Top Senator: “Need” to pass marijuana banking this year; NY unlicensed sale crackdown; 1st Oregon psilocybin licence; NH homegrow passes
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/ TOP TIPS
Senator Banking Committee Chairman Sherrod brown (D-OH), stated that “we must” pass marijuana banking legislation this year, while also revealing that the White House supports it.
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While the Senate Banking Committee Ranking Member Tim Scott, R-SC, said that he is not one of the Republicans who supports the bill but agreed it should be passed through regular order. Patrick McHenry, Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee (Republican from North Carolina), said that the issue was “not a priority” but added that he is not closed to it.
Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America wrote a letter requesting that Congress legalize marijuana. They stated that the current federal system for alcohol regulation serves as a strong example and that reforming cannabis should not be done “piecemeal.”
Oregon regulators granted the nation’s first state-issued psilocybin license under a new regulatory framework that allows for wide access to the psychedelic. The decision was approved by voters in 2020.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D), is proposing legislation that will give regulators more enforcement authority to crackdown on illegal marijuana retailers, as New York struggles to regulate the adult-use market.
North Dakota lawmakers sent Gov. Doug Burgum (R), a bill that allows people who receive hospice care to self-certify as patients of medical cannabis to speed up access to the state’s legal marijuana.
New Hampshire’s House of Representatives approved a bill that allows medical cannabis patients to grow their medicine at home.
Arizona House House Health and Human Services Committee approved a Senate-passed bill that would add autism and PTSD to the list of medical cannabis qualifying conditions.
The Colorado Senate Finance Committee approved nominations to the Natural Medicine Advisory Board, which will oversee implementation of a voter-approved psychedelics legalization referendum measure.
/ FEDERAL
Rep. Rep. David Trone (D.MD) tweeted: “Every five years Congress works on the Farm Bill for our agriculture sector. I am working to make sure my Free to Grow Act is included this year, among other priorities. Returned citizens should have a second chance and be allowed to grow hemp.
/ STATES
Governor of Vermont Senator Phil Scott (R), approved legislation that provided funding for regulators to operate their own cannabis testing laboratory.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), California Governor. We are securing a legal, safe, and well-regulated cannabis market that is beneficial to Californians by cracking down on illegal marijuana.
The Oklahoma attorney general applauded the approval by lawmakers of legislation that would address illegal marijuana cultivation operations. Separately, the Senate approved a bill that gives localities more control over regulation of medical cannabis businesses. The Bureau of Narcotics is currently being sued for allegedly violating open meeting laws related to rules that would give it greater oversight of the medical marijuana industry.
Florida’s agriculture commissioner and legislators held a press conference to support legislation to regulate intoxicating Hemp products.
Maryland’s House Speaker spoke out about the passage by her chamber of a bill that regulates cannabis sales.
A bill was approved by the Illinois Senate Executive Committee to ensure that cannabis use will not generally be considered a violation or suspension of probation.
Georgia Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee heard legislation to amend hemp rules and to provide that the Access to Medical Cannabis Commission be subject to the Administrative Procedure Act.
Here’s a look into the current status of South Dakota’s cannabis legislation.
Wisconsin Representative tweeted: “Polls across the state show that a majority Wisconsinites support legalizing cannabis, especially for medical purposes.” What is the only obstacle? Republican obstructionism. That’s it.”
New Mexico’s top cannabis regulator has resigned.
After personal identifying information was accidentally released, Massachusetts regulators requested reporters to remove a story on public records concerning allegations regarding Curaleaf funding. This caused “safety concerns.”
Arizona regulators have announced a recall of marijuana products because of possible contamination with Aspergillus.
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Marijuana Moment tracks more than 1000 cannabis, psychedelics, and drug policy bills in the state legislatures and Congress this yea. Patreon supporters who pledge at least $25 per month get access to our interactive maps and charts, as well as a hearing calendar, so they don’t miss any developments.
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/ LOCAL
A proposal to decriminalize marijuana was rejected by the Leon County Commission in Florida.
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, California is currently examining how to allocate the marijuana tax revenue.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The Zurich pilot program for legalizing marijuana was approved by the Federal Office of Public Health in Switzerland.
Spain’s Congress of Deputies has approved legislation to regulate non-psychoactive cannabis.
Ontario’s premier has stated that he is against the legalization of cannabis social use lounges.
/ SCIENCE AND HEALTH
Rats found that high-CBD vapour has modest analgesic properties, but it has strong safety profiles, no abuse potential and significantly lowers female opioid reward.
/ BUSINESS
Field Trip Health & Wellness Ltd. was granted creditor protection by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. It also fired its CEO and chairman.
An ex-CEO of MedMen Enterprises Inc. was awarded a $3.1 Million arbitration settlement.
Metrc extended its contract for cannabis tracking with Maryland regulators.
Valley Wellness workers in Raritan, New Jersey, voted to join the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 360
New Frontier Data predicted that U.S. legal cannabis sales would reach $71 billion in 2030, assuming no federal reform.
CULTURE
Police are suing Afroman because he used music video footage showing them raiding his house for marijuana.
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The post Alcohol group supports federal cannabis legalization (Newsletter, March 23, 2023) was first published on Marijuana Moment.
