Cannabis News Today

[user 60570]

Moar news…..

FEDERAL

The U.S. Sentencing Commission published a report on compassionate release from federal prison. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) tweeted, "37 states and DC legalized cannabis for medical use. 18 states and DC legalized both medical and adult use. It's past time the federal government caught up. Comprehensive federal cannabis reform with equity for communities most impacted by the War on Drugs is a top Senate priority." Rep. Tim Ryan (D) tweeted, "No person should be sentenced to a lifetime of hardship because of a marijuana arrest. I’m proud to stand on the side of justice by supporting legislation that will begin righting the wrongs of decades of misinformed drug policy and make marijuana legal in all 50 states." New York Democratic congressional candidate Rana Abdelhamid tweeted, "The war on drugs has torn so many communities of color apart, so it's a breath of fresh air that New York has not only legalized marijuana, but is giving those with drug convictions another chance. That's a step towards restorative justice." North Carolina Democratic congressional candidate Charles Graham tweeted, "In NC, any adult can go into a CBD store and purchase Delta 8, a substance that closely mimics the effects of marijuana. At the same time, folks are sitting in jail cells — separated from their families — for possessing marijuana. It's unfair and frankly stupid. Let them out." The House bill to deschedule marijuana and fund programs to repair drug war harms got one new cosponsor for a total of 109.

 

[user 60570]

And that’s a wrap for Friday March 11

STATES

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp's (R) leadership committee received a $50,000 contribution from the CEO of one of only six companies to win a medical cannabis business license in the state. Attorneys for men on trial for conspiring to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) blamed the scheme on marijuana use and "stoned crazy talk." South Dakota lawmakers sent Gov. Kristi Noem (R) a bill to set limits on medical cannabis home cultivation. Alabama lawmakers sent Gov. Kay Ivey (R) a bill to legalize fentanyl test strips. The West Virginia Senate advanced a bill on security and surveillance requirements for medical cannabis businesses. Louisiana lawmakers have filed several bills aimed at expanding medical cannabis access. The Maryland Judicial Ethics Committee determined that a law clerk is allowed to author an article about medical cannabis employment protections as long as he does not identify the court he works for. New Jersey regulators posted an update on the marijuana business licensing process, saying they are "moving through a critical milestone” this week. California regulators are moving to readopt emergency rules consolidating cannabis regulations. Illinois regulators issued a policy statement blocking cannabis businesses from producing delta-8 or delta-9 THC from hemp oil. The chairman of Oregon's Psilocybin Advisory Board resigned. Connecticut regulators began accepting lottery applications for marijuana product manufacturer licenses. New York regulators are holding training sessions for people who want to become certified hemp sampling agents.

 

[Hippie420]

I can't wait for the day that the feds take it off the list. The people that have big money invested in growing or selling are playing with fire. No matter what the state says, the feds can waltz in at anytime, confiscate all property and monies, and lock your fanny up for 20 years.
I never thought I'd live long enough to see it legal in my state. Back when I started smoking, they had a guy doing ten long for possessing two joints. If I remember right, his name was John Sinclair or something like that.

 

[user 60570]

Monday morning weed news.

$151 million in pot sales for Colorado January 2022 , down from December

mama mia that’s a lot a weed!

TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Congressional Democrats hosted a closed-to-press panel on equity in the cannabis industry at their retreat in Philadelphia last week. Marijuana Moment spoke to several people who were there. The U.S. Department of Transportation is proposing drug testing rules changes to allow saliva as an alternative to urine screening. Advocates say it could result in fewer positive tests for people who used marijuana days prior and aren’t high on the job.

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Washington State lawmakers passed a budget that includes $200,000 in funding to form a workgroup to study the possibility of legalizing psilocybin services—including using current marijuana regulatory systems to track psychedelic mushrooms.

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The New Orleans, Louisiana City Council passed a resolution calling for an end to drug testing for marijuana as a condition of employment for city workers.

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Georgia lawmakers filed legislation to create a new House Study Committee on Alternative Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment Resources for Veterans that would be tasked with examining the therapeutic potential of psilocybin and other psychedelics.

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The Colorado Department of Revenue reported that retailers sold more than $151 million worth of marijuana products in January, a decline from December.

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[user 60570]

and now news from the Feds.

FEDERAL

President Joe Biden and Colombian President Iván Duque Márquez spoke about a commitment to a "broader drug policy strategy, with a holistic approach to counternarcotics focused on expanding access to evidence-based prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery support services, as well as reducing the supply of illicit drugs." White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki avoided commenting directly on the case of American basketball player Brittney Griner, who is being detained in Russia after allegedly being caught with cannabis vape cartridges at an airport. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said that "the path for marijuana legislation has always faced hurdles, but the discussion around marijuana legalization has advanced further in 15 months than over the last decade because of Democratic leadership." Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government Chairman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) sought to blame Republicans for the continuation of a spending bill rider blocking Washington, D.C. from legalizing marijuana sales. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus are working to free American basketball player Brittney Griner, who is being detained in Russia after allegedly being caught with cannabis vape cartridges at an airport. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) tweeted, "SRA is already here and what’s not to like? @SenSchumer @RonWyden @CoryBooker Small Business Veterans Law enforcementProtects kids Safe expungementLow taxes#meetinthemiddle" The House bill to help marijuana companies access small business assistance got one new cosponsor for a total of six.

 

[user 60570]

Wrapping up Monday morning weed news statewide.

STATES

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D) signed a bill allowing regulators to to refuse to issue hemp cultivation licenses based on supply and demand. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said that "criminal prosecution of those suffering from addiction and returning to the failed War on Drugs will not solve this problem." Separately, a federal judge ruled that an activist does not have standing to challenge the state's voter-approved marijuana legalization referendum. Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O'Rourke, a former congressman, spoke about his support for legalizing marijuana. He also said that "Republicans like to get high just as much as Democrats." New York Republican gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin, currently a congressman, criticized incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul (D),tweeting, "The Criminals for Kathy coalition is growing. Cannabis dispensary licenses are going to start getting distributed in NY, & the Hochul admin will be giving FIRST PRIORITY to people previously convicted for marijuana offenses. Hochul's criminal first agenda is so wrong for NY." Rhode Island Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Cynthia Mendes said a pending marijuana legalization bill "doesn't do nearly enough to repair the damage of the War on Drugs (ie Black, brown & low-income communities). Where's the racial equity in that??" Virginia lawmakers sent Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) to enact restrictions on delta-8 THC products. West Virginia lawmakers sent Gov. Jim Justice (R) legislation setting security and surveillance requirements for medical cannabis businesses and to decriminalize fentanyl test strips. A bill to allow no more than two medical marijuana testing laboratories in the state passed both chambers in differing forms but failed to reach the governor's desk by the end of the session. The Vermont Senate approved legislation on cannabis cultivation rules and licensing fees. Separately, regulators will vote on adopting marijuana rules on Monday. A California senator filed a bill to allow cannabis import and export agreements with other states. An Illinois judge warned regulators against "forum shopping" in a lawsuit challenging their marijuana business award process. Indiana regulators filed updated hemp rules. Colorado regulators issued a health and safety advisory about potentially unsafe levels of yeast and mold contamination in marijuana products produced by LivWell. Separately, regulators began accepting applications for the new Cannabis Business Pilot Grant program. Michigan's top marijuana regulator says he spoke to the Drug Enforcement Administration about getting permission for colleges to utilize marijuana as part of cannabis degree programs, South Dakota regulators held a lottery to award medical cannabis dispensary licenses.

 

[WeedLord]

Is This Recent news?

 

[SubmarineGirl]

Wrapping up Monday morning weed news statewide.

​ STATES

​ Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D) signed a bill allowing regulators to to refuse to issue hemp cultivation licenses based on supply and demand. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said that "criminal prosecution of those suffering from addiction and returning to the failed War on Drugs will not solve this problem." Separately, a federal judge ruled that an activist does not have standing to challenge the state's voter-approved marijuana legalization referendum. Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O'Rourke, a former congressman, spoke about his support for legalizing marijuana. He also said that "Republicans like to get high just as much as Democrats." New York Republican gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin, currently a congressman, criticized incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul (D),tweeting, "The Criminals for Kathy coalition is growing. Cannabis dispensary licenses are going to start getting distributed in NY, & the Hochul admin will be giving FIRST PRIORITY to people previously convicted for marijuana offenses. Hochul's criminal first agenda is so wrong for NY." Rhode Island Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Cynthia Mendes said a pending marijuana legalization bill "doesn't do nearly enough to repair the damage of the War on Drugs (ie Black, brown & low-income communities). Where's the racial equity in that??" Virginia lawmakers sent Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) to enact restrictions on delta-8 THC products. West Virginia lawmakers sent Gov. Jim Justice (R) legislation setting security and surveillance requirements for medical cannabis businesses and to decriminalize fentanyl test strips. A bill to allow no more than two medical marijuana testing laboratories in the state passed both chambers in differing forms but failed to reach the governor's desk by the end of the session. The Vermont Senate approved legislation on cannabis cultivation rules and licensing fees. Separately, regulators will vote on adopting marijuana rules on Monday. A California senator filed a bill to allow cannabis import and export agreements with other states. An Illinois judge warned regulators against "forum shopping" in a lawsuit challenging their marijuana business award process. Indiana regulators filed updated hemp rules. Colorado regulators issued a health and safety advisory about potentially unsafe levels of yeast and mold contamination in marijuana products produced by LivWell. Separately, regulators began accepting applications for the new Cannabis Business Pilot Grant program. Michigan's top marijuana regulator says he spoke to the Drug Enforcement Administration about getting permission for colleges to utilize marijuana as part of cannabis degree programs, South Dakota regulators held a lottery to award medical cannabis dispensary licenses.

Trying to understand what delta 8 THC discussed under the Virginia news. Is Delta 8 man made? I guess delta 8 is legal now? what is delta 8?

 

[WeedHopper]

Bigsur is our Newsman. He is on top of the news brother.

 

[WeedLord]

 

[user 60570]

Todays pot news

TOP THINGS TO KNOW

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released a report detailing which industries drug test workers the most and least—and showing that states where marijuana is legal generally have the lowest rates of employee drug testing.

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The Department of Veterans Affairs is launching a new grants program on suicide prevention services for military veterans, but it specifically says it won’t support any treatments involving the use of marijuana.

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The Connecticut legislature’s Public Health Committee held a hearing on a bill to create a system to provide certain patients with access to psychedelic-assisted treatment with substances like MDMA and psilocybin.

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The Pennsylvania Senate Law and Justice Committee held the third and final installment of a series of hearings on marijuana legalization that the panel’s chairman is using to gather input ahead of filing a reform bill.

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A new poll found that majorities of Maryland Democrats, Republicans and independents support legalizing marijuana as it moves through the legislature—and that support for the reform strongly outpaces President Joe Biden’s approval rating in the state.

 

[user 60570]

Moar news

FEDERAL

President Joe Biden signed a bill designating methamphetamine as an emerging drug threat and requiring the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy to develop and implement a response plan. Federal prosecutors charged a "Russian oligarch" with making illegal campaign contributions as part of an alleged scheme to "curry favor with candidates that might be able to help…obtain cannabis and marijuana licenses." Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) authored an op-ed arguing for the need to pass comprehensive marijuana legalization ahead of banking-focused legislation. Missouri Democratic congressional candidate Ray Reed tweeted, "It is time to legalize recreational marijuana and expunge the records of those serving time for nonviolent marijuana offenses. When I am in Congress, this will be a top priority of mine."

 

[user 60570]

And that’s a wrap for Tuesday March 15

STATES

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R), who opposes legalizing marijuana, said the policy change "could be inevitable" and that legislation to conduct cannabis sales through state-run stores is "the right bill and the right structure." Separately the Senate majority leader and minority leader both said they don't think now is the time to legalize. Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee (D) appointed a new member of the Liquor and Cannabis Board. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) tweeted, "Colorado announced $12.2 billion in total cannabis sales. We're missing out. #LegalizeIt." Separately, the secretary for drug and alcohol programs denied blame for the state's failure to clarify rules on addiction treatment and medical cannabis. Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried, currently the agriculture commissioner, tweeted, "Florida needs legalized weed." Texas Democratic attorney general candidate Rochelle Garza tweeted, "It’s time to legalize the sale and use of recreational cannabis in Texas. Nearly 70% of Texans support legalization, and they deserve an Attorney General who will work with them to advance our priorities." The Georgia House of Representatives could vote on legislation to add new medical cannabis business licenses and process existing approvals on Tuesday. A California senator filed a bill to require cities to allow medical cannabis dispensaries, delivery services or both. An Illinois judge ordered regulators to process some marijuana craft cultivation license applications. Arkansas regulators filed proposed hemp rules. Oregon regulators published guidance on marijuana home delivery. Colorado regulators released average market rates for marijuana. The New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety tweeted, "Ever hear someone say they drive better high? Don’t believe it. Cannabis will impair your ability to drive. Don’t risk it."

 

[user 60570]

This mornings news about weed.

TOP THINGS TO KNOW

The National Association of State Treasurers held a session on marijuana banking legislation as part of a conference it is hosting in Washington, D.C. Officials in attendance at the event plan to meet with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to discuss the SAFE Banking Act.

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Colorado activists picked one of four proposed psychedelics reform initiatives that they will pursue for the November ballot. Signature gathering will begin soon for the measure, which would legalize psilocybin, create licensed “healing centers” for therapeutic use and seal prior convictions.

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The Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on a jointly negotiated bicameral marijuana legalization bill, though advocates who testified criticized its expungements provisions for not being automatic.

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The Maryland House Appropriations Committee held a hearing on a bill to create a state fund that could be used to provide access to psychedelics like psilocybin, MDMA and ketamine for military veterans suffering from PTSD.

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A UK lawyer is disrupting the tradition of wearing horsehair wigs in court with a new vegan hemp-based version.

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[user 60570]

Moar News!

STATES

Pennsylvania Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Shapiro, currently the attorney general, tweeted, "What’s the difference between Colorado, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania? Three are states, and one is a Commonwealth — and the three states legalized recreational marijuana and have minimum wages over single digits. Pennsylvania, let’s get it done." He also tweeted, "Step 1. Legalize recreational marijuana. Step 2. Expunge the records of those with non-violent marijuana-related offenses. Step 3. Grow our economy. Pennsylvanians support those steps. We've got to get it done." The Georgia Senate and House passed differing medical cannabis licensing bills ahead of the crossover deadline. The New Hampshire House of Representatives voted to reject or table several proposed marijuana legalization constitutional amendments. The Connecticut legislature's General Law Committee approved a bill to close a perceived loophole related to marijuana "gifting." A Washington, D.C. councilmember said congressional Democrats "betrayed" the city by continuing a rider that blocks it from being able to legalize marijuana sales. A Texas representative tweeted, "Very excited to see Oklahoma is following TX’s lead & expanding research into the use of psychedelics to meet our mental health epidemic. I commend Oklahoma for going further & including a variety of conditions. Hopefully other states continue to follow TX’s example." Vermont regulators approved marijuana rules and will begin accepting applications for cannabis business pre-qualification status on Wednesday. California regulators launched a new resource called CannaConnect that aims to help marijuana businesses navigate the regulated market and maintain compliance. New York regulators began accepting applications for hemp farmers to obtain conditional licenses to grow marijuana. Separately, the state's Dormitory Authority is taking steps to help cannabis social equity businesses secure leases for dispensaries. New Jersey regulators began accepting recreational marijuana dispensary license applications. Separately, regulators will host a hearing to get input on how to spend cannabis tax revenue on Wednesday. An Arkansas judge extended a temporary restraining order preventing regulators from issuing additional medical cannabis dispensary licenses. Illinois regulators are moving to simplify the marijuana dispensary license application process. Alabama's top medical cannabis regulator spoke about efforts to implement the program. Oklahoma regulators announced a partnership with NCS Analytics to establish a data analytics platform to monitor and regulate medical cannabis business operations. The Washington State Social Equity in Cannabis Task Force's Licensing Workgroup will meet on Thursday.

 

[pute]

Damn, lot to read.. forgot what day it is.

 

[user 60570]

Damn, lot to read.. forgot what day it is.

yes , the Lost Art of Reading

Extra!
Extra!
Read all about it!

TOP THINGS TO KNOW

New York’s Senate and Assembly included language in budget legislation that would decouple state tax policy from the federal 280E provision, thereby allowing marijuana companies to deduct business expenses in their state filings.

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The Kansas Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee held the first of three planned hearings this week on a medical cannabis bill that was recently filed by the panel’s chairman.

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The Georgia House of Representatives and Senate both passed differing medical cannabis bills aimed at jumpstarting the state’s stalled program.

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A new analysis from the alcohol and tobacco industry-backed Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation found that state marijuana legalization laws have not led to increases in youth consumption of cannabis.

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Creating a new Cannabis Based Municipal Bonds program in New Yorkcould provide social equity entrepreneurs with the startup capital they need to succeed, Ari Hoffnung of Bridge West Consulting argues in a Marijuana Moment op-ed.

 

[user 60570]

Moar reading

FEDERAL

The U.S. Sentencing Commission published a 2021 annual report and sourcebook finding that drug trafficking was the most common federal crime type sentenced, accounting for 31 percent of the caseload. Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) said the Department of Veterans Affairs "needs to take its cues from the growing number of veterans who find critical relief through medicinal cannabis." Pennsylvania Democratic congressional candidates Summer Lee and Jerry Dickinson said they support decriminalizing marijuana. The House bill to deschedule marijuana and fund programs to repair drug war harms got one new cosponsor for a total of 110. STATES Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) tweeted that he is "thrilled to see the launch of the Cannabis Business Pilot Grant." Texas Democratic attorney general candidates Rochelle Garza and Joe Jaworski both support legalizing marijuana. The Ohio House Behavioral Health and Recovery Supports Committee approved a bill to create a state Office of Drug Policy. An Illinois senator said he is hopeful the chamber will approve a House-passed bill to provide workplace protections for marijuana consumers by the end of the session. A Missouri representative called on the ACLU of Missouri to rescind its endorsement of a proposed marijuana legalization ballot initiative. An Oklahoma representative filed a bill to use blockchain technology to help regulate medical cannabis. Separately, medical marijuana operations are being robbed by criminals posing as regulators. A Pennsylvania representative spoke about her bill to require the state to produce psilocybin for use in clinical studies. The Montana Supreme Court issued temporary rules for expunging or revising marijuana convictions. A Florida administrative law judge issued an order saying that a complaint regulators filed against a doctor who recommended medical cannabis for undercover investigators should be dismissed. Rhode Island regulators proposed rules on cannabis extraction. California regulators are accepting public comments on a draft request for applications for a grants program to encourage sustainably grown cannabis. Some New York state agencies are sitting on millions of dollars of unspent medical cannabis tax revenue. New Jersey regulators received more than 170 marijuana dispensary license applications on the first day of accepting them. Vermont regulators began accepting applications for marijuana business license prequalification. Minnesota's Task Force on Medical Cannabis Therapeutic Research will meet on Friday. Nevada regulators will consider marijuana business issues on Tuesday.

 

[user 60570]

Weekend Update

TOP THINGS TO KNOW

The Kentucky House of Representatives passed a medical cannabis bill with a new amendment to add PTSD as a qualifying condition. The legislation now heads to the Senate.

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The U.S. Sentencing Commission reported that federal marijuana prosecutions continue to decline as more states enact legalization. In 2012, when the first states legalized, cannabis cases were top among drug prosecutions. Now they are at the bottom.

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California activists announced they failed to collect enough signatures on a volunteer basis to qualify a psilocybin legalization initiative for the November ballot. They plan to raise money to support a paid petitioning effort for a new measure in 2024.

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A THC restriction bill on Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s (R) desk “throws the whole hemp industry under the bus,” advocates say.

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Some Mississippi municipalities are moving to ban medical marijuana businesses from operating despite approval from voters and state lawmakers.

 

[user 60570]

Moar updates

FEDERAL

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton tweeted, "Free Brittney," referring to American basketball player Brittney Griner, who is being detained in Russia after she was allegedly caught at an airport with cannabis vape cartridges. The Congressional Progressive Caucus said in a list of suggested executive actions that President Joe Biden should "create an independent, permanent clemency board to review more than 18,000 pending clemency petitions." Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) tweeted, "Racial justice and restorative justice need to be at the center of any cannabis legislation Congress puts forward." Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) did a radio interview about her hemp reform bill. The House bill to require the Department of Veterans Affairs to study medical cannabis got one new cosponsor for a total of four.