Newsletter
Which industry’s workers consume the most cannabis? (Newsletter: Sep. 12, 2018)
MI poll shows legalization winning; Rep. Gabbard talks marijuana with Joe Rogan; CO GOP & Dem pols embrace hemp ahead of ballot vote
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Ahead of a little-noticed Colorado ballot vote on industrial hemp, the state’s Democratic and Republican gubernatorial candidates are touring hemp farms.
Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) spoke with podcaster Joe Rogan about marijuana reform, psychedelic research and private prisons. (And no, she didn’t pull an Elon Musk and smoke a joint on the podcast.)
A study examined marijuana use rates across different industries, finding that food service workers, educators and retail employees are way more likely to consume cannabis than those in finance, agriculture or transportation.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Sentencing Commission launched a new podcast.
Florida Democratic congressional candidate Jennifer Zimmerman tweeted, “I believe in the decriminalization of cannabis so no one is disproportionately punished. However, I believe in regulating it like alcohol. DUI charges should also apply to drug intoxication, not just alcohol & opioids.”
/ STATES
California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) signed a bill prohibiting the marketing of cannabis products on websites used by minors.
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert (R) is considering calling a special legislative session to address medical cannabis.
Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin (R) said he would sign a medical cannabis bill and relayed a story about how it might have helped his nephew, who died of cancer at age 14.
The man behind one of Missouri’s medical cannabis ballot initiatives is withdrawing a lawsuit he filed against a competing measure, while a separate suit against a third ballot question has already been dismissed by a judge.
Massachusetts’s top marijuana regulator said full recreational licenses will be granted “in the next few weeks to a month or so.” Meanwhile, cannabis growers are considering suing regulators over their decision not to review local host community agreements that some say require excessive payments that keep smaller businesses from winning licenses.
Michigan regulators are allowing some medical cannabis businesses to remain open until December 15 without licenses, but others will have to close.
Maine regulators are hiring a consultant to help set up rules for medical cannabis and recreational marijuana.
/ LOCAL
The Lancaster, Pennsylvania City Council amended a proposed marijuana penalty reduction ordinance, with a final vote expected later this month.
The Green Bay, Wisconsin Common Council is considering lowering fines for marijuana possession.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma’s City Council heard testimony on a proposed marijuana decriminalization ordinance.
Fresno, California officials released draft marijuana regulations.
Portland, Oregon’s mayor tweeted, “Cannabis prohibition has failed. It has failed to keep our children safe; it has failed law enforcement, and it has especially failed communities of color who have disproportionately targeted and prosecuted for low-level drug offenses. It is imperative that as a community we work to create economic opportunities for communities disproportionately impacted by prohibition, and also continue to seek atonement and retroactive justice for people who have had their lives disrupted due to cannabis prohibition.”
/ INTERNATIONAL
Georgia’s government plans to legalize the cultivation of marijuana for export.
Former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo is urging West African countries to decriminalize drugs.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned citizens to consider what they say about their past marijuana use if asked by U.S. border agents. Meanwhile, the military is seeking to reassure international allies about its troops’ use of cannabis under legalization.
The Bahamian government is slowly forming a committee to study marijuana laws.
A Chilean senator is working to free a Chilean man jailed in Indonesia for possessing marijuana seeds.
French health officials created a committee to analyze how to create a medical cannabis market.
German regulators plan to issue medical cannabis cultivation licenses early next year.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that UK youth find it easier to access marijuana than alcohol.
A survey found “poor communication between patients and [primary care physicians] about medical marijuana use, which is being sanctioned by physicians other than patients’ PCPs.”
/ OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll found that Michigan likely voters support the state’s marijuana legalization ballot measure, 56% – 31%.
A poll found that New Jersey residents support legalizing marijuana, 44% – 31%, and that support rises to 53% when told that legalization could help ease their local taxes.
/ BUSINESS
Slate looks at ongoing problems with marijuana track-and-trace software.
CNBC’s Jim Cramer is hosting a cannabis investment conference next month.
/ CULTURE
Charlo Greene, the former Alaska TV news anchor who quit on air and revealed her involvement in the marijuana industry, reached a plea deal on charges she illegally sold cannabis.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
Berkeley considers psychedelics decrim; Lawmaker files marijuana bill after leaving GOP; USDA official speaks at hemp conference
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee scheduled a hearing on marijuana banking issues for next week. Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID) had previously said cannabis’s legal status would have to be amended before the panel addressed financial services issues, but his thinking has apparently changed.
A Berkeley, California City Council committee will consider a measure to decriminalize psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin on Wednesday. The move follows neighboring Oakland’s enactment of a similar resolution last month.
A U.S. Department of Agriculture official and Colorado’s pro-hemp Gov. Jared Polis (D) are scheduled to discuss CBD as a dietary supplement and related issues at an American Herbal Products Association conference next month.
Just days after leaving the Republican Party, Rep. Justin Amash (I-MI) filed a new marijuana bill in Congress. It’s nearly identical to the bipartisan STATES Act, with one exception.
/ FEDERAL
The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on efforts to combat illicit fentanyl.
The Congressional Black Caucus tweeted about pending legislation allowing certain federal drug war prisoners to have their cases reconsidered.
Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL) noted in a report on a visit to the border that “the main drug they’re seizing between ports is marijuana, and that’s decreasing due to domestic legalization.”
Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) said she is “so excited that now, finally in our country, we are looking at the war on drugs, we’re looking at mass incarceration, and the consequences that that has had on our country.”
The House bill to require the Department of Veterans Affairs to study medical cannabis got one new cosponsor, for a total of 71.
/ STATES
Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin (R) cheered news of the opening of a CBD extraction facility in the state, saying, “As the commonwealth becomes a focal point for hemp-related businesses, this latest project significantly accelerates our progress.”
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) discussed his concerns about marijuana reform.
The Florida House of Representatives moved to intervene in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state’s medical cannabis regulations. Separately, here’s a look at the chances of getting a marijuana legalization measure on the state’s 2020 ballot.
A Michigan senator filed a bill to expunge marijuana records. Separately, regulators released updated lists of banned chemical active ingredients in marijuana products and for growers.
California regulators will hold a meeting about efforts to create a cannabis program comparable to the National Organic Program next Wednesday.
Utah regulators are dropping a proposed residency requirement for medical cannabis cultivation.
New Mexico’s medical cannabis patient count is up nearly 10% since the beginning of the year.
Washington State regulators will consider changes to marijuana packaging and labeling rules on Wednesday.
Massachusetts regulators will begin accepting applications for state certification as responsible vendor trainers for marijuana establishment agents on Wednesday.
Alabama’s Medical Cannabis Study Commission will hold its first meeting on August 13.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,000 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 Fayetteville, Arkansas City Council approved a resolution urging the city prosecutor to use discretion to “to ensure that appropriate cases of misdemeanor possession of marijuana for personal, private, adult use be considered for dismissal.”
Santa Cruz County, California is being sued for allegedly violating state law by blocking marijuana deliveries from out-of-county companies.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Cabinet approved 34 medical cannabis licenses.
A French judge ruled that a man who killed a neighbor can’t be held criminally responsible for his actions because he smoked marijuana beforehand.
Thai regulators are denying accusations that they have unduly delayed approval of medical cannabis oil.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “medicinal cannabis is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for a number of [spinal cord injury]-related symptoms.”
A study of qualitative reports of psychedelic microdosing found “beneficial outcomes, such as improved mood (26.6%) and focus (14.8%)” as well as “challenging outcomes, such as physiological discomfort (18.0%) and increased anxiety (6.7%).”
/ BUSINESS
Advertising firm Havas is launching a cannabis-focused consulting arm.
The Arcview Group closed a $7.7 million Series A funding round.
A former Walt Disney World bartender says she was fired for using CBD oil for foot pain.
/ CULTURE
Musician Flea joked about the differences between indica and sativa cannabis.
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Newsletter
Legal cannabis reduces illegal growing in national forests, study finds (Newsletter: July 16, 2019)
Former GOP rep says Trump will help legalize by 2020; BVI considers legal marijuana bill; SXSW wants cannabis panel ideas
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There are now 1,161 cannabis-related bills moving through state legislatures and Congress for 2019 sessions.
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A study found that legalizing marijuana reduces illegal cultivation on public lands.
- “Outright, national recreational cannabis legalization would be one means by which illegal growing on national forests could be made to disappear.”
Former Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) spoke to Marijuana Moment in a recent interview about why he believes President Trump will help achieve broad cannabis reform in 2020. He also addressed former House Speaker John Boehner’s (R-OH) industry involvement, decriminalizing psychedelics and the role marijuana played in his failed reelection effort last year.
Officials in the British Virgin Islands are reviewing draft marijuna legalization legislation.
SXSW is asking people to suggest marijuana-focused panel ideas for the Cannabusiness Track at next year’s festival. The deadline for submissions is this Friday.
/ FEDERAL
Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), a presidential candidate, and Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) introduced legislation allowing certain federal prisoners to petition courts to take a “second look” at their cases. Booker tweeted, “There are hundreds of thousands of people behind bars–most of them people of color–who were sentenced under draconian laws during the height of the War on Drugs that we have since recognized were unfair. But many of the changes we’ve made to these laws have not been retroactive.”
Former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D), a presidential candidate, spoke about his support for letting states set their own marijuana laws during an Iowa campaign appearance.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), a presidential candidate, made a joke about marijuana legalization.
Presidential candidate Andrew Yang signed a bong.
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) said he is “going to bring the Food and Drug Administration kicking and screaming and hollering in to getting [hemp-derived CBD] issues resolved.”
Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) spoke with local law enforcement officials about marijuana issues.
Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) said he supports legalizing marijuana.
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) tweeted, “People of color are disproportionately targeted in marijuana-related offenses. We should all follow Illinois’ lead to expunge these discriminatory and unnecessary offenses.”
/ STATES
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) tweeted, “I’m all about connecting the dots. It’s time to connect the dots between racial disparities and economic inequity by legalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana.”
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R) discussed medical cannabis on his podcast.
An Oklahoma representative is pushing for an interim study on the safety of medical cannabis.
A New Mexico senator said it’s been difficult to get marijuana incarceration data from state officials.
Ohio regulators published updated medical cannabis patient and caregiver numbers.
Hawaii medical cannabis patients can apply for two-year registration renewals starting on Thursday.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,000 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.
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/ LOCAL
Columbus, Ohio City Council members unveiled the text of a marijuana decriminalization proposal they intend to vote on soon.
Los Angeles, California officials released a report on the health implications of marijuana regulatory options for local jurisdictions.
Denver, Colorado officials announced that the city is hosting a marijuana management symposium in October.
/ INTERNATIONAL
A spokesman for Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he is “seriously considering” severing ties with Iceland over its United Nations resolution criticizing human rights violations in the nation’s bloody “war on drugs.”
CNBC looks at growing momentum for medical cannabis in Asia.
/ ADVOCACY
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture urged the Food and Drug Administration “to expeditiously create a clear regulatory framework for hemp products.”
A representative of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials testified in a congressional hearing that “marijuana legalization and opioid addiction may lead to more people driving while impaired.”
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “a 12-week course of nabiximols, a combination of tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, resulted in significantly fewer days of illicit cannabis use compared with placebo, and was well tolerated by participants.”
A study found that “the number of foster care entries attributable to parental drug use increased substantially from 2000 to 2017 (from 39,130 to 96,672 removals, an increase of 57,542 removals [147.05%]), even when entries for other removal reasons mostly declined.”
/ OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Wisconsin State Journal editorial board is calling on lawmakers to legalize medical cannabis.
The Bismarck Tribune editorial board said it wouldn’t be wise to legalize marijuana in North Dakota.
The Columbus Dispatch editorial board said it supports the City Council’s cautious consideration of decriminalizing marijuana.
/ BUSINESS
CBD company Heavenly Rx now owns a quarter of Jones Soda.
/ CULTURE
Former basketball player Paul Pierce is facing a lien from someone who loaned money for his CBD business.
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House GOP leader notes bipartisan marijuana banking support; Obama writes to former drug war prisoner; POTUS candidate speaks on cannabis panel
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…
There are now 1,161 cannabis-related bills moving through state legislatures and Congress for 2019 sessions.
Never let a marijuana bill catch you by surprise with exclusive access to Marijuana Moment’s custom-built cannabis legislation tracker for just $25/month.
- Khadijah Triblle of Marijuana Matters: “When I founded Marijuana Matters (M2) as a social enterprise last year, it was challenging to make decisions about our startup because the regulatory environment was all over the place. Let’s be clear: it still is, but Marijuana Moment provides consistent reliable information that makes decision-making less daunting.”
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) noted bipartisan support for marijuana banking legislation.
The Food and Drug Administration announced that it is “expediting” its work on CBD regulations.
- “We plan to report on our progress around end of summer/early fall.”
Food and Drug Administration Principal Associate Commissioner for Policy Lowell Schiller will deliver a keynote address at a hemp conference next month. Presumably he’ll be discussing the agency’s efforts to formulate CBD rules.
Former President Barack Obama sent a note to a former drug war prisoner whose sentence he commuted, congratulating her on an academic achievement she earned during her first year in college.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D), a presidential candidate, spoke on a marijuana panel at the Netroots Nation conference alongside Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and others.
/ FEDERAL
The House of Representatives approved a bill to prohibit the federal government and its contractors from asking about the criminal history of a job applicant prior to conditional offer of employment.
Attorney General William Barr visited a federal prison and said the Department of Justice is “all in” on criminal justice reform.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the National Institute on Drug Abuse disagree on proposed rules concerning the scheduling of fentanyl analogues.
The U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania said that legalizing marijuana would be a “bad idea” but praised the state’s medical cannabis law.
Former Sen. Mike Gravel (D-AK), a presidential candidate, is proposing a constitutional amendment to legalize marijuana.
Sixty-four current and former prosecutors, police chiefs, sheriffs, U.S. attorneys, and Department of Justice officials filed an amicus brief opposing a federal case seeking to prevent a safe consumption site for illegal drugs from opening.
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) tweeted, “In suburban America, a white kid caught with marijuana gets a slap on the wrist and a call to their parents. But for too many Black and brown students across the country, a single offense can destroy their entire future. Marijuana legalization is about racial justice.”
The House bill to deschedule marijuana got one new cosponsor, for a total of 31.
/ STATES
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) signed legislation letting people apply to annul certain past marijuana possession convictions, but vetoed another bill to remove a requirement for a long-term relationship between doctors and medical cannabis patients.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) tweeted that he is “proud” of the medical cannabis expansion law he recently signed.
A spokesperson for South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) said there are still “more tough questions than we have good answers when it comes to hemp.”
More than 30 cannabis plants were found on the lawn of Vermont’s State House.
Another group of North Dakota activists filed an additional proposed marijuana legalization ballot measure.
Banking access for West Virginia medical cannabis businesses is expected to be an issue in the state treasurer’s race.
Florida prosecutors say that the state’s new hemp law is complicating marijuana cases.
A Nevada judge suggested that hearings in a case challenging the state’s marijuana license awarding process could conclude this week.
Utah regulators are delaying a decision on medical cannabis cultivation licenses.
Maryland regulators set steep fines for medical cannabis advertising violations.
California regulators announced an enforcement action against an unlicensed marijuana shop.
New Mexico regulators held a hearing to receive public testimony about proposed medical cannabis rules changes.
Michigan regulators published a marijuana licensing report.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,000 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.
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/ LOCAL
The Columbus, Ohio City Council is considering a marijuana decriminalization proposal.
/ ADVOCACY
The Pennsylvania Democratic Party tweeted, “Medical Marijuana has already helped thousands of Pennsylvanians lead healthier, more comfortable lives, and this change will help thousands more. Thank you to @GovernorTomWolf for bringing #MMJ to PA and @SecretaryLevine for leading its continued growth.”
The Maryland Democratic Party tweeted about the Baltimore state’s attorney’s congressional testimony in support of legalizing marijuana.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “CBD can protect against cardiac injuries, mainly through its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects on the basis of non-clinical studies.”
/ OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll found that UK adults support legalizing marijuana, 48%-24%, and back allowing cannabis-based medicines, 77%-4%, among other findings.
The Boston Globe editorial board is urging caution about CBD.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette editorial board said that medical cannabis was just “smoke and mirrors” and a step toward full marijuana legalization.
/ BUSINESS
BlackRock Inc. is reportedly likely to start a marijuana-focused exchange-traded fund.
Christian Book Distributors changed its name to Christianbook to avoid confusion with CBD.
/ CULTURE
Jimmy Kimmel did a 7/10-themed segment featuring a Las Vegas marijuana dispensary with a drive-thru window.
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