Newsletter
White House approves hemp regulations (Newsletter: October 29, 2019)
Senate considers marijuana study amendment; Mexican committees agree on legalization bill; Colorado gov offers cannabis bonsai advice
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The White House Office of Management and Budget has given its approval to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposed hemp regulations. The document hasn’t been released for public comment yet, but that is expected to happen on Tuesday.
Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) filed an amendment that would require the Department of Justice to study the impact of state marijuana legalization laws. The measure is up for consideration for attachment to a spending bill that is on the Senate floor this week.
Several Mexican Senate committees have finalized a jointly negotiated marijuana legalization bill—but while a chamber leader initially said a vote was expected this week, he’s now referred the proposal to a separate panel that could delay consideration.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) took to Facebook to offer advice on growing marijuana plants bonsai-style.
/ FEDERAL
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that there are now believed to be 1,604 cases of several lung injuries associated with vaping products, 86% of which appear to be tied to THC-containing products.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), a presidential candidate, tweeted, “A Wall Street executive commits fraud, he gets bailed out by the American people and handed enormous tax breaks. A young kid gets arrested for smoking marijuana, he ends up with a criminal record. We’re going to end that absurdity.” He also spoke about equity in the cannabis industry at a rally.
Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), a presidential candidate, tweeted, “Any conversation about legalizing marijuana must also include expunging records and restoring justice to individuals and communities that have been devastated by the failed drug war.” He also tweeted, “It’s time we end our failed War on Drugs, which has really been a war on people. As president, I will fight to tear down this system, and on Day One begin extending clemency to thousands of individuals serving excessive sentences for nonviolent drug offenses.” And he spoke about how the war on drugs is a “war on people” at a forum.
Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA), a presidential candidate, tweeted, “The War on Drugs was a war on our own people.”
Democratic presidential candidate Tom Steyer said he has smoked marijuana outside the U.S.
Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) spoke about visiting a hemp processing plant in a Senate floor speech.
/ STATES
Florida’s agriculture commissioner spoke about her plans for hemp.
The North Carolina Senate approved an agriculture bill that includes a ban on smokable hemp as of June 1.
Wisconsin’s Assembly speaker said he is open to medical cannabis in pill form, but not in smokable or edible form.
Montana activists said they will work to place a marijuana legalization statutory initiative and constitutional amendment on the state’s 2020 ballot.
Michigan regulators released an updated safety compliance facility sampling and testing technical guide for medical cannabis products.
The California cannabis Comparable-to-Organic Program Working Group will hold a public meeting on Monday.
A Georgia representative said she received a draft of a bill to create a study committee to look at using blockchain for cannabis purchases and funding options for minority, women and veteran-owned businesses.
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/ LOCAL
Norwood, Ohio voters will see a marijuana decriminalization measure on their November 5 ballots.
San Francisco, California’s mayor supports safe consumption facilities for illegal drugs.
Chicago, Illinois officials released details about next month’s marijuana special use permit lottery.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The International Narcotics Control Board is warning Australia’s government that a local marijuana legalization law violates international drug treaties.
Germany’s ruling party appears to be considering legalizing marijuana.
Finland’s justice minister is skeptical of a marijuana decriminalization proposal that lawmakers must consider in response to a citizen petition.
A UK government minister reportedly suggested that a mother illegally import medical cannabis for her son.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “cannabidiol can be useful in the management of oral inflammatory disorders.”
A study found that “cannabis is used to reduce pain after [spinal cord injury] and enable increased community participation.”
/ BUSINESS
MedMen Enterprises Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $42 million, up 104% from a year ago, though it also had an annual loss of $172 million, up from a loss of $50.7 million in the previous year.
HEXO Corp reported $15.4 million in quarterly revenue and a net loss of $56.7 million.
Flowhub closed a $23 million funding round led by Kraft Heinz venture capital arm Evolv Ventures.
New England Treatment Access reached a settlement with Boise Cascade Company, which sued the marijuana company over allegedly ripping off its trademarked logo.
Harborside Inc. has a new interim CEO.
/ CULTURE
HBO’s “Silicon Valley” included a logo for Eaze in the opening credits for its new season.
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