Marijuana research bill soon headed to president; Psychedelics legalization qualifies for CO ballot; Congressional hemp hearing
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) unveiled his new federal marijuana legalization bill in a floor speech, saying he’s hopeful that lawmakers can “get something done this year”—hinting that scaled-down alternate cannabis legislation could pass.
The House and Senate are expected to send a newly revised marijuana research bill to President Joe Biden’s desk within days. The measure largely resembles legislation the Senate approved earlier this year, with minor changes. It leaves out House-passed provisions to study dispensary cannabis.
Colorado’s secretary of state certified that activists collected enough signatures to qualify an initiative to legalize psychedelics and create a system of licensed psilocybin “healing centers” for the November ballot.
The House Agriculture Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture and Research scheduled a hearing on hemp issues for next week. It’s expected to preview reforms that could be included in the next Farm Bill.
Businesses across Mississippi are rushing to compete for medical cannabis licenses.
/ FEDERAL
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) will speak at an event launching the new Bronx Cannabis Hub on Sunday.
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) tweeted, “It is long past time the federal government’s cannabis laws catch up to Washington state. I helped introduce legislation today to finally bring our laws into the 21st century—& undo deeply unfair & racially unjust laws that have disproportionately harmed people of color.”
Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) tweeted, “I’m encouraged to see the introduction of the CAOA today by @SenSchumer @RonWyden @SenBooker and applaud my Senate colleagues’ recognition that any federal legalization measure must come with federal regulation. I look forward to fully reviewing their proposal and appreciate that bipartisan conversations are reflected in portions of the text. As I’ve said many times before, the only viable path forward on cannabis reform is a bipartisan one. I’m hopeful that as the Senators build momentum for their legislation, incremental proposals can continue to advance.”
Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA) spoke in a House floor speech about his constituent’s role in the medical cannabis industry.
Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SC) tweeted, “I applaud @SenSchumer, @RonWyden, and @CoryBooker for introducing their comprehensive bill today! Polling from @CPEARCoalition shows that cannabis reform is a truly bipartisan issue with 70% of Americans supporting a 21st century approach to cannabis.”
New York Democratic congressional candidate Suraj Patel included psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in his mental health plan.
/ STATES
A spokesperson for Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) said the reappointment to the state Medical Board of a lobbyist who has lobbied on behalf of medical cannabis companies does not create a conflict of interest.
Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke, a former congressman, tweeted, “Veterans say it’s time for this state to legalize marijuana. The people of Texas agree. Now we just need a governor who will get it done.”
Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried, currently the agriculture commissioner, cheered the introduction of a federal marijuana legalization bill in the Senate.
Michigan’s attorney general announced changes to a webpage to help people expunge marijuana and other convictions.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division shared guidance for liquor stores on sales of products containing cannabinoids.
Vermont regulators began approving waivers to the prohibition on plastic packaging for marijuana products.
Massachusetts regulators issued an order extending the allowance for marijuana businesses to conduct required community outreach meetings virtually.
A Rhode Island state courts official spoke about the process for getting marijuana records expunged.
Oregon regulators are accepting applications to serve on psilocybin services rules advisory committees.
Connecticut regulators will discuss medical cannabis program updates on Friday.
The Washington State Social Equity in Cannabis Task Force’s Regulation of Cannabis Production Workgroup will meet on Tuesday.
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/ LOCAL
The Eau Claire County, Wisconsin Board of Supervisors voted to place an advisory marijuana legalization referendum on the November ballot.
Denver, Colorado officials released details of their plan to reserve all marijuana delivery licenses for social equity businesses.
The Killeen, Texas City Council is considering a voter-initiated marijuana decriminalization proposal.
Some Minnesota cities are enacting temporary bans on THC edibles.
The Seattle, Washington City Council’s Finance and Housing Committee discussed potential legislation to increase equity in the cannabis industry.
Los Angeles, California officials released a video about a cannabis-focused community and stakeholder engagement program.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Thailand’s public health minister reaffirmed that the country’s cannabis reform is expressly for medical purposes and not for recreational use.
A Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, ” if drugs are legalized in the United States, in a number of states, and this is done for a long time, and now the whole country will become drug-addicted, this does not mean that all other countries are following the same path.”
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “CBD is an excellent alternative to an opioid in chronic pain because CBD is non-intoxicating in its pure form.”
A study found that “in a case series of topical cannabinoid products purchased online and at popular retail stores, products were often inaccurately labeled for CBD and many contained THC.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Kentucky Democratic Party tweeted, “Kentuckians are literally lining up to support medical marijuana — to share moving stories of PTSD, cancer and other conditions cannabis helps. @GovAndyBeshear’s advisory committee is listening to Kentuckians, who overwhelmingly support legalization.”
A former Minnesota Legal Marijuana Now Party chairman is now working to help elect Democrats.
The National Association of Broadcasters cheered the House’s passage of a provision to protect TV and radio stations that air marijuana ads.
The Marijuana Policy Project released a New Hampshire primary voter guide.
/ BUSINESS
Metrc was awarded a cannabis track and trace contract by Rhode Island regulators.
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