USDA reports hemp decrease; NC Speaker: Medical marijuana decision coming soon; Pharmacists’ org supports drug decrim, Jersey cops fired over cannabis; CO loans
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Top Things to Know
After the bill passed 15 committees in this session, the Minnesota House of Representatives started debating marijuana legalization on the floor. The members considered almost two dozen amendments. They rejected most of them and adopted a few. The Senate will be able to vote on the final passage of the measure on Tuesday morning, as it makes its final stop in front of a panel before going on to the floor.
Three new polls indicate that the majority of Americans are in favor of legalizing marijuana.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Hemp Report shows the value of hemp has fallen 71 percent compared to last year. Industry stakeholders blame the Food and Drug Administration for refusing to regulate CBD products.
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The production of floral hemp fell by 66 percent. Grain hemp dropped by 44 percent. Fiber hemp was down 34 percent. Seed hemp was down 92 percent. And hemp clones and transplants were also down 94 percent.
North Carolina’s House Speaker says that there is a “better opportunity” to pass a medical marijuana legalization bill this year “than in any other time in the past.” He also said “within the month, we should know” if there are enough voters in his chamber to pass the Senate’s legislation.
The American Pharmacists Association supports the decriminalization and legalization of all drugs.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced that a new social equity loan program would be available to cannabis businesses. The program will include an initial investment of $1 million.
Four Jersey City police officers in New Jersey who were terminated for testing positive for pot are preparing a lawsuit. They claim that their termination was unlawful under the legalization laws of the state and a memo from New Jersey’s attorney general which protects use off duty.
Washington State lawmakers could not agree on a bill to extend criminalization of drug use that was set to expire this July. Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat who is opposed to decriminalization and opposes a special session on the subject, will likely call one.
Federal
In a statement regarding the resignation of Susan Rice, Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, President Joe Biden referred to his administration’s attempts to correct “our failed approach” to marijuana.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched a public service announcement on the dangers associated with driving while under the influence.
Sen. Michael Bennet, (D-CO), said during a Senate floor address that he would have never believed it 20 years ago if someone had told him that we would live in a nation that legalized marijuana and banned abortions in 2023.
Sen. Patty Murray, D-WA, tweeted: “Law-abiding marijuana shops shouldn’t worry about being broken into or robbed since they’re only allowed to accept cash under the current federal law.” We need to pass the bipartisan #SAFEBanking act to keep cannabis shops safe.
Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-OR tweeted: “I am working to have the SAFE Banking Act passed this year. Financial services are essential for legal cannabis businesses. Operating in cash can be dangerous. I will continue to ensure that all of our cannabis reforms are grounded in restorative Justice.”
STATES
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a law requiring medical marijuana growers to have a $50,000 bond.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D), who is a Democrat, expressed optimism that he would be able to work together with Republicans to legalize medical marijuana. However, he said he still supports broader marijuana legislation.
Tennessee lawmakers have approved a bill that will designate Steve Earle’s “Copperhead Road”, which tells the story of a Vietnam vet who grows marijuana as the official state song.
Pennsylvania’s Senate Majority Leader said that it is too early to say if Republicans will support any form legal marijuana.
The New Hampshire Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony on a bill passed by the House to decriminalize drug possession.
A New York Assemblymember has filed a bill that would allow cannabis growers to sell directly to consumers.
Former Connecticut Senator who voted against the legalization of marijuana now funds a cannabis production operation which was granted a licence by the Social Equity Council.
New Jersey’s top cannabis regulator speaks about efforts to monitor the legal market.
Georgia’s top medical marijuana regulator has said that patient access to cannabis is “imminent”.
California regulators have circulated tips on how cannabis users can support equity-based businesses. The Cannabis Advisory Committee Equity Subcommittee is meeting on Tuesday.
Nevada regulators will examine marijuana business issues Tuesday.
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LOCAL
Minneapolis, Minnesota,’s Mayor tweeted: “Today is an excellent day to vote for recreational marijuana legalization in MN.”
The mayors from 32 Washington State cities wrote to legislators to express their concerns over recent changes in legislation regarding the penalties for drug possession.
International
The Minister of Health in Luxembourg said that the government would soon introduce legislation to legalize marijuana.
Singapore will execute a man found guilty of marijuana trafficking on Wednesday.
/ SCIENCE AND HEALTH
According to a study, “CBGA reduces inflammation and fibrosis associated with nephropathy.”
A study conducted on rats showed that CBD could reduce the fear-related behaviors associated with alcohol use disorder and PTSD.
/ OPINION, ADVOCACY & ANALYSIS
The Hemp Industries Association and National Industrial Hemp Council have agreed to a plan of action that will be implemented in the Farm Bill 2023.
BUSINESS
SNDL Inc. has reported a quarterly net loss of C$160.2 and a revenue of C$240.4.
Dutchie promises to reimburse its marijuana clients “an amount equal to our estimated loss of profits” during a service outage on 4/20.
CULTURE
Berner spoke about the lawsuits that his company Cookies faces.
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Photo by Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
The article MN cannabis legislation debated in the House (Newsletter for April 25, 2023) first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
