Biden admin can legalize cannabis, congressional report says (Newsletter: November 4, 2021) – Marijuana Moment
Texas Judge Temporarily Blocks State From Enforcing Delta-8 THC Hemp Product Ban
South Dakota Marijuana Activists Delay Legalization Signature Delivery After Missing Initial Deadline
Another Poll Shows Majority Support For Marijuana Legalization, Including Most Republicans
Bill On Studying Marijuana From Dispensaries Heads To Biden’s Desk After Congressional Passage
California Attorney General Says State’s Marijuana Market Is ‘Number One In The World,’ But There’s Work Still To Be Done
Using Marijuana With Psychedelics Intensifies The Mystical Experience, Study Finds
Legalizing Marijuana Reduces ‘Race-Based Arrests,’ American Medical Association Study Finds
Government-Grown Marijuana Is Genetically Closer To Hemp Than Cannabis Sold In Dispensaries, Another Study Finds
Army Recruits Who’ve Used Marijuana ‘Perform No Worse’ Than Other Soldiers, Military-Funded Report Finds
Marijuana Legalization Is Not Associated With Increased Mental Illness Or Suicide, New Study Finds, Despite Opposition Claims
Singer Melissa Etheridge And Activist Van Jones Promote Psychedelics Reform As Movement Grows
Sanjay Gupta Explains His Marijuana Reversal And Discusses ‘Very Biased’ U.S. Research With Joe Rogan
Farmers Switch From Raising Chickens For Slaughter To Growing Hemp With Help Of Animal Advocacy Group
NBA Won’t Randomly Drug Test Players For Marijuana For Another Season, League Announces
Elon Musk Says People Should Be ‘Open To Psychedelics’ And Predicts The Next Generation Of Politicians Will Normalize The Substances
Illinois Has Sold More Than $1 Billion In Marijuana So Far This Year, State Officially Announces
Bank Of America Cancels Account Of Marijuana And Psychedelics Research Institute Registered With DEA
Americans Want To Live Where Marijuana Is Legal, Real Estate Survey Finds
Nevada Sold More Than $1 Billion In Marijuana In One Year, Officials Report
Virginia Medical Marijuana Patients See High Prices And Long Waits For Approvals
California Attorney General Says State’s Marijuana Market Is ‘Number One In The World,’ But There’s Work Still To Be Done
Congressional Lawmakers Approve Marijuana Research Bill For Veterans Despite Biden Administration Opposition
Mississippi Governor Dodges Questions About Medical Marijuana Special Session When Confronted By Patient Advocates
Congress Should Pass Marijuana Banking As Legalization Support Builds, Black Small Business Owners Say
Top Rhode Island Lawmakers Signal That Marijuana Legalization Deal Is Close, With Key Issues Being Agreed Upon
New GOP-led cannabis legalization effort in Congress (Newsletter: November 8, 2021)
GOP & Dem voters back legal cannabis, poll says (Newsletter: November 5, 2021)
Biden admin can legalize cannabis, congressional report says (Newsletter: November 4, 2021)
Cannabis and psychedelics election results (Newsletter: November 3, 2021)
DC cannabis crackdown removed from bill (Newsletter: November 2, 2021)
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CO rejects marijuana tax boost; OH cities decrim cannabis; NY hemp & delta-8 rules approved; Strict MT cannabiz employment regs
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A new Congressional Research Service report says the Biden administration can federally legalize marijuana without waiting for lawmakers to act. It also says the president can unilaterally grant mass amnesty to people who’ve violated federal cannabis laws.
Colorado voters rejected a ballot initiative that would have increased state marijuana taxes to fund an education program. A separate Denver measure to boost local cannabis taxes to fund pandemic research also failed.
Voters in seven more Ohio cities approved local marijuana decriminalization ballot measures, bringing the total number of jurisdictions to have enacted the reform in the state to 29 so far. Seven other cities rejected cannabis measures on Tuesday.
New York regulators approved rules for the cannabinoid hemp program—including allowing the sale of whole flower and infused foods and beverages, but banning delta-8 THC products.
The Montana Department of Revenue proposed strict new rules that would prohibit people with any kind of criminal conviction within the past three years from working in the marijuana industry—even if it’s for simple cannabis possession that’s now legal in the state.
/ FEDERAL
Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) wrote about his opposition to marijuana legalization in a constituent letter.
/ STATES
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) appointed an assemblyman to the Cannabis Advisory Commission.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) tweeted, “Since taking office, we’ve: … ✅ Legalized cannabis… We’re not done delivering for New Mexicans and in 2022, we’re going to #KeepNMBlue.”
Texas Democratic attorney general candidate Lee Merritt spoke about how his father is serving a prison sentence for a drug offense.
The Florida House Professions and Public Health Subcommittee heard a presentation about medical cannabis.
Ohio regulators posted a second round of questions and answers about medical cannabis dispensary applications.
Oregon’s Department of Agriculture tweeted about a federal hemp survey.
Massachusetts regulators will host a workshop about marijuana social equity applications on Thursday.
The New Jersey attorney general’s office will host an event on marijuana-related employment issues on Monday.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is hosting a technical assistance session for commercial cannabis cultivators on Tuesday.
New Jersey regulators will hold a public meeting about marijuana issues on Tuesday.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,200 cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.
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GOP & Dem voters back legal cannabis, poll says (Newsletter: November 5, 2021)
Cannabis and psychedelics election results (Newsletter: November 3, 2021)
Tom Angell is the editor of Marijuana Moment. A 20-year veteran in the cannabis law reform movement, he covers the policy and politics of marijuana. Separately, he founded the nonprofit Marijuana Majority. Previously he reported for Marijuana.com and MassRoots, and handled media relations and campaigns for Law Enforcement Against Prohibition and Students for Sensible Drug Policy. (Organization citations are for identification only and do not constitute an endorsement or partnership.)
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Marijuana research bill advances; Senate NDAA amendment would legalize medical cannabis for vets; CA AG: state’s legal market is best in world
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Marijuana Moment obtained the draft text of a new Republican-led bill from Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) to federally legalize and tax cannabis that will soon be introduced as an alternative to Democratic leaders’ marijuana legislation.
The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee approved a bill to require the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct clinical trials on the medical benefits of marijuana for military veterans with PTSD and chronic pain—despite opposition testimony from the Biden administration.
Sens. Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT), along with six other lawmakers, filed a National Defense Authorization Act amendment that would federally legalize medical marijuana for military veterans. It would also let Department of Veterans Affairs doctors issue cannabis recommendations and require the department to research marijuana’s therapeutic potential to reduce pain and opioid misuse.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta (D) spoke at an event commemorating the 25th anniversary of the state’s first-in-the-nation medical cannabis law, saying California has the “number one in the world” legal marijuana market.
/ FEDERAL
A federal grand jury issued subpoenas seeking information about payments to public officials and consultants as part of a criminal investigation into marijuana licensing in Baldwin Park, California and other nearby cities.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency tweeted, “Hemp offers new economic opportunities for America’s farmers, and we are pleased to offer coverage to hemp producers.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) tweeted “It’s long past time to end the federal prohibition on marijuana, enact criminal justice reforms, & invest in communities hurt by the War on Drugs. That’s why @SenBooker, @RonWyden, & I are working to pass our Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act.”
Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) said he supports the right of Washington, D.C. to legalize marijuana without congressional interference.
Indiana Democratic Senate candidate Thomas McDermott, currently Hammond’s mayor, discussed his support for marijuana legalization and acknowledged his cannabis use at recent concerts.
/ STATES
Mississippi’s lieutenant governor said he thinks lawmakers will pass a medical cannabis bill in next year’s regular legislative session.
Massachusetts’s Senate president said lawmakers will be considering marijuana-related issues such as local host community agreements, social equity and automatic expungements.
New York’s top marijuana regulator spoke about efforts to roll out legalization in a way that centers equity and justice.
California regulators ordered the destruction of a hemp field after the farmer allegedly applied pesticide that is not approved for use on the crop.
A Michigan appeals court upheld a two-year suspension for a doctor who approved nearly 22,000 medical cannabis recommendations within a one-year period.
Nevada regulators issued a health and safety bulletin about an inability to verify that Kindibles, LLC created and tested certain marijuana edibles products. They also issued a summary suspension of the company’s license.
Arizona regulators filed revised marijuana rules.
The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority’s Board of Directors will meet on Tuesday.
Ohio regulators will consider medical cannabis rules changes on Tuesday.
The Washington State Social Equity in Cannabis Task Force’s Technical Assistance and Mentorship Workgroup will meet on Tuesday.
Florida regulators will hold several meetings about medical cannabis and hemp this month.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,200 cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
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DEA delta-8 comments embolden hemp industry; MI law ends marijuana conviction ban for licensing; AR legalization ballot measure
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A new Gallup poll found that 68 percent of Americans support legalizing marijuana—including majorities of Republicans, Democrats and independents. Overall, U.S. adults back legalizing cannabis by a more than two-to-one margin.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed a bill removing the ban on medical cannabis business licensing for people with past marijuana convictions.
Arkansas activists filed a new marijuana legalization initiative they hope to put on the state’s 2022 ballot. It’s the third legal cannabis effort in the state to announce plans to qualify a measure to go before voters next year.
Recent comments from Drug Enforcement Administration officials signaling that hemp-derived delta-8 THC is not a federally illegal controlled substance are being seized on by industry advocates pushing back against state bans.
/ FEDERAL
The Drug Enforcement Administration Museum reopened after renovations.
The Transportation Security Administration’s Southwest division tweeted a picture of seized cannabis, saying, “Many states allow marijuana use but Texas isn’t one of them. As a reminder, ignorance of the law excuses no man. @TSA officers found these illegal items @SATairport security checkpoint. Know what’s in your bag before you travel.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) tweeted, “The War on Drugs has been a war on people—NY is taking an important step to address its harms. I’m working with @SenBooker and @RonWyden to pass our Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act to end marijuana prohibition & undo the harms of the War on Drugs at the federal level.”
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) pressed President Joe Biden’s nominee to serve as director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives about the possibility that Hunter Biden provided false information about illegal drug use on a federal form he had to fill out when purchasing a gun.
The House bill to protect gun rights of cannabis consumers got one new cosponsor for a total of three.
/ STATES
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) appointed a new deputy director of government affairs for the Department of Cannabis Control.
New York’s lieutenant governor spoke at a cannabis conference and tweeted, “As a Senator, I was proud to support the MRTA because it promoted equity & opened up new avenues of business for NY. As Lieutenant Governor, I was honored to open up the expo this year & I look forward to working with @nys_cannabis to develop this important industry in our state.”
Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried, currently the agriculture commissioner, tweeted, “A commonsense new bill from @JeffreyBrandes would allow out of state visitors who have access to medical marijuana at home to continue to exercise that right here in FL. Good ideas don’t come with a partisan label – and I’m proud to support this one.”
Maryland Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rushern Baker, is calling for marijuana legalization.
An Oklahoma senator filed a bill to remove the agricultural sales tax exemption for medical cannabis growers.
Missouri regulators proposed loosening advertising restrictions on medical cannabis businesses.
Idaho regulators filed temporary and proposed hemp rules.
An Illinois judge approved a schedule for plaintiffs to join a lawsuit challenging regulators’ marijuana licensing processes.
Ohio regulators are now accepting applications for provisional medical cannabis dispensary licenses.
Washington State regulators sent an update about progress toward switching to a new marijuana tracking system.
New Mexico regulators are conducting a marijuana social equity survey.
Nevada regulators published a monitoring list for pest control products used in cannabis cultivation.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,200 cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
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NDAA marijuana amendment; Vote scheduled on veterans cannabis research; IL tops $1B in 2021 sales; Study: legalization reduces racial disparities
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania voters overwhelmingly approved a marijuana legalization ballot referendum that calls on state lawmakers to enact the policy change.
Detroit, Michigan voters strongly approved a ballot measure to decriminalize psychedelics such as psilocybin, ayahuasca and ibogaine.
The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee scheduled a Thursday vote on a bill to require the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct a series of clinical trials on the medical benefits of marijuana for military veterans with PTSD and chronic pain. The Biden administration testified against the legislation last month.
Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) filed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that’s aimed at streamlining marijuana research.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Health Forum concluded that legalizing and decriminalizing marijuana are tied to “large reductions in race-based arrests” while states that kept prohibition saw “increases in arrest rate disparities.”
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation announced that retailers have officially sold more than $1 billion worth of legal recreational marijuana products so far this year.
/ FEDERAL
Customs and Border Protection added information about hemp and CBD products to its prior drug use guidelines for prospective employees.
Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) tweeted, “Kratom is being researched and shows promise of being used to treat chronic pain with less addicting potential than opioid based drugs.”
/ STATES
Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Cranley, currently Cincinnati’s mayor, tweeted, “If we taxed and regulated marijuana like alcohol we could reinvest millions back into our communities. We could create good-paying jobs and tackle our largest challenges. It’s time we #LegalizeIt.”
The Washington, D.C. Council approved legislation to extend the validity of expired medical cannabis cards, create a new two-year card and double the amount a person can buy from four to eight ounces.
Missouri regulators have received several federal subpoenas for information about the state’s medical cannabis program.
Oklahoma regulators proposed rule changes to “help ensure the safety of medical marijuana.”
Oregon regulators filed proposed changes to hemp rules.
Delaware regulators proposed hemp rules.
Vermont regulators issued recommendations on THC caps for marijuana products and oversight of the state’s medical cannabis program.
Connecticut’s marijuana Social Equity Council discussed local marijuana commerce bans at a meeting.
Minnesota regulators began accepting 2022 applications to grow or process hemp.
The New Hampshire Medical Oversight Board will consider medical cannabis issues on Wednesday.
The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission will meet on Thursday.
Kansas regulators will host a hemp outreach event on Thursday.
Tennessee’s Medical Cannabis Commission will meet on Friday.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,200 cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.
Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
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