House Dems File Legalization Measure; PA Medical Marijuana Bill; Brown Unsure on OH Cannabis Vote; UN Drug Decrim Push; Psilocybin Study; MN Regulator
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Top Things to Know
Sens. Cynthia Lummis, R-WY and Steve Daines, R-MT–who co-sponsored cannabis banking legislation –said that they would soon file a new law to “ensure that marijuana cannot be legallyized federally without Congressional approval.”
Rep. Jerrold N. Nadler, D-NY, and 33 Democratic co-sponsors re-filed a bill that would legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana on a federal level, and include provisions for expunging prior cannabis convictions. The Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment and Expungement Act (MORE) passed the House under Democratic control twice.
Pennsylvania Senate passed legislation allowing all licensed medical marijuana grower-processors to sell directly to patients. Some lawmakers suggest that the House add an amendment to allow home cultivation.
Sherrod Brown, the chairman of the Senate Banking Committee (D-OH), said he is not certain how he will vote in November on Ohio’s marijuana legalization initiative. He also works on cannabis banking legislation at Congress.
In a new report, the United Nations Office for the High Commissioner of Human Rights has recommended that countries consider decriminalization instead of ending the drug war.
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“Treating drug users as criminals does not solve the problem.”
The Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation, which is funded by tobacco and alcoholic companies, recommends that the federal government issue tax stamps for marijuana products legal to combat the illegal market.
According to a new study, people who take psilocybin experience “significant improvements” in their mental health, psychological functioning, and wellbeing.
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“There were persistent reductions in anxiety and depression, as well as alcohol misuse. There was also an increase in cognitive flexibility, emotional regulation, spiritual wellness, extraversion and increased cognitive flexibility.”
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, appointed the owner of a hemp-derived marijuana business to the position of top state marijuana regulator.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner drummond (R), has formed a marijuana task force. He also launched a tip-line for people who want to report illegal cannabis growers.
Negotiations are ongoing between the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission, and attorneys representing companies who sued over its licensing process for medical marijuana businesses.
Federal
Elinore Mcance-Katz, former Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use at the Department of Health and Human Services, wrote an op/ed in which she called on Congress to amend the marijuana banking legislation by including provisions that “require accurate and clear labeling of products containing THC.”
Sens. Kevin Cramer, Kyrsten Sinesma and Jack Rosen (D-NV), all of whom are Republicans from North Dakota, sent out press releases expressing their support for the marijuana banking bill.
Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-OR, tweeted: “We are on the right track to bring the SAFER Banking Act through to its conclusion.” It’s dangerous to force legal cannabis businesses that operate all-cash. This opens the door for robberies and muggings, money laundering and organized crime.
Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-AL, touted the letter he wrote urging Drug Enforcement Administration to not reschedule cannabis.
Five new co-sponsors have been added to the 77 total for the House marijuana banking legislation.
/ STATES
Former Missouri House Speaker, a former Missouri House speaker, spoke on the growing support for policy reform regarding psychedelics.
The Washington State Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee examines whether marijuana production in the state matches demand.
A Maryland legislator defended the timeline for Maryland’s marijuana licensing processes from criticism.
A Rhode Island court ruled that marijuana cultivators who are in the process to have their licenses revoked could not continue selling their products.
Mississippi regulators have revised their medical cannabis regulations.
Arizona regulators have filed revised marijuana regulations.
Florida Board of Nursing has been asked to decide whether nurse practitioners can recommend medical marijuana.
Colorado regulators have published a bulletin regarding the federal recommendation to reschedule marijuana.
New York regulators responded to public comments about proposed marijuana regulations.
The Massachusetts Cannabis Social Equity Advisory Board meets on Monday.
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LOCAL
Rock Springs City Council in Wyoming heard testimony on marijuana decriminalization.
The Trumball County Mental Health and Recovery Board in Ohio urges voters to reject the legalization of marijuana initiative on the November ballot.
International
Srettha Tavisin, Thai Prime Minister, said that the country would rewrite cannabis policy in order to only allow its medical use.
The use of marijuana by Canadian youth has declined in the last year.
SCIENCE AND HEALTH
In a case study, CBD was well tolerated by postmenopausal osteopenia patients after 12 weeks of twice daily oral administration. It was also associated with a reduction in the measured markers of bone breakdown.
According to a review, “psychedelics may be effective in treating cancer pain and certain headache disorders.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION AND ANALYSIS
The Union of B.C. The Union of B.C.
ONE HEMP, a new coalition of CBD companies, advocates for Food and Drug Administration regulations of hemp-derived CBD as dietary supplements.
Virginian-Pilot’s editorial board has called on legislators to end the “legal limbo” over marijuana in the state.
BUSINESS
Kindly MD is planning to go public.
PBC has launched a program for cannabis banking certification.
Green Thumb Industries Inc. welcomes new members to its board.
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The article GOP Senate bills to block cannabis legalization, (Newsletter for September 22, 2023) first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
