US: Griner “wrongfully detained” for cannabis in Russia; CT gov signs psychedelic access bill; Feds fund marijuana & cancer research; Banking push
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Psychedelics activists were arrested at the headquarters of the Drug Enforcement Administration while staging a protest against the agency’s moves to block psilocybin access for terminally ill cancer patients.
The U.S. government now considers basketball player Brittney Griner—who was arrested in Russia for allegedly possessing cannabis vape cartridges—to be “wrongfully detained,” even as Americans remain behind bars for marijuana at home and President Joe Biden’s campaign pledges go unfulfilled.
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) signed a budget bill that contains provisions creating a program to provide certain patients with access to psychedelic-assisted treatment using substances like MDMA and psilocybin.
The National Cancer Institute posted a notice about the availability of federal funding to support research on the effects of cannabis in treating cancer and managing its symptoms.
The Independent Community Bankers of America sent a letter urging Senate leaders to include marijuana banking provisions in the America COMPETES Act.
/ FEDERAL
Food and Drug Administration Principal Deputy Commissioner Janet Woodcock will chair the agency’s Cannabis Products Council.
The Board of Immigration Appeals ruled that a Dominican man’s guilty plea for marijuana possession is grounds for deportation.
Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) led other lawmakers in filing a resolution declaring May 10 as “National Fentanyl Awareness Day.”
Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) tweeted, “‘The greatest obstacle to funding for equity cannabis businesses, however, lies beyond New York’s borders and outside of Albany’s control.’ It lies in the hands of the U.S. Senate. It’s time to pass #SAFEBanking.”
/ STATES
Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke, a former congressman, reiterated his support for legalizing marijuana.
Oklahoma lawmakers sent Gov Kevin Stitt (R) a bill to increase penalties for people who purchase medical cannabis and then sell it to non-cardholders.
Vermont House and Senate negotiators are set to debate marijuana potency limits in a conference committee.
The Washington, D.C. Council’s proposed budget contains provisions to create a medical cannabis social equity fund.
The Pennsylvania House Democratic Policy Committee held a hearing on hemp.
Here’s a look at where Colorado marijuana legislation stands as the end of the session approaches.
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission has a new interim chair.
Mississippi regulators filed medical cannabis advertising rules.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture tweeted, “Right now, Pennsylvania’s hemp crop is in the seedling stage. But these now-small plants pack a mighty punch! After harvest, their stalks can be used for biofuel, fire-proof building material, and even bullet-proof vests!”
New Hampshire medical cannabis regulators will meet on Wednesday.
The Ohio State Medical Board’s Medical Marijuana Committee will meet on Wednesday.
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/ LOCAL
The Santa Fe, New Mexico School Board approved a policy on medical cannabis use by students.
Several New Jersey municipalities are expected to begin rescinding their bans on recreational marijuana businesses soon.
Los Angeles, California officials will host a marijuana social equity webinar on Tuesday.
/ INTERNATIONAL
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the government will work to “ensure that commercialisation does not disadvantage small and subsistence growers of cannabis.”
Germany’s finance minister said marijuana will be legalized in the country “soon.”
Italy’s government moved to strictly schedule ayahuasca.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study of patients with inflammatory bowel disease found that “reported cannabis use increased after legalization,” that “cannabis users were less likely to need total parenteral nutrition” and “had less hospital charges.”
A review concluded that “compared with placebo, nabiximols probably reduces the severity of spasticity in the short term in people with” multiple sclerosis.
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Alabama Democratic Party tweeted, “Cannabis should be legal, but until it is, expungement and decriminalization, is an important step that moves us closer to righting the wrongs caused by our criminal justice system.”
The chair of the Minnesota Grassroots Legalize Cannabis Party said he will file complaints against any candidate that runs for office in June under its banner without a real connection to the party.
/ BUSINESS
Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $313 million and a net loss of $21.8 million. The company also has a new CEO.
Akerna reported quarterly revenue of $7 million and a net loss of $22 million.
/ CULTURE
Mia Farrow tweeted, “Rather than bombing Mexico, US should end the ‘war on drugs’- a failure by any measure. Decriminalize drugs, addiction is an illness, set up easy access methadone treatment centers to help addicts wean from dangerous drugs to controlled substance. Cartels will go out of business.”
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