Biden drug stance could be revealed in SCOTUS case; CO gov: Pass marijuana banking before legalization; USDA hemp survey; FDA gets kratom comments
Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day.
Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible…
BREAKING: Journalism is often consumed for free, but costs money to produce! While this newsletter is proudly sent without cost to you, our ability to send it each day depends on the financial support of readers who can afford to give it. So if you’ve got a few dollars to spare each month and believe in the work we do, please consider joining us on Patreon today.
https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment
/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The U.S. Supreme Court is being asked to take up a case on whether safe consumption sites for illegal drugs violate federal law. If the justices agree to hear the matter, it will put to the test the Biden administration’s real commitment to supporting harm reduction measures for drugs.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) sent a letter urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to pass marijuana banking and tax reform legislation now instead of waiting until he is able to build enough support for his broader legalization bill.
Missouri activists filed a new marijuana legalization initiative they hope to place on the 2022 ballot. The measure is competing against separate proposals from other groups, but the team behind Legal Missouri 2022 succeeded in passing medical cannabis in 2018.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture formally launched a survey of 20,000 hemp farmers. It covers issues like prices, acreage, smokable hemp, seeds, harvesting and processing. The results will help inform future policymaking for the crop.
Kratom activists flooded the Food and Drug Administration with tens of thousands of public comments this month opposing a potential global ban on the painkilling plant.
/ FEDERAL
President Joe Biden signed a proclamation declaring this week “Overdose Awareness Week.”
The Department of Justice defended the seizure of a hemp shipment in a federal court filing.
An Oregon man pleaded guilty in federal court for posing as a successful hemp seed cultivator and other positions to fraudulently obtain millions of dollars from investors and lenders.
The House bill to deschedule marijuana and provide protections for veterans and businesses got one new cosponsor for a total of six.
/ STATES
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) discussed marijuana implementation with the Assembly’s Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force.
South Carolina Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joe Cunningham tweeted about speaking at the National Cannabis Festival.
Florida Democratic congressional candidate Charlie Crist, currently a congressman, tweeted, “There are plenty of folks sitting in jail tonight that should have their sentences reviewed or are there because of a non-violent marijuana offense. We must end mass incarceration in Florida.”
Colorado’s attorney general tweeted, “As the US Congress considers a new framework for the legalization of cannabis, it’s essential that it respect the role of states and act with care with respect to existing state markets like Colorado’s.”
A new Texas law expanding the limited medical cannabis program takes effect on Wednesday.
The North Carolina Senate president pro tempore said that no decision has been made as to whether a medical cannabis bill will get a floor vote this session.
The California Senate Appropriations Committee cleared a bill to overhaul hemp rules for a floor vote.
Ohio lawmakers who are sponsoring a marijuana legalization bill held a town hall about the issue.
Maryland regulators approved medical cannabis business license awards and transfers, and enacted some rules changes.
Washington State regulators are transitioning to a new marijuana seed-to-sale tracking system and will hold a webinar on the change on September 8.
Nevada regulators suspended the marijuana cultivation license of Green Cross of America, Inc. for failing to properly tag and tack plants.
New Jersey regulators published a FAQ on marijuana issues for municipalities.
Washington, D.C. regulators sent a reminder to renew expired medical cannabis registrations that were extended due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Arkansas Legislative Council’s Medical Marijuana Oversight Committee met.
Vermont regulators will discuss marijuana product safety standards and lab testing issues on Tuesday.
—
Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,200 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.
Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
—
/ LOCAL
Maricopa County, Arizona’s district attorney created a process to help people expunge marijuana convictions.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Thailand is releasing more than 10,000 people from prisons following the legalization of kratom.
The chairman of the South African Parliament’s Justice Committee is urging the government not to delay implementing its cannabis plans.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “recent case reports and retrospective studies have displayed the potential efficacy, safety, and tolerability of cannabidiol (CBD)-rich medical cannabis use for treating both core symptoms of [autism spectrum disorder] and many comorbid symptoms such as irritability and sleep problems.”
A study found that “specific eye characteristics could potentially be used as nonintrusive markers of THC presence and driving-related effects of cannabis.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The ACLU of New Jersey published an analysis of new state marijuana regulations.
/ BUSINESS
Anheuser-Busch Companies hired a lobbyist to work on the “differentiation between beer and cannabis.”
KushCo Holdings, Inc. shareholders approved a merger with Greenlane Holdings, Inc.
Planet 13 Holdings Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $32.8 million and a net loss of $4.4 million.
Tilray, Inc. sent a letter to shareholders laying out a plan to achieve $4 billion in revenue by 2024.
Jane Technologies, Inc. closed a $100 million Series C funding round.
Avicanna Inc. announced that its subsidiary completed its first export of high CBD full spectrum psychoactive cannabis extracts to Brazil.
Psilera Inc. reached an agreement with the National Institute on Drug Abuse to conduct preclinical studies on using DMT to treat addiction.
Workers at PharmaCann’s Arlington Heights, Illinois Verilife dispensary are seeking to hold an election to unionize with the Teamsters Local 777.
/ CULTURE
David Crosby spoke about his long relationship with marijuana.
Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox.
Marijuana Moment is made possible with support from readers. If you rely on our cannabis advocacy journalism to stay informed, please consider a monthly Patreon pledge.
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in these blog posts is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The use of any information provided in these blog posts is solely at your own risk. The authors and the website do not recommend or endorse any specific products, treatments, or procedures mentioned. Reliance on any information in these blog posts is solely at your own discretion.
