Senate Committee: Schedule I bans marijuana & psychedelics, OH ballot signatures; FL AG’s legalization application; CO Gov touts reforms
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Top Things to Know
The Department of Veterans Affairs released an updated directive clarifying the fact that VA doctors will still be prohibited from recommending medical marijuana to their veteran military patients under the Biden Administration.
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Reps. In statements made to Marijuana Moment, Brian Mast (R – FL) and Earl Blumenauer – who championed an amendment passed by the House to allow veterans get medical cannabis recommendations through VA doctors – reacted against the new policy.
The Senate Appropriations Committee released a report that highlighted how federal Schedule I classification of marijuana and psychedelics prevents scientists from studying cannabis products purchased at dispensaries.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody filed a brief in front of the State Supreme Court that basically argues that voters were too stupid to understand Trulieve’s attempt to establish its “monopolistic stranglehold” on the marijuana industry with a proposed legalization measure that it wanted to place on the ballot for 2024.
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“Most Americans are unable to name even one Supreme Court Justice.”
After failing to reach the required number of signatures in their previous submission, Ohio activists have now submitted a final batch in order to place a marijuana legalization measure on the ballot in November.
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Rep. Dave Joyce (R OH) told Marijuana Moment that he would “sign the petition .”
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat from Colorado, says that the legalization of marijuana in his state and psychedelics was a “very positive” experience.
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We put many corner drug dealers out to pasture. It has created jobs, tax revenue and a safer product .”
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission’s chairman resigned in the wake of a lawsuit that claimed his appointment as the body’s chair was illegal, and other litigation challenging the regulators decisions on marijuana business licenses.
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services fines businesses that sell illegal hemp-derived products that contain excessive THC or resemble popular snack brands.
Federal
Former Food and Drug Administration officials believe marijuana will be rescheduled in this year or by early 2024.
Sen. John Hickenlooper, (D-CO), tweeted: “Did You Hear? We have introduced the PREPARE Act, our bill that will develop a federal framework for cannabis regulation based upon Colorado’s Task Force. We’ve introduced the PREPARE Act – our bill to develop a framework for federal cannabis regulation based on Colorado’s Task Force!
Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-MN, appeared at an event to celebrate Minnesota’s new legalization of marijuana.
Former Rep. Tim Ryan, D-OH, who is launching a political action committee spoke about the “innovative” solutions that the group will promote.
/ STATES
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the state attorney general, and regulators have been sued for a new law restricting the sale of hemp-based products.
A California appeals Court reinstated a suit alleging state officials do not do enough to combat illegal marijuana sales.
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit that challenged the recall of marijuana products by Michigan regulators.
New York regulators have been sued by a group military veterans, who claim that the state unfairly favored those with previous marijuana convictions when it comes to cannabis business licenses.
White Earth Nation, a tribe in Minnesota, has opened its second recreational marijuana dispensary. The representative who sponsored the law that legalized cannabis in the state said he was excited to see the tribes lead the way.
Oklahoma regulators have revised their medical cannabis regulations.
North Dakota regulators have published guidelines on the types of medical cannabis that are allowed and the purchase limits.
Vermont regulators convene meetings to prepare recommendations on the medical cannabis program.
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Marijuana Moment tracks more than 1,000 cannabis and psychedelics bills, as well as drug policy legislation in state legislatures. Patreon supporters who pledge at least $25/month gain access to our interactive charts, maps and hearing calendar.
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/ LOCAL
Sheriff’s Deputies in Mendocino County are being sued for trespassing on Native American Land and destroying more than 100,000 marijuana plants.
Faribault police in Minnesota confiscated plants at a parking lot on suspicion of a company selling illegal marijuana.
Rapid City’s City Council in South Dakota is evaluating a proposal that would reduce the number available of medical cannabis licenses.
International
The Brazilian Supreme Court has delayed a decriminalization trial, as the House Public Security Committee passed legislation increasing drug penalties.
Former Chair of Canada’s Task Force on Legalization and Regulation of Cannabis, the former chair said that the government could face class-action litigation for its failure to conduct adequate research on health.
SCIENCE AND HEALTH
According to a study, “formulations containing cannabis significantly reduced anxiety, depression, fatigue and the ability of participants with anxiety disorders to participate in social activity.”
BUSINESS
Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. has reported a quarterly revenue of $76.5 Million.
MariMed Inc. reported a quarterly revenue of 36.5 million dollars and a loss of 935,000.
CULTURE
Diddy, according to reports, is still interested in exploring opportunities in the cannabis sector after his planned purchase of certain assets failed when the merger between Cresco Labs & Columbia Care was cancelled.
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The article VA Medical Cannabis Policy Updated for Veterans (Newsletter – August 4, 2023) first appeared on Marijuana Minute.
