FL legalization survey; SD gun warnings; Congressional equity Resolution
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Top Things to Know
The Department of Health and Human Services has released 252 pages of unredacted, full documents that detail and justify its recommendation to move cannabis to Schedule III. This includes a finding that “cannabis is currently used for medical purposes.”
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The available data suggest that marijuana can be used to treat pain, anorexia caused by certain medical conditions and nausea and vomiting. chemotherapy-induced), with varying degrees of support and consistency of findings.”
Twelve state attorneys general wrote to the Drug Enforcement Administration urging them to add marijuana to Schedule III, in accordance with the recommendation of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Nikki Haley, Republican presidential candidate and former governor of South Carolina, said that marijuana legalization should be a state-by-state matter.
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I think that all states should have the right to decide.
Reps. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Earl Blumenauer, (D-OR), and others have filed a resolution that calls for marijuana policies that are based on equity and urges President Joe Biden at the United Nations to be a proponent of global cannabis reform.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, boasted in his State of the State address that Colorado is “leading the country” on reforms of psychedelics just like it was with marijuana.
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, the D–who passed marijuana legalization–has expressed “concerns’ about legislation that will be introduced soon to decriminalize Psilocybin. His office confirmed this. A previous version of the psychedelics bill passed the House in the year 2023.
A new Florida Chamber of Commerce poll shows that marijuana legalization initiatives that could be on the ballot in November have support from 57 per cent of likely voters. However, that is not enough to pass the 60 per cent threshold required by the state.
The Florida Board of Medicine has published a report that shows a “steady rise” in the number of patients who use medical cannabis in the state.
The South Dakota House Judiciary Committee has approved legislation that requires medical cannabis dispensaries in the state to display warnings regarding a federal law which criminalizes gun possession by those who are “addicted” to marijuana.
Maryland Cannabis Administration reports that the state has set a monthly record for legal marijuana sales of $96.5 Million in December. This is more than three quarters of a Billion in 2023 sales, despite the fact that the recreational market only launched half way through the year.
The Illinois Supreme Court heard arguments on whether the mere smell of marijuana is enough for police officers in Illinois to search a car.
Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management is working with other state officials to develop a plan that will close a loophole within the state’s laws on marijuana, which allows high-potency flowers marketed as “hemp”, to be sold unregulated.
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission provided an update regarding pending litigation which has slowed down the process of obtaining a license to operate a medical marijuana business.
Federal
The House Education & Workforce Committee passed an amendment claiming women who had abortions were “220 percent” more likely to abuse marijuana or use it.
House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green (R – TN), along with Reps. August Pfluger – R – TX and Clay Higgins – R – LA, sent a press release urging the Department of Homeland Security and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to provide a briefing about illegal Chinese-backed cannabis farms in the U.S.
Delaware Democratic congressional candidate Colleen Davis (currently the State’s Treasurer) and Eugene Young (Director of the State Housing Authority), who are both Delaware state housing authority directors, discuss their support for federal cannabis reform, including bank access.
Six people have now co-sponsored the House bill on respecting state marijuana laws.
A new co-sponsor has been added to the House resolution asking Russia to release an American detained over medical marijuana. The total now stands at 15.
/ STATES
The Vermont House Government Operations Committee conducted a hearing to discuss a bill which would change the rules and remove caps on marijuana potency.
Indiana’s Senate Minority Leader is pushing for voters to be able to put initiatives on the ballot to legalize marijuana, and to make other popular reforms.
A representative from Arizona filed a bill that would allow funding to be distributed over a multiple-year period for psilocybin studies.
Virginia legislators discuss their views on the legalization of recreational marijuana sales.
A New Hampshire Representative discussed her support for the legalization of marijuana.
Two lawsuits filed by Michigan residents challenging the recall of marijuana products by regulators were dismissed.
Iowa Department of Corrections has proposed legislation that would prohibit people in prison from possessing medical cannabis cards.
Illinois regulators have filed new rules to allow craft cannabis growers expand faster.
Oregon regulators have delayed the implementation of new rules on the batch tagging marijuana plants.
New York regulators have launched an advertising campaign to promote their medical cannabis program.
Nevada regulators conduct surveys of cannabis industry participants and consumers.
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Marijuana Moment has tracked more than 900 bills relating to cannabis, psychedelics, and drug policy in state legislatures as well as Congress this year. Patreon supporters who pledge at least $25/month gain access to our interactive charts, maps and hearing calendar.
Discover more about our marijuana bills tracker. Become a Patreon supporter to gain access.
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LOCAL
Two men plead guilty to federal charges that they bribed a Vallejo city official in California to allow them to grow marijuana illegally.
Some Rhode Island municipalities have banned the consumption of cannabis in public – not just smoking – and are considering other measures.
INTERNATIONAL
Canadian officials have published the results of a cannabis survey conducted annually.
SCIENCE AND HEALTH
According to the review, “there are moderate indications that cannabis-based medicine (CBM) may contribute to a reduction in chronic pain, particularly its associated pain effect and an improvement in physical functioning and sleep quality for a portion of patients.”
/ OPINION, ADVOCACY & ANALYSIS
Gun Owners of America and the National Rifle Association are concerned about the pending marijuana bank legislation.
The Cannabis Industry Alliance of Oregon wants to extend the moratorium on new licenses for marijuana businesses.
BUSINESS
Trulieve Cannabis Corp. now has a new Chief Operating Officer.
AC Management Group and CourierPlus Inc. are fighting in court over the Dutchie mark.
CULTURE
Wiz Khalifa has said that he attends his son’s parent teacher conferences while under the influence.
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The post Federal Cannabis Rescheduling Docs Released (Newsletter: Jan 15, 2024) first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
