The DOJ Cannabis Prisoner Report; Marijuana at the White House
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Top Things to Know
Both the Democratic-controlled Senate Appropriations Committee and Republican-run House Appropriations Committee voted to keep blocking Washington, D.C. from legalizing marijuana sales. The spending bills that they approved separately also continued a rider to protect medical cannabis states against federal interference.
Bipartisan representatives Dan Crenshaw, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and Lou Correa are celebrating the inclusion of a provision on psychedelic research in the National Defense Authorization Act. Crenshaw also says that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has promised to push to expand its scope during negotiations with the Senate.
One congressman claimed that the drugs threaten President Joe Biden’s “well-being.”
According to a new report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics of the Justice Department, as state laws legalizing marijuana came into effect, the number of federal prisoners for cannabis decreased significantly – more than other drugs.
The Center for the Science of Psychedelics at UC Berkeley has conducted a new survey that shows the changing patterns of use for substances such as psilocybin, LSD and other psychedelics. It also reveals the widespread negative attitudes towards these substances among those who support reform.
Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency reports that nearly $261 Million worth of legal marijuana was sold in the state in June, a new monthly record.
The South Dakota Law Enforcement Officers Standards Commission has voted to forgive two police officers for marijuana-related offenses. One officer used medical cannabis as a pain reliever after undergoing knee surgery, and the other pleaded guilty in college to possessing THC wax.
The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission hosts a series listening sessions for feedback on marijuana regulations.
Federal
During a trip to China, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen reportedly ate a mushroom meal that was known to contain hallucinogenic qualities.
The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved a bill that will require social media platforms to take a more proactive role in fighting the illegal sale drugs on their platform.
Rep. Nancy Mace, R-SC, praised her provision that created a Department of Defense Medical Cannabis Research Pilot Program. This was passed as part of National Defense Authorization Act.
One new sponsor has been added to the Senate marijuana banking bill, bringing it up to 41.
Two new co-sponsors have been added to the 61 total for the House marijuana banking legislation.
A total of nine co-sponsors have now signed on to the House bill allowing CBD foods.
/ STATES
Maine Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat, signed a law allowing the sale of marijuana at events.
On September 7, members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina will vote on whether to legalize marijuana.
Virginia Democratic Senator: Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Republican legislators “have not helped in moving cannabis policy.”
The Minnesota representative tweets about the psychedelics legislation as a “wonderful bipartisan way to assist people!”
Oregon regulators have recalled marijuana products that were found to contain arsenic.
Alabama’s top medical marijuana regulator defended how the state awards business licenses. “It is a great process, with one small mistake,” he said.
New Mexico regulators have revoked the license of a marijuana company for allegedly violating rules and selling cannabis from out-of-state.
Washington State regulators have published a guide about the rules for businesses without cannabis licenses that sell THC-containing products.
The New York Cannabis Control Board meets on Wednesday.
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/ LOCAL
The Kenton County Mayors met to discuss the local issues raised by Kentucky’s new law legalizing medical cannabis.
On Monday, the Columbia, Missouri City Council will likely consider changes to rules governing marijuana microbusinesses.
West Hollywood, California officials are hosting a forum to discuss psychedelic policy reforms on the 25th of July.
International
Ghanaian legislators approved a bill that allows cannabis cultivation licenses.
A German legislator tweeted that the draft bill for legalizing marijuana from the Health Ministry “bears prohibitionist handwriting.”
British Columbia’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Canada, said that there is no evidence to suggest that drug decriminalization led to a rise in illicit substance use.
SCIENCE AND HEALTH
The study shows that cannabinoids and/or cannabis extracts have the potential to reduce inflammation.
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION AND ANALYSIS
The New York Daily News’ editorial board has urged police to clamp down on marijuana dealers who are not licensed.
/ BUSINESS
Green Thumb Industries employee reportedly died while working at a Rock Island, Illinois cultivation and manufacturing facility. Separately, the company ran a full page ad about the history of prohibition and the need to reform cannabis in the Sunday edition of the New York Times.
Red White & Bloom Brands Inc., and Aleafia Health Inc. have agreed to cancel an agreement whereby the former was to purchase the latter.
Organigram Holdings Inc. posted a quarterly net revenue (C$32.8m) and a loss (C$213.5m).
Canopy Growth Corporation has announced that it has entered into agreements which it claims will reduce its debt.
CULTURE
David Bellamy, a musician from Florida, wrote an opinion piece in which he called on Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Republican governor of Florida, and the state’s Attorney General have both endorsed marijuana legalization.
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Photo by Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
The article Congress keeps DC cannabis ban in effect (Newsletter: 17 July 2023) first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
