Fmr. FDA official on marijuana. German legalization is delayed. Psychedelics are in Congress. WI psilocybin bills; NH cannabis bill; TX decrim
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Top Things to Know
Howard Sklamberg, former chair of the Food and Drug Administration Marijuana Working Group, said he would be “shocked,” if the Drug Enforcement Administration didn’t reschedule cannabis by next year’s Presidential election.
Pennsylvania Gov. The office of Josh Shapiro (D), and other key legislators, say that the legalization in Ohio is another reason why Pennsylvania should end its cannabis prohibition.
While Ohio’s statewide legalization of marijuana made national headlines in recent weeks, three local municipalities approved ballot initiatives that decriminalized even more cannabis than allowed by the state reform.
The German Bundestag delayed the final vote scheduled for this week on the marijuana legalization legislation. This could push the possible implementation of the reform to next year.
The House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health will hold the first ever congressional hearing on psychedelics on February 2. The original meeting date was set for last month, but it was moved due to the lengthy speaker election.
Senators and Representatives from Wisconsin filed a bipartisan bill to establish a pilot psilocybin program in the State.
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“We should all be in agreement on increasing treatment options for veterans with PTSD.”
The National Institutes of Health has allocated $2 million to fund research on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD to treat substance abuse disorders.
As the deadline for submitting a bill to legislators on December 1 looms, members of a New Hampshire committee charged with drafting legislation that would legalize marijuana through a state-controlled system are at odds over certain details.
A new report shows how similar measures passed in other Texas cities have saved hundreds of people from jail and increased voter participation by appearing on the ballot.
New research has found that the legalization of marijuana was linked to a “nearly a 50% decrease” in the odds of cannabis-use disorder among hospital ER visits for treatment and release.
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“Policymakers can continue to pass recreational marijuana laws–for the same reasons that states are enacting similar legislation–without putting the public’s health or safety at risk.
Federal
Asa Hutchinson (a Republican presidential candidate and former governor of Arkansas and administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration) tweeted: “On the first day of my administration I will tackle the fentanyl crisis and the opioid crisis by elevating ONDCP Director to my cabinet. This assures parents that this is one of my top priorities. “I will increase resources to secure our border, and the Mexican Cartels are going to be Public Enemy No. 1.”
Former administrators of the Drug Enforcement Administration congratulated the agency on its 50th Anniversary.
Newt Gingrich, former House Speaker (R-GA), acknowledged that Ohio’s legalization of marijuana “did much better” than one would have expected a state with a more Republican population to do.
Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA), tweeted: “70% of Americans support national cannabis legalization.” People who have used marijuana are discriminated against in our federal hiring process. “These laws are outdated, and I am fighting to change them.”
/ STATES
Illinois lawmakers sent Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s (D) bill would impose a moratorium for new marijuana transporter licences, and temporarily waive fees to current businesses.
A representative from Ohio wants to use marijuana revenues to fund police training.
New York’s court has issued an injunction to stop the restrictions on cannabinoid hemp products. Separately regulators have changed the maximum amount of nickel allowed in marijuana tested. A Medical Cannabis Advisory Council will also be established.
The Alabama Court of Civil Appeals will consider a challenge against a lower court decision to not block regulators in their efforts to implement medical cannabis licensing and rules.
Arizona regulators have announced a voluntary marijuana recall due to possible aspergillus contamination.
Colorado regulators adopted revised marijuana rules.
California officials are examining proposed rules regarding the discharge of cannabis waste by cultivators.
Montana’s rules for increasing marijuana licensing fees have been put on hold due to a legal challenge.
Michigan regulators have launched programs to reward veteran-owned marijuana business and those who offer discounts to veterans.
Vermont regulators have announced that they will temporarily cease issuing licenses for large-scale marijuana cultivation in order to protect small growers and limit the supply.
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/ LOCAL
Augusta City Council in Maine is expected to vote next month to allow recreational marijuana business.
International
Western Australia’s lawmaker has criticized the government for its stance on drug seizure policies.
SCIENCE AND HEALTH
According to a review, “cannabis subproducts and cannabis could be used as adjuncts for obesity treatment because they can help reduce relevant anthropometric measures.”
According to a review, MDMA “can reduce PTSD symptoms, even in cases that are resistant to treatment, by increasing certain neurohormones such as dopamine and serotonin and norepinephrine and oxytocin”, and “it modulates the activities in brain regions that control fear and anxiety.”
/ OPINION, ADVOCACY & ANALYSIS
The Ohio Conference of Teamsters applauded the legalization of marijuana in Ohio.
The Australian Medical Association opposes a bill that is currently being considered to legalize marijuana.
The ACLU of Indiana posted on Twitter, “Now that Ohio voted to legalize pot, Indiana will be soon surrounded by three states which have legalized marijuana for medicinal use, and one with full legalization.”
BUSINESS
Surterra Wellness is owed nearly $1 million by its landlord.
The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. shares elected directors.
Organigram Holdings Inc. now has an interim chief financial officer.
Colorado retailers sold $128 Million worth of legal marijuana in September.
CULTURE
Josh Gordon, a football player, noted Ohio’s legalization marijuana in a thread on Threads, writing, “Damnn, just now Ohio want to act right.”
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The article Ohio legal cannabis pushes PA (Newsletter November 13, 2023) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.
