Admin dispels marijuana speculations; VP Harris promotes pardons, PA gov pushes legalization; NY gov cannabis reforms; CA, IN & AK psychedelics
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Top Things to Know
Rumors of an impending federal action on marijuana are circulating, but a Biden Administration official told Marijuana Moment Tuesday that the administration would “wave off’ any speculation that something will be announced in this week.
Gallup’s latest poll shows Americans are more likely than ever to smoke marijuana. Those aged between 18 and 34 years old are five times as likely to smoke marijuana than to smoke cigarettes.
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“Reported marijuana smoking in the United States has increased by more than twice since 2013”
Vice President Kamala Harris said that President Joe Biden pardoned a large number of marijuana users as an example to show how the administration appeals to Black and young voters. She added, “Nobody should be sent to prison for smoking weed.”
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, used his budget speech to ask lawmakers to send a marijuana legalization measure to him. He said he was “sick and exhausted of losing to Ohio and other neighboring States that have already enacted this reform.”
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), frustrated by the slow start of the recreational marijuana market in New York, is “looking for opportunities to make significant changes” to state cannabis regulatory agencies.
The Indiana Senate has passed a bill that will create a fund for research to use psilocybin as a treatment option for veterans, first responders, and others with PTSD, depression, anxiety and chronic pain. The Democratic minority leader submitted an amendment to create a medical marijuana program but did not force a vote.
California legislators from both parties filed a bill that would legalize psychedelic services centers, where people can access psilocybin and other psychedelics in a controlled environment, with facilitators who are trained.
The Alaska Senate Labor and Commerce Committee conducted a hearing to discuss a bill that would create a Mental Health and Psychedelic Medicine Task Force. This task force would be tasked with recommending frameworks and licensing for therapeutic practitioners.
One lawmaker said that his local police chief had told him that there were no problems with the marijuana dispensary windows.
Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management will ask legislators to close a loophole that allows the sale of potent flower sold as “hemp”.
Federal
Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, acknowledged that some people are “able to recover but are still not free from every substance.”
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, (D-NY), tweeted: “Even if your state has legalized marijuana or decriminalized it, we need marijuana legalized federally.” My Democratic colleagues and myself called on the DEA in order to completely deschedule cannabis.
Rep. Rep.
One new co-sponsor was added to the 99 who already supported the House marijuana banking legislation.
/ STATES
Massachusetts regulators have posted rules regarding the Cannabis Social Equality Trust Fund.
Alaska regulators propose changes to the rules governing marijuana special investigator hire standards.
Rhode Island regulators have published guidelines on marijuana curbside pick-up.
Montana regulators have published guidelines on synthetic cannabinoids.
Vermont regulators have posted information about the renewal of marijuana business licenses.
The Colorado Department of Transportation has conducted a study to determine the driving habits of Generation Z when they are under the influence of marijuana.
Minnesota officials have increased the salary of the top marijuana regulator in the state.
Oregon regulators have published a blog on how the funding provided by the state’s decriminalization of drugs law, which was approved by voters, helped a substance abuse disorder treatment provider to expand their work.
Wyoming regulators have posted a list with licensed hemp businesses.
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Marijuana Moment tracks more than 1,000 cannabis and psychedelics bills, as well as drug policy legislation in state legislatures. Patreon supporters who pledge at least $25/month gain access to our interactive charts, maps and hearing calendar.
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/ LOCAL
San Francisco’s California mayor supports a ballot initiative that would allow single adults receiving local welfare to be screened for drug abuse issues.
International
Next week, Thailand’s Cabinet is expected to examine legislation clarifying that recreational marijuana is prohibited.
/ SCIENCE AND HEALTH
The study found that, “While medical cannabis consumption has become more normalized for older adults, stigma associated with cannabis continues to influence older adults’ experiences.”
The North Carolina AMVETS Service Foundation and researchers are collaborating on a study to determine the effectiveness of CBD in treating military veterans.
/ ADVOCACY / OPINION AND ANALYSIS
According to a poll, North Carolina voters are in favor of legalizing medical marijuana by 78 percent compared to only 18 percent.
A Washington, D.C. poll of lobbyists revealed that only 9 percent believed a marijuana banking law would pass in 2024, while 64 percent said it was unlikely.
BUSINESS
Curaleaf International has acquired Can4Med.
Casa Verde Capital is being sued by Planet 13 Holdings Inc. for alleged fraud.
CULTURE
Eliza Dushku, an actress from Massachusetts, donated $100,000 to the Massachusetts ballot initiative campaign for legalizing psychedelics.
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