Cannabis News Today

[user 60570]

Moar News

FEDERAL

The Department of Justice and attorneys for a proposed safe consumption site for illegal drugs have once again agreed to a delay on the deadline for the Biden administration to reveal its position in the case as “productive” negotiations continue. It's now due September 22. Former White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Deputy Director Art Kleinschmidt authored an op-ed suggesting that ending the war on drugs would amount to allowing "rampant crime in our cities." Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) posted a Twitter thread attempting to draw a parallel between the investigation of potentially improper handling of federal documents by former President Donald Trump and the war on drugs and mass incarceration. Former Rep. Greg Ganske (R-IA) authored an op-ed reiterating his support for marijuana legalization with regulations. Kentucky Democratic Senate candidate Charles Booker reiterated his support for legalizing marijuana. STATES Arkansas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris Jones spoke about his support for legalizing marijuana and criticized Republican opponent Sarah Sanders for not taking a position on a pending legalization ballot initiative. Colorado's secretary of state confirmed that a second psychedelics legalization initiative failed to make the ballot. Wisconsin Democratic treasurer candidate Gillian Battino tweeted, "We must be prepared for the legalization and decriminalization of cannabis in the near future. As your State Treasurer, I'm ready to plan strategically for a state banking system that supports cannabis businesses." Florida Democratic chief financial officer candidate Adam Hattersley, currently a state representative, tweeted, "Legalizing recreational cannabis would be a boon to Florida's economy. As your next CFO, I will work with the legislature to legalize recreational adult use of cannabis, bring investment to Florida, and expunge the records of non-violent drug offenders." A Kentucky judge ruled that delta-8 THC hemp products are legal. Michigan's top marijuana regulator is transitioning to a new position in the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Massachusetts regulators posted guidance on hemp remediation and post-harvest testing. The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development is accepting applications for the cannabis revenue-funded Community Reinvestment Grants program. Virginia's Task Force to Analyze Industrial Hemp Extracts and OtherSubstances Containing Tetrahydrocannabinol Intended for Human Consumption met. Iowa regulators will discuss the medical cannabidiol program at a meeting on Friday. Colorado regulators will host a stakeholder meeting about proposed marijuana rule revisions on Friday.

 

[user 60570]

The Weed News

TOP THINGS TO KNOW

North Dakota's secretary of state certified that activists collected enough signatures to place a marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot.

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With efforts heating up in Congress to craft an omnibus marijuana reform package that could pass by the end of the year, the Cannabis Regulators of Color Coalition is offering up 10 SAFE Banking Act amendments that they say can help center equity in the financial services reform.

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A new poll found that a majority of Texas voters support legalizing marijuana for both medical and recreational use.

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New York's Cannabis Control Board approved the first recreational marijuana processors, authorized additional cultivators and signed off on rules for laboratory testing and sampling.

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New Jersey's Cannabis Regulatory Commission reported that retailers sold nearly $80 million worth of recreational marijuana in the first ten weeks since sales launched the day after 4/20.

 

[user 60570]

Moar Weed News

FEDERAL

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is proposing to add a recommendation to providers to "assess patient’s usage of cannabis/cannabidiol/etc., as use of these drugs can affect the metabolization of other medications but is often not included in the medical record." The Drug Enforcement Administration's museum posted a video about an opium pillow it has in its collection. Kentucky Democratic Senate candidate Charles Booker tweeted, "Republicans, Democrats, and Independents support the legalization of Cannabis. When I am elected to the Senate, I’m going to fight to make that happen." STATES Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried, currently the agriculture commissioner, accused rival Democratic contender Charlie Crist, currently a congressman, of "passing mandatory minimums during the racist war on drugs" in a TV ad. She also tweeted, "The private prison industry funded @CharlieCrist’s inauguration. His first and last." The Massachusetts Senate referred to a committee Gov. Charlie Baker's (R) veto of a section of marijuana legislation that would have directed state officials to study student access to medical cannabis at schools. A California senator tweeted, "Psychedelics have such immense promise to make people healthier, including helping people stop using heroin & other drugs. Our legislation to decriminalize their use & possession was just gutted. But we’ll be back next year to try again." Mississippi regulators filed rules on the appeals process for medical cannabis dispensaries. Maine regulators formed a marijuana inventory tracking workgroup. The Oregon Task Force on Cannabis-Derived Intoxicants and Illegal Cannabis Production's Cannabinoid Subcommittee will meet on Wednesday.

 

[user 60570]

Last of the News until Monday.

TOP THINGS TO KNOW

A new U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit ruling overturning Maine's residency requirements for medical marijuana business owners could open the door to interstate cannabis commerce while potentially upending equity efforts, according to legal experts.

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Idaho activists filed a proposed medical cannabis initiative that they hope to qualify for the 2024 ballot.

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Florida activists are planning a 2024 marijuana home grow ballot initiative they hope will run parallel to a recently filed cannabis sales measure being backed by the industry. Trulieve says it's open to supporting both but made no specific commitment.

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A new poll found that 69 percent of Wisconsin voters support legalizing marijuana. That includes majorities of Republicans, Democrats and independents.

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The Arizona Department of Revenue reports that as recreational marijuana sales continue to rise, medical cannabis purchases are dropping month over month.

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[user 60570]

FEDERAL

Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) authored an op-ed outlining his evolution toward supporting marijuana legalization and urging Congress to catch up. Former Rep. Mary Bono (R-CA) coauthored an op-ed arguing that drug cartel leaders should be treated as terrorists. Kentucky Democratic Senate candidate Charles Booker tweeted, "A vote for me is a vote to legalize cannabis." STATES Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried, currently the agriculture commissioner, criticized the state surgeon general for his handling of the medical cannabis program. Separately, Fried and rival Democratic contender Charlie Crist, currently a congressman, spoke about their support for legalizing marijuana. The California Senate approved a bil to seal marijuana records. Maryland's Senate president said he expects the legislature to focus on implementing marijuana legalization next session if voters approve a referendum on the policy change in November. A New York senator cheered a New York City police crackdown on trucks that were allegedly selling illegal cannabis products. A Connecticut senator who voted against marijuana legalization discussed her concerns with implementation, including her desire to regulate THC content. A top New Jersey regulator discussed the state's marijuana business licensing process at a New Jersey CannaBusiness Association event. Michigan regulators issued guidance on required standard operating procedures for marijuana businesses. Oregon regulators said a THC vaping product containing a banned ingredient was sold at two licensed cannabis retailers. Vermont regulators are being criticized for delays in processing marijuana cultivation license applications. Nevada regulators will consider changes to marijuana business rules on Tuesday. Washington State's Social Equity in Cannabis Task Force will meet on Tuesday.

 

[user 60570]

Hump Day Weed News

TOP THINGS TO KNOW

A bipartisan group of senators led by Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken demanding that the State Department give Marc Fogel—another U.S. citizen imprisoned for medical marijuana in Russia—the same "wrongfully detained" status as Brittney Griner. "In 2021, a doctor recommended medical marijuana as an opioid alternative to treat his chronic pain."

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San Francisco, California's city attorney says the city should move ahead with opening a safe consumption site for illegal drugs despite Gov. Gavin Newsom's (D) veto of a bill to authorize such facilities under state law.

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South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R)—whose administration funded a lawsuit that overturned a voter-approved 2020 marijuana legalization initiative—suggested she'd implement a new cannabis measure that's on the ballot this year alongside her own reelection bid.

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Nebraska activists are regrouping after their medical cannabis initiatives failed to make the November ballot. They may pursue a recreational legalization measure in 2024, and a senator wants to call a special session on medical marijuana in the meantime.

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New York City's mayor launched a new initiative to promote marijuana industry equity by helping people harmed by the drug war complete dispensary applications while also providing support "beyond the license."

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[user 60570]

Keep on humping in the free world!

FEDERAL

National Institute on Drug Abuse Director Nora Volkow said, “We say drugs are so bad they will fry your brains like an egg and then we undermine the evidence that they can be harmful, depending on the dose and the person who takes them. By making everything black and white, we lose all credibility.” The Board of Immigration Appeals is being directed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit to take another look at the case of a Haitian man who was denied asylum over marijuana. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration tweeted, "Know the risks of marijuana. Marijuana use comes with real risks that can impact a person’s health and life: Brain health Mental health Athletic Performance Driving Baby’s health and development Daily life" Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) wrote in a constituent letter that he understands "the impact of a life-long struggle with pain on people's lives, but there remain legal and proven ways to safely address those concerns as opposed to the unfettered use of any cannabidiol or marijuana product." Tennessee Democratic Senate candidate Bryan Langan tweeted, "Unlike my opponent mentioned below, I will work to legalize cannabis, providing our farmers access to a cash crop and put the tax revenue towards funding our public schools to ensure every child in Tennessee has access to a quality education that prepares them for the future." South Carolina Democratic congressional candidate Amie Andrews called out Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) for voting against a federal marijuana legalization bill on the House floor. STATES PennsylvaniaGov. Tom Wolf (D) tweeted, "I signed my 2,000th pardon this month. This was one of the greatest honors of my time in office. Since 2015, I granted 2,098 pardons. 326 were part of an expedited review for marijuana offenses. We all deserve the opportunity to learn from our mistakes and do better tomorrow." Missouri Gov. Mike Parson (R) went along with a radio host's incorrect suggestion that a marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot is 450 pages long. He separately called the measure a "disaster" and repeated the false length claim. South Carolina Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joe Cunningham, a former congressman, reiterated his pledge to legalize marijuana. New York's Senate majority leader is promoting a community conversation about cannabis dispensaries in Yonkers on Thursday. Alabama's top medical cannabis regulator pushed back against rumors that officials have pre-selected or promised business licenses to certain entities. Hawaii regulators are being sued over a raid of stores that sold hemp-derived products. The members of Utah's Mental Illness Psychotherapy Drug Task Force, which will issue recommendations on psychedelics therapy by October 31, have been appointed. The California Legislative Analyst's Office reported that "cannabis tax revenues have declined substantially for three consecutive quarters." Separately, the Department of Tax and Fee Administration said marijuana tax revenue in the second quarter of 2022 amounted to $275.2 million. Maine's Metrc User Workgroup held its first meeting. Colorado's Intoxicating Hemp and Tetrahydrocannabinol Products Task Force will meet on Wednesday. Oregon's Task Force on Cannabis-Derived Intoxicants and Illegal Cannabis Production will meet on Wednesday.

 

[user 60570]

​ / TOP THINGS TO KNOW

​ National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Director Helene Langevin said marijuana research is "fraught with hurdles"—including its Schedule I status—that need to be addressed in order to unlock studies on areas such as how cannabinoids can serve as "safer tools" than opioids in managing pain.

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​ Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidate Mehmet Oz admitted on Fox News that medical cannabis is a “safer solution” for some patients than prescription opioids are—even as his campaign attacks Democratic rival John Fetterman, currently the lieutenant governor, for his marijuana and drug policy reform stances.

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​ The Missouri House Interim Committee on Veterans Mental Health and Suicide heard testimony about the therapeutic potential of psychedelics as a Republican lawmaker plans to soon pre-file a reform bill for the upcoming session.

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​ A new study upends "stoner" stereotypes, finding that frequent marijuana use "is not associated with apathy [or] effort-based decision-making"and that cannabis consumers experience more pleasure than those who abstain. "The collective evidence does not support an amotivational syndrome in cannabis users non-acutely, despite persistent 'stoner' stereotypes."

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[user 60570]

FEDERAL

Former President Donald Trump said Pennsylvania Democratic Senate candidate John Fetterman, currently the lieutenant governor, dresses "like a teenager getting high in his parents' basement" and said he "supports taxpayer-funded drug dens and the complete decriminalization of illegal drugs, including heroin, cocaine, crystal meth and ultra-lethal fentanyl—and by the way he takes them himself." He also called on lawmakers to institute the death penalty for people who sell illegal drugs. Fetterman responded to the rally, at which his Republican rival Mehmet Oz also spoke, by saying, "More and more lies from Trump and Dr. Oz; another day, but it's the same crap from these two desperate and sad dudes.” White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Rahul Guptadodged a question about California Gov. Gavin Newsom's (D) veto of a bill to allow safe consumption sites for illegal drugs. The National Institute on Drug Abuse posted an FAQ about its proposal to establish a medical cannabis use registry. Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) said he is "in support of medical marijuana, but not on a 'willy-nilly' basis." Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) tweeted, "It’s past time to legalize marijuana and expunge all prior offenses for use." STATES South Carolina Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joe Cunningham, a former congressman, tweeted that he supports "full legalization with expungements for low level marijuana convictions." Pennsylvania House Democrats tweeted about a new marijuana pardon program, saying, "A small mistake in your past shouldn't define your future, especially when it comes to an offense that wouldn't be an offense in so many states now." Senate Democrats and the Legislative Black Caucus also promoted the effort. A North Dakota representative said that while she opposes a marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot, she will respect the will of the voters if they approve it. A Tennessee senator said she will continue to work to pass medical cannabis legislation. A New York senator spoke about the state's first round of marijuana dispensary license applications. Massachusetts's new top marijuana regulator previously consulted for cannabis companies, including being listed as a partner and manager in one—which was not initially publicly disclosed in the announcement about her being selected for the state role. Montana regulators published an annual report finding that there were no complaints or disciplinary actions involving physicians for issuing medical cannabis recommendations in the past year. Washington State regulators raided two unlicensed cannabis businesses. Eleven lawsuits filed against Connecticut regulators by rejected marijuana business license applicants have been consolidated. Michigan regulators posted data showing the continued reduction in the number of registered medical cannabis patients in the state. Nevada regulators are being pressed to reconsider how they calculate cannabis tax rates. Oregon's Marijuana Violation Reclassification Rules Advisory Committee will meet on Tuesday.

 

[user 60570]

Anyone still read the News?

KNOW

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson (R) won't add marijuana legalization to next week's special session agenda despite a push from activists and lawmakers who want to give the legislature a chance to pass an alternative to a cannabis initiative on the November ballot. The announcement came on the same day that the legislature’s Joint Committee on Legislative Research held a hearing on the ballot measure.

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A new poll conducted by the Minnesota House of Representatives at the State Fair found that respondents support legalizing marijuana by a two-to-one margin.

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Ohio Democratic congressional candidate Matt Kilboy deleted tweets criticizing incumbent Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) for speaking at a cannabis conference. He spoke to Marijuana Moment about his own support for legalization—while questioning Joyce's motives.

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A judge with the Washington, D.C. Office of Employee Appeals ruled that a government worker who is a medical cannabis patient and was fired after being suspected of being under the influence of marijuana on the job needs to be reinstated with back pay and benefits.

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A new poll from the Independent Community Bankers of America found that 65 percent of U.S. voters support allowing marijuana businesses to access banks. 71 percent say it will reduce the risk of robberies and 55 percent believe it will aid underserved communities.

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[user 60570]

FEDERAL

The White House reiterated that 2023 intern applicants will be asked about "prior drug use (including marijuana, regardless of whether the marijuana use was permitted under state law)." The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit is being asked by a cannabis industry trade group to revisit a ruling that Maine's residency requirement for medical cannabis business ownership violates the Constitution's Dormant Commerce Clause. Rep.Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) tweeted, "It's time for the Senate to take action and for commonsense cannabis reform to be enacted, starting with #SAFEBanking." STATES New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) touted funding for cannabis accreditation programs in a Labor Day press release. Pennsylvania's second lady filmed a video about the state's new marijuana pardon project. Missouri's secretary of state rejected suggestions that he improperly double-checked local officials' rejection of signatures on a marijuana legalization initiative. Arkansas activists argued in a state Supreme Court brief that their marijuana legalization initiative exceeds state requirements despite its rejection by the Board of Election Commissioners. A Florida marijuana legalization campaign spent $1.5 million on a signature gathering firm. The director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation claimed that the marijuana industry is using the legalization of hemp as a cover to sell illegal high-THC products. The North Carolina Court of Appeals rejected an appeal from a man who was convicted of marijuana charges and argued that the state's legalization of hemp meant that police did not have probable cause to search him. Maine regulators adopted changes to marijuana rules. A review of New Jersey regulators' records reveals dozens of marijuana business violations. California regulators asked cannabis businesses to take steps to reduce their energy usage amid a heat wave. Oklahoma's medical cannabis licensing portal experienced technical issues. Vermont regulators will consider recommendations for marijuana social equity status and licensure on Wednesday. The West Virginia Medical Cannabis Advisory Board will consider a proposed recommendation to cap THC in medical cannabis products at 10 percent on Thursday.

 

[oldfogey8]

I still read the news from you. Good stuff. Sounds like if you are growing or uding medical cannabis in WV, you are sh!t out of luck. 10%? Mainly high CBD strandivars may qualify but most studies indicate that CBD and THC have a symbiotic relationship affecting the efficacy of the meds…

 

[user 60570]

TOP THINGS TO KNOW

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre suggested that President Joe Biden will not be making any marijuana policy moves ahead of the midterms. "I don't have anything else to share in the upcoming weeks," the press secretary said when asked about other Democrats' push for cannabis action.

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A Missouri judge dismissed a lawsuit that sought to remove a marijuana legalization initiative from the state's November ballot, finding that its claims had no merit and the plaintiff didn't even have standing. The prohibitionist activists who brought the case say they will appeal.

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A new Maryland campaign led by former NFL player Eugene Monroekicked off with a video ad encouraging voters to approve the marijuana legalization referendum on the November ballot. It's backed with funding from Trulieve.

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Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) highlighted the importance of marijuana banking and insurance legislation for ancillary businesses that serve the cannabis industry during a Senate Banking Committee hearing.

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Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried (D) is pushing back against new medical cannabis dosage limits that regulators enacted with just three days' notice.

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[user 60570]

FEDERAL

Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) said he will file a bill this week to institute oversight and transparency of purchases of U.S. agricultural land that could threaten national security, citing concerns about transnational criminal organizations taking advantage of Oklahoma’s medical cannabis law. Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) suggested he's not interested in negotiating with Democrats on additions to marijuana banking legislation because it's "not important enough." Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) tweeted, "Following California's path on marijuana would be a mistake for Arkansas. Visit Safe and Secure Communities to see the problems with Issue 4—more crime, more addiction, and more traffic fatalities. I'll vote NO on Issue 4, and I hope you will too." Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) said marijuana is "a gateway drug." Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT), who is running for Senate, and his Republican opponent Gerald Malloy discussed marijuana and drug policy at a debate. Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) reacted to a report that Legal Marijuana Now Party candidate Paula Overby has ties to Republican operatives. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) tweeted, "It’s 2022. Legalize marijuana." Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidate Mehmet Oz accused Democratic opponent John Fetterman, currently the lieutenant governor, of wanting to "legalize all drugs" and "have heroin injection sites." The House bill to regulate hemp-derived CBD as a food additive got two new cosponsors for a total of ten. STATES Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) tweeted, "The science is clear. Recreational marijuana leads to increased drug use among minors & more dangerous roadways. This November, I’m voting NO on Issue 4 to legalize recreational marijuana in Arkansas & I hope you’ll join me." Missouri Gov. Mike Parson (R) said he has questions about the impact of the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot. Pennsylvania Democratic governor and lieutenant governor candidates discussed their support for marijuana legalization,, but their Republican opponents chose not to respond. New Hampshire Republican gubernatorial candidates discussed marijuana legalization during a debate. Texas Democratic agriculture commissioner candidate Susan Hays spoke about her support for legalizing marijuana and her own cannabis consumption. Virginia's Senate president pro tem tweeted that last year when he was running for his current position, the state attorney general "showed up at my Cannabis Outlet store in disguise to try to find something we were doing wrong. Only problem with his plan was I was here that day and recognized him immediately. When he came to speak to the Senate Democratic Caucus during session I brought this up and he ran from the room and then had a staffer tweet I was mistaken." The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that a judge "abused his discretion" by denying a man's request to permanently erase his marijuana possession arrest records. A Florida judge criticized regulators for not issuing additional medical cannabis business licenses. California's top marijuana regulator, as part of a broad Los Angeles Times investigation into problems with the state's cannabis program, was quoted as saying her department's focus is on building up legal businesses "before we expand those efforts out to the illegal market." Oklahoma regulators are granting extensions to medical cannabis business licensees who were unable to submit renewal applications due to a system outage. Separately, the Medical Marijuana Advisory Council will meet on Monday. Alabama regulators received 179 requests for marijuana business license applications in the first six days of accepting them. Connecticut's marijuana Social Equity Council must return to the state's general fund previously allocated monies that it did not spend. Oregon regulators posted a bulletin with marijuana harvest season preparation tips. Separately, an advisory committee will consider psilocybin services packaging, labeling and transportation rules on Tuesday. Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services tweeted, "Secondhand marijuana smoke, like all marijuana smoke, contains many poisons including cyanide and ammonia. Marijuana smoke can trigger asthma." Colorado regulators released a video explaining marijuana average market rates.

 

[Africanna]

All of those sittings/hearings must be wasting a small fortune of tax payers money - insane

 

[user 60570]

All of those sittings/hearings must be wasting a small fortune of tax payers money - insane

and the bill itself gets buried in some committee somewhere

 

[Africanna]

and the bill itself gets buried in some committee somewhere

Bureaucracy can be rather cumbersome at the best of times and even more so when they don't want something to happen that they don't like or support

 

[Hippie420]

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​ Michigan regulators posted data showing the continued reduction in the number of registered medical cannabis patients in the state.

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​ ​ Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services tweeted, "Secondhand marijuana smoke, like all marijuana smoke, contains many poisons including cyanide and ammonia. Marijuana smoke can trigger asthma."

I've been an asthmatic since childhood. The only time marijuana triggered an attack was when it had mold in it. As far as the nasty chemicals it might contain, that's an easy fix. Grow your own. Then you'll know everything that's in it.

As far as the registered med patients goes, Michigan is a free state now. Why pay money to a doc and LARA when you've got the same rights without it?

 

[user 60570]

TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Reps. Buddy Carter (R-GA) and Doug Lamborn (R-CO) sent a letter pressing federal officials at the Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies for information about the environmental impacts of marijuana cultivation—though they acknowledge the role that legalization can play in setting energy and emissions regulations.

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The World Anti-Doping Agency appears set to keep marijuana on its list of banned substances for athletes even after a review that was initiated amid outrage about U.S. runner Sha'Carri Richardson's Olympics suspension for cannabis. Meanwhile, there is some confusion about the U.S.'s position on the issue, with international officials suggesting the country did not push to remove cannabis from this list, and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency saying it has advocated for a change.

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The Missouri Western District Court of Appeals rejected marijuana opponents' request to remove a legalization initiative from the November ballot, but prohibitionists say they'll ask the state Supreme Court to intervene by Tuesday's deadline. A new poll found that Missouri likely voters oppose the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot—but the campaign is pushing back, saying the same pollster undercounted support for the medical cannabis measure voters overwhelmingly approved in 2018.

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An Oklahoma marijuana legalization campaign is facing two additional legal challenges beyond its main dispute with the state over whether their initiative can appear on this November's ballot—one from a former lawmaker and another from a controversial activist.

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New Jersey's Cannabis Regulatory Commission issued guidance clarifying that most employers cannot fire workers based solely on a positive drug test for marijuana.

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[user 60570]

FEDERAL

The Congressional Research Service noted a recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit rejecting a challenge to marijuana's Schedule I status. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) tweeted, "As states across the country legalize marijuana, it’s only right that profits be reinvested in the communities most devastated by the War on Drugs." Rep. Marie Newman (D-IL) tweeted about her years-long support for marijuana legalization. Pennsylvania Republican congressional candidate David Galluch spoke about his support for federally legalizing marijuana, but Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D) chose not to responde. California Democratic congressional candidate Derek Marshall tweeted, "Legalizing marijuana and expunging past convictions are some ways we can help put an end to the unjust prison industrial complex." Florida Democratic congressional candidate Cindy Banyai tweeted, "I support full cannabis decriminalization and expungement of records. Read more on my position on cannabis here.. STATES Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) is continuing to promote his Marijuana Pardon Project. Washington State's treasurer spoke about the importance of enacting marijuana banking legislation. A Florida marijuana legalization initiative campaign got another $5 million donation from Trulieve. The Arkansas Supreme Court took a procedural step to prepare for issuing a final ruling on whether votes on the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot can be counted. New York lawmakers sent a letter urging New York City's mayor to crack down on illegal marijuana sellers. An Alabama representative tweeted, "#MedicalCannabis provides #CannaBiz opportunities for our #SmallBiz entrepreneurs in Alabama! Medical marijuana in Alabama." Montana regulators are withdrawing proposed rules on additional cannabis cultivation canopy license tiers and marijuana dispensary customer loyalty programs. Rhode Island regulators plan to issue guidance for recreational marijuana sales next month. A North Dakota regulator testified to lawmakers that passage of the recreational marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot could lead to an 80 percent reduction in the number of registered patients in the medical cannabis program. Vermont regulators marijuana regulators published clarification about their relationship with the Department of Liquor & Lottery. The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development posted a webinar for prospective applicants to the marijuana revenue-funded Community Reinvestment Grants program. Michigan marijuana regulators will hold a quarterly public meeting on Wednesday. The Oregon Oregon Liquor & Cannabis Commission's Marijuana Legislative & Technical Changes Rules Advisory Committee will meet on Wednesday. Massachusetts regulators are hosting an event about cannabis equity on Wednesday.