Marijuana research bill advances; Senate NDAA amendment would legalize medical cannabis for vets; CA AG: state’s legal market is best in world
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Marijuana Moment obtained the draft text of a new Republican-led bill from Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) to federally legalize and tax cannabis that will soon be introduced as an alternative to Democratic leaders’ marijuana legislation.
The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee approved a bill to require the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct clinical trials on the medical benefits of marijuana for military veterans with PTSD and chronic pain—despite opposition testimony from the Biden administration.
Sens. Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT), along with six other lawmakers, filed a National Defense Authorization Act amendment that would federally legalize medical marijuana for military veterans. It would also let Department of Veterans Affairs doctors issue cannabis recommendations and require the department to research marijuana’s therapeutic potential to reduce pain and opioid misuse.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta (D) spoke at an event commemorating the 25th anniversary of the state’s first-in-the-nation medical cannabis law, saying California has the “number one in the world” legal marijuana market.
/ FEDERAL
A federal grand jury issued subpoenas seeking information about payments to public officials and consultants as part of a criminal investigation into marijuana licensing in Baldwin Park, California and other nearby cities.
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) tweeted “It’s long past time to end the federal prohibition on marijuana, enact criminal justice reforms, & invest in communities hurt by the War on Drugs. That’s why @SenBooker, @RonWyden, & I are working to pass our Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act.”
Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) said he supports the right of Washington, D.C. to legalize marijuana without congressional interference.
Indiana Democratic Senate candidate Thomas McDermott, currently Hammond’s mayor, discussed his support for marijuana legalization and acknowledged his cannabis use at recent concerts.
/ STATES
Mississippi’s lieutenant governor said he thinks lawmakers will pass a medical cannabis bill in next year’s regular legislative session.
Massachusetts’s Senate president said lawmakers will be considering marijuana-related issues such as local host community agreements, social equity and automatic expungements.
New York’s top marijuana regulator spoke about efforts to roll out legalization in a way that centers equity and justice.
California regulators ordered the destruction of a hemp field after the farmer allegedly applied pesticide that is not approved for use on the crop.
A Michigan appeals court upheld a two-year suspension for a doctor who approved nearly 22,000 medical cannabis recommendations within a one-year period.
Nevada regulators issued a health and safety bulletin about an inability to verify that Kindibles, LLC created and tested certain marijuana edibles products. They also issued a summary suspension of the company’s license.
Arizona regulators filed revised marijuana rules.
The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority’s Board of Directors will meet on Tuesday.
Ohio regulators will consider medical cannabis rules changes on Tuesday.
The Washington State Social Equity in Cannabis Task Force’s Technical Assistance and Mentorship Workgroup will meet on Tuesday.
Florida regulators will hold several meetings about medical cannabis and hemp this month.
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/ LOCAL
Missoula, Montana’s Consolidated Planning Board advanced marijuana regulations.
Princeton, New Jersey’s Cannabis Task Force met to discuss recommendations for a local marijuana ordinance.
The East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana coroner claimed “it’s only a matter of time” before officials start seeing fentanyl-laced marijuana.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Costa Rican lawmakers are pressing ahead with medical cannabis and hemp legislation despite opposition from President Carlos Alvarado.
Georgian lawmakers filed a marijuana legalization bill.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte again criticized the International Criminal Court’s investigation into his nation’s bloody “war on drugs.”
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “most active individuals believe that cannabis and CBD can improve the psychological aspects of exercise and assist with recovery from exercise.“
A review concluded that “preclinical data indicate a potential for low- or high-dose psychedelic treatment regimens to slow or reverse brain atrophy, enhance cognitive function, and slow progression of” Alzheimer’s Disease.
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A leaked presentation delivered to U.S. Cannabis Council, which the organization says it does not endorse, lays out a “blueprint for how entrenched interests could dominate the industry,” according to critics.
Fox News host Greg Gutfeld called for the legalization of drugs.
/ BUSINESS
Canopy Growth Corporation reported quarterly net revenue of C$131.4 and an adjusted EBITDA loss of C$163 million. The company is also shutting down its Tweed Farms greenhouse in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada.
iAnthus Capital Holdings Inc. is facing two revised shareholder lawsuits.
Cybin Inc. was granted a Schedule I manufacturing license from the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Missouri dispensaries sold $24.17 million worth of medical cannabis in October.
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