German Legalization Advances; MI Marijuana Testing Change; Nurses Group Recognizes Cannabis; SD Ballot Dispute; NJ Grants; Small Business Op-Ed
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Top Things to Know
The Senate Banking Committee’s amendment to the marijuana banking law, which was not made public until a few days after the vote took place, contains changes in provisions relating to federal guidance to banks that serve clients from the marijuana industry, revised protections for financial institution and revisions of regulators’ discretion to enforce the law.
The Bundesrat of Germany, which is a legislative body representing the states, has recommended some amendments to the marijuana legalization legislation. However, the opponents’ attempts to stop the bill from moving forward failed.
The Michigan Civil Service Commission approved a rule change that ended pre-employment drug screenings for the majority of state employees.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D), and Attorney General Matthew Platkin announced that $5.5million in marijuana revenues will be used to fund a hospital violence intervention grant program.
South Dakota marijuana legalization advocates are asking the secretary of state not to accept a petition that would repeal the medical cannabis law approved by the voters. They claim the petition contains important formatting errors.
The American Nurses Association has officially recognized cannabis as a specialty nursing practice area.
In the latest Marijuana Moment Op-Ed, Shaleen Title of the Parabola Center and Bruce Barcott, the author of the op ed, argue that Congress and Biden’s administration must act to give small business a chance in the cannabis sector before Amazon and Philip Morris seize control.
Montana’s top cannabis regulator has reacted to criticisms of the state’s testing protocol for marijuana.
Federal
The National Institute of Justice funds research to determine “whether changes in marijuana policy are associated with changes changes in school discipline related to cannabis.”
Sen. Cory Booker, (D-NJ), tweeted: “The War on Drugs has failed. If we are to solve the fentanyl problem, we must treat it as a public health issue.
Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-ND, said that he believes a marijuana banking legislation has “momentum”.
Sen. Patty Murray, D-WA tweeted: “It is ridiculous that legal cannabis companies are forced to operate exclusively in cash. It puts their employees and our neighborhoods at risk.” I’m happy that the SAFER Banking Act has passed through the committee today. I will keep pushing for it to be completed.
Sen. James Lankford, R-OK, tweeted: “Chinese criminals partner with Mexican cartels in order to buy OK land for growing and selling marijuana illegally. This is dangerous, and it has to be stopped. I have a plan for doing just that.
Three new co-sponsors have been added to the Senate marijuana banking legislation, bringing it up to 25.
A total of 78 people have now co-sponsored the House marijuana banking legislation.
Five new co-sponsors have been added to the 65 total for the House bill that would legalize marijuana at federal level.
/ STATES
Arizona, Illinois and Michigan Attorneys General sent out press releases regarding a letter that they wrote with other attorneys general urging Congress to pass the marijuana banking bill.
Washington State’s Treasurer sent out a press statement calling on Congress pass a marijuana banking law.
Oregon’s Senate President and House Speaker created a Joint Interim Committee on Addiction and Community Safety Response.
A California Senator tweeted that the progress of marijuana banking legislation at Congress is “a very big deal”. Cannabis businesses which are regulated, legal & pay taxes cannot bank. The businesses are forced to operate in cash, which can be risky. “It’s great to see bipartisan backing for this important change.”
A Texas appeals Court upheld a preliminary injunction against the regulator’s ban on delta-8-THC products.
Massachusetts’ top marijuana regulator has sued the state treasurer over her suspension.
Minnesota’s director of traffic safety said that the state’s legalization of marijuana “hasn’t changed much because we’ve been dealing with impaired drivers and arresting them for decades.”
South Dakota regulators conducted an hearing to discuss proposed changes in medical cannabis regulations.
Washington, D.C. regulators begin accepting new applications for medical cannabis business licences on November 1, 2018.
Colorado officials announced that the Cannabis Business Loan Program has awarded its first loans to Colorado businesses.
Rhode Island regulators have published guidelines on types of marijuana products that are approved.
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/ LOCAL
Dover City Council in Delaware is examining how to regulate marijuana.
The sponsors of a proposed ballot initiative in Sausalito to tax marijuana have halted the signature collection.
International
Japanese officials are looking at ways to better regulate the use of quasi-legal drugs.
/ SCIENCE AND HEALTH
A study found that “restoring prefrontal cortical excitation-inhibition balance with cannabidiol ameliorates neurobehavioral abnormalities in a mouse model of neurodevelopmental disorders.”
According to a study, “both MDMA (and methamphetamine) increase feelings of connection during controlled dyadic conversation.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION AND ANALYSIS
The Boston Globe editorial staff is calling for Massachusetts regulators, who are responsible for overseeing the marijuana market in Massachusetts, to better manage their internal chaos.
Delaware State Chamber of Commerce has published a guide on workplace marijuana policies.
/ BUSINESS
Hightimes Holding Corp. paid a $558,071 fine to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in settlement of allegations of illegal stock promotions.
Jones Soda Co. has announced that its cannabis brand Mary Jones will be available in Washington State dispensaries.
SNDL Inc., and Nova Cannabis Inc. have extended the date of the external closing for a previously announced strategic partnership.
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The article Cannabis Banking Amendment Details (Newsletter for October 2, 2023) first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
