SAFE Banking hearings coming soon? CDC study shows teen marijuana use has decreased since dispensaries were opened. PA legalization bill and TX decrim votes
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Top Things to Know
The Senate Banking Committee has scheduled an hearing for Thursday, May 11, on the marijuana banking issue. The Senate Banking Committee has scheduled a hearing on marijuana banking issues for next Thursday, May 11.
Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat, signed a law legalizing marijuana commerce between states pending federal policy changes. All three West Coast States — California, Oregon and Washington — now have laws governing the cross-border trade of cannabis.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a new study that shows marijuana use among high school students was on the rise from 2009 to 2013 – before legal cannabis dispensaries opened – but has declined since then.
The lieutenant-governor, who preside over the chamber, blocked the amendment as it was not germane.
Pennsylvania lawmakers have filed new bills that would legalize the sale of marijuana through a state-run system and provide permits to farmers for cannabis cultivation.
On Saturday, voters in San Antonio, Texas, will vote on a ballot initiative to decriminalize cannabis and block abortion restrictions. Harker Heights residents will have the chance to reverse City Council’s repealing of a cannabis criminalization initiative that they passed in November.
Jefferson County, Washington Board of Commissioners has passed a decriminalization of psychedelics measure.
Federal
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R), tweeted: “I helped to introduce the SAFE Banking Act so that law-abiding cannabis businesses can use safe financial services, instead of being forced to continue with all-cash operations which increase a crime risk.”
Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), tweeted: “Forcing all businesses to deal with cash makes our communities safer.” This bill [on marijuana banking] is an investment to change that.”
Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota, filed a resolution that condemned police brutality. The resolution noted that the United States has dramatically increased their influence in the last decade, particularly under the auspices the global war on terrorism and the drug wars.
STATES
Florida lawmakers sent Gov. Ron DeSantis’ (R) bill decriminalizing fentanyl testing strips.
Connecticut’s House Majority Leader discussed the challenges in ensuring social equality in the cannabis industry. Separately the state’s cannabis Social Equity Council has approved $4 million in funding for community reinvestment.
A North Carolina Senator said that she supports the medical cannabis bill, despite her concerns over its licensing provisions.
Mississippi regulators have adopted rules for medical cannabis identification cards and a registry.
Delaware agencies have begun preparing for the legalization of marijuana.
Minnesota State Patrol spoke with an official about the plans they have to combat impaired driving in the event that marijuana is legalized soon.
Oklahoma regulators released a statement regarding actions taken against noncompliant businesses that sell medical cannabis. They said the narrative of “shutting down businesses for minor infractions is simply untrue, and is used unnecessarily to spark fear among businesses operating within the law.”
Colorado Hemp Advisory Committee seeks nominations for vacant seats.
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/ LOCAL
St. The St.
New York City Mayor spoke of the “need to increase enforcement on the growing cannabis market”.
Denver, Colorado officials have launched the Cannabis Cares Program to recognize marijuana businesses who give back to their communities and neighborhoods.
The Kent City Council in Washington passed an ordinance that bans drug possession on a local level.
International
British Columbia’s municipalities are trying to clarify the rules for drug decriminalization in the province.
SCIENCE AND HEALTH
According to a study, “medical marijuana is effective in treating cancer-related pain.”
The mechanism of CBD’s inhibition of the rewarding properties of METH was studied in rats.
ADVOCACY / OPINION, ANALYSIS & ADVOCACY
The Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party tweeted, “Last year, our party promised voters that we would legalize adult-use cannabis in Minnesota. We’re now about to fulfill that promise.”
Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce urges businesses to adopt a policy of zero tolerance for marijuana use.
The New York Daily News editorial council supports the new state budget provisions that target illegal marijuana sales.
/ BUSINESS
PharmaTher Holdings Ltd. has submitted an application for fast track approval to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its ketamine-based treatment of levodopa induced dyskinesia.
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Photo by Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
The article Senate Cannabis Banking Hearing Scheduled (Newsletter for May 5, 2023) first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
