Dems prematurely declare marijuana victory; MN draft cannabis rules; FL cops oppose legalization; AR medical expansion; TX decrim on 3 local ballots
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) said he supports creating a “comprehensive regulatory framework that treats marijuana just like tobacco,” arguing that “the federal government needs to figure out a safe way to allow this market to occur.”
The Democratic National Committee is prematurely claiming that the Biden-Harris administration has already “reclassified marijuana” and has succeeded in “ending our failed approach to marijuana.”
The Florida Police Chiefs Association and the Florida Sheriffs Association are urging voters to reject the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot—with one group claiming that cannabis use is “a major risk factor for victimization, violent assaults and deaths.”
Arkansas’s secretary of state said activists did not submit enough valid signatures to put an initiative on the November ballot to expand medical cannabis access by allowing homegrow and removing the qualifying conditions list—but they have 30 days to collect more. The measure would also trigger recreational legalization after federal reform.
The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management has unveiled a first draft of rules for the launch of the state’s newly legal marijuana industry, and officials are accepting public comments through August 30.
The Bastrop, Texas city secretary certified that activists collected enough signatures to put a marijuana decriminalization initiative on the local ballot—making it the third city in the state set to vote on cannabis in November.
The chair of the Massachusetts legislature’s Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy is rejecting a proposal to place the embattled Cannabis Control Commission under receivership.
The South Dakota Department of Health is moving to raise annual medical cannabis business registration fees by nearly 70 percent under a newly enacted state law.
/ FEDERAL
President Joe Biden issued a memorandum directing federal agencies to “do even more to stop the flow of narcotics—including fentanyl—into our country.”
/ STATES
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) touted enforcement efforts that have closed more than 1,000 unlicensed marijuana retailers. Separately, regulators are being sued over the use of public funds to aid marijuana businesses.
Missouri regulators placed thousands of cannabis products on administrative hold.
Washington State regulators are proposing changes to rules on how marijuana businesses can buy cannabis from other licensees and pay for it with a check by mail.
The California State Fair announced additional winners of its cannabis awards.
Michigan regulators filed a complaint against a marijuana business over alleged violations.
The executive director of the Maryland Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission spoke about efforts to inspect businesses.
Washington, D.C.’s medical cannabis patient population is growing even as sales totals are decreasing.
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/ LOCAL
A Louisville, Kentucky Metro Council Committee voted to scale back proposed medical cannabis business restrictions.
/ INTERNATIONAL
A former Philippine House speaker is urging the Senate to take up a medical cannabis bill passed by his chamber.
New Zealand’s cabinet approved medical cannabis export rules.
Tasmania, Australia lawmakers passed legislation to ease hemp restrictions.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “breastfeeding mothers who used cannabis reported positive perceptions of cannabis as a safer alternative to medications, yet concerns existed about legal repercussions.”
The University of Minnesota launched the new Cannabis Research Center.
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Marijuana Policy Project is hiring a new executive director.
New York cannabis growers are calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) to sign legislation defining marijuana as an agricultural crop and simplifying taxes.
/ BUSINESS
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company reported that its cannabis-focused Hawthore unit saw quarterly net sales of $67.7 million.
Organigram Holdings Inc. has a new board of directors member.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
The post GOP senator wants cannabis regulated “just like tobacco” (Newsletter: August 1, 2024) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.
