Newsletter
US cannabis patient left behind in Russian prisoner swap (Newsletter: August 2, 2024)
FL GOP leader backs legalization; DOJ defends gun ban for marijuana users; Study: Cannabis component improves memory
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…
Before you dig into today’s cannabis news, I wanted you to know you can keep this resource free and published daily by subscribing to Marijuana Moment on Patreon. We’re a small independent publication diving deep into the cannabis world and rely on readers like you to keep going.
Join us at https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment
/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
U.S. citizen Marc Fogel, who is incarcerated in Russia over medical cannabis he used to treat pain as an opioid alternative, was left out of a large-scale prisoner swap—despite bipartisan lawmakers saying he should have been included.
A Florida GOP senator who previously served as chairman of the state Republican Party is urging voters to support the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot.
The Department of Justice argued in a new brief that a Supreme Court ruling on domestic violence underscores why marijuana consumers should lose their gun rights—claiming that cannabis makes people “more likely to develop psychosis and long-lasting mental disorders, including schizophrenia.”
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians announced it will begin selling recreational marijuana to any adult over the age of 21 next month—marking the first legal adult-use cannabis sales within North Carolina or any of its neighboring states.
A new study finds that the lesser-known cannabis component CBG “reduces global feelings of anxiety and stress” and also “significantly enhanced verbal memory” in a double-blind, placebo-controlled field trial.
A new Minnesota law that took effect last month bans recreational marijuana smoking and vaping in apartments and other multifamily housing, even though people can legally consume cannabis out in public.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit ruled that a man may be required to pay $6.4 million for breaching a contract with his would-be partner in a cannabis company, so long as it doesn’t require the manufacture or sale of marijuana.
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) said marijuana rescheduling “is part of Joe Biden’s legacy.”
/ STATES
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson (R) issued an executive order prohibiting the sale of foods containing psychoactive cannabis compounds unless they originate from an “approved source.”
A Florida representative spoke about how passing the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot can generate revenue for schools.
California regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to the presence of aspergillus.
Delaware’s top marijuana regulator said the launch of the adult-use market is “is around the corner.”
Minnesota’s top cannabis regulator said more than 3,100 people made it through a screening process to be pre-approved for a marijuana business license.
Washington State officials announced $7.6 million in grants to 21 organizations working to disrupt firearm violence in communities disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs.
The New York Cannabis Control Board will meet on Tuesday.
—
Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,500 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.
—
/ LOCAL
New York City officials touted enforcement efforts that have sealed a total of 779 stores selling marijuana without a license.
The Deschutes County, Oregon Commission held a hearing on marijuana regulations that were withdrawn due to a petition from growers.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Norway’s minister of justice and public security said being sentenced to six months in prison is a reasonable punishment for illegal drug use.
The premier of New South Wales, Australia said he will not decriminalize marijuana.
Ireland’s High Court rejected a woman’s effort to sell cannabis products.
Canadian officials are planning to publish a policy consultation document about health products containing CBD.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “there are potential benefits for the use of [medical marijuana] in treating spasticity, pain, sleep, quality of life, and social and emotional wellbeing in adult patients” with cerebral palsy.
A study found that “CBD prevented an overall autistic-like phenotype from developing in male rats.”
/ BUSINESS
Lykos Therapeutics announced “new initiatives and measures for additional oversight” for MDMA-assisted therapy as it seeks Food and Drug Administration approval.
StateHouse Holdings Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $25.4 million.
Jushi Holdings Inc. completed the refinancing of its approximately $53 million senior secured credit facility due December 31.
AYR Wellness Inc.’s executive chairman resigned.
Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox.
Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
