Cannabis News Today

[user 60570]

TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) said he hasn't made up his mind about the psychedelics legalization initiative on the state's November ballot—despite previously voicing support for decriminalization and noting the therapeutic benefits of substances like psilocybin. Polis's noncommittal stance on the psychedelics measure echoes how he declined to endorse the 2012 marijuana legalization initiative voters ended up approving at the ballot even though he was already a vocal cannabis reform supporter at the time.

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Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) said "we’ve got a good shot" of passing marijuana reform legislation—including banking and restorative justice provisions—in the lame duck session after the midterm elections. "I wouldn’t say it’s a great shot, but it’s on a good path." Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) said the fact that he gets asked about marijuana so often at high school events "worries me, to tell you the truth" and that he's "not a great fan of drugs and alcohol"—but he nonetheless continues to support legalization. Kansas House Democrats are pushing back on the Republican Senate president's view that medical cannabis is "not a priority" as a special committee of the legislature holds its second of three meetings this week to prepare a bill that could pass in 2023.

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Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried (D) is cheering the "compelling" arguments her legal team made in a hearing on the federal government's motion to dismiss the lawsuit she filed on medical marijuana patients' gun rights.

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[user 60570]

FEDERAL

The Congressional Progressive Caucus tweeted, "@POTUS is pardoning thousands of people convicted of simple marijuana possession. When a Black person is 3.64x more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than a white person, this is an essential step forward for racial justice." Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) said during a debate that he will consider working to remove federal barriers to state marijuana laws, including on banking, but that it's a "third-tier priority." Democratic opponent Thomas McDermott, currently the mayor of Hammond, said he supports legalization. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) said during a debate that President Joe Biden's cannabis clemency move is "another example of weakness on crime." Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL) tweeted, "Biden’s pardon is a huge step in the right direction that will positively affect thousands of Americans, particularly Black and brown people that have disproportionately been convicted of marijuana possessions." Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA) tweeted, "We must continue to push forward to expunge federal marijuana misdemeanors by passing my bill H.R. 8557." STATES Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) said he "can’t in good conscience consider issuing blanket pardons" to people for marijuana until federal law changes. South Dakota Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jamie Smith, currently the House minority leader, accused Gov. Kristi Noem (R) of "twisting my words on a point I was making on marijuana legalization" by selectively editing a video of him talking about having "more things to tax." Arkansas attorney general candidates shared their views on marijuana legalization. Texas Democratic attorney general candidate Rochelle Garza discussed her support for legalizing marijuana. A former California Department of Finance director and others wrote in voter guide arguments against a measure on the November ballot to ban certain flavored tobacco products that "prohibition has never worked—it didn’t work with alcohol or marijuana, and it won’t work now." A Kentucky representative discussed support for cannabis decriminalization and clemency. A North Carolina representative tweeted, "I was proud to sponsor a bill to legalize & regulate cannabis in NC just this past session. I'll be proud to do it again the next session, too. Like @POTUS once said, 'It's good for the economy. Helps everybody. Hurts nobody.' Let's blaze a trail forward." Colorado regulators issued a bulletin about reports of increased burglaries targeting marijuana businesses. Rhode Island regulators issued guidance about marijuana product testing. Utah regulators posted an update about the medical cannabis program. Oregon regulators will consider changes to rules on the marijuana license moratorium and on sex and human trafficking at cannabis businesses on Wednesday. Vermont regulators will review recommendations for marijuana social equity status and licensure on Wednesday.

 

[user 60570]

TOP THINGS TO KNOW

President Joe Biden, in a pre-midterms political rally, touted that he is "keeping my promise that no one should be in jail merely for using or possessing marijuana." White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said separately that the administration doesn't have any update to share on the timeline for next steps on the president's cannabis actions.

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Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) called a special election for March 7, 2023 for the marijuana legalization initiative that missed this November's ballot amid legal challenges and printing deadlines.

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White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Rahul Guptasaid marijuana "clearly" has medical benefits and that it'll be "really important to follow the science" for federal agencies that are carrying out the review of cannabis's scheduling status that was recently directed by President Joe Biden.

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Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) posted a video about his efforts to make psychedelic therapy more accessible for "constructive application" by people with PTSD, depression and other conditions. Psilocybin and MDMA are showing "incredible results" in trials, he said.

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San Antonio, Texas activists launched a campaign to put a measure on the May 2023 local ballot to decriminalize marijuana and abortion while banning no-knock warrants and police chokeholds. Voters in five other Texas cities will vote on cannabis decriminalization initiatives next month.

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The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is providing $200,000 in grant funds for projects "aimed at increasing sales, export or consumer awareness of Pennsylvania hemp products."

 

[user 60570]

​ FEDERAL

​ A Department of Energy administrative judge upheld the removal of a contractor's security clearance eligibility over his use of medical cannabis for back pain. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) tweeted, "Legalize marijuana. Expunge all records. End the racist 'War on Drugs.'"

​ / STATES

​ Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) defended his cheering of law enforcement marijuana busts in response to attacks during a debate from Libertarian candidate Shane Hazel. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) appointed an executive director for the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority. Separately, a former member of Stitt's Council on Science and Innovation was charged with illegal involvement in marijuana businesses, prompting a spokesperson for the governor's reelection campaign to say that the state's medical cannabis law "created far too many opportunities for fraud, which is why Governor Stitt has been working with the legislature to strengthen law enforcement’s ability to track and stop bad actors." A spokesperson for U.S. Virgin Islands Gov.Albert Bryan Jr. reiterated his support for legalizing marijuana. The Arkansas marijuana legalization campaign raised $850,000 in September, though anti-legalization committees have more cash on hand. The Louisiana legislature's Employment and Medical Marijuana Task Force met. Separately, the chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus spoke about cannabis legalization as a priority. A California senator spoke with Dr. Phil about his legislation to allow safe consumption sites for illegal drugs. The Washington State Department of Commerce launched a new Social Equity in Cannabis Technical Assistance Program. Alabama regulators received 607 requests for medical cannabis business license applications. Oregon regulators will host a Psilocybin Fall Business Forum on Wednesday. Minnesota's Medical Cannabis Review Panel will discuss petitions to add new qualifying conditions on Thursday. Tennessee's Medical Cannabis Commission will meet on Thursday.

 

[user 60570]

TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) signed a bill allowing tourists to self-certify to buy medical cannabis while they are visiting the nation's capital—without needing a doctor's recommendation.

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Lawmakers in the Australian Capital Territory—which includes the national capital of Canberra—approved a bill to locally decriminalize drugs.

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The Congressional Research Service published a new report laying out lawmakers' options to change marijuana's federal status as the Biden administration conducts its own scheduling review.

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The Missouri State Highway Patrol is objecting to a new ad from the campaign supporting the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot, saying they did not give permission for police officers to be depicted in the spot.

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A new poll from the American Bankers Association found that two in three Americans want Congress to pass marijuana banking legislation.

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Louisiana's Employment and Medical Marijuana Task Force met to discuss workplace cannabis issues.

Sponsor Message

​ There are 37 states and 4 U.S. territories with medical or hybrid adult use cannabis programs. Schedule VI is a proposed new schedule designed to preserve all their rights to control & regulate marijuana without hurting existing cannabis businesses or disrupting existing state tax revenue infrastructure.

/ FEDERAL

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) said during a debate that she supports President Joe Biden's cannabis clemency move even though she doesn't think it goes far enough. Democratic challenger Annie Andrews criticized the incumbent for voting against a cannabis legalization bill on the House floor. Rep. Pat Ryan (D-NY) and Republican challenger Colin Schmitt, currently a state assemblyman, disagreed on marijuana legalization during a debate. The congressman tweeted, "I support legalizing marijuana at the federal level. @colinschmitt does not." Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) spoke in favor of President Joe Biden's cannabis clemency move.

 

[user 60570]

STATES

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) said during a debate that he opposes the marijuana legalization initiative on the March ballot but that he has personally used cannabis. Democratic challenger Joy Hofmeister, currently the superintendent of public instruction, said she is undecided on the ballot measure and has not used marijuana. Separately, the State Board of Elections said the special election that Stitt called for the legalization vote will cost $1.3 million to carry out. New York's comptroller said during a debate that he does not plan to buy marijuana when legal sales launch. The Minnesota Senate Democratic–Farmer–Labor Caucus tweeted, "Senate DFLers listened to Minnesotans and tried to bring legislation to legalize cannabis to a vote in the 2022 Legislative Session - out of touch Republicans blocked it." A New Hampshire representative said he plans to file a marijuana legalization bill next year. Maryland's marijuana legalization campaign held a rally in support of the initiative on the November ballot. Pennsylvania's Independent Regulatory Review Commission approvedmedical cannabis rules. Illinois regulators issued the first operational permits for marijuana social equity infuser businesses. Florida regulators are asking for a $6.2 million funding increase for the Office of Medical Marijuana Use. The Oregon Task Force on Cannabis-Derived Intoxicants and Illegal Cannabis Production will meet on Friday. Tennessee's Medical Cannabis Commission will meet on Monday. Nevada regulators will consider marijuana business issues on Tuesday. Utah regulators are hosting a medical cannabis market analysis public input meeting on Tuesday.

 

[user 60570]

TOP THINGS TO KNOW

The U.S. Sentencing Commission has made it a priority to reconsider whether and how past marijuana conviction records can be used against people in sentencing decisions for new crimes. The cannabis criminal history review was not included in an initial list of the commission's proposed priorities circulated last month, but President Joe Biden issued mass marijuana pardons the next day and now it's being included.

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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's (D-NY) office is shooting down a fake news report that claimed he has been working "for months" on a policy to allow marijuana use and sales on Amtrak trains.

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Delaware Gov. John Carney (D) vetoed a bill to codify medical cannabis patients' gun rights under state law. Earlier this year, he vetoed separate legislation to legalize recreational cannabis.

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The New Jersey Assembly approved a bill to decouple state tax policy from the federal 280E provision, which would allow marijuana companies to deduct business expenses in their state filings.

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New Arizona Department of Revenue data indicates that the state is about to surpass $1 billion in legal marijuana sales in 2022.

 

[user 60570]

FEDERAL

The National Institute on Drug Abuse extended the due date for proposals to produce cannabis for research. Conservatives seized on reports that the man who allegedly assaulted the husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) sold hemp jewelry at one point and lived at a home that has a flag with a marijuana symbol hanging from a tree. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) tweeted, "Cannabis linked psychosis is a serious problem that we can not ignore. I’ve talked to many police that say they have seen a rise in crime since marijuana has been legalized in many places." Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) held a press conference to press New York City officials to crack down on unlicensed marijuana businesses. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM) and Republican challenger Alexis Martinez discussed cannabis policy during a debate. Wisconsin Democratic Senate candidate Mandela Barnes, currently the lieutenant governor, spoke about his support for legalizing marijuana. STATES South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) defended her decision to challenge a marijuana legalization measure that voters approved in 2020 but said that if a new cannabis initiative on the November ballot passes, "it's going to be implemented." Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) tweeted, "The will of the people should be the law of the land. Nearly two-thirds of Wisconsinites support legalizing marijuana. It's time for us to join red and blue states across the U.S. by legalizing and taxing marijuana, much like we already do with alcohol." Arkansas Republican gubernatorial candidate Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a former White House press secretary, tweeted, "Fentanyl, heroin and meth are killing Arkansans, and as governor I will aggressively combat the severe drug crisis in our state. I'm voting no on recreational marijuana because I don’t believe adding to our state's drug problem is good for our kids and their future." Iowa Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deidre DeJear tweeted, "It’s time to legalize cannabis in Iowa." Colorado's attorney general, several state lawmakers and the mayors of Denver and Colorado Springs, among other current and former officials, signed a letter opposing the psychedelics legalization initiative on the November ballot. Separately, a representative authored an op-ed urging voters to reject the measure. New Jersey's attorney general issued a directive on drug testing of law enforcement personnel. Florida Democratic chief financial officer candidate Adam Hattersley tweeted, "It’s time to legalize recreational cannabis in Florida. As your next Chief Financial Officer, you can count on me to work to get it done." Pennsylvania lawmakers sent Gov. Tom Wolf (D) a bill to legalize fentanyl testing strips, but separate legislation to allow syringe exchange services stalled in the House Judiciary Committee. Missouri's House speaker and speaker-elect urged voters to reject the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot. Here's a look at where North Carolina House and Senate candidates stand on medical cannabis. New York regulators published guidance for recreational marijuana dispensaries. Texas regulators voted to allow licenses in the limited medical cannabis program to open satellite locations and are hiring a consultant to advise about potential broader expansion. Mississippi regulators gave an update on steps to implement a medical cannabis program, including forcing one business to destroy nearly $1 million worth of marijuana plants due to compliance issues. The Connecticut State Police tweeted, "This Halloween, beware! Some THC product packages closely resemble candy… Parents or guardians, take note, carefully inspect ALL treats before allowing children to consume." The California Department of Public Health posted a warning about "the dangers of gummies, brownies, lollipops, and other candies, food, and drink products infused with cannabis." Virginia regulators conducted a survey to explore attitudes and behaviors about marijuana and driving. Massachusetts officials are accepting applications to serve on the Cannabis Social Equity Advisory Board. Oregon regulators posted information from a psilocybin business forum they hosted. Washington State regulators are hosting a series of events to mark the 10-year anniversary of voters approving marijuana legalization.

 

[WeedHopper]

You should work fo Fox News. Im calling Waters to see if i can get you in the door.

 

[oldfogey8]

Nearly 43,000 Marijuana Records Automatically Cleared In Connecticut, Days Before First Adult-Use Sales Start​

The governor of Connecticut announced on Sunday that the state had cleared nearly 43,000 records for marijuana-related convictions.

Gov. Ned Lamont (D) previously noted last month that legalization legislation he signed in 2021 empowered the state government to facilitate mass cannabis clemency, which it has now processed for 42,964 cases. This comes about a week before the state’s first legal adult-use marijuana sales are set to launch.

“It’s one step forward in ending the War on Drugs and giving our citizens a second chance to achieve their dreams,” Lamont said.



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Source: GreenPot MD

The POTUS pardons of federal ‘offenders’ was an empty action affecting very few if any ‘offenders’. It was done to get votes not to actually free anyone. The majority of people jailed for cannabis offenses are for state charges which remain unpardoned. Lamont deserves credit though he has run CT into the ground with other policies.

 

[CrashMagnet]

US Ban On Pot Users Owning Guns Ruled Unconstitutional

Another week, another defeat for the gun-grabbers: A federal law barring marijuana users from owning and possessing firearms has been ruled unconstitutional.

In a 54-page ruling in favor of Jared Harrison handed down Friday in Oklahoma, U.S. District Judge Patrick Wyrick said the government cannot claim that Harrison's "mere status as a user of marijuana justifies stripping him of his fundamental right to possess a firearm."

It's the latest of many rulings against gun restrictions that are following in the widening wake of last June's watershed U.S. Supreme Court ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. ...

 

[lowrider82]

Good. No reason for it to be illegal in the first. Maybe this can open up the courts to more rulings if congress won't legalize it

 

[oldfogey8]

Good. No reason for it to be illegal in the first. Maybe this can open up the courts to more rulings if congress won't legalize it

My guess(and my hope) is this decision will be appealed. It needs to be heard by the Supreme Court if it is going to ‘stick’. The easiest remedy to the whole issue is for cannabis to be removed from the schedule 1 list to make the federal questionnaire required to buy a gun. The government doesn’t seem to like easy remedies though. There ain’t no payola in ‘easy’…