HHS marijuana docs, Psychedelics and the NDAA, GOP chair: Let DC legalize cannabis sales, Latest on OH medical cannabis; FL ballot challenge
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Top Things to Know
The Department of Health and Human Services has released over 250 pages of heavily redacted documents that explain its reasoning for recommending marijuana be rescheduled, based on the determination that cannabis is currently used medically.
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report, negotiated by House of Representatives and Senate leaders, contains provisions that fund clinical trials to determine the effectiveness of psychedelics like psilocybin or MDMA in treating active duty military personnel with traumatic brain injury and PTSD.
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The final NDAA legislation does not include a provision passed by the House to create a pilot medical cannabis program for veterans, nor a section that was approved by the Senate to prevent people from losing their security clearances because of marijuana.
James Comer, the chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee (R-KY), said that local officials of the District of Columbia could legalize marijuana in the nation’s capitol without interference from Congress “if Washington D.C. wanted it.”
A group of bipartisan members of Congress, led by Rep. Dave Joyce(R-OH), filed a bill that would end the federal prohibition of marijuana in states where it is legal and legalize interstate cannabis commerce.
As of Thursday, marijuana possession and home cultivation are now legal in Ohio. However, certain provisions may still change as legislators continue to review amendments to voter-approved legalization laws.
Cannabis justice advocates have expressed concern that provisions in a bill passed by the Ohio Senate to amend its legalization law may perpetuate criminalization, undermine equity and even add expungements while maintaining home-grow rights.
Cleveland, Ohio Mayor Justin Bibb announced that the city will no longer test applicants for municipal jobs before hiring them, as a result of the legalization of marijuana in Ohio.
My Florida Green, a company that connects medical cannabis card holders with doctors, has asked the state Supreme Court for a block on removing’recreational marijuana’ from the ballot, claiming it would have a “significant impact” on its business operations and clients.
The Office of Cannabis Management, which is responsible for the administration of New York’s adult-use marijuana industry, has put a focus on patient accessibility by accepting applications for medical dispensaries. It also invites people to share stories about their therapeutic use.
This week, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission heard presentations from companies that are seeking vertically integrated licenses for medical marijuana businesses. Awards will be made next week.
Federal
The Biden administration has delayed a proposed ban of menthol cigarettes.
Former Department of Justice Senior Policy Analyst said that law enforcement restrictions on prior marijuana and other drug usage harms efforts to attract young people to apply.
Rep. Morgan McGarvey, D-KY, tweeted: “I have long supported full federal legalization of marijuana. As we work towards that goal, it is important to ensure our laws don’t hold back legitimate businesses and our economy.” It’s time to pass the SAFER Banking Act.
Three new co-sponsors have been added to the 76 total for the House bill that would legalize marijuana at federal level.
/ STATES
A Washington, D.C., lawmaker has filed a bill that would give marijuana businesses without licenses more time to transition to the legal medical cannabis industry.
A Missouri Senator pre-filed legislation that would add marijuana to the law which reduces or removes workers compensation eligibility when injured employees are found to be under alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substances.
A South Carolina Senator said that he intends to reintroduce the medical cannabis bill by 2024.
Virginia legislators discussed the prospects of passing legislation to legalize cannabis sales.
Wisconsin representatives discussed a pending marijuana decriminalization bill.
Colorado regulators sent a bulletin about marijuana product labeling requirements.
Oklahoma’s medical cannabis regulators will ask legislators to grant them the authority to supervise intoxicating hemp products.
Alabama regulators face another lawsuit regarding their licensing process for medical cannabis businesses.
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/ LOCAL
Moratoriums on marijuana business are being considered by several Ohio municipalities.
The Sussex County Council in Delaware is examining marijuana business regulations.
International
A Greek member of the European Parliament is urging the European Commission to develop a legal framework for medical marijuana.
German legislator tweeted: “#Cannabisgesetz should be decided as quickly as possible in the Bundestag.” The @spdbt must work together to reach a quick conclusion. The consumers, the judiciary, and the police all need clarity and legal certainty.”
/ SCIENCE AND HEALTH
Cannabis-based products have been shown to improve anxiety, sleep, and health-related quality-of-life in patients.
In a study on mice, CBD was found to promote cardiomyocyte proliferation as well as heart regeneration following [myocardial ischemia].
/ OPINION, ADVOCACY & ANALYSIS
Martin Luther King III gave a speech at an event on Diversity in Cannabis and Equity.
The Colorado Springs Gazette’s editorial board criticised Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, has been pushing for federal cannabis reform.
BUSINESS
Curaleaf Holdings Inc. has received conditional approval for listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
The Environmental Protection Agency fined CBD American Shaman for allegedly failing to register six antimicrobial insecticides.
Parallel faces a lawsuit from shareholders challenging its proposed restructure.
Aegis Sciences Corporation has updated its urine test products to include cannabidiol and delta-8 carboxyTHC, as well as delta-9 carboxyTHC.
CULTURE
Seth Rogen uploaded a video purporting that it showed him smoking marijuana at the Las Vegas Sphere.
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Photo by Brendan Cleak.
The article Interstate Cannabis Commerce Bill in Congress (Newsletter for December 8, 2023) first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
