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Virginia election will shape cannabis policy (Newsletter: October 17, 2023)
SAFER Banking poll shows dip in support; Tribal medical marijuana cards issued in NC; Airline worker reinstated after cannabis test firing
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Virginia’s House of Delegates and Senate elections next month could finally clear the way for legal marijuana sales to begin—or they could set the stage for a rollback of cannabis reforms already achieved, depending on which party ends up in control of the legislature.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has begun issuing the first medical cannabis patient cards within North Carolina as statewide legislation stalls. Tribal members separately approved a broader adult-use marijuana legalization referendum last month.
A new poll from the American Bankers Association found that 55 percent of Americans want Congress to pass a marijuana banking bill—but that’s a drop in support from an earlier survey the group commissioned last year.
An Alaska Airlines maintenance technician who was fired over a positive marijuana test is being reinstated under an arbitration panel’s decision.
Chelsea Boyd of the R Street Institute argues in a new Marijuana Moment op-ed that as banking reform and federal rescheduling loom on the horizon, lawmakers and regulators must not forget about the unique needs of medical cannabis patients.
The Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation issued guidance warning marijuana microbusinesses that any sales of their licenses need to comply with rules requiring continued majority ownership by people from disadvantaged communities.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Department of Agriculture launched a course on hemp crop acreage reporting requirements.
Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) discussed his support for marijuana banking legislation.
/ STATES
The Oregon legislature’s Joint Interim Committee on Addiction and Community Safety Response will hold its first hearing on Wednesday.
Former Arkansas representatives are on opposing sides of new litigation alleging fraud in medical cannabis licensing.
Utah regulators filed rules changes allowing certain health care facilities to act as designated medical cannabis caregivers.
New York regulators announced that several new marijuana dispensaries are opening this week.
Missouri regulators published a fact sheet on youth marijuana use.
Michigan regulators will host an education session on marijuana-infused edibles on Thursday.
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/ LOCAL
The Lancaster County, Nebraska sheriff discussed his concerns with legalizing medical cannabis.
The Lebanon, Oregon City Council is considering putting a question on the ballot to ban psilocybin businesses.
/ INTERNATIONAL
France’s health minister said the country’s medical cannabis pilot program will continue past its current March 2024 expiration date.
A Mexican senator is planning to file a bill to legalize psilocybin after personally experiencing the benefits of using psychedelics.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that providing scientific information about marijuana “fostered more positive or more neutral attitudes, potentially reducing stigma and promoting a better-informed perspective on cannabis.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Association of Flight Attendants posted a warning that using CBD products is not an excuse for a positive cannabis drug test.
The Maine Cannabis Union is a newly formed organization advocating for marijuana industry workers.
/ BUSINESS
Verano Holdings Corp. will begin trading on Cboe Canada on Wednesday.
March and Ash is suing other companies over allegedly illegal sales of hemp-derived products.
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