NE marijuana activists win ballot lawsuit; NM insurers sued over cannabis reimbursements; MA psychedelics resolution stalls; MT tribal growing issues
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) issued a medical marijuana executive order naming members of a new advisory committee that will conduct public hearings and study any steps the governor can take to provide patient access while the legislature refuses to act.
Nebraska medical cannabis activists won a preliminary injunction from a federal judge against state signature collection rules they say create an unfair hurdle to qualifying initiatives for the ballot.
A New Mexico cannabis company and a group of patients are suing seven health insurance companies for failing to cover medical marijuana costs, which they say is required under a state mental and behavioral health law.
The Amherst, Massachusetts Town Council sent a measure to decriminalize psychedelics and other drugs—while providing specific protections for researchers—back to committee after some members expressed reservations about the proposed local reform.
Montana regulators are insisting that Indian tribes cannot expand beyond the smallest tier of marijuana cultivation licenses—a stance that’s disputed by some lawmakers.
/ FEDERAL
Food and Drug Administration held a meeting on challenges in evaluating the safety of dietary supplement and food ingredients, using CBD as a case study.
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.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration Museum added an exhibit about an underwater drug smuggling tube.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) celebrated the owner of the Kentucky Cannabis Company and other women business leaders in Senate floor remarks.
Here’s a look at where Missouri Republican Senate candidates stand on marijuana reform.
Wisconsin Democratic congressional candidate Mark Neumann tweeted, “When elected, I will support the full legalization of cannabis, push to expunge, and vacate all marijuana convictions, and support the reinvestment of revenue into communities hardest hit by the War on Drugs.”
The Senate bill to federally legalize medical cannabis for military veterans got one new cosponsor for a total of nine.
/ STATES
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) signed a bill to allow federally approved cannabis drugs.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) included legalizing marijuana in a list of “things we’ve delivered for New Mexicans.”
Florida’s attorney general suggested that “drug dealers are using social media to sell dangerous drugs” to minors.
New Jersey’s treasurer highlighted revenue growth and progress in the cannabis industry at an event.
The Minnesota Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of a man arrested for possessing cannabis products just prior to the legalization of hemp.
The West Virginia legislature’s Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability discussed changes to rules on medical cannabis access by students at schools.
A North Carolina senator’s claim that a quarter of the nation’s hemp crop is grown in the state was ruled false by PolitiFact.
Connecticut regulators finalized rules on medical cannabis lab testing.
Oregon regulators will consider marijuana issues at a meeting and public discussion on Wednesday.
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/ LOCAL
The Stevens Point, Wisconsin City Council’s Public Policy Committee approved a proposal to lower the fine for marijuana possession to $5.
The Santa Clara County, California district attorney is preparing to ramp up efforts to expunge marijuana convictions.
New York City Small Business Services tweeted, “Developing a truly equitable cannabis industry means good jobs, and building wealth in communities most impacted by the war on drugs. @NYCMayor brought key stakeholders to a Cannabis Roundtable this week and SBS will help lead the outreach and education in this emerging industry.”
/ INTERNATIONAL
The Ukrainian Parliament’s Health Committee approved a medical cannabis bill.
A panel of Brazil’s Superior Court of Justice ruled in favor of three patients who want to grow medical cannabis.
Thailand’s public health minister pushed back against the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine’s suggestion that regulations be enacted to discourage recreational marijuana use. Meanwhile, Bangkok’s governor suggested that a person died of heart failure following a cannabis overdose.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “enrollment in medical cannabis programs approximately increased 4.5-fold from 2016 to 2020, although enrollment decreased in recreational states.”
A review concluded that”psilocybin-assisted meditation interventions might change cognitive processes like biased attention to threat linked to [social anxiety disorder] by modulating connectivity of the salience network, balancing the activity and connectivity of cortical-midline structures, and increasing frontoparietal control over amygdala reactivity.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll of Harris County, Texas residents found that 65 percent support legalizing marijuana and 90 percent back medical cannabis.
/ BUSINESS
High Tide Inc. reported quarterly revenue of C$81.0 million and a net loss of C$8.3 million.
Fire & Flower Holdings Corp. reported consolidated quarterly revenue of C$40.9 million and a net loss of C$9.9 million.
HEXO Corp. amended previously announced agreements with Tilray Brands, Inc. and KAOS Capital Ltd.
Michigan retailers sold $186.4 million worth of legal marijuana products in May.
Arkansas dispensaries sold $22.45 million worth of medical cannabis products in May.
/ CULTURE
The Russian detention of American basketball player Brittney Griner—who is being held after allegedly being caught with cannabis vapes at an airport— was extended until at least July 2.
Basketball player Montrezl Harrell is facing felony marijuana charges.
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