FDA accepts MDMA review; DE marijuana sales delay; Study: Delta-8 interest in illegal states; VA legal cannabis sales plans; DEA psilocybin lawsuit
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Top Things to Know
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, said that officials in Pennsylvania “don’t have a choice any more” about legalizing marijuana because of the rapid pace at which the issue is spreading across the region and the nation.
The Food and Drug Administration accepted an application for MDMA-assisted treatment as a possible treatment for PTSD. This review was given priority status and a completion date of August 11 is the target.
Delaware’s marijuana commission said that recreational cannabis sales may not begin until March 2025. This is four months later than originally planned. However, regulators are looking at allowing medical dispensaries in Delaware to serve adult consumers earlier.
Virginia’s Senate and House of Delegates each have given their initial approval of competing plans for legalizing recreational marijuana sales. This sets the stage for bicameral negotiation in the next few weeks to create a single bill that can be sent to the Governor.
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The measures to resentencing cannabis offenders and preventing legal marijuana use from denying parental visitation or custody rights have also been advanced.
A doctor who wanted to give psilocybin to terminally ill patients filed a brief with the federal court asking it to overturn the Drug Enforcement Administration decision to deny his access to the psychedelic. He said the decision was “arbitrary and arbitrarily.”
New research shows that the interest in delta-8 THC, a cannabinoid not regulated by federal law and commonly synthesized from hemp or derived therefrom, is significantly higher in those states where marijuana remains illegal.
Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens, a Republican, is not in a hurry to amend the voter-approved law legalizing marijuana. He says it’s “complex” and he’d like to “thoroughly discuss” any possible amendments.
Federal
The Drug Enforcement Administration published an interview with the pharmacologist who collects the data for scheduling decisions.
The National Cancer Institute encourages researchers to apply for funding to support studies that examine contemporary modifiable environmental exposures, including cannabis use, which has an uncertain impact on cancer.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), announced the winners of its annual essay contest, which is open to Vermont high school students. One of those essays argues for opening safe consumption locations for illegal drugs.
STATES
South Dakota lawmakers sent Gov. Kristi Noem, (R), a bill that would allow employers to terminate workers who are in jobs with safety-sensitive duties because they use medical cannabis.
Virginia’s Senate President pro tempore tweets: “Are there any 420 people who would be interested in a tweet to let them know that my bill prohibiting marijuana from being used as evidence of child abuse and neglect (absent another conduct) was unanimously passed by the Senate Committee this week?”
Missouri House and Senate Committees heard testimony regarding legislation restricting hemp-derived products.
The Minnesota legislator who sponsored the law that legalized marijuana in the state said he would work to speed up the launch of a legal market this session.
Senator A New York senator discusses his bill that would allow out-of-state medical marijuana patients to receive reciprocity.
Ohio’s top marijuana regulator speaks about an initial set of proposed rules.
Maryland regulators have announced the lottery that will determine which applicants for marijuana equity business licences advance.
Kentucky regulators have said that they are ready to issue licenses for medical cannabis businesses early, if lawmakers give them permission.
Maine’s Permanent Commission on Racial, Indigenous & Tribal Populations has called on legislators to pass a bill decriminalizing drugs.
Oregon regulators have suspended the license of a marijuana grower due to alleged violations.
The U.S. Virgin Islands Cannabis Advisory Board will meet on Tuesday. The Virgin Islands Cannabis Advisory Board is meeting on Tuesday.
California officials are holding a public sale of property confiscated during cannabis enforcement action on Thursday.
New York’s marijuana regulators will be meeting on Friday.
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/ LOCAL
Winnebago’s Mayor was arrested for allegedly running a marijuana growing operation.
The Boston, Massachusetts Cannabis Board meets on Wednesday.
International
The Chair of the Philippine House Dangerous Drugs Committee talked about a medical marijuana bill that’s advancing.
Former chair of the Malta Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis, criticized the government for failing to prepare for the impact of legalizing marijuana on society.
SCIENCE AND HEALTH
An analysis of the research on multiples sclerosis concluded “cannabinoids have potential to be used as a disease-modifying therapy rather than just symptomatic relief.”
CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety in cats.
/ ADVOCACY OPINION AND ANALYSIS
The Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors wants marijuana legalization to include provisions that give municipalities a portion of the state’s tax revenue.
BUSINESS
Cresco Labs, Inc. has announced that some of its board members will be receiving super-voting shares.
Michigan retailers sold legal marijuana products worth $242.8 millions in January.
Colorado retailers sold $115,8 million in legal marijuana products during December.
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The post Pennsylvania has no other choice than to legalize marijuana, the government says (Newsletter for February 13, 2024:) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.
