Ramaswamy’s marijuana & psychedelics speech; Congressman’s angry legalization speech; NCAA cannabis changes, AR ballot; RI sale; ME decrim
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Top Things to Know
Health and Human Services Sec. Xavier Becerra stated that his department has been in contact with the Drug Enforcement Administration regarding its pending recommendation to reschedule marijuana.
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We put all the information out there. If they have questions, we continue to provide them with any technical information .”
Vivek Ramaswamy, Republican presidential candidate, has pledged to legalize Schedule I substances such as marijuana and psychedelics to help veterans suffering from PTSD. He also wants to provide them with access to fentanyl through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Rep. Rep.
A Republican Indiana senator has filed a bill that would create a fund in the state to support research into psilocybin’s benefits for treating veterans, first responders, and others with PTSD, anxiety and depression. The first hearing will be held on Wednesday.
The NCAA Division I Council has formally proposed to remove marijuana as a banned substance and from the drug testing program of student athletes. A final vote is expected in June.
The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation announced that marijuana retailers had set a record for monthly sales in December, resulting in more than $100,000,000 in cannabis purchases by 2023.
Arkansas activists have filed a ballot measure to increase access to medical cannabis by allowing home-grown and removing specific conditions. This would also lead to the legalization of recreational marijuana after federal reform.
On Wednesday, the Health and Human Services Committee of the Maine Legislature will hold an hearing on a decriminalization bill.
Federal
The U.S. State Department released a statement that condemned “narco criminal violence” in Ecuador.
A federal judge has denied the Department of Justice’s motion to dismiss an ayahuasca-related lawsuit brought by a church.
Sen. Raphael Warnock, (D-GA), tweeted: “The fentanyl crises isn’t only a law enforcement issue–it’s also a mental illness problem & we need to face it head-on rather than repeating the mistakes of the War on Drugs.”
Sarah McBride is the Delaware Democratic candidate for Congress and a state Senator. She expressed concern about localities who opt out of legalizing marijuana sales.
STATES
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, cited legalizing marijuana as one of his top achievements during his first year of office.
Idaho’s Attorney General argued, in a U.S. Supreme Court Brief, that the federal government could not use the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act to “override in an emergency room state laws regarding abortion” any more than they can use it override the state law about organ transplants or cannabis use.
Kansas Representative said he does not believe his medical marijuana legalization bill would advance in this session.
On Wednesday, a South Carolina representative will address a rally against cannabis at the Statehouse.
A Washington State Senator filed a bill that would increase the penalties for those who rob marijuana dispensaries.
A Kentucky representative speaks about her bill to legalize non-commercial marijuana.
Vermont regulators provide lawmakers with an updated on the size of Vermont’s cannabis market.
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development conducted an hearing to discuss draft rules on how money will be distributed from the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund.
New York and New Jersey regulators posted on social media about their work in implementing cannabis legalization to Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
California officials have published a brochure about the state’s cannabis-inspection program.
Alaska’s Advisory Task Force on Recreational Marijuana Legalization is meeting on Tuesday.
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/ LOCAL
Brooklyn’s district attorney office has announced that it will no long prosecute marijuana possession cases based on weight.
Montgomery County Maryland law enforcement officials claim that restrictions on marijuana use in the past by applicants for police officers is hurting recruitment.
Sheriff of Riverside County in California is being sued over alleged illegal raids on a marijuana growing operation.
International
The German state interior ministers released a report in which they expressed concerns over marijuana legalization.
Malta’s Government formed a Committee to examine issues related to synthetic cannabinoid HHC.
SCIENCE AND HEALTH
The study found that “the anti-inflammatory and protective effects of a full spectrum cannabis extract were enhanced compared to CBD alone. This highlights the potential therapeutic effectiveness…for treating neuropathologies like autism spectrum disorder and other neuropathologies.”
ADVOCACY / OPINION, ANALYSIS & ANALYSIS
Dr. Drew Pinsky stated that marijuana can have negative effects, but not nearly as bad as alcohol.
BUSINESS
The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. now has a new president and CEO.
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Photo by Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
The post Health Officials & DEA are in contact about cannabis rescheduling. (Newsletter – January 16, 2024.) first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
New Mexico legislators tighten cannabis laws