Dean Phillips, POTUS candidate on marijuana; Massachusetts psychedelics signatures; Ohio legalization polls; Australian Drug Decrim comes into effect
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Top Things to Know
Marijuana Moment has compiled an in-depth look at the position of Democratic presidential candidate Rep. Dean Phillips, D-MN, on marijuana and psychoactives. He has sponsored and voted in favor of numerous reform measures, including banking and legalization legislation.
A joint hearing was held by several New York Senate Committees on the challenges facing the state in launching its legal marijuana market.
Massachusetts activists think they have enough valid signatures from voters to force legislators to take a look at a legalization measure for psychedelics next year. If the legislature does not act, the campaign will continue to petition for the initiative to be placed on the ballot in 2024.
New polling shows that 59 per cent of Ohio voters intend to vote “yes” on the marijuana legalization measure on the ballot next week. Separately, a new poll shows that two thirds of Ohio voters support the idea of cannabis legalization in general.
The new Australian Capital Territory drug possession law took effect, despite the last-ditch efforts of national legislators to block it.
Former Kansas Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee Chairman said that he believes the Senate President removed him from his leadership position as a punishment for holding hearings about medical cannabis legalization.
A Missouri Senator is calling on the Division of Cannabis Regulating and the state Attorney General to investigate social equity agreements that could be “fraudulent”, using people affected by prohibition to gain licenses, while the larger companies retain the profits.
A New York employee who worked at the first legal marijuana dispensary in New York is currently being held at Rikers island, waiting to be extradited to Pennsylvania for a cannabis-related criminal charge.
Federal
The White House held a summit to prevent youth substance abuse.
Rep. Matt Gaetz (RFL) has said that he does not believe House Speaker Mike Johnson’s (RLA) willingness to advance marijuana reform legislation.
Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-NC tweeted: “The rapid rise in people driving high puts our communities at risk and places unnecessary pressure on the #NC11 police.” The Stop Pot Act is designed to enforce federal marijuana laws, and reduce drug-impaired driving fatalities in our district.
/ STATES
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, the mayor of San Francisco, and other local officials have formed a task force to investigate opioid overdose deaths, with the hope that murder charges will be brought against their sellers.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (D), tweeted: “We know Kansans from both parties support expanding Medicaid, and legalizing medical cannabis.” It’s time that the #ksleg listens to their constituents and submits two bills to me for signing in this next legislative session.
Kentucky Treasurer candidates discuss their views on marijuana and medical cannabis.
A judge in Arkansas ruled that despite the seller’s attempts to cancel the deal, the sale of medical cannabis dispensaries can proceed.
Minnesota House Research Department has published a report about the medical cannabis program in the state.
Florida regulators have begun rulemaking on the hemp issue.
Illinois regulators released a bulletin regarding changes to the municipal and county cannabis tax.
Montana regulators have posted guidelines about fingerprinting requirements for employees and business owners of marijuana businesses.
Washington State regulators accept proposals from companies or consultants who want to create and administer a cannabis technical assistance and grant programs.
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International
Vancouver, British Columbia police raided offices of the Drug User Liberation Front. The group openly tests and distributes illicit drugs to prevent overdoses.
SCIENCE AND HEALTH
According to a review, “some evidence suggests efficacy for endocannabinoid modulation in the promotion of wound healing, for attenuation cutaneous disorder related inflammation, and management of chronic pain associated with wounds.”
/ ADVOCACY / OPINION AND ANALYSIS
In a poll of Canadian adults, 64 percent support the legalization of marijuana and 69 percent favor expungements. However, only a small majority supports legalizing other drugs like MDMA, heroin, and cocaine.
Teamsters and United Food and Commercial Workers criticize “fake” unions that are aligned with management in the cannabis industry.
BUSINESS
Meta Platforms Inc. ignores the advice of its Oversight Board to enforce stricter enforcement for drug-related posts made on Facebook and Instagram.
Trulieve WV has been sued by an ex-employee who claims he was fired and suffered retaliation after reporting alleged illegal activities at a medical marijuana growing facility.
SNDL Inc., Nova Cannabis Inc. have again extended their deadline for closing out their strategic partnership until November 30.
CULTURE
Method Man’s official cannabis brand, TICAL, is now available in Missouri.
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The post NY cannabis meeting focuses on legal markets challenges (Newsletter for October 31, 2023) first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
