Top Federal Intelligence Official Loosens Marijuana Restrictions For Workers And Addresses Cannabis Stocks
Former GOP Congressman Joins Psychedelics Advocacy Group To Push For Federal Reform
Top German Government Official Previews Marijuana Legalization Plan Details
Austin Officials Certify Local Marijuana Decriminalization Initiative For May Ballot
California Senator Says Bill To Legalize Psychedelics Possession Has ’50/50′ Chance To Pass This Year
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
Smoking CBD-Rich Marijuana Has ‘No Significant Impact’ On Driving Ability, Study Finds
Youth Marijuana Use ‘Decreased Significantly’ In 2021 Despite State Reforms, Federally Funded Survey Finds
Allowing Legal Marijuana Dispensaries Boosts Employment Rates In Colorado Counties, Study Finds
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
DEA Wants To Help Parents Decode The Emojis Young People Use To Discuss Marijuana And Other ‘Bomb Ass’ Drugs
States Have Collected More Than $10 Billion In Adult-Use Marijuana Tax Revenue, Report Finds
Illinois Sets Marijuana Sales Record In December, With Nearly $1.4 Billion Sold In 2021
Illinois Collects Nearly $100 Million More From Marijuana Tax Revenue Than Alcohol In 2021, State Data Shows
Marijuana Group Releases ‘Robbery Preparedness Guide’ For Dispensaries Amid Spike In Thefts
Arizona Recreational Marijuana Sales Hit Record Monthly High, State Reports
GOP Kentucky Senator Who Sells Bourbon Invites Voters To Unseat Him Over Medical Marijuana Opposition
Kentucky Democratic Leaders Say Medical Marijuana Legalization Will Be Top 2022 Legislative Priority
Feds Use A Confusingly Cool-Looking Cheetah For PSA Discouraging Marijuana Impaired Driving
Colorado Governor Pardons More Than 1,300 People For Past Marijuana Convictions
Mississippi Lawmakers Positioned To Override Governor If He Vetoes Medical Marijuana Bill, GOP Senator Says
Senator aids psychedelic church’s fight with DEA & IRS (Newsletter: January 10, 2022)
NH House votes to legalize cannabis (Newsletter: January 7, 2022)
NY gov’s new cannabis equity plan (Newsletter: January 6, 2022)
Federal cannabis monopoly ends with DEA-approved harvests (Newsletter: January 5, 2022)
VA gov won’t overturn legal cannabis, but sales unclear (Newsletter: January 4, 2022)
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KY medical cannabis bill filed; MS senator brings hemp to marijuana meeting with gov; CA spends $100M on marijuana cannabis grants for cities
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Anti-drug Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) has been helping an Iowa church that wants to incorporate the psychedelic brew ayahuasca into its ceremonies—the Iowaska Church of Healing—with legal fights against the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service.
A Kentucky Republican representative filed a medical marijuana bill that’s been revised from past versions in an attempt to win support—or at least remove hostile opposition—from legislative leaders so that it can pass this year.
A Mississippi senator brought hemp to a meeting with Gov. Tate Reeves (R) to help assuage the governor’s concerns about medical marijuana possession limits.
California regulators awarded $100 million in funding to help local governments develop the legal marijuana market by processing business licenses.
/ FEDERAL
A federal judge dismissed a Washington State marijuana dispensary’s racial discrimination lawsuit against state and federal officials.
Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) criticized Democratic leaders for not advancing cannabis reform legislation.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) authored a Wall Street Journal letter to the editor about her marijuana legalization bill.
Florida Democratic Senate candidate Allen Ellison tweeted, “Not only should we legalize cannabis across the country, we should tax the sale of it and pay for higher education.”
Kentucky Democratic congressional candidate William Compton tweeted, “Along with the revenue we can generate by legalizing Marijuana, we should not have someone go to jail for Marijuana. In congress, I will fight to legalize Marijuana nationwide.”
/ STATES
Rhode Island’s House speaker said a new marijuana legalization bill should be released in the next 30-45 days.
New Jersey’s Senate president said he doesn’t think home cultivation of marijuana will be legalized “any time soon.”
South Carolina’s Senate majority leader indicated a medical cannabis bill will be considered soon, saying, “I don’t know where the votes will be, but we all agree it’s time to have a debate and move on.” And another senator said he expects the legislation to be one of the first brought up in the new session.
The Wisconsin House State Affairs Committee approved a kratom regulation bill.
Mississippi lawmakers are expected to consider a medical cannabis bill this week. One senator wants pharmacists to be involved in distributing marijuana.
The Virginia legislature’s Cannabis Oversight Commission will meet on Monday.
Kansas House Democrats tweeted, “House Democrats want Kansans like YOU to decide if Kansas should expand Medicaid and legalize marijuana. Contact your #ksleg-legislator TODAY and tell them you want to vote on issues that affect your life and your health.”
A Florida senator filed a marijuana legalization bill and companion tax legislation.
An Indiana representative filed a medical cannabis bill.
A Maryland senator tweeted, “Legalizing marijuana is not about easing access to personal indulgence, it’s about creating equality.”
The Illinois Supreme Court is being asked by a marijuana business to let regulators name the winners of new craft grower licenses.
New York regulators filed proposed cannabinoid hemp rules. Separately, the Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking certified hemp sampling agents.
The Utah Peace Officer Standards & Training Council voted to make it so cadets applying to be emergency dispatchers will not have to undergo a waiting period if they’ve used marijuana in a place where it’s legal.
Ohio regulators received nine petitions to add new medical cannabis qualifying conditions.
Oregon regulators are conducting a survey on interest in accessing psilocybin services and related issues.
Vermont regulators will consider marijuana issues on Monday.
The Washington State Cannabis Science Task Force will meet on Monday.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 900 cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy 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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NH House votes to legalize cannabis (Newsletter: January 7, 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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KS Dems want marijuana on ballot; WA psilocybin bill; NORML lobbyist’s next chapter; States earn $10B in recreational cannabis revenue
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Republican-controlled New Hampshire House of Representatives approved a bill to legalize possession and personal cultivation of marijuana. Other new legislation on cannabis sales is still pending.
Kansas House Democratic leaders announced new resolutions to let voters decide on legalizing recreational and medical marijuana on the November ballot. Lawmakers in several other states are pushing similar cannabis referendums this session.
Washington State senators introduced a bill to legalize “supported psilocybin experiences.” Most participants would consume the psychedelic at licensed service centers, but some could qualify to do it at home and meet with facilitators remotely.
Outgoing NORML federal lobbyist Justin Strekal looks back in an interview with Marijuana Moment about how much the cannabis debate in Congress has changed since he took the job five years ago and previews a new legalization-focused PAC he’s launching soon.
A new Marijuana Policy Project report shows that legal marijuana states have collected more than $10 billion in adult-use cannabis tax revenue since regulated markets have come online.
/ FEDERAL
Food and Drug Administration officials developed a method to measure CBD, THC and their major metabolites.
National Institute on Drug Abuse Director Nora Volkow said safe consumption sites for illegal drugs “could potentially help mitigate some of the risks associated with lapses and relapses, such as heightened risk of overdose due to lost tolerance.”
The Senate bill to allow CBD as a dietary supplement got one new cosponsor for a total of four.
Texas Democratic congressional candidate Arthur Dixon tweeted, “Not only is Marijuana legalization the right thing to do, it’s the sensible thing to do. It represents the potential for jobs creation and economic development in Texas, let’s treat it as such.”
/ STATES
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s (D) budget proposal includes increased funding for regulators to implement marijuana legalization.
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) reiterated his concerns about medical cannabis possession limits.
Alabama Republican gubernatorial candidate Dave Thomas, currently the Springville mayor, supports marijuana legalization and openly acknowledges his own cannabis use.
The Washington, D.C. Council chairman tweeted about an effort from Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) to block a school vaccine mandate in the city, saying, “Ted Cruz’s effort is the same that blocked the needle exchange and set us back fighting HIV and cost lives. It’s the same mentality that’s creating a grey cannabis market and keeps us from allowing lawful sale. If you want to run DC, resign your seat and take up residency here.”
A Maryland senator said she will be filing an equity-centered marijuana legalization bill to serve as a companion to a resolution to put the question of reform on the ballot for voters to decide.
A New York senator acknowledged a drafting error in an anti-vaping bill that would inadvertently ban cannabis vapes. Separately, the state’s top marijuana regulator said she expects recreational dispensaries to be licensed to operate by summer 2023.
An Oklahoma representative introduced a bill to let municipalities set their own medical cannabis business license caps.
An Ohio senator said he doesn’t think voters “are ready for recreational marijuana” but thinks it will happen within five to eight years.
A Pennsylvania senator tweeted, “It is critical that policy meet people where they are, and by allowing medical marijuana patients to grow cannabis plants at home, we can help ease the cost and accessibility burdens for this important medicine.”
Idaho regulators filed rules on hemp fees.
Louisiana’s medical cannabis patient count grew substantially last year.
Illinois regulators posted an update about the status of the hemp program.
The New Hampshire Therapeutic Cannabis Medical Oversight Board met.
New Jersey marijuana regulators are holding a public meeting on Friday.
Colorado’s marijuana Science & Policy Work Group will meet on Friday.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 800 cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy 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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CT marijuana licensing launch; OK legalization ballot measure; IA cannabis resolution; SAFE Banking defeat opens opportunity to improve
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) announced as part of her State of the State plan that she’s creating a new $200 million public-private fund to help promote social equity in the marijuana industry. The plan also addresses hemp and broader harm reduction drug policies.
Connecticut regulators will start accepting marijuana business license applications early next month. The launch was contingent on a technical assistance plan, which received final approval from the Social Equity Council on Tuesday.
Iowa Democratic senators unveiled the text of a resolution to let voters decide on marijuana legalization via a constitutional amendment on the ballot.
Oklahoma activists filed a new proposed marijuana legalization ballot initiative that has the backing of the national New Approach PAC. The measure is receiving some criticism from other activists who are working on separate proposals.
Portland, Oregon cannabis supervisor and Cannabis Regulators of Color Coalition Chair Dasheeda Dawson argues in a new Marijuana Moment op-ed that the defeat of marijuana banking provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act provides an opportunity to push for a more equity-centered approach.
/ FEDERAL
National Institute of Mental Health Director Joshua Gordon tweeted about a psychedelic therapy workshop his agency is cohosting next week.
Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) touted a marijuana research amendment he passed in a list of 2021 accomplishments.
Kentucky Democratic Senate candidate Charles Booker tweeted, “I fully support the legalization of cannabis.” He also tweeted, “Every person incarcerated for cannabis should have their sentence commuted and their record expunged. Legalize it.”
Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidate Mehmet Oz’s campaign said marketing text messages appearing to be from him offering CBD products are not legitimate.
Montana Democratic congressional candidate Tom Winter purchased legal marijuana and tweeted about the racist history of prohibition.
/ STATES
New York’s inspector general issued a report finding that the state’s prison system unjustly penalized more than 1,600 incarcerated people based on faulty drug tests.
Connecticut’s hemp plan received federal approval.
Colorado activists held a town hall event to discuss the drafting of a community-led psychedelics decriminalization ballot measure.
Washington State regulators approved permanent rules on evaluating THC compounds.
Massachusetts regulators launched an open data platform that tracks marijuana application and license, agent registration and ownership and sales and product distribution information.
Oklahoma regulators sent a warning about a scam targeting medical cannabis businesses.
Georgia regulators posted guidance on the hemp processor license application process.
Ohio regulators will hold a lottery for new medical cannabis dispensary licenses on January 27.
Montana regulators published a list of licensed marijuana cultivation businesses.
Alabama regulators will host hemp licensee orientation meetings this month.
Guam regulators will consider marijuana tracking, CBD enforcement and other issues on Monday.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 800 cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy 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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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
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RI leaders close to legalization deal; Bourbon-selling KY senator worried about medical marijuana; Record IL cannabis sales
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The federal monopoly on growing cannabis for research has officially ended, with two companies telling Marijuana Moment that they’ve harvested their first Drug Enforcement Administration-approved crops in recent weeks.
Rhode Island’s House speaker and Senate president indicated in opening remarks at the start of the legislative session that they are nearing a deal on how to regulate the marijuana industry in a new legalization bill expected to be filed this month. But Gov. Dan McKee (D) might not be on board with a key detail.
Kentucky’s Senate majority floor leader—who owns a bourbon company called “Kentucky Senator”—said he opposes medical cannabis despite strong support from his constituents.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation reported that marijuana businesses set a sales record in December, closing out a year with nearly $1.4 billion worth of legal cannabis products sold—more than doubling 2020’s total.
/ FEDERAL
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) tweeted, “The War on Drugs has been a war on people—particularly people of color. I’m working to pass our bill to end the federal marijuana prohibition, enact criminal justice reforms, and ensure equity for those impacted by the War on Drugs.”
Pennsylvania Democratic Senate candidate John Fetterman, currently the lieutenant governor, tweeted about a local move to reduce some marijuana charges, saying, “Lebanon ? is one of Pennsylvania’s most conservative counties. I commend the DA for adopting these common sense changes to marijuana charges. Legalization is “inevitable” in PA. Those aren’t my words. They belong to a Republican state Senator.”
Kentucky Democratic Senate candidate Charles Booker tweeted, “There is overwhelming bipartisan support to legalize medical cannabis in Kentucky. The politicians blocking it know that very well.”
Texas Democratic congressional candidate Coy Branscum tweeted, “I support federal efforts to legalize adult use marijuana. This will be a boon for investment in our country and will provide much needed criminal justice reform for our country.”
/ STATES
Mississippi’s lieutenant governor pushed back against Gov. Tate Reeves’s (R) criticism of pending medical cannabis legislation, while the House speaker said it is “not the top issue” for the session. Separately, a senator is proposing a medical marijuana bill that would ban smoking.
Tennessee Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jason Martin tweeted that voters told him it’s a priority to work on “updating Tennessee’s antiquated marijuana laws.”
The Louisiana legislature’s Industrial Hemp Advisory Committee met.
An Indiana representative said he doesn’t think there’s enough support in the legislature to pass marijuana reform.
A Wisconsin senator applauded Gov. Tony Evers (D) for pardoning people with marijuana convictions.
Montana’s Supreme Court has been slow to set up a specialized court to handle marijuana expungements.
Massachusetts’s top marijuana regulator said implementing delivery services can “take a big chunk out of” the illegal market.
Virginia regulators are considering amending rules for marijuana field tests and are accepting comments on proposed changes to rules on medical cannabis product labeling and access to facilities.
Illinois regulators are beginning rulemaking on changes to the medical cannabis program.
The New York Department of Agriculture and Markets tweeted, “We’re proud to announce that our Hemp Program Plan has been approved by @USDA. All growers who were licensed under our former Industrial Hemp Agricultural Research Pilot Program need to reapply under this new program in order to grow hemp this year.”
Colorado regulators gave an update on the marijuana program in the Department of Revenue’s annual report.
Oklahoma regulators sent an update about a switch to new medical cannabis licensing software this month.
The Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission reported on hemp projects it is funding.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 800 cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy 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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