Congressional marijuana bank report; South Africa legalization, SD cannabis initiative, Marijuana users have more empathy and DEA CBD lawsuit
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Top Things to Know
The Congressional Research Service has released a report that outlines the penalties that banks could face for working with marijuana businesses, while reform legislation is still pending in the Senate. This includes the Controlled Substances Act and anti-money-laundering laws.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), sent a letter to the Drug Enforcement Administration urging them to act “with great urgency” in order to reschedule cannabis according to the recommendation of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s actions are “unjustified, illegal and inexplicable,” according to a new federal court brief submitted on behalf of an agent fired after he used hemp-derived CBD products which caused a positive THC result.
The National Assembly of South Africa has passed a bill legalizing marijuana.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), the New York Governor, signed legislation allowing marijuana companies to deduct their business expenses from NYC local taxes. This is an expansion of a partial workaround 280E that was already enacted to cover state taxes.
South Dakota Attorney-General Marty Jackley released a draft of an explanation for a legalization initiative. This is the second measure of this kind proposed for the ballot in 2024. However, it would also regulate sales as well as legalize possession and cultivation.
The New Hampshire commission tasked with drafting legislation to legalize the sale of marijuana through a state-controlled system finished a marathon session after examining a draft bill. However, members are still divided on key issues in light of a deadline approaching December 1.
According to a new study, marijuana users have a better “empathic understanding” of other people’s emotions. These findings “highlight the positive effects of cannabis in interpersonal relationships and possible therapeutic applications.”
The Missouri Division of Cannabin Regulation has revoked the license of a marijuana-manufacturing company that was accused of illegally importing products of cannabis from outside of Missouri.
Federal
The U.S. Department of Agriculture conducts a survey regarding its weekly hemp report.
Sen. Susan Collins (R – ME) was briefed by the Drug Enforcement Administration about efforts to combat illegal Chinese marijuana operations in Maine.
Rep. Rep.
A new sponsor has been added to the House resolution that notes Black people “systematically criminalized and targeted” by the War on Drugs. This brings it up to 13 co-sponsors.
STATES
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R), Indiana’s governor, said that he is not interested in legalizing marijuana so long as the federal prohibition remains.
The New Jersey Supreme Court has ruled that the police may continue to use a controversial method for identifying drug-impaired drivers, but with new limitations.
California regulators have issued an embargo against cannabis products which may be “adulterated” by “poisonous” or “deleterious” substances.
New York regulators have approved new hemp rules, but cancelled a vote planned on a settlement to a litigation which has stopped more marijuana dispensaries opening.
Oregon regulators have approved changes to the marijuana tax laws.
Maine regulators have issued guidance regarding changes to marijuana laws.
Oklahoma officials confiscated more than 77,000 marijuana plants that were not tagged and traceable at medical cannabis operations.
The Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice conducted a police training on cannabis regulation.
Two men were sentenced to probation by an Ohio court for defrauding their investors. They had convinced them to invest in what was a fake medical marijuana grow operation.
Guam regulators will examine marijuana issues on Monday.
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/ LOCAL
Bluefield’s City Board of Directors, West Virginia, is examining a proposal to decriminalize marijuana.
Aurora officials are worried about the funding of homeless services in Aurora as marijuana revenues decline.
International
The new Luxembourg government intends to keep the non-commercial marijuana law in place.
Irish lawmakers will likely consider a bill legalizing marijuana in January.
UK lawmakers wrote to Prime Minister Rishi sunak urging him to allow the National Health Service to prescribe medical cannabis.
SCIENCE AND HEALTH
In a study, “cannabis use decreased weight by 1,87 kg and [waist diameter]”, and “longer follow-up periods are associated with more pronounced reductions in [body mass index].
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION AND ANALYSIS
The Ohio Mayors Alliance held a conference to discuss the options available for localities under the voter-approved legalization of marijuana law in Ohio.
Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America is hosting a hemp beverage exhibit area during its conference between January and February.
BUSINESS
MedMen Enterprises Inc. updated its financial statement filing capability.
Teamsters Local 413 was voted in by the Strawberry Fields workers of Columbus, Ohio.
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Photo by California State Fair.
The article Cannabis Tax Cut Bill Signed in NY (Newsletter for November 20, 2023) first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
