House Officially Approves Marijuana Banking Amendment To Large-Scale Bill Set For Final Passage Friday
Washington Governor Says Use Marijuana Money To Repair Harms For Communities Targeted By Drug War
Utah Lawmakers Vote To Study Benefits Of Psychedelics In Treating Mental Health Disorders
Top Maryland Lawmaker Files Marijuana Legalization Bill In Anticipation Of Ballot Referendum Passing
New York Senator Files Marijuana Recycling Bill To Mitigate Environmental Impact Of New Industry
Don’t Feed Marijuana Buds To Donkeys, New Study Warns
Banking Activity Increases In States That Legalize Marijuana, Study Finds
Young People Who Use Marijuana Have Better Orgasms and Sexual Function, Study Says
One-Third Of Programmers Use Marijuana While Working, With Many Touting Creative Benefits, Study Finds
Researcher Uses Reddit To Learn What Kinds Of Marijuana Posts Influenced Legalization Attitudes
NFL Awards $1 Million To Study Marijuana Pain Management And Concussion Protection For Players
SXSW Selects Multiple Marijuana And Psychedelics Panels For 2022 Festival
One-Third Of Programmers Use Marijuana While Working, With Many Touting Creative Benefits, Study Finds
Researcher Uses Reddit To Learn What Kinds Of Marijuana Posts Influenced Legalization Attitudes
Rand Paul Mocks Democrats For Failing To Pass Marijuana Banking In Annual Festivus Grievances List
Nearly One In Ten New Missouri Jobs Came From Medical Marijuana Industry In 2021, Trade Group Report Finds
Amazon Endorses GOP-Led Bill To Federally Legalize Marijuana
Massachusetts Marijuana Tax Revenue Now Exceeds Alcohol By Millions
Banking Activity Increases In States That Legalize Marijuana, Study Finds
Colorado Earned $423 Million In Marijuana Tax Revenue Last Year
Commerce Secretary Says Biden’s Marijuana Pledges Are ‘So Far Afield’ From Her Work Priorities
Federal Financial Regulator Talks Marijuana Industry’s ‘Bright Future’ And Need For Banking Access
Minnesota Democratic Leaders Preview Marijuana Legalization Plan For 2022
South Carolina Medical Marijuana Legalization Bill Will Be On Senate Floor Next Week, Sponsor Says
U.S. Senate Candidate Smokes Marijuana Blunt In Campaign Ad About Harms Of Criminalization
MS gov signs medical cannabis bill (Newsletter: February 3, 2022)
Cannabis banking cleared for House vote (again) (Newsletter: February 2, 2022)
Schumer talks cannabis timetable and banking (Newsletter: February 1, 2022)
Cannabis banking amendment gets another shot (Newsletter: January 31, 2022)
Fed regulator notes “bright future” for cannabis (Newsletter: January 28, 2022)
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OH legalization signatures valid; Top drug official says teen marijuana use stable at SAM/DARE event; OR psilocybin equity bill; USA hemp webinars
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
National Institute on Drug Abuse Director Nora Volkow—at an event hosted by prohibitionist group Smart Approaches to Marijuana and sponsored by D.A.R.E.—reaffirmed that teen cannabis use is “stable” even as more states are enacting legalization.
Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) filed the text of his marijuana banking bill as an amendment to broader legislation going before the House Rules Committee on Tuesday. The congressman has pledged to pursue avenues to pass the SAFE Banking Act before he leaves office next year.
Ohio’s secretary of state confirmed that activists collected enough signatures to force lawmakers to consider marijuana legalization. If legislators don’t act within four months, the campaign can collect more petitions to put the initiative before voters on the November ballot.
Oregon lawmakers filed a new bill to create a task force to help ensure the state’s emerging legal psilocybin services program centers equity for psychedelic business owners, session facilitators and participants.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is teaming up with Cornell University on a hemp webinar series that will cover issues like cultivation, processing, extraction, the endocannabinoid system, food science, genetics and economics of the industry.
A new scientific case study looks at two donkeys who had an intense experience after being hand-fed marijuana buds but later “recovered uneventfully within 24 hours of peak effects.”
/ FEDERAL
A White House press release touted a new U.S. Department of Agriculture appointee’s record of overseeing cannabis issues in Florida.
The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism & Homeland Security heard testimony about a man who died of COVID after being sent to prison for marijuana.
Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-NJ) tweeted, “I am outraged to hear that none of the 56 NJ cannabis business licenses were awarded to a Black-owned business. These entrepreneurs have been shut out of New Jersey’s cannabis market. NJ needs to end this injustice!”
Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA) and more than 20 colleagues sent a letter calling on the secretaries of state and treasury to seek targeted sanctions against Philippine officials responsible for human rights violations in the nation’s bloody “drug war.”
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) tweeted, “It is way past time we legalize marijuana and expunge records for cannabis-related offenses. Our office is proud to co-sponsor the MORE Act to help make this a reality.”
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) tweeted, “Businesses big and small recognize the ramifications of cannabis prohibitions…and what a detriment it is on the workforce.”
Louisiana Democratic Senate candidate Gary Chambers met with California cannabis growers and tweeted, “Louisiana citizens should have the opportunity to own & grow these kinds of businesses. Justice & equity require that we move the entire country forward on pot policies.”
/ STATES
Minnesota’s deputy agriculture commissioner spoke about Gov Tim Walz’s (D) marijuana legalization proposal.
One Missouri marijuana legalization campaign raised $778,000 in the last quarter of 2021 while another campaign brought in less than $1,200.
The Washington State House of Representatives approved a bill to clarify civil and criminal protections for medical cannabis patients.
The South Carolina Senate could consider amendments to a medical cannabis bill this week. The senator sponsoring the legislation spoke about his ongoing efforts to convince colleagues to support it.
A spokesperson for Virginia’s House speaker said his top concern with marijuana legislation is that “we have to have a regulatory structure in place for retail sales that does not encourage the black market.”
The chair of the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus authored an op-ed calling for marijuana legalization. The House speaker tweeted, “I applaud the thoughtful insight from Maryland Black Caucus Chair @DelDBarnes on how Maryland moves forward with equitable cannabis policy reform. We are taking this issue seriously and will cross the finish line.”
The Massachusetts legislature’s Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy approved legislation on marijuana local host community agreements, social consumption sites and equity.
The New Hampshire House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee killed a marijuana legalization bill at the request of its sponsors.
The Maine legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee will hold a hearing on a bill to legalize psilocybin therapy on Tuesday.
A Tennessee representative filed a marijuana legalization bill.
The Illinois Supreme Court denied a request to let regulators name the winners of craft cannabis licenses while litigation is ongoing.
An Arizona judge heard arguments in a lawsuit challenging the state’s marijuana social equity program.
New York’s top marijuana regulator said final rules to implement legalization should be ready by early spring.
California cannabis regulators are proposing to adopt a conflict of interest code.
Georgia regulators met to discuss medical cannabis implementation issues.
Ohio regulators published updated medical cannabis patient and caregiver numbers.
Vermont regulators will consider public comments on proposed cannabis rules on Monday.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Mexico’s Senate president said marijuana reform will be a priority in the session that begins this week.
Colombia’s agriculture minister visited a cannabis production facility.
Polish lawmakers advanced a hemp research bill.
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada city councilors are proposing a drug decriminalization plan.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “medical cannabis used as an alternative treatment for chronic pain demonstrates reduction in chronic opioid use.”
A study found cannabis-based medicinal products “treatment to be associated with a relatively low incidence of severe adverse events in the medium-term” and that “positive changes following treatment were observed in general, as well as anxiety and sleep-specific, [health-related quality of life] outcomes.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll found that 59 percent of American adults would rather purchase marijuana via delivery than going to a dispensary.
A poll found that British voters are split on legalizing marijuana, with 35 percent in favor and 38 percent against.
The Indiana Democratic Party is talking up marijuana legalization on a new “jobs tour.”
The Economist’s editorial board said more states should legalize psychedelic therapy.
/ BUSINESS
Trulieve Cannabis Corp. closed a private placement of senior secured notes worth $75 million.
The Parent Company announced that certain insiders of the company voluntarily entered into a twelve-month extension of lock-up agreements.
Workers at Sunnyside in Champaign, Illinois voted to ratify a union contract.
Workers at Sanctuary Medicinals and INSA in Massachusetts filed petitions for union representation.
/ CULTURE
Wiz Khalifa’s cannabis brand officially launched sales at Cookies stores in California.
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Photo courtesy of M a n u e l.
Schumer talks cannabis timetable and banking (Newsletter: February 1, 2022)
Fed regulator notes “bright future” for cannabis (Newsletter: January 28, 2022)
Tom Angell is the editor of Marijuana Moment. A 20-year veteran in the cannabis law reform movement, he covers the policy and politics of marijuana. Separately, he founded the nonprofit Marijuana Majority. Previously he reported for Marijuana.com and MassRoots, and handled media relations and campaigns for Law Enforcement Against Prohibition and Students for Sensible Drug Policy. (Organization citations are for identification only and do not constitute an endorsement or partnership.)
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Marijuana banking gets initial House OK; Cannabis not on commerce secretary’s mind; Fed legalization vote demanded; MI psychedelics ballot measure
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The House of Representatives preliminarily approved marijuana banking amendment via a voice vote as part of an en bloc package with other amendments—with no debate—but a roll call was requested. That’s expected to take place on Thursday to make passage official.
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) signed a medical marijuana bill into law. In a statement, he reiterated his concerns with the reform but praised lawmakers for making “significant improvements” to earlier drafts.
Commerce Sec. Gina Raimondo said a reporter’s question about marijuana reform is “so far afield from anything that I am working on” and she doesn’t have “any updates” on President Joe Biden’s plans to follow through on his cannabis campaign pledges.
A bipartisan group of members of Congress—led by Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-WA—sent a letter demanding that House leaders schedule a floor vote on a federal marijuana legalization bill.
Michigan activists filed a ballot initiative to legalize personal possession, cultivation and sharing of psychedelics while setting up a system for sales to people who have doctors’ recommendations.
A Congressional Black Caucus Foundation program named after the late Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) will host four fellows focused on “cannabis policy and social justice reforms” with $600,000 in funding from The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation’s Hawthorne Social Justice Fund.
Data from Missouri’s Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services indicate that nearly one out of ten jobs created in the state over the past year is in the medical marijuana industry, according to an analysis from the Missouri Medical Cannabis Trade Association.
/ FEDERAL
The Senate Small Business & Entrepreneurship Committee heard testimony from the Cato Institute on problems caused by strict marijuana licensing caps.
House Homeland Security Committee Republicans tweeted, “Even drugs like marijuana are being laced with lethal amounts of fentanyl. It’s time to protect Americans from the #BidenFentanylCrisis.”
A former Medicaid chief medical officer tweeted that there’s “there’s plenty of evidence” for psychedelic-based treatment.
Iowa Democratic Senate candidate Mike Franken tweeted, “We must remove cannabis as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, address those imprisoned for MJ, release banking restrictions, and legalize it at the Federal level.”
Louisiana Democratic Senate candidate Gary Chambers discussed his support for legalizing marijuana.
Ohio Democratic congressional candidate Nina Turner tweeted, “It is immoral that there are people serving time for simply having marijuana.”
Virginia Republican congressional candidate Heerak Christian Kim posted several videos of himself expressing concerns about marijuana legalization.
/ STATES
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) is proposing to direct more marijuana tax revenue to the Budget Stabilization Fund.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) tweeted, “Colorado has always been a leader in Cannabis Entrepreneurship and through our Equity Licensee program we’ve been able to expand access to help entrepreneurs start their own business.” Separately, regulators issued a health and safety advisory about potentially unsafe levels of yeast and mold in marijuana products.
California’s treasurer tweeted about the advancement of a marijuana banking amendment in Congress, saying, “Thanks @RepPerlmutter for your resolve and commitment to get cash into the banks.”
Utah lawmakers sent Gov. Spencer Cox (R) a bill to provide protections to medical cannabis patients from being fired.
The Florida House minority policy chair tweeted, “Marijuana legalization is a policy issue related to criminal justice reform and healthcare access. Our Democratic Caucus is working [to] diligently put forward legislation to find a pathway to the legal use of marijuana.”
The South Dakota Senate Health and Human Services Committee rejected a bill to ban medical cannabis home cultivation.
The Virginia Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services Cannabis Subcommittee held a hearing on recreational marijuana sales legislation.
The Washington State Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee held a hearing on a bill to legalize psilocybin services, though the legislation will not get a vote this year.
The Maryland House Ways & Means Committee held a hearing on a bill to let medical cannabis companies deduct business expenses from state taxes.
South Carolina senators filed more than two dozen amendments to a medical cannabis bill being debated on the floor.
Oregon lawmakers filed legislation to steer money away from a services fund created by the voter-approved drug decriminalization law. Separately, legislators are considering several bills aimed at combating illegal marijuana cultivation.
A Connecticut Department of Public Health spokesperson said that a prior report of fentanyl-laced marijuana was likely due to “accidental contamination and an isolated incident.”
The director of New York’s Office of Cannabis Management said regulators are “moving as fast as humanly possible” and are aiming to open up recreational marijuana licensing by the end of this year.
Arkansas regulators are being sued over alleged racial bias in their medical cannabis business license decisionmaking.
A Massachusetts regulator said she’s focused on preventing marijuana use by youth.
Ohio regulators will consider petitions to add new medical cannabis qualifying conditions on Wednesday.
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/ LOCAL
San Marcos, Texas activists launched a signature gathering drive to place a marijuana decriminalization measure on the local ballot.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Former Israeli Prime Ministers Edud Olmert and Ehud Barak spoke about their work for cannabis companies and support for legalization.
The leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party is supporting a drug decriminalization bill.
A Chilean proposal to legalize cannabis got the third-most signatures on a digital platform for an upcoming Constitutional Convention.
A Mexican senator filed legislation to provide amnesty for people with prior marijuana convictions.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “cannabinoids have been shown to decrease the severity of certain symptoms related to traumatic brain injury as well as posttraumatic stress disorder” and “can modulate the body’s endocannabinoid system, which can play an important role in bone homeostasis.”
A study found that “medical cannabis can be an effective and safe treatment for [benign essential blepharospasm] as a second line after BTX-A injections when used for 3 months.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Tennessee Democratic Party tweeted, “With Republicans in control, Tennessee will never legalize marijuana. Think about that the next time you’re at the ballot box! (We want it to be fully legalized, btw).”
The Hawaii Cannabis Industry Association published a report calling for regulatory reforms.
/ BUSINESS
MedMen filed a court notice saying it intends to subpoena New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s (D) office in a legal dispute with Ascend Wellness Holdings.
Verano Holdings Corp. exercised its option to upsize its credit facility to draw an additional $100 million.
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DC medical marijuana expansion; Fed court tosses psilocybin suit; NFL funds cannabis research; Industry monopoly warning; OR drug decrim results
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The House Rules Committee cleared a marijuana banking amendment for another floor vote this week. If approved, it will be the sixth time the SAFE Banking Act has passed the House in some form.
The Washington, D.C. Council approved a bill to let senior citizens get access to medical marijuana without needing to get a doctor’s recommendation and to declare a cannabis tax holiday during the week of 4/20.
A panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit dismissed cancer patients’ lawsuit seeking access to psilocybin under right-to-try laws on procedural grounds.
The National Football League awarded $1 million in funding to support research on the efficacy of marijuana and its components in managing football players’ pain and providing neuroprotection from concussions.
Former Massachusetts cannabis regulator Shaleen Title warns in a new Marijuana Moment op-ed about a looming monopolization threat in the industry and argues that enforcement of antitrust laws can help protect consumers, workers and small businesses.
Since being enacted one year ago this week, Oregon’s voter-approved drug decriminalization law has already dramatically reduced arrests and provided funding for more than 16,000 people to access harm reduction services.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will release the results of a hemp survey it conducted on February 17.
Customs and Border Protection said its agents and officers seized more than 36,000 pounds of marijuana during the first three months of Fiscal Year 2022.
Spokespeople for Sens. Jon Tester (D-MT) and Steve Daines (R-MT) gave vague responses to questions about marijuana and gun rights.
Washington State Democratic congressional candidate Brent Hennrich tweeted about robberies against cannabis businesses, saying, “There is a VERY SIMPLE Federal solution to this problem. We must De-Schedule Marijuana, so business owners & customers can use our banking systems. I will push for reforms to make sure these businesses can safely operate as any other.”
Texas Democratic congressional candidate Coy Branscum tweeted, “Vote for candidates that support legalizing recreational marijuana on the federal level. When I defeat Chip Roy, I will co-sponsor a resolution that legalizes marijuana immediately.”
/ STATES
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) said he hasn’t yet made a decision on the medical cannabis bill that’s on his desk.
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) reappointed a member of the Marijuana Control Board.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) touted a new technical assistance program for marijuana business, tweeting, “In the cannabis industry Colorado is a leader on programs and education that continue to create jobs.”
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) spoke about ongoing efforts to ensure equity in the cannabis industry.
An Arizona judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging the state’s marijuana social equity rules.
An Ohio marijuana legalization campaign reported that it raised nearly $1.3 million last year.
A Tennessee representative filed a proposed constitutional amendment to legalize medical cannabis.
A Maryland senator spoke about plans to pass marijuana legalization legislation this session.
A Florida representative tweeted, “For those who just need medical attention, I want them to get the help they need-instead of just being locked up. Not just for cannabis, but for all drugs impacting communities of color, and all Floridians and visitors struggling with drug addiction.”
A New York assemblyman tweeted, “Veterans are at 50% higher risk of suicide, and sadly, about 20 veterans commit suicide per day in the US. This is simply unacceptable. It’s essential we have every option on the table when it comes to treating veterans with PTSD. We need to pass medical #Psilocybin now.”
Connecticut regulators will begin accepting the first recreational marijuana business license applications on Thursday.
Minnesota regulators announced that patients will be able to purchase smokable medical cannabis flower beginning on March 1.
Massachusetts regulators reissued orders allowing curbside marijuana operations and medical cannabis telehealth consultations.
Louisiana regulators published an annual report about the medical cannabis program.
Maine regulators will hold a medical cannabis virtual public hearing on Wednesday.
/ LOCAL
A federal judge denied a request for an emergency order in an armored car company’s lawsuit seeking to block the San Bernardino, California sheriff’s office and federal officials from seizing money being transported from marijuana businesses.
The San Francisco, California Board of Supervisors passed a resolution urging state officials to suspend the marijuana cultivation tax.
The Adams County, Colorado Liquor and Marijuana Licensing Authority Board is set to decide on approving the state’s first licensed marijuana consumption spot to also allow cannabis sales on Wednesday.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Canada’s marijuana legalization law has generated $15 billion in tax revenue and created more than 151,000 jobs, according to a new Deloitte analysis.
The Bogota, Colombia City Council approved a marijuana reform proposal.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “data support a role for cannabis/cannabinoids in pain, seizure disorders, appetite stimulation, muscle spasticity, and treatment of nausea/vomiting.”
A study suggested that “use of classic psychedelic substances is associated with lowered odds of crime arrests.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
Students for Sensible Drug Policy and the Student Marijuana Alliance are partnering on a dedicated outreach program to students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
A group of South Carolina military veterans held a press conference to urge lawmakers to pass medical cannabis legislation.
/ BUSINESS
PepsiCo is releasing a hemp seed-infused drink.
Verano Holdings Corp. is acquiring Goodness Growth Holdings, Inc.
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company’s cannabis focused Hawthorne Gardening Company subsidiary reported quarterly net sales of $191 million and a loss of $5.3 million.
MedMen Enterprises Inc. launched a new personal concierge service called Cannasseur.
Jushi Holdings Inc. closed an aggregate of 1 million subordinate voting shares worth gross proceeds of approximately $3.7 million.
Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. launched a $300 million senior notes offering.
Montana retailers sold $22.5 million worth of legal cannabis products in January.
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Marijuana employment protections in federal climate bill; CO psychedelics ballot measure; Congressman “outraged” by NJ cannabis licensing
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) discussed the timeline for his marijuana legalization bill—including hearings—and ways to make banking legislation more palatable in a meeting with cannabis reform advocates last week. Marijuana Moment spoke to three people who attended.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and 30 cosponsors filed a new climate workforce bill that would protect workers in some legal marijuana states from being fired or losing access to jobs training over cannabis drug tests.
A second team of Colorado activists filed a ballot initiative to legalize possession, cultivation and gifting of psychedelics like psilocybin, ibogaine, mescaline and DMT. This comes as another campaign with backing from major funders is advancing separate own measures.
Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ) said he’s “outraged” that “Black-owned businesses have been shut out of the state’s cannabis marketplace.”
The Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee rejected a bill to decriminalize psilocybin, even after amending it with a medical focus. The Republican minority leader, who recently indicated support for the measure, ultimately voted to block it from advancing.
/ FEDERAL
White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Rahul Gupta discussed substance use issues with North Dakota’s first lady.
The National Institutes of Health is making available for licensing and commercial development certain cannabinoid receptor modulating compounds.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) said her federal marijuana legalization bill can appeal to people who love and hate cannabis.
Louisiana Democratic Senate candidate Luke Mixon said he supports legalizing marijuana but criticized rival Gary Chambers for smoking a blunt in an ad.
Ohio Democratic congressional candidate Nina Turner tweeted, “Legalize marijuana, erase records, and make the cannabis industry equitable for communities that have been torn apart by its criminalization.”
Kentucky Democratic congressional candidate William Compton tweeted, “Marijuana should be legal in all states, not some. Tax revenue, alone, would bring in the needed money that Kentucky could use to fund public schools! It’s time to legalize it!”
/ STATES
Maryland Democratic gubernatorial candidate John King, a former federal education secretary, tweeted, “It’s past time to legalize adult-use cannabis in Maryland and expunge records for nonviolent offenders. I look forward to equitably implementing this transformative legislation as governor.”
Illinois’s attorney general filed a motion to allow more rejected marijuana license applicants to join a consolidated lawsuit.
The Idaho House of Representatives approved a bill to allow the cannabis-derived spray nabiximols to be used by patients with multiple sclerosis or other neurological conditions.
The South Dakota House of Representatives defeated a bill to allow local governments to ban medical cannabis businesses.
Minnesota’s House majority leader and Senate minority leader discussed the prospects for marijuana legalization legislation.
A Virginia senator who sponsored the enacted marijuana legalization bills said he’s “hopeful” that lawmakers will pass required reenactment legislation this session.
Utah regulators filed corrections to a rule on out-of-state medical cannabis patients.
The New York Office for People with Developmental Disabilities is proposing to remove administration of medical cannabis from the list of reportable incidents.
The Texas Palliative Care Interdisciplinary Advisory Council is considering a proposal to allow hospital staff to store medical cannabis and facilitate patients’ use of it.
Colorado regulators launched a partnership to implement a technical assistance program for new cannabis ventures.
Massachusetts marijuana regulators are accepting public comment on possible changes to the list of disproportionately impacted areas.
Missouri’s top medical cannabis regulator spoke about the growth of the program.
Ohio regulators published a ranked list of the results of a medical cannabis dispensary license lottery.
Oregon regulators published a list of active marijuana retail licenses.
/ LOCAL
Denver, Colorado officials will hold a live demonstration of the city’s online marijuana licensing platform on Tuesday.
/ INTERNATIONAL
A Kenyan presidential candidate is pledging to legalize marijuana if elected.
A UK member of Parliament is being investigated by the parliamentary commissioner for standards for allegedly failing to declare a job at a medical cannabis firm.
Australia’s Therapeutic Good Administration sent an update on changes to medical cannabis manufacturing, labeling and packaging requirements.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “CBD exhibits multiple therapeutic effects, including neuroprotective, antiepileptic, anxiolytic, antipsychotic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-cancer properties” and “could also be applied to treat or prevent COVID-19 and its complications.”
A study of web searches found that “there has been rapid growth in interest in delta-8 THC” and that “states where recreational cannabis is illegal had higher relative queries than did states with legalized recreational cannabis.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll found that London, England adults support the mayor’s plan to replace some cannabis arrests with education and counseling for young people, 63 percent to 19 percent.
The South Dakota Democratic Party tweeted, “HB 1095, which would have allowed local government to prevent Medical Cannabis dispensaries, failed on the House Floor today. Our Democratic Representatives stood with the voters to make sure Medical Marijuana is accessible to everyone.”
/ BUSINESS
Amazon posted about its support for marijuana legalization legislation.
Hightimes Holding Corp.’s CEO resigned.
HEXO Corp received a notification from Nasdaq that it is not in compliance with the minimum bid price requirement to list.
4Front Ventures Corp. closed its acquisition of New England Cannabis Corporation.
/ CULTURE
Cannabis-focused comic Legalization Nation has been signed for syndication by Heart’s King Features.
Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
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