SC medical marijuana approval; HI & NH legalization; SD gov signs cannabis & gun bill; VA legal sales; IN & NM psilocybin; FL hemp restrictions
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Top Things to Know
According to a new legal opinion, commissioned by the Coalition for Cannabis Scheduling Reform, moving marijuana from Schedule II to Schedule III would not violate international drug treaties like the Drug Enforcement Administration had previously claimed.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem signed a law requiring medical marijuana patients to acknowledge the federal prohibition on gun ownership for marijuana consumers at the time they apply for state ID cards.
The South Carolina Senate has given initial approval to a medical cannabis bill. A third reading vote is expected to be held soon to send the measure formally to the House.
Hawaii Senate Health and Human Services Committee and Judiciary Committee approved and amended a bill legalizing marijuana despite the opposition and concerns raised by several state agencies, in violation of reform-minded Governor. Josh Green (D).
Virginia’s Senate and House of Delegates both passed competing versions of legislation legalizing recreational marijuana sales. They did so despite a letter by police groups arguing that cannabis commerce was “the wrong way” to go for the state.
The New Hampshire House Commerce Subcommittee approved and amended a bill legalizing marijuana. A full committee vote is scheduled for Wednesday.
The Indiana House Public Health Committee has approved a Senate passed bill that will create a fund in the state to support research into using psilocybin for treating veterans with PTSD, first responders and other conditions. Members amended the bill to include alcoholism and tobacco addiction disorders.
The New Mexico Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee unanimously passed a resolution calling for state officials to investigate the therapeutic potential of the psychedelic and to explore the creation a regulatory framework that would allow access to it.
The Florida House Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee has approved a bill that would restrict the consumption of hemp products despite testimony indicating it could have a negative economic impact.
BeLeaf Medical, a Missouri-based marijuana company, is trying to invalidate the union elections of its employees because they claim that these workers are agricultural workers, and therefore exempt from some labor protections under federal laws.
Federal
The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington praised the sentencing of father and son convicted of “a conspiracy to violate state marijuana production regulations, and produce and sale marijuana on the blackmarket.”
The National Institute on Drug Abuse published an announcement about its interest to fund research on strategies that address stigmatizing policies and beliefs affecting drug users.
In a Federal Register article about pesticide packaging that uses flexible packaging, the Environmental Protection Agency cited reports of children eating cannabis-infused food products that look like candy.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D, MA) tweeted: “It’s time for the federal government to catch up with 21st-century technology and legalize marijuana.”
/ STATES
New Mexico’s House of Representatives has passed a law that makes it illegal to bring marijuana in prisons or jails, unless the cannabis is medical cannabis prescribed by a physician.
Pennsylvania’s Senate President pro tempore stated that it would be “hard” for marijuana legalization legislation to pass.
A subcommittee of the Iowa Senate approved a bill that would restrict hemp products.
A representative from Idaho filed a bill that would create a $420 minimum fine for possession of less than three ounces marijuana.
A Missouri representative has introduced a bill that would require marijuana education to be taught in public schools.
Oklahoma lawmakers will hear Friday from medical cannabis regulators
The U.S. Virgin Islands Cannabis Advisory Board has approved the proposed marijuana legalization regulations.
Minnesota regulators have published guidelines for financial institutions that serve marijuana businesses.
Vermont regulators have posted guidelines on the use of employee ID cards by marijuana businesses.
Maryland regulators have conducted a survey among cannabis business owners.
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LOCAL
The Sussex County Council in Delaware is examining a proposal for regulating marijuana businesses.
International
The Thai government has delayed the consideration of a proposed clarification that marijuana is prohibited for recreational use.
The Jersey States Assembly has passed a law that allows people who are repeatedly caught in possession of small amounts Class B and C drug to be exempted from criminal prosecution.
The Philippine Food and Drug Administration chief said that he was “very open” about medical cannabis, but expressed concern over legalization legislation. Separately, the Department of Health stated that any reforms should be based upon scientific evidence and an evaluation of public-health implications.
Cannabis producers are allowed to provide samples of their product to retailers who have a license and their employees, according the Canadian regulators.
SCIENCE AND HEALTH
According to a study, “consumption of medical cannabis containing THC (1.13 – 39.18 mg/dose), has negligible effects on driving performance if used as prescribed.”
According to a study, “the long-term benefits of MDMA for social and emotional well-being are related to whether the user seeks self-insight” or has mixed intentions.
ADVOCACY / OPINION, ANALYSIS & ADVOCACY
The Boston Globe editorial staff has called on the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to “expeditiously complete” its marijuana rescheduling study.
The Cannabis Policy Lab has published a report that recommends possible changes to California marijuana laws.
BUSINESS
Organigram Holdings Inc. posted a quarterly net revenue (C$36.5m) and a loss (C$15.8m).
Blum Holdings, Inc. has acquired three dispensaries of Operators Only Corporation.
CLIC Risk Retention Group, Inc., a private insurance company, claims to be owned and operated by participants in the legalized marijuana industry.
High Tide Inc. has signed a distributor agreement with Manitoba, Canada Liquor & Lotteries Corporation.
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The post Cannabis Rescheduling Won’t Violate Treaties, Memo Says (Newsletter – February 14, 2024) first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
