WH: Biden still reviewing marijuana clemency; Senate panel’s reform provisions; Cannabis expungements bill in Congress; Psychedelics research poll
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, asked about President Joe Biden’s campaign pledge to free marijuana prisoners, said he is continuing to “evaluate further uses of clemency powers.”
Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) released draft spending bills and reports containing provisions calling for federal reforms on marijuana, psychedelics and hemp policies.
Reps. Troy Carter (D-LA) and Rodney Davis (R-IL) filed a new bill to expunge certain federal marijuana convictions and allow courts to recommend presidential pardons for cannabis cases.
The Arkansas secretary of state verified that activists turned in more than enough signatures to place a marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot. The measure’s popular name and ballot title still need to be approved by the Board of Election Commissioners this week, though.
A new poll found that a majority of Americans support researching the benefits of psychedelics for active-duty military members with PTSD. Meanwhile, more bipartisan members of Congress are open to the idea—including Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC).
/ FEDERAL
The Biden administration is being pressed to declare U.S. citizen Marc Fogel, who is being held in Russia after being caught with medical cannabis, as “wrongfully detained”—a status that was given to American basketball Brittney Griner, who pleaded guilty to a similar offense in the country.
Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) said there needs to be more research on marijuana before policies are changed, though he spoke in support of cannabis banking legislation.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) gave a House floor speech about the passing of an epilepsy patient who used medical marijuana for relief and founded the Michigan Democratic Party’s Cannabis Caucus.
Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-OR) pressed a Justice Department official on the problems caused by cartels growing marijuana in the U.S. during a hearing.
/ STATES
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) signed a bill to prohibit smoking, including of marijuana, in all state-owned beaches, boardwalks, marinas, playgrounds, recreation centers and group camps.
Tennessee Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jason Martin discussed his support for legalizing marijuana.
Texas Democratic attorney general candidate Rochelle Garza tweeted, “The majority of Texans believe that cannabis should be legalized. That is a fact. The TX GOP has made it clear that it is something they will NEVER support. With the potential to bring in millions in tax revenue and job growth, and reduce mass incarceration: Why not?”
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court upheld the town of Bourne’s ban on recreational marijuana sales.
Ohio regulators published proposed medical cannabis rules changes.
Oklahoma regulators said a moratorium on new medical cannabis grower, processor and dispensary licenses will go into effect on August 26, instead of August 1 as previously announced.
Pennsylvania regulators will reportedly soon be sued by medical cannabis companies that say the state has improperly allowed big, out-of-state firms to monopolize the industry.
The U.S. Virgin Islands Cannabis Board appointed an executive director.
Illinois regulators approved another round of conditional recreational marijuana dispensary licenses.
Minnesota regulators published guidance about cannabinoid products that contain CBD or THC being subject to sales tax.
Nevada regulators rejected a proposal to allow marijuana sales and use at large events, referring it to the Cannabis Advisory Commission for study.
Oregon regulators are preparing to amend change of ownership rules for marijuana businesses.
Maine regulators’ proposal to require high-definition cameras outside marijuana stores is being challenged by the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine.
New Jersey regulators approved another dispensary to conduct recreational marijuana sales.
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Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,500 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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/ LOCAL
A judge placed a temporary restraining order on Detroit, Michigan officials’ ability to accept applications for certain marijuana business licenses.
The Milwaukee County, Wisconsin Board of Supervisors voted to place a nonbinding marijuana legalization advisory referendum on the November ballot.
The Santa Monica, California City Council voted to place a measure to tax cannabis businesses on the November ballot.
Denver, Colorado officials rescinded a proof-of-residency requirement for marijuana business license applicants.
Here’s a tracker looking at Oregon counties and municipalities that are considering enacting bans on psilocybin services businesses.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño said a referendum on marijuana legalization is being postponed.
Fiji’s Parliament approved a hemp bill.
Malaysia’s Health Ministry is encouraging medical cannabis research.
A Philippine senator spoke about the restrictions in his medical cannabis bill.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study concluded that “cannabis use does not increase actual creativity but biases evaluations of creativity.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Last Prisoner Project tweeted that it is “*unequivocally* pro-legalization” and is “against any measure that attaches criminal penalties to cannabis-related activity (i.e prohibitions on homegrow)” shortly after it was accused of preventing a former employee from advocating for legalization.
The USA Today editorial board said federal marijuana prohibition causes more harm than good.
American Society of Addiction Medicine members coauthored an op-ed highlighting their concerns about marijuana legalization.
The Cannabis Regulators Association sent a letter to the sponsors of a new Senate marijuana legalization bill, thanking them for incorporating past feedback and urging further amendments.
/ BUSINESS
Verano Holdings Corp. is amending five previously filed quarterly financial statements.
HEXO Corp. was granted a 180-day extension to regain compliance to trade on the Nasdaq.
StateHouse Holdings Inc. reached an agreement with the Internal Revenue Service to resolve and reduce legacy 280E obligations incurred under its prior name, Harborside.
Cannabis investing platform JuicyFields is being accused of being a “scam.”
/ CULTURE
Bill Maher spoke about the Biden administration’s reluctance to embrace marijuana reform.
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