3rd AR legalization initiative; Congressman slams DEA’s psychedelic blockade; Most Americans would vote for marijuana smoker; TN cannabis ballot bill
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A federal regulator with the National Credit Union Administration said marijuana legalization is only a matter of “when” and so credit unions “must embrace” the cannabis industry, which he says has a “bright future.”
A group led by a former Arkansas House minority leader and funded by medical cannabis companies filed a new ballot initiative to legalize marijuana in the state. Activists behind two competing measures say it would create a cannabis monopoly.
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) said the Drug Enforcement Administration needs to get out of the way of patients having access to psychedelic therapy.
- “A criminal justice enforcement agency is not well-equipped… I’d like to just get them out of the equation.”
A majority of Americans said in a new poll that they would be willing to vote for a political candidate “who occasionally smokes marijuana in their free time.” The results come shortly after Louisiana Democratic Senate candidate Gary Chambers released an ad showing him smoking a blunt.
A bipartisan pair of Tennessee lawmakers are teaming up on measures to put questions about marijuana legalization on the ballot.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit ruled that a congressionally approved medical cannabis rider does not protect two Maine marijuana growers who engaged in “blatantly illegitimate activity” from federal prosecution.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) tweeted, “In state after state, Americans are sending a clear message—they want an end to marijuana prohibition. I’m working to pass our bill to end the federal prohibition, enact criminal justice reforms, and ensure equity for those impacted by the War on Drugs.”
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) tweeted, “Amazon has endorsed my States Reform Act, a bill that would end the federal government’s 85-year prohibition on marijuana.”
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) spoke on his podcast about the potential role of cannabinoids in preventing COVID infection.
Florida Democratic congressional candidate Jesse Philippe tweeted, “The most dangerous aspect about psychedelic plants is their criminalization. Stop incarcerating innocent people and stop propping up the ‘black market’ economy. If there is demand; we should create a safe/legal avenue for people to get treatment.”
/ STATES
South Carolina Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joe Cunningham, a former congressman, tweeted, “Most states have either already legalized marijuana or they’re on pace to legalize it soon. The fact that South Carolina still hasn’t legalized *medical* marijuana is a testament to how out-of-touch @henrymcmaster and his allies are. Time to wake up and smell the, well, you know.”
Mississippi’s agriculture and commerce commissioner thanked lawmakers for removing his department from having any role in regulating medical cannabis.
Virginia’s former public safety secretary is now lobbying for Jushi Inc.
The South Dakota House of Representatives defeated two bills to add restrictions on medical cannabis.
The chairman of the Washington, D.C. Council is floating a tax holiday for medical cannabis sales during the week of 4/20. Separately, regulators are processing cost-free, two-year medical marijuana patient registrations this weekend.
The Utah House Government Operations Committee approved a bill to protect government employees from being punished for medical cannabis use.
The Massachusetts legislature’s Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy is considering legislation on marijuana host community agreements, expungements, equity and social consumption sites.
The Arkansas Legislative Council’s Medical Marijuana Oversight Subcommittee discussed medical cannabis tracking. Separately, the State Plant Board Hemp Committee will meet on Friday.
A California assemblywoman filed a bill to require courts to dismiss and seal marijuana convictions by set deadlines.
A New York senator spoke about efforts to enact marijuana legalization.
The New Mexico Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case on medical cannabis taxes next month.
New Jersey regulators are indicating they may not meet the February 22 deadline to launch recreational marijuana sales.
Ohio regulators held a lottery for medical cannabis dispensary licenses.
Iowa regulators are proposing changes to rules for the medical cannabidiol program.
The Missouri Administrative Hearing Commission reversed regulators’ decision not to award a medical cannabis cultivation license to a company after finding irregularities with how applications were evaluated.
Washington State regulators sent safety tips for marijuana businesses.
Nevada regulators fined a marijuana dispensary that self-reported a regulatory violation.
Oklahoma regulators published a list of licensed medical cannabis processors.
Georgia regulators will consider medical cannabis issues on Saturday.
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/ LOCAL
Colorado Springs, Colorado’s mayor is opposing a proposed local ballot measure to allow recreational marijuana dispensaries.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado vetoed a medical cannabis and hemp bill.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study facilitated by the Michael J. Fox Foundation found that people with Parkinson’s disease “reported using more CBD products, via oral administration, with mild subjective benefits primarily for sleep, pain, and mood.”
A study suggested that “cannabidiol treatment might lead to improvements in fracture healing and provide a novel therapeutic option for the bone regeneration.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents listed cannabis banking and insurance legislation as an “issue of focus” for 2022.
Americans for Prosperity included “restor[ing] state authority over cannabis” as a priority in its 2022 legislative roadmap.
Students for Sensible Drug Policy and Decriminalize Nature launched a psychedelics reform partnership effort.
The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies was awarded a UK innovation passport for MDMA as an adjunct therapy for PTSD.
/ BUSINESS
A counterclaim by Curaleaf against a former executive for Grassroots Cannabis, which was acquired by the former company, is being allowed to proceed under an Illinois judge’s ruling.
High Tide Inc. reported C$53.9 million in quarterly revenue.
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