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What primary election results means for cannabis (Newsletter: May 10, 2018)
House panel defeats military cannabis amendment; NFL fans support marijuana access; LA lawmakers approve new conditions
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Here’s a look at where the winners of this week’s congressional and gubernatorial primaries stand on marijuana.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. House Armed Services Committee defeated an amendment to eliminate a Marine Corps rule that prohibits people who have used marijuana from re-enlisting.
The U.S. House Judiciary Committee approved a prison reform bill.
U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) said that the House prison reform legislation doesn’t go far enough.
U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) tweeted about her support for legalizing hemp, which would “create new opportunity for our farmers by allowing them to grow & sell a new product.”
U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) spoke on the Senate floor about marijuana being laced with fentanyl.
Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) tweeted, “We have seen report after report that decriminalizing marijuana leads to a drop in addiction rates and opioid-related deaths.”
Congressman Beto O’Rourke (D-TX), a U.S. Senate candidate, tweeted about the medical benefits of cannabis for military veterans.
The U.S. Senate bill to increase marijuana businesses’ access to banks got one new cosponsor, for a total of 16.
The U.S. Senate industrial hemp bill got two new cosponsors, for a total of 14.
Several Mississippi U.S. Senate candidates support marijuana reform.
/ STATES
The Louisiana Senate approved bills to add more medical cannabis qualifying conditions and to allow regulators shield some program records from public scrutiny.
New York Democratic gubernatorial candidate Cynthia Nixon published an op-ed on racial justice aspects of marijuana legalization.
The Michigan Senate Regulatory Reform Committee unanimously approved legislation to ban marijuana-infused alcoholic beverages. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are expected to discuss on Thursday whether to enact marijuana legalization instead of allowing the question to appear on the ballot. And Republican gubernatorial candidates debated marijuana policy.
The New Jersey Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee will hold a Saturday hearing on marijuana legalization.
Colorado lawmakers are nervous about relying on marijuana tax revenue to fund schools amid federal uncertainty.
Florida lawmakers slammed regulators over their implementation of medical cannabis.
Delaware lawmakers filed legislation to expunge marijuana convictions that took place prior to decriminalization.
Maine regulators released guidance for employers about marijuana in the workplace.
A Rhode Island representative is asking regulators to release details about the finances of medical cannabis dispensaries.
Alaska regulations on cannabis quality control and the issuance of marijuana handler permits take effect this month.
/ LOCAL
Frisco, Colorado officials are asking VICE Media personnel to stop smoking marijuana in public.
Carpinteria, California residents are complaining about the smell of marijuana cultivation facilities.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Uruguay has nearly 35,000 people registered to legally purchase marijuana.
The Macedonian prime minister’s relatives are involved in the country’s legal medical cannabis industry.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
The Global Drug Survey determined that more than 20% of cannabis consumers report signs of dependence.
A study found that “nearly 70% of Colorado cannabis dispensaries contacted recommended cannabis products [to pregnant women] to treat nausea in the first trimester.”
A study found that marijuana use doesn’t raise the risk of rapid and irregular heart rhythm among people who have suffered heart attacks.
/ OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll found that 82% of NFL fans think the league should allow players to use medical cannabis.
/ BUSINESS
SPONSORED: The National Cannabis Industry Association’s Cannabis Business Summit & Expo is coming up soon. Use Marijuana Moment’s discount code to register now.
Baker, Lightshade, Hypur, Confident Cannabis, Trellis, Headset, Cova, Rootery and StickyGuide partnered to launch a “Future of Cannabis Retail” campaign.
Colorado retailers sold more than $135 million in marijuana products in March.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
