Colorado psychedelics laws revisions; Fed marijuana legalization; Congressman: 280E revenue could be increased; OR psilocybin licensing
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Top Things to Know
Bipartisan lawmakers from the House and Senate, led by Rep. Barbara Lee and Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii (D), have filed bills to encourage the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to investigate the therapeutic potential of cannabis as an alternative to opioids.
Delaware Gov. John Carney (D), who is the governor of Delaware, is sending mixed signals regarding his intentions with regard to marijuana legalization legislation on his desk. He says he still opposes the reform, but implies that it is inevitable. It’s time to “move on” from this debate.
Colorado’s Senate President filed a bill that would revise the provisions of Colorado’s voter approved psychedelics law. The bill would introduce new restrictions for consumers, create a working group of Indigenous communities, and change regulatory responsibilities.
Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-OR, told Marijuana Moment his 280E tax deduction bill would result in increased government revenue. He also discussed the prospects of interstate cannabis trade and the tension between gradual and comprehensive reform.
The Oregon Health Authority has approved the first licensed psilocybin providers in the country to administer the psychedelic drug to adults within regulated facilities.
Drug Policy Alliance and Human Rights Watch, among others, sent a letter on 4/20 to President Joe Biden and federal officials urging them to support the federal legalization of marijuana and to take interim steps to correct the harms caused by criminalization.
The Louisiana House Ways and Means Committee has rejected a bill which would have repealed the little enforced tax on marijuana, which requires sellers to purchase stamps to put on their products.
Federal
Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-OR, filed comments in the Congressional Record regarding his bill repealing the 280E tax penalties on marijuana businesses.
Former Senate Majority leader Tom Daschle, (D-SD), tweeted: “As a Veteran & 26 year member of the House & Senate VA Committees I’m proudly endorsing the Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act.” I applaud @SenBrianSchatz, who is leading this bill and championing comprehensive #cannabis Reform.”
One new sponsor has been added to the five who have already co-sponsored the House bill that would remove marijuana businesses from the 280E penalty.
Two new co-sponsors have been added to the 18 who already support the House bill that allows veterans to receive medical cannabis recommendations through their Department of Veterans Affairs doctor.
/ STATES
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), announced that the law enforcement agencies will intensify their efforts to combat impaired driving during 4/20. Separately the Cannabis Advisory Board held a meeting.
Kentucky Republican gubernatorial candidate discussed their views on marijuana and medical cannabis.
Oklahoma’s Attorney General praised his office’s efforts in combating illegal marijuana operations.
The Nevada Assembly has passed a bill that allows terminally ill patients who are in healthcare facilities to use medical marijuana.
Alabama’s House Speaker said that under his leadership, he wouldn’t allow a bill legalizing marijuana to be brought to the floor. However, he did expect lawmakers to look at “tweaks to the existing medical cannabis programs.”
New Hampshire’s House Majority Leader authored an opinion piece laying out “the conservative case for marijuana legalization.”
Wisconsin’s Senate Minority Leader is launching a Grass Routes Tour to discuss cannabis in events across the state.
New Mexico’s representative tweeted: “We will continue our push to dedicate new #cannabis revenues to drug addiction treatment and prevention.” We must invest in the future of our values, as the cannabis industry has been successful.
A Louisiana Senator spoke out about efforts to limit the sale of hemp-derived products that are intoxicating.
Vermont’s cannabis registration system has crashed.
Mississippi regulators have increased staffing in response to a new medical cannabis law that demands applications be processed faster.
Connecticut Department of Transportation reminded drivers about the dangers of driving while impaired in advance of 4/20.
The Oregon Cannabis Commission held a meeting.
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/ LOCAL
The Killeen City Council in Texas met to discuss the lawsuit that was filed by the state of Texas and Bell County against a local marijuana decriminalization ordinance approved by voters.
Denton City Council, Texas discussed the local marijuana decriminalization laws behind closed doors rather than at their public meeting.
Albuquerque officials in New Mexico have failed to act on recommendations made a year earlier by the Cannabis Equity Working Group.
A member of the City Council received information from the New York City Sheriff’s Office about enforcement actions against marijuana sellers who are not licensed.
Atlantic City officials in New Jersey approved the first recreational marijuana retail licence for the city.
INTERNATIONAL
Germany’s Health Minister discussed the goals of legalizing marijuana. He expressed concern about edible cannabis, saying that they “often target children and youth in a dangerously sanitizing manner.”
The New South Wales Legislative Council in Australia has elected a party that supports legalizing cannabis.
A Philippine representative will speak at an event on 4/20.
The Bhumjaithai Party in Thailand has said that it opposes 4/20 events and reminds people of the fact that public consumption of cannabis is still illegal.
The Mississauga City Council in Canada, Ontario, voted to lift the ban on marijuana retail stores.
SCIENCE AND HEALTH
The study concluded that “there is no significant association between cannabis use at the baseline and psychosis progression, symptoms persistance, or functional outcomes.”
The study concluded that adding THC:CBD to the first anti-spastic drug doses in select responders was more effective than increasing the dose.
/ OPINION, ADVOCACY & ANALYSIS
The National Association of Realtors released a report that noted a decrease in commercial property sales by marijuana businesses, and an increase in leasing activities.
The National Safety Council has published a report about state regulations for cannabis testing.
/ BUSINESS
Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. announced that previously filed financial reports will be “restated, reissued, and should no longer rely on” and it has identified “additional weaknesses material in its internal control.”
Three Rise dispensaries are on strike in Illinois.
Trulieve settled the lawsuit brought by a former employee who accused Trulieve of discrimination based on race and gender, as well as retaliation.
NuggMD has launched a “Too High Hotline”, which provides peer support for people who have overindulged in cannabis.
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The article De gov signals that legal cannabis is inevitable, (Newsletter for April 20, 2023) first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
