Cannabis News Today

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And there is moar!




FEDERAL
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention listed marijuana use disorder as the "Disease of the Week."

The Drug Enforcement Administration settled a class action lawsuit from female special agents who were not selected for overseas assignments.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) criticized President Joe Biden for granting clemency to people with drug convictions, saying that Democrats "never miss an opportunity to send the wrong signal."

The son of Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) formed a company to explore entering the medical cannabis businesses.

Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) tweeted, "Colorado set the standard for legalizing cannabis. It’s time for the federal government to follow our lead and reform our marijuana laws."

Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) tweeted photos of himself touring a hemp facility.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) spoke about a possible hearing for her marijuana legalization bill.

Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) tweeted, "NJ reported $2 million in sales on the first day of commercialization of recreational marijuana. Congress, with POTUS’s support, prohibits DC from commercializing rec. marijuana, depriving DC millions of dollars in tax revenue."

Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) noted the cannabis banking work of a retiring Colorado Bankers Association official in remarks for the Congressional Record.

The House bill to encourage Department of Veterans Affairs doctors to discuss medical cannabis got two new cosponsors for a total of two.




STATES
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) tweeted, "Our neighbors in New Jersey just began selling recreational cannabis. That means Pennsylvanians are crossing the border to partake in legalized marijuana. Those profits should stay here, in Pennsylvania. Legislature: Let’s #LegalizeIt."

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) tweeted a video of a voter endorsing her, saying, "New Mexicans like Larry are excited about recreational cannabis. This new industry means good-paying jobs and a whole new revenue stream for our state. We're just getting started."

South Carolina Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joe Cunningham, a former congressman, is calling on Gov. Henry McMaster (R) to support a pending medical cannabis bill.

Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Cranley, a former Cincinnati mayor, discussed his plan to raise revenue by legalizing marijuana.

Colorado's treasurer tweeted, "Let's get this done to protect our legal cannabis businesses! #SAFEBankingAct"

A North Carolina representative said he understands the benefits of medical cannabis but doesn't plan to support its legalization.

A Wisconsin senator's claim that marijuana legalization has majority support in the state, including from Republicans, was ruled true by Politifact.

An Oklahoma representative authored an op-ed discussing the advancement of medical cannabis reform bills.

The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals upheld a coal miner's suspension from work over a positive drug test that he says was caused by a CBD sleep aid.

Vermont regulators announced a delay in issuing marijuana business licenses. Separately, they will review recommendations on cannabis business license prequalification and approve social equity applicant status on Monday.

Rhode Island regulators awarded the state's final medical cannabis dispensary license.

Nevada regulators hosted a workshop on cannabis consumption lounges.

California regulators will host a cannabis licensing Q & A session on Tuesday.
 
The News never ends.

Never.







TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A Missouri Republican representative who expected his marijuana legalization bill to get a floor vote on Monday is blaming the House majority floor leader for instead "holding up" the legislation.
Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Nikki Fried, who is running for the state's Democratic gubernatorial nomination, describes in a new Marijuana Moment op-ed how her lawsuit on Second Amendment rights for medical cannabis patients is part of a push to get the federal government to evolve on marijuana.
A poll found that 53 percent of Washington State voters support or lean toward supporting a drug decriminalization initiative that activists just launched a signature drive to place on the November ballot.
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) called out President Joe Biden for being a “recalcitrant boomer” who has failed to follow through on his marijuana campaign promises.
The National Institutes of Health hosted a presentation on the potential benefits of kratom, titled, "Can a Controversial Tree Help End the Opioid Crisis?”
 
Here is some moar News.


FEDERAL
National Institute on Drug Abuse Director Nora Volkow said research does not support the efficacy of forced treatment for substance misuse issues.

The Internal Revenue Service denied nonprofit status to an organization that wants to fund research on the benefits of psychedelics.

Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Mike Lee (R-UT), Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) filed a bil to reduce the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine to 2.5:1.

Former House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) is being sued for allegedly misappropriating proprietary marijuana legalization strategies from a campaign he did not end up joining.

House Small Business Committee Republicans highlighted a company that makes store fixtures for the cannabis market.

Florida Democratic Senate candidate Allen Ellison tweeted, "An estimated 40k Americans are incarcerated for marijuana offenses. In contrast, the overall legal cannabis industry is booming. I think it’s way past time to decriminalize cannabis use, possession and the sale of it. We need a new path forward."

Georgia Democratic congressional candidate Vincent Ford discussed his support for decriminalizing marijuana.


STATES
Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Cranley, a former Cincinnati mayor, tweeted, "It's time to end the war on drugs in Ohio. When I'm governor, we're going to legalize cannabis and invest that tax revenue right back into our communities. We're going to create 120,000 good-paying jobs for Ohioans."

Maryland Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore's ties to Green Thumb Industries present potential conflicts of interest if he is elected, according to a media report.

Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O'Rourke, a former congressman, spoke about his support for marijuana legalization.

Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams discussed her support for decriminalizing marijuana.

Kansas's House majority leader said a medical cannabis bill could be dead for the year unless the Senate shows more interest. The chairman of the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee said the reform will be in "full effect in the next few years" but "I don’t know if it’ll be this year."

The Pennsylvania House Democratic Policy Committee tweeted, "Legalized marijuana in NJ is complicating accountability for those facing legal consequences for illegal drug use in PA."

A Tennessee bill to regulate delta-8 THC products was tabled.

Massachusetts's top marijuana regulator resigned from his position.

Utah regulators filed medical cannabis cultivation and testing rules.

Montana regulators filed amended rules on the marijuana product packaging and labeling application and approval process.

California regulators published an FAQ clarifying that out-of-state hemp products can be sold in the state.

Connecticut regulators have received more than 4,700 applications to win marijuana business licenses in a lottery.

A Minnesota Department of Human Rights report about the Minneapolis Police Department cited public defenders' claims that officers pretend to smell marijuana to justify searching vehicles.

Oregon regulators released a list of questions and answers about psilocybin testing, tracking and accreditation.
 
Happy Hump Day News!



TOP THINGS TO KNOW
South Dakota activists turned in what they say are more than enough signatures to place a marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot. Voters previously approved legalization in 2020, but it was overturned on procedural grounds in a court challenge.
Connecticut lawmakers sent Gov. Ned Lamont (D) a budget bill that contains provisions creating a program to provide certain patients with access to psychedelic-assisted treatment using substances like MDMA and psilocybin.
The Missouri House Special Committee on Criminal Justice approved a joint resolution to place a marijuana legalization referendum on the November ballot.
Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee (D), along with the state's lieutenant governor, attorney general and treasurer, sent a letter urging congressional leaders to pass marijuana banking legislation to help stop violent robberies of cannabis businesses—calling it “a matter of life and death.”
Voters in several more Ohio cities will get to decide on local marijuana decriminalization ballot measures this year—with activists targeting more than a dozen jurisdictions for this cycle.
New Jersey lawmakers filed several bills aimed at preventing and punishing off-duty marijuana use by police officers, first responders and other workers.
The Missouri Court of Appeals for the Western District dismissed a lawsuit challenging medical cannabis business licensing caps.
 
Keep on humping in the free world!



FEDERAL
The Food and Drug Administration sent a letter warning Rena's Organic about its CBD products.

Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA) tweeted a years-old video of then-Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO) mocking a Louisiana congressman's concerns about marijuana legalization in Colorado by saying he doesn't like crawfish, posting, "Don’t worry @GovofCo Polis, LA is in the same boat with CO now — we won’t force you to eat any crawfish or make you pay for it in cash like we all have to with cannabis. We both agree SAFE Banking is imperative in both our states and across the country."

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) spoke about how her personal experience with cannabis informs her push for legalization.

Rep. Mike Garcia (R-CA) tweeted a video of himself pressing Attorney General Merrick Garland about illegal marijuana cultivation during a House hearing.

Rep. Al Green (D-TX) discussed his support for marijuana legalization on a podcast.

The Navy Reserve tweeted, "Energy drink brands introduced beverages infused with hemp seed oil. Hemp-derived products are prohibited for Sailors. The foods and the beverages one ingests or consumes directly affect readiness and they can also impact a career."



STATES
The Louisiana House of Representatives approved a bill to let medical cannabis dispensaries open additional locations but defeated separate legislation to more than double the number of overall licenses. Separately, the House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee approved bills prohibiting the smell of burnt marijuana from being used as pretext for warrantless searches of homes, providing for cannabis expungements and partially decriminalizing paraphernalia.

The Colorado Senate Business Affairs & Technology Committee amended a bill that would have originally restricted hemp-derived cannabinoid products to instead create a task force to investigate the issue and make recommendations. Separately, regulators issued a health and safety warning about potentially unsafe levels of mold and yeast on marijuana products from Canna Meds Wellness Center LLC.

A Pennsylvania representative filed legislation that "seeks to ensure that Russian businesses cannot profit off the medical cannabis industry."

Oklahoma activists launched a signature drive to place a marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot.

Connecticut's quasi-public venture capital arm, CT Innovations, invested $1.25 million into cannabis company 1906, a move that is angering some activists who oppose using taxpayer money to support a large operator as smaller local businesses struggle to compete for the limited number of licenses.

Massachusetts regulators proposed rules on marijuana delivery taxes.

New York regulators sent a letter reminding businesses that delta-8 and -10 THC products are prohibited.

The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission will meet on Thursday.
 
The News is like the mail…..it never ends!





TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The South Carolina House of Representatives killed a Senate-passed medical cannabis bill on procedural grounds, without allowing any debate on its merits.
A Missouri representative says his marijuana legalization bill is likely dead for the session, but a campaign announced it has more than enough signatures to put the issue on the ballot. However, they’re facing a new complaint from other activists who allege petitioning violations.
The Food and Drug Administration sent its first series of warning letters about delta-8 THC products that the agency says are being illegally marketed.
The Delaware House Health & Human Services Committee voted for the second time to approve a bill to legalize marijuana possession and gifting. Separate legislation to regulate cannabis sales is also advancing.
An ACLU of Nevada official writes in a new op-ed that it’s time to close a loophole in state law that allows police to continue marijuana arrests despite voter-approved legalization.
 
It keeps coming and,coming and,coming!




FEDERAL
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy announced new components of a U.S.-Colombia counternarcotics strategy.

Several senators spoke about the prospects of passing marijuana banking legislation though the America COMPETES Act.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) said she spoke to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) about setting up a meeting to discuss cannabis issues.



STATES
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and election challenges discussed marijuana and other drug issues during a debate.

South Carolina Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joe Cunningham, a former congressman, tweeted about the failure of a medical cannabis bill, saying, "Governor McMaster and his allies in the legislature could screw up a two-car parade. This is an historic failure of leadership by this governor and legislators to pass a watered-down version of the most conservative medical marijuana bill in the entire country." Rival Democratic gubernatorial contender Mia McLeod, a state senator, tweeted, "All of our years of hard work go up in smoke because of House Republicans. Not surprising that the SCGOP killed the bill days before session ends for this year. That’s why I’ve sponsored bills to put marijuana legalization on a ballot referendum. Let the people of SC decide…"

Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried, currently the state's agriculture commissioner, put out a press release about an op-ed she published in Marijuana Moment.

Massachusetts attorney general candidates discussed their views on cannabis equity.

Connecticut lawmakers sent Gov. Ned Lamont (D) a bill to restrict marijuana "gifting."

The Louisiana House Health & Welfare Committee rejected a bill to expand the number of medical cannabis cultivators in the state from two to eight.

An Oklahoma senator received a voicemail threatening a “shootout” with law enforcement over a bill to increase medical cannabis cultivation licensing fees.

A Pennsylvania senator said there's "a growing sentiment in the Pennsylvania General Assembly that it’s not whether we legalize cannabis, but when."

New Mexico regulators walked back a claim that there were more than 1 million mature cannabis plants ready to supply manufacturers and retailers ahead of the launch of recreational sales last month.

Georgia regulators will consider medical cannabis issues on Thursday.

Michigan regulators will host a marijuana social equity education session on Thursday.
 
The last of the News until Monday so dig in!






TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Delaware House of Representatives approved a bill to legalize marijuana possession and gifting. Separate legislation to regulate cannabis sales is also moving through the legislature.
A little-noticed passage of the leaked draft Supreme Court opinion on overturning abortion rights seems to argue that allowing Roe v. Wade to stand could potentially establish "fundamental rights to illicit drug use.”
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) said he doesn’t think psychedelics "should be dealt with through a criminal setting,” noting that activists are working to place decriminalization on the state’s November ballot.
The New Hampshire House of Representatives added language to legalize marijuana possession and cultivation to an unrelated Senate bill to give the other body—which recently voted against legalization—“another chance” to support reform.
Rep. James Comer (R-KY) sent a letter requesting that the House Oversight and Reform Committee hold a hearing exploring the FDA’s failure to set regulations for CBD and delta-8 THC products.
New York regulators approved an additional round of licenses for hemp businesses to grow marijuana, with the director of the Office of Cannabis Management saying the state is on track to launch recreational sales "later this year.”
 
The End.

until monday



FEDERAL
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper claimed that then-President Donald Trump asked him about launching missiles into Mexico to “destroy the drug labs.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration museum posted a video about a Pablo Escobar life mask it has in its collection.


STATES
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) said he believes it is legally possible for him to take "at least some executive action" on medical cannabis.

An Ohio representative spoke about the prospects for legalizing marijuana.

Illinois's residency requirement for marijuana business licensing is being challenged in a lawsuit.

The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation is being sued by hemp farmers who say police lied about a raid conducted on their property.

Nevada regulators are expected to approve draft marijuana consumption lounge rules next month.

Pennsylvania regulators published guidance on reporting and sampling requirements for hemp research permits.

Florida regulators received 12 applications for a new medical cannabis license intended for black farmers.

Washington State regulators are partnering with the Washington State Crime Prevention Association to provide security and safety training to retail cannabis businesses and employees.

New Mexico's Taxation and Revenue Department is expected to issue about $15 million worth of gross receipts refunds to medical cannabis companies.

Minnesota regulators will accept petitions to add new medical cannabis qualifying conditions between June 1 and July 31.
 
LATE BREAKING NEWS!!!








TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) told attendees at a cannabis rally that he's already met with six Republican senators to discuss his forthcoming federal marijuana legalization bill.
Austin, Texas voters approved a ballot measure to decriminalize marijuana and ban no-knock police raids. Several other Texas cities are working to put cannabis initiatives on local ballots for November.
Missouri activists turned in what they say are double the amount of signatures they need to qualify a marijuana legalization initiative for the November ballot.
Nebraska activists announced a new grassroots strategy to qualify medical cannabis initiatives for the November ballot after the campaign lost major donors and can no longer fund a paid signature gathering drive.
New York assemblymembers discussed their differing psilocybin bills and strategies for pursuing incremental or broader reform. One of the bills was recently amended.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation reported that retailers sold nearly $132 million worth of legal recreational marijuana products in April—the second-highest monthly adult-use cannabis sales total since legalization began.
 
Here is some more





FEDERAL
Former President Donald Trump said that various claims by former Defense Secretary Mark Esper are false, but in reaction to the allegation that he wanted to attack Mexican drug cartels with missiles, he simply offered a “no comment.”

Pardon Attorney Elizabeth Oyer met with advocates who are pushing President Joe Biden to issue mass clemency for people with cannabis convictions.

A federal jury found a man guilty in a marijuana trafficking case in which the judge barred discussion of legalization.

Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) sent a letter urging President Joe Biden to restore the director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy to cabinet-level status.

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) tweeted in response to a post about the importance of repealing the 280E tax penalty on marijuana businesses, saying, "I agree. It’s the congressional black caucus that blocks this reform because they call it 'whitewashing' cannabis policy. No kidding."

Pennsylvania Democratic Senate candidate John Fetterman, currently the lieutenant governor, tweeted about a study on alcohol-related death rates, saying, "Cannabis/THC overdose deaths also set to skyrockets to zero in none like ever."

Illinois Democratic congressional candidate Delia Ramirez, currently a state representative, tweeted, "I support legalizing adult use recreational cannabis. Instead of focusing public safety resources on low level drug offenses we must address the root causes of violence."



STATES
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) pardoned more people with marijuana, drug and other convictions.

North Dakota attorney general candidates discussed marijuana legalization at a debate.

Oklahoma lawmakers sent Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) a bill to make the state's medical cannabis authority a freestanding agency.

The Colorado Senate amended and approved a bill to refelonize fentanyl possession even without a requirement that a person knowingly does so. Separately, a senator pulled his name from a hemp-derived cannabinoid regulation bill, claiming it was "hijacked" by the marijuana industry.

The Pennsylvania House Democratic Policy Committee will hold a hearing on hemp production on Monday.

The New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee will hold an oversight hearing on the marijuana business licensing process on Thursday.

The Maryland Court of Special Appeals ruled that medical cannabis businesses denied licenses by regulators can seek judicial review without first having to mount an administrative challenge.

New York regulators posted revised medical cannabis home cultivation rules for public comment.

Georgia regulators voted to give responsibility for considering protests of medical cannabis licensing decisions to the Office of State Administrative Hearings.

Connecticut regulators received more than 15,600 marijuana dispensary license applications.

Washington State regulators sent an updated list of pesticides allowed for use in the production of high THC cannabis.

Vermont regulators published a FAQ about municipal marijuana authority, and will meet to review recommendations on cannabis business license prequalification and approve social equity applicant status on Monday.
 
The News never ends.

Never.







TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A Missouri Republican representative who expected his marijuana legalization bill to get a floor vote on Monday is blaming the House majority floor leader for instead "holding up" the legislation.
Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Nikki Fried, who is running for the state's Democratic gubernatorial nomination, describes in a new Marijuana Moment op-ed how her lawsuit on Second Amendment rights for medical cannabis patients is part of a push to get the federal government to evolve on marijuana.
A poll found that 53 percent of Washington State voters support or lean toward supporting a drug decriminalization initiative that activists just launched a signature drive to place on the November ballot.
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) called out President Joe political name for being a “recalcitrant boomer” who has failed to follow through on his marijuana campaign promises.
The National Institutes of Health hosted a presentation on the potential benefits of kratom, titled, "Can a Controversial Tree Help End the Opioid Crisis?”
Be careful of kratom. My youngest son literally got addicted to it and he was taking so much that he had seizures three times. It took him a week to recover enough to go to work(this is a kid who hasn’t missed a day of work in over 5 years). He was taking it as a stimulant for MMA fighting and training.
 
Is that what they use it for ..
It is what some people use it for. In moderation it is apparently a stimulant. He doesn’t do things half assed. His thought process was a little is good, a lot must be better. He had the shakes for days. He hid it from my wife and myself. We thought he was taking some hard drug or something but the ER bloodwork didn’t show any illicit drugs. Scary **** to see your kid convulsing…
 
TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A newly unveiled Customs and Border Protection document sheds light on how the U.S. determines whether someone working in Canada’s legal marijuana industry should be barred from entering the country.
The Department of Justice got another extension on the deadline to reveal its position in a case on safe consumption sites for illegal drugs, but advocates say “productive” negotiations could lead to a settlement that would "clear a path” for overdose prevention centers to open across the U.S.
The Internal Revenue Service's National Taxpayer Advocate published a new explainer on the marijuana industry’s tax and banking challenges and how Congress could potentially address them.
The New York Assembly Health Committee approved a bill to allow state and local officials to authorize and regulate overdose prevention sites where people can consume illegal drugs under medical supervision.
The Colorado Department of Revenue reported that retailers sold $162.5 million worth of legal marijuana products in March—an increase from February, but a 22 percent decline from last year.
 
FEDERAL
A former U.S. attorney for Massachusetts criticized moves by prosecutors not to pursue marijuana cases.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) tweeted, "This weekend, I joined the 2022 NYC Cannabis Parade & Rally. Last year, New York equitably legalized cannabis with equity for the communities most hurt by the War on Drugs, and that’s exactly what we’re working to do at the federal level."

Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) said there's "growing momentum and interest" in passing cannabis banking legislation.

Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) suggested that his cannabis banking bill could be augmented by adding "research" or "some money to help district attorneys determine whose records should be expunged."

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) replied to a tweet from President Joe Biden criticizing Republicans' plans, saying, "Actually, Brandon, my plan for lower drug costs includes legal marijuana. Does yours?"

Kentucky Democratic Senate candidate Charles Booker tweeted, "Legalize cannabis. I will fight for legalization when I am in the Senate."

Texas Democratic congressional candidate Greg Casar tweeted, "Once in Congress, I’ll work to legalize marijuana nationwide, expunge past records, direct tax revenue to our communities, and end no-knock warrants."



STATES
Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R), who also served as U.S. energy secretary, spoke about his support for psychedelic therapy.

The Louisiana House of Representatives approved a bill to make it easier for people with criminal records to work in the medical cannabis industry.

A Kansas Senate leadership spokesperson said it is "unlikely" lawmakers will pass a medical cannabis bill when they return to session later this month.

An Indiana senator tweeted about a Delaware cannabis legalization bill advancing, saying, "Yet another state is moving toward the legalization of cannabis. Indiana cannot continue to be stuck in the past on this issue. Cannabis legalization is crucial for criminal justice reform, medical benefits, new businesses and new jobs, and providing tax revenue to help Hoosiers struggling with addiction and fix our roads."

An Arkansas activist who recently dropped her effort to place a marijuana legalization initiative on the ballot is shifting focus to opposing a separate campaign led by a former lawmaker that is funded by medical cannabis growers.

The New Jersey Supreme Court is considering a case on how police test for marijuana impairment.

A Pennsylvania court will hear arguments in a case in which a news organization is trying to force regulators to release data on which conditions people are accessing medical cannabis for next week.

New York's top marijuana regulator spoke about opportunities for women in the cannabis industry.

Michigan regulators launched a marijuana social equity "all-star" program.

Colorado regulators released updated marijuana business licensee demographic data.

Washington State regulators will consider marijuana business issues on Wednesday.

Maryland's Medical Cannabis Commission will meet on Thursday.

The Oregon Task Force on Cannabis-Derived Intoxicants and Illegal Cannabis Production will meet on Thursday.

Iowa's Medical Cannabidiol Board will meet on Friday.
 

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