A congressman’s vision of “productive” marijuana in 2024; OH gov. wants sales to start ASAP; MO cannabis odor legislation; SD gun warnings at dispensaries; NM record sales
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Top Things to Know
The Drug Enforcement Administration reminded Congress in a new letter that it has “the final authority” on marijuana rescheduling–regardless of the Schedule III recommendation from the Department of Health and Human Services.
Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-OR, predicts that marijuana reform will have a “productive” year in a memo which looks at 2023’s accomplishments as well as what may be in store for 2024. This includes a call for President Joe Biden (D-OR), who is preparing to run for reelection in 2020, to embrace legalization.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, is pressing lawmakers to allow recreational marijuana sales “very soon” with a sense of urgency now that possession has been legalized. He also calls for a prohibition on hemp-derived intoxicants.
William Galvin, Secretary of Commonwealth in Massachusetts (D), certified that activists had collected enough signatures for lawmakers to be forced to consider a legalization initiative involving psychedelics this year. If it doesn’t pass, the voters will decide in November.
A Missouri representative has introduced a bill that would prevent police from using marijuana smell as a justification for searching vehicles, homes and property.
South Dakota lawmakers have filed a bill that would require medical marijuana dispensaries to display warnings regarding a federal law criminalizing the possession of firearms by those who are “addicted” to marijuana. Those who don’t comply could face daily fines.
New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department announced that retailers had set a record for marijuana sales in December. This marks the culmination of a total purchase of more than half a billion dollars of cannabis in the first year the recreational market was legal in New Mexico.
Federal
Former Food and Drug Administration officials discuss the implications of marijuana being reclassified.
Former Drug Enforcement Administration special agent and supervisor claimed that Mexican drug cartels were growing marijuana in U.S.A. and selling it through state-licensed cannabis business.
Sen. John Hickenlooper, (D-CO), tweeted: “When I served as Governor, we implemented an initiative that was approved by voters to create the first legal recreational cannabis market in THE WORLD. Ten years after Colorado legalized marijuana, 23 other states have followed its lead.
Former Rep.Tim Murphy, (R-PA), claimed that marijuana has a “huge impact on increasing anxiety and depression.”
STATES
In a review of the year, Texas’s Agriculture Commissioner praised the state’s licensing program for hemp.
Wisconsin representatives discuss the prospects of marijuana legislation in 2024.
A judge in Arkansas delayed his ruling on a lawsuit that challenged rules restricting the advertising of medical cannabis.
Virginia’s top cannabis regulator speaks about the challenges of delta-8 and delta-10 products.
New Mexico regulators have revoked the licenses of two cannabis businesses for alleged violations.
Missouri regulators have published a report about cannabis equity.
Alabama regulators face additional legal challenges in their decisions on medical cannabis businesses licensing.
Oregon regulators have published guidelines on the psilocybin service rules.
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Marijuana Moment has tracked more than 900 bills relating to cannabis, psychedelics, and drug policy in state legislatures as well as Congress this year. Patreon supporters who pledge at least $25/month gain access to our interactive charts, maps and hearing calendar.
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INTERNATIONAL
A German legislator said that revisions are being considered to an upcoming marijuana legalization bill.
SCIENCE AND HEALTH
The study “underscores cannabinoids’ promise as SARS-CoV-2 treatment agents.”
In a study on mice, CBD was found to “improve learning and memory deficiencies and alleviate anxiety.”
/ ADVOCACY OPINION AND ANALYSIS
Hemp industry groups have published a list of priorities that they believe should be included in the Farm Bill 2024.
/ BUSINESS
1933 Industries Inc. posted a quarterly revenue of C$5.5million and a loss of C$0.4million.
Agrify Corporation posted quarterly revenue of $3.1million and a loss of $2.1million.
Auxly Cannabis Group Inc. has signed a term sheet that is non-binding to amend and restate the credit facility between Auxly Leamington Inc., its subsidiary and a group of lenders.
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The first time Marijuana Moment published the DEA Cannabis Rescheduling Update (Newsletter – January 4, 2024).
