Congressional turmoil & cannabis; Air Force cannabis waivers, HI 1st Inter-Island Transport; IL marijuana reports; NJ grants
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Top Things to Know
Marijuana Moment compiled a report on what Reps. Jim Jordan, R-OH or Steve Scalise, R-LA would mean for marijuana legislation – including SAFER Banking – if they were elected as Speaker of the House. Since they were elected to federal office, they have opposed almost every cannabis-related measure.
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We examine also the cannabis records for candidates for majority leader, whip and other positions.
According to a Punchbowl News survey, only 13 percent of top Capitol Hill employees believe that a marijuana banking law will be passed during the current Congress session.
The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) sent a warning letter to Arkansas officials regarding the new state law that allows medical marijuana patients to get concealed carry licenses.
The U.S. Air Force has granted three times more enlistment exemptions than expected when it launched its first effort to allow people who had consumed marijuana to rejoin the service.
Hawaii has seen its first inter-island legal transfer of medical marijuana. This was possible after the state lifted a ban on this activity, as fears about federal jurisdiction in airspace and waters around the islands decreased.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has released a new report that shows “unprecedented” growth in the legal marijuana market of the state. Data also shows cannabis sales outpace alcohol sales.
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority has awarded 12 million dollars in grant money to 48 licensed cannabis operators. This will help them expand and start their businesses.
Federal
Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Mexico with other officials to discuss drug and other issues.
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-IA said: “We were told that industrial hemp could not be used to mimic marijuana’s effects. I expressed my concerns at the time. “It turns out that my skepticism at the time was well-placed.”
Sen. Ed Markey (D) and Rep. Barbara Lee(D) wrote a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to implement a “national harm reduction strategy for fentanyl, focusing on improving our public health infrastructure as well as addressing collateral consequences of drug arrests and convictions.”
Former Senator Cory Gardner (R – CO) discussed the prospects of the latest version marijuana banking legislation that he sponsored.
Three new co-sponsors have been added to the Senate marijuana banking legislation, bringing it up to 30.
One new sponsor has been added to the 66 co-sponsors of the House bill that would legalize marijuana at federal level.
STATES
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, (D), tweeted: “Today marks an important milestone in our efforts to build the most equitable industry for adult-use cannabis and we will continue to work to get the task done right.”
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, (D), tweeted: “Progress can’t happen without accountability.” We have worked hard to create the most accessible cannabis sector in the country. We’ve achieved this by placing equity first. “Our efforts continue to fix past harm and create an even more prosperous future.”
California Senator said he was “nervous and excited” about the psychedelics bill pending before Gov. Gavin Newsom (D)’s desk. Separately the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce of the state seized more that $101 million in illegal marijuana during this third quarter.
Massachusetts’ suspended top marijuana regulator has halted a lawsuit filed against the treasurer of the state over the sanction.
Minnesota’s regulatory spokesperson stated that “next step evaluation” is being done in selecting a new marijuana regulator to lead the state.
Vermont regulators have posted guidelines on the new requirements for marijuana lab testing.
Missouri regulators have launched an investigation into a company accused of selling moldy marijuana.
Alaska’s Advisory Task Force on Recreational Cannabis will meet on Tuesday.
Colorado regulators will be holding several hearings this month on marijuana rules.
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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
Multnomah county, Oregon’s District Attorney is asking the state legislature to criminalize drug use in public.
Chicago’s City Council, Illinois is considering a plan that would give local aldermen a voice in deciding where marijuana businesses could open.
International
The Brazilian Superior Court of Justice has ruled that a person’s smell of marijuana does not warrant an unwarranted search of their home.
The “Cannabis Strategy Table” of the Canadian government held a pre-meeting.
SCIENCE AND HEALTH
According to a Canadian study, “rates of hospitalizations related to cannabis decreased immediately after legalization in a period when the legal market was immature and then increased later during a time of market expansion and COVID-19.”
/ ADVOCACY OPINION AND ANALYSIS
First Wednesdays has published a report about the reform of cannabis in Europe.
BUSINESS
Trulieve has asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower who claims that the company is guilty of gender and race discrimination.
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The post Feds threaten gun rights for medical cannabis patients (Newsletter, October 6, 2023) first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
