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.
Mormon church faces lawsuit over marijuana opposition; Study: Cannabis doesn’t impact kidney transplants; Marijuana company’s bizarre court argument
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Here’s a look at where potential candidates to be the new speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives stand on marijuana reform.
A lawyer for Utah medical marijuana patients and advocates is formally requesting that the Mormon church and others preserve records ahead of a potential lawsuit over the proposed “compromise” bill that could undermine the voter-approved ballot measure.
Despite widespread policies denying organ transplants due to marijuana use by patients or donors, a new study on kidney transplants found there is “no difference” in postoperative outcomes based on cannabis use.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit heard arguments from a marijuana security company that claims its workers aren’t protected by the Fair Labor Standards Act because its own operation is illegal under federal law.
A Philadelphia, Pennsylvania doctor filed a federal lawsuit challenging the law that prevents people who use marijuana from purchasing firearms.
The Food and Drug Administration moved to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars.
Former National Transportation Safety Board chair Deborah A.P. Hersman published an op-ed expressing concerns about marijuana-impaired driving.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley (R-IA) spoke about his support for criminal justice reform legislation. The legislation could run into roadblocks, however.
Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) tweeted, “This week I introduced legislation that aims to reform VA medical marijuana practices. We should support our veterans who seek alternatives to highly addictive opioids ravaging our communities.”
Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) tweeted about cannabis companies being forced to pay taxes in cash, adding, “So ridiculous. Federal #marijuana laws must be reformed.”
The House bill to protect federal employees from being fired for state-legal marijuana use got five new cosponsors, for a total of 12.
/ STATES
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) spoke about his continued support for legalizing marijuana. Meanwhile, a key senator who was once opposed to ending prohibition is now expressing support.
A New York senator said she believes Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) and lawmakers will legalize marijuana in the state via the 2019 budget.
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert (R) released a statement on his support for medical cannabis compromise legislation.
Kansas could legalize medical cannabis with the support of Gov.-elect Laura Kelly (D).
Connecticut’s Office of Policy and Management, in a budget submission to Gov.-elect Ned Lamont (D), said “the state could also access additional revenue from any newly authorized activities such as…recreational marijuana sales.”
The Vermont marijuana legalization study commission’s taxation and regulation subcommittee formally recommended a 26% tax rate for cannabis sales.
Oregon officials reported that marijuana tax collections “have come in 7% higher than expected so far in the 2017-19 biennium.”
A North Dakota representative plans to file a marijuana decriminalization bill. Separately, regulators approved additional medical cannabis dispensaries.
Here’s a look at how the results of Indiana state legislative races could impact marijuana reform.
/ LOCAL
Albany County, New York’s district attorney said that starting on December 1, he will no longer prosecute simple marijuana possession cases.
Muskegon County, Michigan’s prosecutor is dropping some pending marijuana charges in light of legalization and is considering expunging past convictions.
The mayors of Newark and Jersey City, New Jersey are urging Gov. Phil Murphy (D) to require that medical cannabis companies operate in a way the benefits communities most impacted by the war on drugs.
Here’s a look at Denver, Colorado officials’ fight to shut down marijuana tour buses.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The Israeli Knesset’s Internal Affairs and Environment Committee approved a bill to allow medical cannabis exports.
Germany’s medical cannabis program is at risk from another lawsuit.
/ OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll of midterm election voters found that they support legalizing marijuana, 62%-37%.
/ BUSINESS
Columbia Care announced that it is the first U.S. cannabis company authorized to operate in the European Union after receiving a license in Malta.
The Wall Street Journal sheds light on appellation systems for marijuana.
The New York Times looks at rising interest in cannabis-infused beverages.
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Newsletter
DEA’s cannabis eradication program criticized by gov’t watchdog (Newsletter: Nov. 15, 2018)
How much marijuana reform supporters & opponents spent per vote; Walking Dead actor raises money for cannabis kids; Al Sharpton has marijuana jokes
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Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible…
This issue of Marijuana Moment, and our original reporting that is featured in it, are made possible by the generous support of 342 Patreon sponsors. Cannabis industry professionals receive valuable rewards for pledges of $25 and up.
Check out the perks of being a sponsor on our Patreon page.
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A Marijuana Moment analysis of campaign finance data found that, on average, cannabis reform opponents had to spend more for “no” votes than supporters had to shell out to get “yes” voters to the polls in last week’s midterms.
As he weighs a potential 2020 presidential candidacy, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) continues to admit that marijuana legalization has worked out a lot better than he thought it would. It’s “a better system than what we had,” he said in an appearance on Wednesday.
Walking Dead actor Norman Reedus is helping to raise money for kids who use medical cannabis to treat cancer.
Rev. Al Sharpton had some cannabis quips in response to a conference audience’s reaction to a marijuana bill filed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).
A report from the Government Accountability Office, a federal watchdog agency, scolded the Drug Enforcement Administration over procedural lapses in its marijuana eradication program.
/ FEDERAL
President Trump announced his support for pending congressional criminal justice reform legislation.
The Internal Revenue Service is contracting with a private company to handle “large cash payments for processing cannabis federal taxes.”
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) tweeted, “#MedicalCannabis has huge potential for veterans. It can reduce chronic pain, w/out the harmful side effects of opioids, & some early reports indicate that it may even have potential as a treatment for PTSD. Unfortunately, many veterans fear discussing medical cannabis w/ doctors.”
The Senate bill to increase marijuana businesses’ access to banks got one new cosponsor, for a total of 20.
/ STATES
A spokesperson for New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) said the governor plans to “introduce a formal comprehensive [marijuana legalization] proposal during the 2019 legislative session.” Separately, the state Department of Health issued a report with recommendations to improve the medical cannabis program.
New Jersey’s Assembly speaker and Senate president said they expect committee votes on legalizing marijuana by the end of this month. The Republican Assembly leader said legalization is “inevitable.”
It’s possible that Massachusetts recreational marijuana sales could begin on Sunday. The state’s top regulator said sales will likely start in “a week plus or minus maybe a couple of days longer than that.”
The Vermont marijuana legalization study committee’s taxation and regulation subcommittee plans to recommend a 26% or 27% tax rate on sales.
A top Utah regulator testified before lawmakers about the proposed compromise medical cannabis bill. Separately, House Democrats held a briefing on the issue.
Illinois Republican lawmakers are divided on marijuana legalization.
North Dakota regulators have received fewer than 100 medical cannabis patient applications in the first two weeks of accepting them.
New York magazine put together an oral history of how California became the first state to legalize medical cannabis. Separately, water regulators will hold a cannabis cultivation permitting and compliance workshop next week.
/ LOCAL
Manhattan’s district attorney congratulated a Missouri prosecutor for no longer pursuing most marijuana possession cases.
The Boston, Massachusetts City Council heard complaints about the Boston Freedom Rally at a meeting.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Canadian police have not seen a spike in marijuana-impaired driving in the month since legalization went into effect. Separately, Ontario officials released regulations for private cannabis stores.
/ ADVOCACY
Marijuana policy reform advocates are targeting Arizona and Ohio, and potentially Florida and North Dakota, for 2020 legalization ballot measures. They are also looking at medical cannabis initiatives in Mississippi, Nebraska and South Dakota.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study concluded, “Cannabinoid drugs may prevent the onset of pain by producing small increases in pain thresholds but may not reduce the intensity of experimental pain already being experienced; instead, cannabinoids may make experimental pain feel less unpleasant and more tolerable, suggesting an influence on affective processes.”
A study on marijuana and PTSD in veterans reached its recruitment goal.
A survey found that 65% of Minnesota oncology physicians, advanced practice nurses and physician assistants who care for adults and children with cancer support the use of medical cannabis.
/ OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Chicago Tribune editorial board wants Illinois lawmakers to take their time in considering marijuana legalization.
/ BUSINESS
California collected $93.1 million in marijuana taxes in 3rd quarter of the year, a figure that does not include revenue to local governments.
Nevada generated $8.1 million in recreational marijuana taxes in August, setting a new monthly record.
Eaze launched delivery of CBD products in 41 states.
Former chewing gum executive William Wrigley Jr. II, is taking over as CEO of Surterra.
Sterling Trustees LLC filed a federal lawsuit over investments it made in Puerto Rican medical cannabis companies.
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Newsletter
Group representing 19,000 US cities pushes cannabis rescheduling (Newsletter: Nov. 14, 2018)
Michelle Obama talks smoking marijuana; New veterans & cannabis bills in Congress; Why women back legalization less than men
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.
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- Freelance cannabis writer Abbie Rosner: “With the industry evolving so quickly, Marijuana Moment helps me produce content that is informed and up to speed.”
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The National League of Cities—which represents the U.S.’s 19,000 cities, towns and villages— adopted resolutions calling for federal marijuana rescheduling and access to banks for cannabis businesses.
Top lawmakers in Illinois and New Mexico expressed optimism about newly elected governors’ plans to legalize marijuana in 2019.
In a new filing, the National Institute on Drug Abuse indicates it wants to hire a new company to:
- Grow 2,000 kg of marijuana
- Develop new cannabis cultivation methods
- Produce THC/CBD extracts
- Make oral solutions, oils, vaping fluids, capsules/tablets
Former First Lady Michelle Obama wrote about smoking marijuana in her new memoir released on Tuesday, a subject she also discussed in a TV interview.
A new study examines why women are less likely to support legalizing marijuana than men. Contrary to one hypothesis, it has nothing to do with motherhood.
Reps. Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Matt Gaetz (R-FL) are filing three new separate bills on medical cannabis for military veterans.
/ FEDERAL
President Trump is reportedly leaning in favor of backing congressional criminal justice reform legislation.
Newly released documents show that shortly after 9/11 the Central Intelligence Agency considered using a drug it thought might work like a truth serum and force terror suspects to give up information about potential attacks.
The federal trial against Mexican drug cartel leader Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman began.
Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) tweeted, “I’ve long supported legislation to give our #veterans access to medical #cannabis. We should empower VA medical personnel to discuss all options for treatments with their patients and promote research. The R’s have blocked this from progressing.”
/ STATES
Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura met with Gov.-elect Tim Walz (D) and urged him to push for marijuana legalization. He also suggested the slogan “pot for potholes.”
Ohio regulators released an update on the rollout of the state’s medical cannabis program.
Colorado regulators released guidance about new marijuana rules going into effect on January 1.
Oklahoma regulators have already collected nearly $6.57 million in medical cannabis application fees.
A Wisconsin representative plans to file a marijuana legalization bill in January.
The Washington, D.C. Council chairman said that smoking marijuana doesn’t have victims and shouldn’t be a crime.
Arkansas regulators are responding to public criticism about a lack of transparency in the medical cannabis licensing process.
/ LOCAL
The Jackson County, Missouri prosecutor said she will stop pursuing most marijuana possession cases.
Some Michigan municipalities are already moving to opt out of allowing legal marijuana sales, at least temporarily.
Here’s a look at how Oregon municipalities voted on marijuana regulation ballot measures last week.
Two people were shot and killed in an apparent attempted robbery at an unlicensed Los Angeles, California marijuana dispensary.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Thailand’s cabinet approved medical cannabis legislation.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found “an advantage of [medical cannabis therapy] in [fibromyalgia] patients with [low back pain] as compared with [standardised analgesic therapy].
The University of Mississippi Medical Center is conducting a study on CBD and youth seizures.
/ OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll of Indiana adults found that when given options, 39% support legalizing marijuana, 42% back medical cannabis and 16% don’t want it legal at all. Separately, 78% said that if marijuana is not legalized, people still should not be sent to jail for it. The survey also showed that people see cannabis as less of problem than other drugs, including alcohol.
A poll found that the majority of Canadians want the minimum age for cannabis use to be higher than 18 years old.
/ BUSINESS
Tilray’s earnings report showed lower than expected sales.
Bloomberg Businessweek looks at the growing number of companies interested in making cannabis beverages.
/ CULTURE
Actor Michael Colyar spoke about visiting Mike Tyson’s marijuana farm.
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