DOJ issues marijuana-pardon certificates; Fed agencies talk cannabis research; CA employment to the gov; MD equity and MT sales
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Top Things to Know
The House Oversight and Accountability Committee is voting on Wednesday a bill that will protect people against being denied federal employment and security clearances because of marijuana use, and to provide relief to people who have lost opportunities in previous years.
The Senate Banking Committee officially set a vote for the 27th of September on a marijuana banking law.
The Department of Justice is now issuing certificates for people who have had their marijuana possession convictions pardoned or vacated by President Joe Biden.
At a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine conference, federal officials from the Food and Drug Administration, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and others discussed marijuana research obstacles under Schedule I, efforts for creating a regulated path for CBD, and state initiatives to promote equity and other cannabis-related issues.
California lawmakers sent Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) bill prohibiting employers from asking about marijuana use by job applicants.
Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) and Office of Social Equity (OSE) announced details of an assistance program for marijuana social equity applicants in preparation for the business licensing round which begins in November.
The Kansas City City Council in Missouri approved a plan that would use $458,00 of local marijuana tax revenues to fund a program to prevent violence.
Montana Cannabis Control Division reports that retailers sold $28,7 million in legal marijuana products during August, a new monthly record.
Ohio activists who are behind the legalization of marijuana initiative that will be on the ballot in November have learned lessons from a previous measure, which voters rejected in 2015.
Federal
Two witnesses spoke briefly about cannabis banking at an hearing of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology and Inclusion.
Former Marines are suing for their dishonorable discharge due to marijuana use.
Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA), in a tweet, said, “It is about time!” Black people STILL have nearly four times the likelihood of being arrested for marijuana possession despite similar rates of usage. This is a long-overdue and much needed move towards correcting the injustices of our racist criminal justice system.
One new co-sponsor has been added to the eight who have already signed on as sponsors of the House bill that will ease hemp regulations.
/ STATES
U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, tweeted: “When someone tells me it’s impossible, I see that as a challenge.” After years of struggle, we have legalized medical cannabis for those who need it here in Kentucky.”
Former Michigan House Speaker allegedly received “thousands” of dollars in commercial sex as bribes while he was chair of the Medical Marihuana Licensing Board.
Massachusetts’ top cannabis regulator has been suspended by the state treasurer.
New York regulators have been sued for their rules regarding third-party marijuana advertisements.
Alabama regulators cancelled a meeting on Tuesday as attorneys continue to negotiate a possible settlement of litigation regarding their medical cannabis licensing decision.
Colorado regulators have released the average retail prices for marijuana.
New Jersey regulators held a webinar to discuss new licenses for marijuana distribution, wholesale and delivery.
The top regulator of Oregon’s psilocybin service said that the program had received “hundreds and thousands of inquiries” from around the globe.
Georgia regulators will be examining medical cannabis production licences on Wednesday.
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/ LOCAL
Chicago alderman proposes to limit the sale of intoxicating hemp products.
Denver officials sent out guidance on common problems that can lead to marijuana businesses failing inspections.
International
Srettha S Thavisin, the Thai Prime Minister, said that he opposed marijuana legalization and supports access to medical cannabis.
Tilburg and Breda in the Netherlands will begin regulated cannabis sales on December 15th.
The German Green Party has called for “European-wide legalization of cannabis and controlled distribution.”
British Columbia, Canada’s municipalities restrict where drugs may be owned under the decriminalization policies of the province.
/ SCIENCE AND HEALTH
The study concluded that CBD inhibits structurally different viruses. This suggests that CBD has a broad spectrum antiviral effect. It is a valuable option in situations of emergency during viral outbreaks like that caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, in 2020.
One study concluded that patients who used cannabis alone or in combination with tobacco (but not both) had a greater risk of adverse events 90 days after ankle fractures [open reduction internal fixing] but those who only used cannabis did not.
/ ADVOCACY / OPINION AND ANALYSIS
A recent poll showed that Americans are in favor of sending U.S. troops to Mexico to combat drug cartels by a 52 to 26 percent margin.
The Washington Post editorial board stated that marijuana should be rescheduled, but “it’s not a slam-dunk for Schedule III.” Another “strong option” is to move it to Schedule II along with cocaine and Adderall.
The New York Daily News’ editorial board is worried that the move by regulators to expand licensing for marijuana businesses will harm equity operators.
BUSINESS
Curaleaf workers from Phoenix, Arizona have gone on strike.
High Tide Inc. posted a quarterly revenue of C$124.4 and a loss of C$3.6.
Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. has announced a dividend per share of $1.80 for the quarter.
CULTURE
Method Man’s official cannabis brand, TICAL, is being launched in New York.
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