VA 'looking at' cannabis policy change for veterans (Newsletter: November 24, 2021) – Marijuana Moment
Anti-Marijuana Indiana Governor Backs Proposal To Set Up Legalization Rules If Federal Prohibition Ends
Cannabis Reformers Can Get SAFE Banking Or Nothing From Congress—Which Is It? (Op-Ed)
IRS Official Gives Marijuana Businesses Advice On Tax Compliance
South Dakota Voters Disapprove Of Governor’s Handling Of Marijuana Legalization, Poll Finds
Congressional Lawmakers Want ‘Urgent’ Update From Biden On Marijuana Pardons As Holidays Approach
Allowing Legal Marijuana Dispensaries Boosts Employment Rates In Colorado Counties, Study Finds
Marijuana Helps Treat PTSD Symptoms But Federal Policy Impedes Science, VA Researcher Says
DEA Backs White House Plan To Streamline Research On Marijuana, Psychedelics And Other Schedule I Drugs
Top Federal Drug Official Says There’s ‘No Evidence’ That Occasional Marijuana Use Is Harmful For Adults
Dogs Are Being Exposed To Marijuana Through Human Poop And Pet Owners Should Beware, Study Finds
Seth Rogen And Sarah Silverman Partner With Marijuana Businesses To Press Senators For Legalization
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
IRS Official Gives Marijuana Businesses Advice On Tax Compliance
GW Pharma Scores Interim Victory In Cannabis Extraction Patent Infringement Fight With Canopy (Op-Ed)
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Partners With Marijuana Industry On Internship Program For Future Cannabis Leaders
California Marijuana Businesses Seek Tax Amnesty After Spate Of Robberies In Oakland
Arizona Marijuana Equity Program Could Benefit Big Businesses, Critics Say
Top Federal Drug Official Personally Hesitates To Study Marijuana Because Of Schedule I Research Barriers
Biden Treasury Secretary Says ‘Of Course’ Marijuana Banking Would Make IRS’s Job Easier
Former GOP Texas Governor Promotes Psychedelics Research For Veterans At Event With Leading Experts
St. Louis Lawmakers Unanimously Approve Bill To Decriminalize Marijuana Possession And Cultivation
VA Secretary ‘Looking At’ Medical Marijuana Policy Change Following ‘Profound’ Discussion With Veteran
Cannabis banking left out of NDAA (Newsletter: December 8, 2021)
DEA backs plan to ease cannabis & psychedelics research (Newsletter: December 7, 2021)
DEA-HHS cannabis dispute brought to White House office (Newsletter: December 6, 2021)
AOC & GOP cannabis expungements bill in Congress (Newsletter: December 3, 2021)
Treasury secretary talks cannabis banking benefits (Newsletter: December 2, 2021)
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Key senators push marijuana banking in NDAA; St. Louis decrim passes unanimously; Bipartisan AGs want federal cannabis clarity
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Veterans Affairs Sec. Denis McDonough said VA is “looking at” the possibility of a medical cannabis policy change and has discussed it with the White House after having a “profound” discussion with a veteran who says marijuana saved his life—but feels constrained by current federal law.
Five bipartisan members of the Senate Armed Services Committee sent a letter asking leaders to include House-passed marijuana banking language in the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act.
Bipartisan attorneys general from Arizona and Vermont talked about the need for “cooperative federalism” in marijuana policy that sets general guidelines but respects the rights of states to set their own legalization laws.
The St. Louis, Missouri Board of Aldermen gave unanimous final passage to a measure decriminalizing marijuana possession and cultivation of up to six plants under local law.
/ FEDERAL
A former U.S. attorney for South Carolina authored an op-ed endorsing a federal marijuana legalization bill.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) tweeted, “A majority of Americans – regardless of political party – support legalizing marijuana. It’s time to get this done on the federal level.”
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) tweeted, “Black and white Americans are about equally likely to use cannabis, but Black Americans are nearly four times more likely to be arrested for it. To start righting this wrong, I’m calling on President Biden to pardon everyone convicted of nonviolent federal cannabis offenses.”
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) said Democratic-led marijuana legalization bills “will not pass both chambers” and that her new legislation is a good compromise.
Florida Democratic congressional candidate Jesse Philippe tweeted, “It is radical and authoritarian to support locking people away in prison for cannabis use.”
/ STATES
Massachusetts Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ben Downing tweeted, “Despite the history of embedded racism in cannabis criminalization, profits of the now-legal cannabis industry flow almost exclusively to white people. Those harmed by the era [of] criminalization must have access to opportunity within the industry… A Downing Admin will also ensure that no less than 50% of new marijuana licenses are reserved for social and economic equity applicants.”
Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Cranley, currently Cincinnati’s mayor, tweeted, “Ohio is in a rut and we deserve a comeback. I’ve got the plans to do it:… 🍃 Legalize marijuana & invest that tax revenue back into our communities…”
A former New Hampshire Senate minority leader authored an op-ed on the need to legalize marijuana.
An Illinois judge ruled that the smell of marijuana is not probable cause to search a vehicle.
Vermont regulators released proposed marijuana rules.
Michigan regulators are being sued over a recent recall of marijuana products.
Arizona regulators are facing a second lawsuit over the marijuana social equity program.
South Dakota regulators issued the state’s first medical cannabis patient cards.
New Jersey regulators published a list of impact zones and economically disadvantaged areas for marijuana licensing.
Colorado regulators released updated demographic information on marijuana business licensees.
Florida regulators posted a notice about a request from Trulieve, Inc. to waive a rule requiring medical cannabis drink powders to be individually wrapped.
New York misdemeanor and felony marijuana charges have fallen dramatically since legalization took effect.
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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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SD legal cannabis blocked by court (Newsletter: November 25, 2021)
Most TX voters—including GOP—back legal cannabis (Newsletter: November 23, 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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“Urgent” marijuana pardon request for Biden; NE gov in anti-cannabis ad; UN rejects kratom ban; VA highlights marijuana benefits for PTSD
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) and other House lawmakers slammed Senate leadership after marijuana banking provisions were not included in a bicamerally negotiated version of the National Defense Authorization Act. The congressman filed a new amendment to add his legislation back in but did not insist on a vote so as not to jeopardize the broader defense bill—though he said he spoke with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) about pursuing separate options to force the other chamber to consider the reform.
Reps. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) sent President Joe Biden a letter to “urgently request” an update on calls to issue mass marijuana pardons so incarcerated people can reunite with their families as the holidays approach.
Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) appears in a new TV ad campaign that prohibitionist group Smart Approaches to Marijuana’s state affiliate is now airing as reform activists seek to qualify medical cannabis initiatives for the 2022 ballot.
The United Nations World Health Organization’s Executive Committee on Drug Dependency decided against recommending an international ban on kratom.
The Department of Veterans Affairs published a podcast interview with a researcher discussing his study showing the benefits of medical marijuana in treating PTSD symptoms and talking about how federal prohibition impedes the scientific process.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Sentencing Commission reported that federal fentanyl criminal cases are rising and now outnumber those for marijuana.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture published a short podcast on changes to hemp crop insurance rules.
The International Trade Administration noted Malta’s marijuana market opportunities in a report.
Senate Banking Committee Chairman Sherrod Brown (D-OH) reiterated his concerns about advancing marijuana banking legislation without sentencing reform attached.
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) tweeted, “End the war on drugs.”
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) wrote in a constituent letter that “marijuana is illegal for sound reasons.”
Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-OR) authored an op-ed about problems associated with illegal marijuana cultivation.
/ STATES
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) discussed her appointment for the state’s top marijuana regulator.
Alabama Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim James criticized the new medical cannabis law, saying it is about “creating a cartel to peddle marijuana across this state.”
Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried, currently the agriculture commissioner, tweeted, “As we work to legalize cannabis in Florida, we can’t afford to build a system that repeats the discriminatory mistakes of the past. Medical marijuana licenses should be awarded to qualified growers, not only those that can afford 6 figure fees.”
The Maine legislature’s Marijuana Advisory Commission filed an annual report.
A Wyoming representative tweeted, “How many jail cells could be turned into affordable housing opportunities if we stopped the needless and harmful war on drugs? How many lives would be saved if drugs were regulated rather than pushed on the black market?”
Ohio regulators issued a mandatory recall of medical cannabis products after receiving reports of foreign matter, possibly plastic, within the packaging.
New Mexico regulators began accepting applications for additional marijuana business license types.
Connecticut’s marijuana Social Equity Council acted on requirements for cannabis social equity business applications.
Washington State regulators said they successfully launched a new marijuana tracking system.
A Rhode Island lottery for an additional medical cannabis dispensary license is being delayed amid a legal challenge from a disqualified applicant.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife will participate in the Emerald Cup this weekend.
New Jersey regulators posted tips on preparing to submit marijuana business license applications.
Oklahoma regulators sent a reminder about requirements for transporting medical cannabis.
The Illinois State Police published a FAQ about expunging marijuana records.
Nebraska regulators posted hemp cultivation license application guidance.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,300 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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OH GOP legalization bill; IN medical marijuana legislation planned; MO cannabis initiatives flawed, former prisoner says
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Drug Enforcement Administration and National Institute on Drug Abuse are backing a White House plan to make it easier to research marijuana, psychedelics and other Schedule I drugs.
A pair of Ohio Republican lawmakers formally filed a marijuana legalization bill. The move comes as activists are nearing completion of the first phase of their signature drive for an initiative to legalize cannabis.
An Indiana Republican representative said he plans to file a medical cannabis bill in the new session. Democrats, meanwhile, are pushing to legalize recreational marijuana in 2022.
Former Missouri marijuana prisoner Jeff Mizanskey—whose sentence was commuted by a governor— says in a new op-ed that proposed cannabis ballot initiatives have “significant flaws” and that lawmakers should instead pass a legalization plan that emphasizes “liberty and freedom.”
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service tweeted a reminder that responses to a federal hemp survey are due on Friday.
Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee Democrats tweeted about improvement to hemp crop insurance, saying, “As the hemp industry grows, it is important that we provide producers with risk management tools that are flexible and effective adequate crop insurance. This news is great for our hemp producers and economy.”
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) spoke about the low tax rate in her marijuana legalization bill.
Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) tweeted, “#HOPEAct and #SAFEBanking take achievable, bipartisan steps towards cannabis reform that are critical to the lives of millions of Americans. With these bills, Congress can #PassProgress and begin the long overdue process of ending the federal prohibition of cannabis. #HOPEforSAFE.” He also tweeted a meme calling on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to schedule a vote on the marijuana banking bill.
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) tweeted, “Our courageous veterans deserve access to lifesaving treatment for PTSD and chronic illness—period. I’m working with my Cannabis Caucus Co-Chairs to make sure medical cannabis is accessible to our vets. It’s long overdue.”
Rep. Marie Newman (D-IL) tweeted, “The cannabis industry is one of the fastest growing industries, and its workers should have access to a strong union. I will always stand with workers and the middle class in the fight for fair wages, strong benefits, and safe working conditions.”
Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) tweeted, “The drug war has proven that criminalizing substance use only worsens the crisis. @POTUS’s proposal to permanently classify fentanyl analogs as Schedule I drugs is quite literally deadly. Our approach must be rooted in public health and saving lives.”
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) tweeted, “The ‘war on drugs’ has done nothing but devastate communities across the country. I’ve introduced a bill with @RepCori to start treating substance use as the public health issue that it really is.”
/ STATES
Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Cranley, currently Cincinnati’s mayor, tweeted, “For decades we locked up mostly Black and brown men for possessing a drug that we knew was less harmful than alcohol. It’s time we change that. Let’s #LegalizeIt and invest that revenue right back into our communities.”
Pennsylvania Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Shapiro, currently the attorney general, tweeted, “Do you want to see marijuana legalization, affordable health care, and a raise in the minimum wage? Me too. There’s one way to get it done in Pennsylvania, and it comes on Election Day.”
Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried, currently the agriculture commissioner, tweeted, “Floridians stick together. In 2022, we’re sticking together to expand Medicaid so people can get the care they need, legalize marijuana with restorative justice, protect our environment and so much more.”
Maryland lawmakers declined to vote on overriding Gov. Lary Hogan’s (R) veto of a bill to decriminalize drug paraphernalia.
A New Mexico senator spoke during a congressional hearing about how the state is diversifying its revenue away from relying on the oil and gas industry by legalizing marijuana.
The Colorado Court of Appeals ruled that drug dog alerts no longer generate probable cause for searches.
The Vermont Department of Health said it has no relevant records about police claims of fentanyl-laced marijuana.
The Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center sent a public health alert about reports of fentanyl-laced marijuana.
Connecticut regulators posted a “final draft” of marijuana social equity criteria and related workforce development plan criteria.
The New York State Fair will have designated smoking areas at its 2022 event due to complaints about marijuana smoke this year.
Montana regulators sent a warning about a scam targeting marijuana businesses.
Massachusetts regulators are accepting applications for hemp licenses.
Kansas regulators published hemp rules.
Oklahoma regulators proposed rules on cannabis seed sales and hemp testing and processing.
New Jersey regulators published a report on the methods used to determine economically disadvantaged areas for the purposes of awarding priority marijuana business licenses.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,300 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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CBD bill in Congress; MO rep wants legal marijuana on ballot; Local OH decrim measure gets signatures
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Reps. Kathleen Rice (D-NY), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Angie Craig (D-MN) and Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) introduced a new bipartisan bill in Congress to require the Food and Drug Administration to regulate hemp-derived CBD foods and beverages.
The White House Office of Management and Budget is being asked by the Competitive Enterprise Institute to mediate a marijuana finger-pointing dispute between the Drug Enforcement Administration and Department of Health and Human Services where each agency says the other is responsible for a scientific review used in cannabis scheduling decisions.
A Missouri Republican representative filed a joint resolution to put marijuana legalization on the ballot for voters to decide in 2022. Separately, activists are collecting signatures for their own cannabis initiatives.
Activists in Kent, Ohio proved that they collected enough signatures for a local marijuana decriminalization ballot measure after officials improperly invalidated petitions. Voters will now decide on the measure in 2022.
/ FEDERAL
The Defense Office of Hearing and Appeals is considering a growing number of appeals of security clearance eligibility denial due to marijuana use.
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) criticized President Joe Biden’s nominee for U.S. attorney for Massachusetts for declining to prosecute certain drug offenses and other crimes as a district attorney.
Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) authored an op-ed calling on Congress to remove a rider blocking Washington, D.C. from legalizing marijuana sales.
Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) tweeted, “Since I introduced the STATES Act with @repblumenauer in 2018, I’ve fought for achievable, incremental cannabis reform that can build a bipartisan consensus and directly impact the lives of Americans across the country. Congress needs to #PassProgress, not sink it. #HOPEforSAFE.” After introducing a marijuana expungements bill, he also tweeted, “Your move, @SenSchumer.”
Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN) tweeted, “New changes to Minnesota’s medical cannabis program will take effect next year, including providing new edible options – with required safety messaging and labeling for patients.”
FormerDemocratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang tweeted, “Talked to an investor in psilocybin-based compounds as a treatment for depression – seems very promising.”
/ STATES
Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried, currently the agriculture commissioner, reiterated concerns about the medical cannabis licensing process for black farmers.
The Michigan Court of Claims partially granted and partially denied a request for an injunction on regulators’ recall of marijuana products.
California regulators proposed emergency rules that will waive licensing fees for marijuana equity businesses.
Colorado regulators issued a health and safety advisory about potentially unsafe marijuana products from Innovative Fusion LLC.
Vermont regulators decided not to recommend specific warning labels on the health effects of cannabis products. Former Gov. Howard Dean (D) tweeted, “This is a mistake. While I favor legalization, Cannabis is not benign and should be treated the way alcohol is. THC content matters and the higher the THC the more likely bad side effects which can include psychosis. Vermont has to do better here.”
Connecticut regulators reported that medical cannabis is the most common controlled substance dispensed to state residents.
Ohio regulators will consider increasing medical cannabis purchase limits this week.
New York regulators launched an online portal where cannabinoid hemp businesses can apply for licenses.
New Mexico regulators held a public hearing on proposed rules to require labor peace agreements for marijuana businesses.
Arizona state and local governments have generated more than $106 million in marijuana tax revenue in the first year of legal sales.
Nevada regulators accused a marijuana cultivation and production company of tax avoidance.
Washington State regulators sent an update and policy statement on transitioning to a new marijuana tracking system.
Vermont’s Cannabis Control Board and an advisory subcommittee will meet this week.
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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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