FL ag commissioner’s DOJ response on medical marijuana & gun rights; SF passes psychedelics decrim; UK blocks Bermuda cannabis bill; Military CBD PSA
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed (D) a bill to mandate that in child welfare cases, parental marijuana use will be “treated in the same manner as a parent’s or guardian’s use or possession of alcohol and legally prescribed medication.”
Lawyers for Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried filed a response to the Department of Justice’s motion to dismiss her lawsuit on medical cannabis patients’ gun rights, saying the Biden administration’s position is “insulting, illogical and ahistorical.”
The San Francisco, California Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a psychedelics decriminalization resolution calling on police to make entheogens “amongst the lowest priority” and saying city resources should “not be used” for enforcement.
The UK-appointed governor of Bermuda announced the country would be blocked from enacting a bill to legalize marijuana—on the same day UK Prime Minister Liz Truss took office. The territory’s attorney general said they’ll go ahead with the cannabis reform anyway, setting up a constitutional crisis.
A Department of Defense PSA, styled as a fake press conference, warns service members that CBD is off limits, even in “ganja-guac burritos” and “dandruff shampoo for cats with that amazing CBD enhancer.”
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture highlighted how historically black colleges and universities “contribute to multistate research projects on hemp” and other areas.
Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) said he hasn’t yet read the marijuana legalization bill filed by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) tweeted, “We can approach the Cannabis issue in a responsible and Constitutional way with the States Reform Act. This bill would let states decide for themselves what action they take on Cannabis. The bill also would limit marketing to children and allow veterans to access medical Cannabis.” Democratic challenger Annie Andrews responded, “Translation: This bill will do nothing for SC where not even medical marijuana is legal. I support full legalization because our veterans deserve the same rights as veterans in Virginia, New York, Washington, etc…”
Missouri Democratic Senate candidate Trudy Busch Valentine tweeted, “This November, Missouri could legalize recreational marijuana and help our state: ⚫ Fund healthcare for vets ⚫ Pay for drug/alcohol addiction services ⚫ Expunge non-violent marijuana-related offenses ⚫ Protect access to medical marijuana ⚫ Bring $$$ into the Missouri economy”
Wisconsin Democratic Senate candidate Mandela Barnes, currently the lieutenant governor, spoke about the economic benefits of legalizing marijuana.
Here’s a look at where Montana congressional candidates stand on federal marijuana legalization.
/ STATES
The Illinois House minority leader falsely claimed that a bill to lower penalties for possessing drugs that passed the chamber would have decriminalized them.
The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on a bill to expand automatic sealing of certain drug conviction records.
A Michigan representative spoke about his bill to lower the age to work in the legal marijuana industry to 18.
A Wisconsin representative is hosting a community engagement event about marijuana on September 27.
A top New York regulator criticized “people who are money hungry and are trying to get ahead of what we’re trying to build here” by running unlicensed marijuana businesses.
Washington, D.C. officials are delaying planned inspections of unlicensed marijuana stores.
New Jersey regulators are launching a new medical cannabis platform next week.
Colorado regulators published an invitation to negotiate for a Cannabis Loan Program administrator.
The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission will meet on Thursday.
California’s Cannabis Advisory Committee will meet on Thursday.
The Oregon Task Force on Cannabis-Derived Intoxicants and Illegal Cannabis Production’s Cannabinoid Subcommittee will meet on Thursday.
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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
The St. Louis, Missouri City Council Ethics Committee held a hearing on a councilmember’s failure to disclose work for a medical cannabis business while the body was crafting regulations for the industry, but key witnesses refused to appear.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The new head of Mexico’s Senate Justice Committee said she is “about to give a new impetus to the regulation of cannabis to comply with” a ruling of the nation’s Supreme Court.
Thailand’s Ministry of Justice said it will work with the Food and Drug Administration to allow the use of kratom leaves in food, herbal and cosmetic products.
A Colombian lawmaker filed legislation to end drug prohibition across the board.
A Berlin, Germany senator proposed exploring decriminalization of possession of drugs beyond cannabis.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “the majority of preclinical studies demonstrates that cannabinoids inhibit lung cancer cell viability both in vitro and in vivo.
A study found that “LSD produced long-lasting and notable reductions of anxiety and comorbid depression symptoms up to 16 weeks.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll of London, England adults found that they support decriminalizing marijuana, 50 percent to 30 percent.
The Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions is a new organization launched by Kevin Sabet of prohibitionist group Smart Approaches to Marijuana.
/ BUSINESS
Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. said its board is “aware of allegations against” CEO, chairman and founder Abner Kurtin, who was reportedly charged with battery.
Verano Holdings Corp. completed its acquisition of WSCC, Inc., d/b/a Sierra Well.
Glass House Brands Inc. closed its acquisition of Natural Healing Center dispensaries.
Green Check Verified is acquiring PayQwick.
Cresco Labs closed a sale and leaseback agreement with Aventine Property Group for a Brookville, Pennsylvania property.
New Mexico retailers sold more than $40 million worth of recreational and medical cannabis in August.
/ CULTURE
Conan O’Brien pressed an assistant about smoking marijuana in his office.
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