Marijuana amendments in Congress; PA gov on legalization; DE gov signs cannabis bills; Fed cannabis moisture guidance; Marijuana as opioid alternative
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee is scheduled to vote next week on a bill to protect people from being denied federal employment or security clearances over past marijuana use. The “DOOBIE Act” is sponsored by the panel’s chairman, Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI).
The House Rules Committee will consider allowing floor votes on spending bill amendments to remove a provision to block the Biden administration from rescheduling marijuana, delete a ban on most consumable hemp products and protect state medical psilocybin programs.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) says he will “continue to fight” to enact marijuana legalization despite it being excluded from the budget— but Democratic and Republican legislative leaders say he and other supporters have a lot more work to do to build consensus on the issue.
Delaware Gov. John Carney (D) signed several marijuana bills into law, including one to let medical cannabis businesses convert to dual licensees that could also sell recreational products—but only if they have a labor peace agreement and a plan to support social equity.
The National Conference of Weights and Measures voted to add new provisions on acceptable moisture loss in marijuana and hemp plant material to a federal handbook on packaged goods.
A new study of Ohio medical cannabis patients found that more than three out of four say “using marijuana has reduced my need to use prescription painkillers” such as opioids.
/ FEDERAL
The National Transportation Safety Board issued an alert for parents about protecting teens from marijuana-impaired driving.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture posted a short podcast about the need for collaboration in hemp germplasm research.
Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS) and Republican opponents discussed their views on marijuana reform.
/ STATES
Oklahoma’s attorney general filed an appeal of a judge’s preliminary injunction against a state law he says is needed to crack down on illegal marijuana cultivation operations.
The Florida marijuana legalization campaign got new donations from Verano Holdings and Dutchie.
Nevada lawmakers are expected to consider legislation to allow pop-up cannabis lounges next session.
California regulators announced mandatory recalls of cannabis products due to the presence of the pesticide chlorfenapyr.
Missouri regulators revised cannabis testing rules to allow up to 25 times more vitamin E acetate.
Minnesota regulators posted materials for a course on cannabis taxes.
The Massachusetts Cannabis Social Equity Advisory Board will meet on Monday.
Washington State regulators will host a webinar about guidance for medical cannabis excise tax exemptions and medically compliant product packaging and labeling compliance on Monday.
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Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,500 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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/ LOCAL
New York City’s mayor spoke about efforts to crack down on unlicensed marijuana businesses.
The Louisville, Kentucky Metro Council Planning and Zoning Committee delayed a decision on medical cannabis business rules.
Deschutes County, Oregon officials are looking for participants for a focus group on the Illegal Marijuana Enforcement program.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Thailand’s deputy prime minister said he will vote against the prime minister’s plan to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic.
The Bahamian health and wellness minister said pending marijuana reform proposals include strict regulations and controls to ensure safe and responsible use.
An Irish lawmaker criticized police for increasing drug possession arrests despite a policy aimed at reducing them.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study concluded that “midlife women pursued the use of cannabis medically to manage symptoms that overlap with menopause.”
A review concluded that CBD is “a promising therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
Former Trump campaign lawyer Jenna Ellis tweeted, “Vote NO on Amendment 3 in Florida. Look at Colorado, California, and other states as cautionary tales for how bad it is to legalize recreational pot. We already have medical marijuana in FL.”
/ BUSINESS
Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. closed a private placement of $235 million of senior secured notes.
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