot measure.
/ CULTURE
Actor Sam Neill tweeted, “NEW ZEALANDERS everywhere! Make sure to VOTE in this critical election. Have YOUR say. And while you’re at it, let’s get sensible and finally LEGALISE cannabis .Decriminalise it, regulate it, tax it- the whole community benefits( not gangs) #makeitlegal #VoteYesOnCannabis #CBD”
UFC fighter Trevin Jones was suspended and fined for a positive marijuana test.
Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox.
Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
