Cannabis News Today

[user 60570]

Moar News

FEDERAL

The Drug Enforcement Administration is moving to schedule two more psychedelics. Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) said Colorado "legalized recreational marijuana and we haven’t seen any increase in teenage consumption, teenage experimentation or overall consumption.” Rep. Andy Levin (D-MI) tweeted photos of his visit to a marijuana dispensary. Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) tweeted, "Tax Day is April 18. We are reminded that Congress prohibits DC from spending the local tax dollars DC raises for abortions for low-income women and commercializing recreational marijuana, even though states are able to spend their own tax dollars for both purposes." Pennsylvania Democratic Senate candidate John Fetterman, currently the lieutenant governor, said it is a "high honor" to be included on High Times's list of the 100 most influential people in cannabis. Ohio Democratic congressional candidate Nina Turner tweeted, "It’s time to decriminalize cannabis. It’s time to expunge records. And the industry better be equitable for Black and brown communities harmed by its criminalization.Enough is enough." She also tweeted, "Despite similar rates of usage, Black people are FOUR TIMES more likely to be arrested for cannabis possession than white people. Enough." STATES Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) appointed a new top marijuana regulator. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) tweeted, "Tomorrow marks six years since we legalized medical marijuana in Pennsylvania. We can do more to improve accessibility, but I’m proud of the work we’ve done so far. Hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians feel better each day because of legalized medical marijuana." And the state's official Twitter account posted, "This weekend we celebrate six years of legalized medical marijuana in Pennsylvania. Learn how you can benefit from this program." New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) tweeted, "Recreational cannabis is here to stay in #NM! In its first weekend, cannabis brought in over $672,000 in tax revenue. We're creating a whole new revenue stream through legalized cannabis & with it, we're going to expand opportunities for all New Mexicans." Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist, currently a congressman, spoke about his support for legalizing marijuana. Colorado's treasurer tweeted, "Colorado weed stores, along with other states with legal cannabis businesses, are headed into their busiest week of the year; yet these businesses must dangerously operate in a cash-based world. Let’s pass the #SAFEBankingAct this #fourtwenty." Washington State's treasurer tweeted examples of robberies at marijuana businesses, saying it shows why Congress needs to pass cannabis banking legislation. Missouri activists are running up against a deadline to collect enough signatures to qualify a marijuana legalization initiative for the November ballot. Washington, D.C.'s Council chairman suggested that large multi-state operators are secretly behind unlicensed marijuana "gifting" businesses. Maine lawmakers approved a bill to reimburse municipalities for up to $20,000 for costs associated with allowing marijuana businesses to operate. The Tennessee House Criminal Justice Committee amended a bill that would have banned delta-8 THC products to instead tax and regulate them. New Jersey's Senate Budget Committee chairman wants to change the law to remove the right of police officers to use marijuana while off duty. A Wisconsin senator whose medical cannabis bill is being heard on 4/20—after the session has effectively ended—said she "would have loved to hold a hearing a little bit earlier, but this is what leadership agreed to." A Georgia judge granted an injunction against a crackdown on delta-8 and delta-10 THC products and rejected state officials' motion to dismiss a lawsuit seeking to stop the policy. Montana regulators proposed rules on marijuana business proximity to places of worship or schools and on remitting local-option cannabis excise tax collections to localities. Michigan regulators aren't explaining why they suddenly placed administrative holds on certain marijuana products. Separately, regulators withdrew a request for rulemaking on allowing THC to be synthetically converted from hemp. Vermont regulators will vote on closing the window for marijuana business pre-qualification applications on Monday.

 

[user 60570]

The News

TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Massachusetts activists launched an effort to put a measure to decriminalize psychedelics—and all drugs—on the Worcester ballot and separately force lawmakers to file statewide reform legislation "by request.”

The Nevada Board of Pharmacy is being sued in an ACLU-backed lawsuit over its failure to remove marijuana from its state Schedule I status—thereby continuing to subject some people to felony cannabis prosecution despite legalization.

​

Deadlines for Missouri to legalize marijuana this year—either by qualifying an initiative for the November ballot, or by passing a bill through the legislature—are approaching in the next few weeks. Even Ben & Jerry's is fed up with the Senate’s inaction on marijuana. For 4/20week, the ice cream company transformed the front of its website to an action center where people can send letters urging senators to follow the House in voting to legalize cannabis.

​

In a new Marijuana Moment op-ed, Jim Higdon of Cornbread Hemp breaks down why Kentucky’s medical cannabis bill stalled and died in the Senate after passing the House this year. / FEDERAL The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture tweeted, "A new study by @kstateag finds that feeding cattle industrial hemp may have a beneficial effect on their welfare: a reduction in stress and increasing the times when they lie down." Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) said Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) is "on the wrong side of history" for moving to increase certain marijuana penalties. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) spoke about the prospects for her marijuana legalization bill. Rep Dina Titus (D-NV) tweeted, "Glad to join @RepMoulton in cosponsoring HR6991 which will destigmatize medical marijuana in @VeteransHealth. This bill will encourage vets to openly discuss medicinal cannabis with their health care providers, and make it illegal for vets to lose their benefits for using it." Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) tweeted, "With legal marijuana sales set to begin next week, we have a tremendous opportunity to right many of the wrongs of the past. That starts with ensuring minority communities can participate in and benefit from the growing marijuana industry in New Jersey." Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA) tweeted, "The MORE Act treats cannabis legalization like the racial and economic justice issue it is. I enthusiasticallyvoted for it in the House and the Senate needs to bring this life-changing legislation forward to a vote." Pennsylvania Democratic Senate candidate John Fetterman, currently the lieutenant governor, spoke about how his thoughts on marijuana edibles have evolved after speaking to people who have concerns.

 

[user 60570]

STATES

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) appointed a new chair of the Access to Medical Cannabis Commission. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said he's "relieved" that recreational marijuana sales will begin this week. He also said he is open to legislative changes to police officers' ability to use cannabis while off duty. Idaho Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stephen Heidt supports decriminalizing, but not legalizing, marijuana. Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Cranley tweeted, "My name is John Cranley. I'm the former mayor of Cincinnati and I'm running for governor of Ohio because it's time to legalize marijuana, create new jobs, and hold our utility companies accountable for their corruption.." Rhode Island's attorney general said he knows that marijuana legalization "is coming" but he has concerns about impaired driving. The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands attorney general's office described the kinds of marijuana cases they will and won't prosecute. Maine lawmakers sent Gov. Janet Mills (D) a bill to allow marijuana home delivery and curbside pickup. The California Assembly Labor and Employment Committee will hold a hearing on a bill to protect workers from being punished for off-the-job cannabis use on Wednesday. Here's a look at medical cannabis reform bills that Oklahoma lawmakers are considering. Colorado regulators posted a marijuana compliance guide in advance of 4/20. Separately, they are also promoting a meeting on cannabis equity scheduled for Tuesday. Washington, D.C. regulators sent information about a medical cannabis sales tax holiday taking place this week.

Follow Marijuana Moment on Twitter for Breaking Cannabis News​

 

[joeb631a]

I can picture you on Channel 12 News....

 

[user 60570]

I can picture you on Channel 12 News....

channel 420!

 

[user 60570]

Your Midweek Pot News!

TOP THINGS TO KNOW

The Missouri House Rules - Legislative Oversight Committee approved a GOP-led marijuana legalization bill, which now heads to a floor vote. On the one-year anniversary of the House approving his standalone marijuana banking bill, Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO)sent a letter asking Senate leaders to pass the legislation as they continue to craft a broader legalization plan. "We cannot let our fight for comprehensive cannabis reform stall progress this year.”

​

New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) acknowledged there’s a "federal hurdle” to his idea of growing marijuana on public housing rooftops—but says his administration will talk to federal agencies about getting a waiver to allow the innovative cannabis strategy.

​

Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is inviting 4th-12th grade students to brainstorm new inventions made of hemp for an essay contest.

​

A new poll found that three out of four South Carolina Republican primary voters support legalizing medical cannabis. The survey comes as a Senate-passed bill is on its way to the House floor. A new study concluded that legalizing recreational marijuana is tied to "significant reductions in the volume of prescriptions...for pain, depression, anxiety, sleep, psychosis and seizures,” and that the "substitution away from prescription drugs" toward cannabis could lead to "cost savings for state Medicaid programs.”

​

 

[user 60570]

It ain’t over yet!

FEDERAL

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit heard oral arguments in cases challenging Drug Enforcement Administration hemp rules. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture published blog posts about its work to collect data about the hemp industry and how it is funding research on the crop. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) tweeted, "The vast majority of Americans support legalizing the adult use of cannabis. I'm working with @SenBooker and @RonWyden to end the federal prohibition and ensure equity for the communities most harmed by the War on Drugs. As Senate Majority Leader—this is a Senate priority." Rep. Jim Clyburn (R-SC) tweeted, "SC ranks 2nd in marijuana poss. arrest rate in the US. Futures ruined. It’s time for real criminal justice reform. The MORE Act I helped pass, not only decriminalizes marijuana, but also expunges marijuana-related charges for non-violent offenders, etc." Pennsylvania Democratic Senate candidate John Fetterman, currently the lieutenant governor, tweeted, "It's almost Legal Weed o'clock and we're running out of time so I gotta ask - Can you help yours truly reach 420K followers by 4/20? We're only like 1.3K away and there's a Legal Weed for PA shirt with your name on it " California Democratic congressional candidate Shahid Buttar tweeted, "Psychedelics should be legal. Their criminalization has always been constitutionally suspect, because acts that don’t threaten others should not be crimes. That’s one reason why we aim in Congress to end the failed—and racist—war on drugs. Happy Bicycle Day!" The House bill to decriminalize drugs got one new cosponsor for a total of 18.

 

[user 60570]

Now it is!

STATES

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) indicated that he doesn't plan to use marijuana when legal sales begin this week, saying that it "has never been an animating thing for me." Separately, the Senate president opposes calls to allow police departments to punish officers for off-duty cannabis use. Pennsylvania Republican gubernatorial candidates discussed marijuana at a debate. Mississippi's secretary of state issued a statement expressing concerns about a bill that grants temporary exemptions to several state laws while agencies are implementing the medical cannabis program. Nebraska activists put out a call for "angel donors" to fund a signature gathering drive to place medical cannabis initiatives on the ballot. Missouri activists said they have collected more than 200,000 signatures for a marijuana legalization ballot measure, but the deadline to turn in petitions is approaching soon. The California Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee approved a bill on interstate cannabis agreements. The Louisiana House Health and Welfare Committee approved several medical cannabis reform bills. Colorado representatives coauthored an op-ed criticizing a law that defelonized drug possession. A New York assemblymember tweeted, "Passing my medical psilocybin bill will go a long way in relieving the suffering that so many are facing." A former Indiana senator said the state should formally study legalizing marijuana. The Oklahoma Supreme Court cleared two proposed marijuana ballot initiatives to move forward. New Mexico regulators awarded the state's first cannabis social consumption business license. Alabama's top medical cannabis regulator said it will probably be "a year or more" before products are available in dispensaries. Vermont regulators voted to close the pre-qualification window for marijuana licenses on May 31. An Arkansas judge ruled the regulators cannot avoid a lawsuit claiming they acted in a discriminatory manner when issuing medical cannabis business licenses. Minnesota regulators sent a reminder about an April 30 deadline to apply for hemp cultivation and processing licenses.

 

[joeb631a]

Is there a test after this and if so when ? !!!!

 

[user 60570]

POP QUIZ TODAY AT NOON!

 

[joeb631a]

POP QUIZ TODAY AT NOON!

I better get crackin!!!
"The 420 Regents" I thought I was going to get "Grandfathered " in ....

 

[RosterMan]

Top Florida Democrat sues Biden administration over marijuana and guns
Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried's lawsuit targets a federal requirement that prohibits medical marijuana users from purchasing firearms.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida’s lone statewide elected Democrat, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, plans to sue the Biden administration Wednesday to try to block a federal rule that prohibits medical marijuana users from buying guns or maintaining concealed-carry permits.

NBC News obtained a draft copy of the lawsuit.

The lawsuit targets a federal form that asks whether the gun buyer is an unlawful user of drugs and specifies that marijuana is illegal under federal law. A person allowed by the state to use marijuana must then check “yes,” which results in denial of the purchase. Lying by checking “no” runs the risk of a five-year prison sentence for making a false statement.

More here: Top Florida Democrat sues Biden administration over marijuana and guns

 

[joeb631a]

Top Florida Democrat sues political name administration over marijuana and guns
Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried's lawsuit targets a federal requirement that prohibits medical marijuana users from purchasing firearms.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida’s lone statewide elected Democrat, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, plans to sue the political name administration Wednesday to try to block a federal rule that prohibits medical marijuana users from buying guns or maintaining concealed-carry permits.

NBC News obtained a draft copy of the lawsuit.

The lawsuit targets a federal form that asks whether the gun buyer is an unlawful user of drugs and specifies that marijuana is illegal under federal law. A person allowed by the state to use marijuana must then check “yes,” which results in denial of the purchase. Lying by checking “no” runs the risk of a five-year prison sentence for making a false statement.

More here: Top Florida Democrat sues political name administration over marijuana and guns

new haircut?

 

[user 60570]

Breaking News!

TOP THINGS TO KNOW

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, when pressed on President Joe Biden’s failure to follow through on his campaign pledge to decriminalize marijuana and free prisoners, instead touted moves to expand cannabis research.

​

Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)—the Senate’s third-highest-ranking Democrat—said getting marijuana banking legislation passed through the large-scale America COMPETES Act is one of her “top priorities," noting it'll take much longer to work out broader legalization that Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and others are holding out for.

​

Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Nikki Fried, who is also running as a Democratic gubernatorial candidate, filed a lawsuit challenging the federal government’s ban on allowing medical cannabis patients to purchase or possess guns.

​

Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D)wrote in a new Marijuana Moment op-ed for 4/20 that legalization is boosting the state’s economy, funding schools and furthering equity. “Cannabis has the potential to set Nevada’s economy ablaze,” he says in the pun-filled piece.

​

The Washington, D.C. City Council unanimously advanced a bill to ban most workplaces from firing or otherwise punishing employees for marijuana use. A vote on final passage is scheduled for next month. Ohio representatives filed a bill that mirrors the text of a voter-initiated marijuana legalization proposal. If the legislature doesn’t pass it by May 28, activists can collect more signatures to put the measure on the November ballot. Indiana Democratic Senate candidate Thomas McDermott, currently the mayor of Hammond, smoked marijuana in a campaign ad—the second Senate contender to do so this cycle.

​

Elected officials, political party organizations and government agenciesacross the U.S. took the time on 4/20 to speak out on the need for cannabis reform. Numerous mainstream brands, organizations and celebrities used 4/20 as a hook to launch new campaigns and deals.

​

 

[user 60570]

Hot Off The Press!

FEDERAL

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) coauthored an op-ed with the chairman of the National Hispanic Cannabis Council about the need to enact legalization. The bipartisan co-chairs of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus said they are "eager to work with the Senate to send transformative, impactful cannabis reform legislation to President Biden’s desk." Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) tweeted,"The #SAFEBankingAct will help make our communities safer from the increased risk of violence facing cannabis businesses and their employees. To my Senate colleagues: let’s save lives and pass #SAFEBanking now." Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) tweeted, "Prescription Drugs can be poison. Marijuana can help. Why won’t Democrats, with full control of the government, end the era of marijuana prohibition?" Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) tweeted, "Let's keep up this momentum and destigmatize medical marijuana use among #veterans." Kentucky Democratic congressional candidate William Compton tweeted, "Legalizing Marijuana is something I fully support and will fight for in congress." STATES Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero (D) said she is exploring pardoning people with past marijuana convictions. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) unveiled a new round of educational marijuana public service advertisements. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) said he's "certainly for felonizing any possession of fentanyl." Nebraska Gov.Pete Ricketts (R) reacted to Snoop Dogg holding a concert in the state on 4/20, saying, "I do recall from my younger days that smoking marijuana at a concert is not brand new." Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) tweeted about the medical cannabis sales tax holiday the city is holding. The New Hampshire Senate Ways and Means Committee voted to reject a House-passed bill to legalize marijuana and conduct sales in state-run stores. The California Senate Governance and Finance Committee approved a bill to require cities to allow delivery of legal medical cannabis. Separately, the Assembly Labor Committee workplace advanced legislation on workplace protections for cannabis consumers. And, the Assembly Business Professions Committee approved a bill to allow veterinarians to recommend medical marijuana for animals. The Wisconsin Senate Insurance, Licensing and Forestry Committee held a hearing on a medical cannabis bill. The chairman of the Kansas Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee said passing a medical cannabis bill this year is still "doable." Two Tennessee marijuana reform bills were pulled from House subcommittee calendars. Utah regulators sent an update about the medical cannabis program. Nevada regulators will hold a webinar on marijuana tracking issues on Thursday. The Washington State Social Equity in Cannabis Task Force's Licensing Workgroup will meet on Thursday.

 

[user 60570]

Here is some more News.

TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced that in light of the Senate refusing to take up a House-passed medical cannabis bill he’s forming a panel to officially study the issue while he considers a possible executive order on patient access.

​

The Maine Senate approved a bill to legalize psilocybin for medical use this week—but the House of Representatives refused to go along, killing the measure for the year. The sponsor tells Marijuana Moment she’ll try again next session and that the issue could eventually end up on the ballot via a voter initiative.

​

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) and top lawmakers celebrated the launch of recreational marijuana sales in the state at an event at a dispensary—whileacknowledging the delays in getting the market off the ground following voters' approval of a 2020 legalization ballot referendum.

​

The bipartisan attorneys general of Colorado and Ohio sent a letter urging Senate leaders to join the House in passing marijuana banking legislation.

​

The Wisconsin Senate Insurance, Licensing and Forestry Committee held a 4/20 hearing on a limited medical cannabis bill—but it’s not getting a vote since the legislative session is already effectively over.

​

A proposed Ohio marijuana legalization initiative could generate up to $375 million in annual tax revenue for the state, according to a new analysis from Ohio State University's Drug Enforcement and Policy Center.

 

[user 60570]

Some moar News.

FEDERAL

The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy published the Biden administration's first National Drug Control Strategy. Customs and Border Protection sent a press release bragging about "crush[ing] Brits 420 Day kush" with a bust at Washington Dulles International Airport. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) tweeted, "Cannabis stores in WA state are forced to operate in cash only—which is impacting the industry’s ability to fully participate in the economy and has become dangerous for owners and employers. We can and need to fix this–that’s why I’m working to pass the #SAFEBankingAct." Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) tweeted, "I am proud to see New Jersey continue to take the lead on issues of cannabis legalization and restorative justice. The federal government is out of step with states and popular opinion. Congress must act." The House Financial Services Committee tweeted, "The #SAFEbankingAct will help cannabis biz's by getting them access to bank & credit union services. Currently small cannabis biz's are forced to operate w/cash only, making them targets for theft. This legislation has passed the House w/bipartisan support multiple times." Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) tweeted, "Thank you @JayInslee & @BobFergusonAG for your support of #SAFEBanking. It's past time to get the #SAFEBankingAct across the finish line as an immediate solution to get cash off our streets & ensure state-legal, legitimate businesses can operate like any other type of business." Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) tweeted, "While these New Jerseyans wait in line to buy cannabis, others are in prison for the very same act. It's time to expunge records for cannabis convictions. Every. Single. One." Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) tweeted, "Today, recreational marijuana sales began in New Jersey, allowing the state to tax and regulate recreational marijuana. Congress prohibits DC from doing so, but #DCStatehood would free DC from congressional interference." STATES Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) said he supports a House-passed bill to seal prior marijuana convictions. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) said he opposes increasing the number of medical cannabis business licenses. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R) said he did "not celebrate" 4/20, but touted efforts to improve the medical cannabis program. Separately, the legislature's Management Committee voted to create a commission to review the medical marijuana program. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) tweeted, "The #SAFEBankingAct is an immediate solution to get cash off our streets and ensure state-legal, legitimate businesses can operate like any other type of business. Thank you @RepPerlmutter for leading the way!" Separately, regulators issued a health and safety advisory about yeast and mold levels in marijuana products produced by Fresh Baked, LLC. Minnesota Republican gubernatorial candidate Paul Gazelka, currently a state senator, tweeted, "Legalizing cannabis should not be the priority of Minnesota’s governor when inflation has stripped so many families of their purchasing power and when many live in fear of increased crime close to home." Tennessee Democratic gubernatorial candidate JB Smiley, Jr. tweeted, "Tennessee schools have been underfunded for years, and our students have suffered as a result. But there’s a solution to that problem: Marijuana legalization. Legalizing it in Tennessee will bring in millions in tax revenue that we can put towards our students. So let’s do it." Two groups of Arkansas activists say they've collected roughly half the signatures they need to qualify marijuana legalization initiatives for the ballot. Idaho activists announced that they failed to collect enough signatures to qualify a medical cannabis initiative for the November ballot. Nebraska activists met with Snoop Dogg to discuss medical cannabis initiatives they are working to qualify for the ballot. The Montana legislature's Economic Affairs Interim Committee met to discuss the state's recreational marijuana program. Ohio regulators are moving to change the definition of THC to include more than just delta-9 THC. The director of New York's Office of Cannabis Management defended the move to prioritize marijuana retail licenses for people with past convictions. Hawaii's Dual Use of Cannabis Task Force will hold its first meeting on Monday. Nevada regulators will hold a board meeting on Tuesday.

 

[SubmarineGirl]

Some moar News.

​ FEDERAL

​ The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy published the political name administration's first National Drug Control Strategy. Customs and Border Protection sent a press release bragging about "crush[ing] Brits 420 Day kush" with a bust at Washington Dulles International Airport. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) tweeted, "Cannabis stores in WA state are forced to operate in cash only—which is impacting the industry’s ability to fully participate in the economy and has become dangerous for owners and employers. We can and need to fix this–that’s why I’m working to pass the #SAFEBankingAct." Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) tweeted, "I am proud to see New Jersey continue to take the lead on issues of cannabis legalization and restorative justice. The federal government is out of step with states and popular opinion. Congress must act." The House Financial Services Committee tweeted, "The #SAFEbankingAct will help cannabis biz's by getting them access to bank & credit union services. Currently small cannabis biz's are forced to operate w/cash only, making them targets for theft. This legislation has passed the House w/bipartisan support multiple times." Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) tweeted, "Thank you @JayInslee & @BobFergusonAG for your support of #SAFEBanking. It's past time to get the #SAFEBankingAct across the finish line as an immediate solution to get cash off our streets & ensure state-legal, legitimate businesses can operate like any other type of business." Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) tweeted, "While these New Jerseyans wait in line to buy cannabis, others are in prison for the very same act. It's time to expunge records for cannabis convictions. Every. Single. One." Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) tweeted, "Today, recreational marijuana sales began in New Jersey, allowing the state to tax and regulate recreational marijuana. Congress prohibits DC from doing so, but #DCStatehood would free DC from congressional interference." ​ STATES ​ Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) said he supports a House-passed bill to seal prior marijuana convictions. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) said he opposes increasing the number of medical cannabis business licenses. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R) said he did "not celebrate" 4/20, but touted efforts to improve the medical cannabis program. Separately, the legislature's Management Committee voted to create a commission to review the medical marijuana program. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) tweeted, "The #SAFEBankingAct is an immediate solution to get cash off our streets and ensure state-legal, legitimate businesses can operate like any other type of business. Thank you @RepPerlmutter for leading the way!" Separately, regulators issued a health and safety advisory about yeast and mold levels in marijuana products produced by Fresh Baked, LLC. Minnesota Republican gubernatorial candidate Paul Gazelka, currently a state senator, tweeted, "Legalizing cannabis should not be the priority of Minnesota’s governor when inflation has stripped so many families of their purchasing power and when many live in fear of increased crime close to home." Tennessee Democratic gubernatorial candidate JB Smiley, Jr. tweeted, "Tennessee schools have been underfunded for years, and our students have suffered as a result. But there’s a solution to that problem: Marijuana legalization. Legalizing it in Tennessee will bring in millions in tax revenue that we can put towards our students. So let’s do it." Two groups of Arkansas activists say they've collected roughly half the signatures they need to qualify marijuana legalization initiatives for the ballot. Idaho activists announced that they failed to collect enough signatures to qualify a medical cannabis initiative for the November ballot. Nebraska activists met with Snoop Dogg to discuss medical cannabis initiatives they are working to qualify for the ballot. The Montana legislature's Economic Affairs Interim Committee met to discuss the state's recreational marijuana program. Ohio regulators are moving to change the definition of THC to include more than just delta-9 THC. The director of New York's Office of Cannabis Management defended the move to prioritize marijuana retail licenses for people with past convictions. Hawaii's Dual Use of Cannabis Task Force will hold its first meeting on Monday. Nevada regulators will hold a board meeting on Tuesday.

Love to see the talk talk going on in the cannabis world. Trying to understand the delta 9 vs delta 8 THC. Wondering does this close the loophole for having plants in vegetation vs flower.

 

[user 60570]

EXTRA!
EXTRA!
READ ALL ABOUT IT!

Big Sur gets high this morning!

TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) made a “promise” to marijuana activists that his federal legalization bill will actually be introduced by his most recently announced deadline.

​

North Dakota’s secretary of state and attorney general signed off on the language of a proposed marijuana legalization initiative—clearing activists to begin collecting signatures to place it on the November ballot.

​

A new poll found that a majority of Americans—including Republicans—support decriminalizing drugs. There's also strong support for opening overdose prevention centers where people can consume controlled substances under medical supervision.

​

New Jersey mayors and state lawmakers are pushing back against an attorney general memo clarifying that police can use marijuana while off duty. But a federal law generally banning guns for cannabis consumers that the opponents are citing also has a little-known exception for government employees like cops.

​

A South Carolina representative filed a bill on 4/20 that would require the state to issue pardons for people with marijuana convictions annually on the unofficial cannabis holiday.

​

 

[user 60570]

Breaking News!

Pute sleeps in! His grass keeps growing!

/ FEDERAL

Staffers for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) will speak at a Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation event on April 28. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) tweeted, "Washington state cannabis businesses shouldn’t have to fear for their safety because of outdated banking laws. Let’s pass the #SAFEBankingAct and make sure these businesses don’t have to operate fully in cash." Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) tweeted that Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's (D) call to legalize marijuana and expunge convictions is a "great idea. I have a bill to legalize adult-use cannabis in every state." Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) discussed the benefits of hemp with a construction contractor. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) declined to directly answer when asked if she still consumes marijuana. Primary challenger Katie Arrington is calling on her to take a drug test. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) tweeted, "Great to see the growth in regenerative organic cannabis products. @SunAndEarthCert certified products will make a real difference for consumers who care about health + the environment, and help the farmers and manufacturers who are doing it right." Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) spoke about the injustices of the war on drugs. Pennsylvania Democratic Senate candidates discussed marijuana legalization at a debate. Louisiana Democratic Senate candidate Gary Chambers said there aren't enough black people who own or work for cannabis businesses. STATES Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) signed a bill allowing reimbursements to municipalities of up to $20,000 to cover the procedural costs of allowing recreational marijuana businesses. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) signed a bill allowing hemp cultivation sites to be larger. Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) tweeted, "We’re thinking big in Nevada, and finding every way we can to support our students, families and economy through new, innovative revenue sources. There’s also no industry getting higher than cannabis, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon." Mississippi's attorney general issued an opinion on municipalities' ability to regulate medical cannabis businesses. Oklahoma lawmakers sent Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) a bill to require medical cannabis cultivation license applicants to file a bond in an amount of no less than $25,000. Kentucky's Senate president pushed back on potential medical cannabis executive actions by Gov. Andy Beshear (D). Meanwhile, the representativewho is sponsoring a stalled medical marijuana bill said he is worried the governor's move could give patients false hope. Virginia's Senate president pro tem tweeted, "Sometimes reporters ask if my support of marijuana could hurt me politically. I don't care if it does, I will stand up for good policy over politics anytime. Plus marijuana is a lot more popular than Glenn Youngkin." A New York senator filed a bill to add coverage of medical cannabis to public insurance programs. Arizona lawmakers are considering legislation to strengthen marijuana testing rules. Ohio House Democrats tweeted about the introduction of a new marijuana legalization bill based on a citizen-initiated measure. A Rhode Island representative spoke about his drug decriminalization bill. A Florida representative tweeted, "For the last two years I filed legislation in Florida to allow for the controlled, clinical use of Psilocybin to treat depression and PTSD. If elected to the State Senate I will get this passed." The Montana Legislative Services Division published an analysis of marijuana revenue. A federal judge suggested that Illinois regulators' marijuana business licenses process may violate the Constitution's dormant commerce clause. Alabama regulators are opting not to ask lawmakers to give them more time to craft medical cannabis rules. Oregon regulators are moving to implement a moratorium on marijuana business licenses as directed by a new state law. Washington State regulators are seeking applicants to serve on a psilocybin services workgroup. West Virginia's top medical cannabis regulators said the program has created "332 direct jobs in West Virginia, with an additional job growth of 1,884 positions in the fields of commercial construction, security services, and transportation." Vermont regulators will discuss marijuana issues at a meeting on Monday.