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USDA holds hemp legalization feedback session (Newsletter: March 14, 2019)

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Legal marijuana in NY budget bills; Missouri lawmakers approve expungements; Study: best way to store cannabis; Colorado delivery legislation filed

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There are now 922 cannabis-related bills moving through state legislatures and Congress for 2019 sessions.

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

The U.S. Department of Agriculture held a lengthy listening session at which it received input on in-development hemp legalization regulations from state regulators, Indian tribes and cannabis industry participants.

The Missouri House of Representatives approved a bill to expunge certain prior marijuana records.

Both the New York Senate and Assembly included marijuana legalization language in their new budget proposals. There are some interesting differences, including one chamber supporting cannabis home cultivation contrary to a request from the industry.

Colorado lawmakers filed a bill to allow marijuana deliveries. It’s one of several pending new proposals to expand the state’s cannabis industry.

A study examining the effects of lighting and temperature conditions on marijuana’s THC content over long-term storage concluded that “freezing is the best storage condition to avoid the reduction of the cannabinoids content over time.”

/ FEDERAL

The Drug Enforcement Administration sent a press release warning the public about scams involving people claiming to be federal agents threatening legal action if large fines are not paid over the phone.

The Washington Post takes a critical look at the Obama administration’s handling of fentanyl.

Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), a presidential candidate, tweeted, “The war on drugs has in reality been a war on people. We must always recognize human dignity and potential, and help each other.”

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) tweeted, “On January 17th, @GovRonDeSantis, @JohnMorganESQ and I called upon the Florida legislature to repeal Florida’s ban on smokable medical marijuana. Today, the legislature did the right thing and successfully responded to our call. Governor DeSantis isn’t just making promises, he’s keeping them. And all Floridians are better for it.”

/ STATES

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) tweeted, “Yesterday, we announced a monumental step forward toward legalizing adult-use marijuana. This will truly make our state stronger and fairer for everyone.” He also discussed the issue in a radio interview. A draft of the agreed upon legislation reportedly contains broad employment protections for cannabis consumers. Meanwhile, the Senate president isn’t into the idea of putting legalization on the ballot if lawmakers can’t pass a bill.

The Florida House of Representatives sent legislation allowing patients to smoke medical cannabis to the desk of Gov. Ron DeSantis (R). The governor tweeted, “I thank the Florida Legislature for taking action on medical marijuana and upholding the will of the voters.” The state agriculture commissioner cheered the move.

Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura tweeted, “I truly feel sorry for South Dakota. @govkristinoem denied the state a great opportunity. #Hemp is a food-source for plant based protein, it’s jobs for farmers, it’s FEDERALLY LEGAL. She clearly did ZERO research before vetoing this bill.”

The Oklahoma Senate approved 17 medical cannabis regulation bills.

The Arkansas Senate Public Health Committee approved a bill banning medical cannabis edibles that could appeal to children.

Massachusetts regulators held a listening session about potential changes to the state’s marijuana laws.

Ohio lawmakers are considering hemp legalization legislation.


Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 900 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.

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/ LOCAL

The Cocoa Beach, Florida City Commission approved an ordinance allowing police to issue civil citations for low-level marijuana possession instead of making arrests.

/ INTERNATIONAL

The Swiss Federal Administrative Court ruled that the sale of legal low-THC cannabis flowers should be taxed at 25%, just like tobacco.

Zimbabwe officials issued the country’s first medical cannabis production license.

The Canadian government released a report on marijuana supply and demand.

/ ADVOCACY

Lobbying spending by the Colorado marijuana industry is increasing.

Rev. Al Sharpton spoke about equity in the marijuana industry.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that “patients with cancer enrolled in Minnesota’s medical cannabis program showed significant reduction across all eight symptoms assessed within 4 months of program participation.”

/ BUSINESS

Billionaire investor Nelson Peltz joined Aurora Cannabis Inc. as a strategic advisor.

The New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association says it has expelled MedMen from the organization over racist, sexist and homophobic comments allegedly made by the company’s executives.

/ CULTURE

Marijuana business video game Weedcraft Inc. got an April 11 release date.

PolitiFact ruled that claims about former President Thomas Jefferson and marijuana are “mostly false.”

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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.

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Tom Angell is the editor of Marijuana Moment. A 20-year veteran in the cannabis law reform movement, he covers the policy and politics of marijuana. Separately, he founded the nonprofit Marijuana Majority. Previously he reported for Marijuana.com and MassRoots, and handled media relations and campaigns for Law Enforcement Against Prohibition and Students for Sensible Drug Policy.

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