State AGs push action on marijuana “copycat” foods; MLB allows CBD sponsorships; NE medical cannabis ballot push
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The House Appropriations Committee posted spending bill reports that include provisions on hemp industry challenges, CBD marketing, medical cannabis for veterans and research on the therapeutic benefits of marijuana and psychedelics.
Twenty-three state attorneys general sent a letter calling on Congress to pass legislation allowing major food brands to take action against unlicensed marijuana sellers who “market illicit copycat THC edibles to children.”
MLB is now reportedly allowing baseball teams to be sponsored by CBD companies.
Nebraska activists announced they’ve collected 120,000 signatures to put medical cannabis initiatives on the November ballot, but are “begging” voters to help get the tens of thousands more they need to qualify before a deadline in the next two weeks.
In a new Marijuana Moment op-ed, Ari Hoffnung of Bridge West Consulting argues that New York should fund programs to aid social equity businesses through a new Cannabis License Transfer fee to be applied on high-dollar mergers and acquisitions.
/ FEDERAL
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre acknowledged that an “unfortunate mistake” by U.S. officials prevented American basketball player Brittney Griner, who is being detained in Russia after allegedly being caught with cannabis vapes at an airport, from being able to call her wife.
The Department of Justice and attorneys for a proposed safe consumption site for illegal drugs have once again agreed to a delay on the deadline for the Biden administration to reveal its position in the case as “productive” negotiations continue. The government’s response is now due August 8.
The Food and Drug Administration is preparing a proposed rule to establish a maximum nicotine level in cigarettes and other tobacco products. It is also reportedly preparing to take Juul products off the market.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Drug Testing Advisory Board discussed cannabis testing issues at a meeting.
South Carolina Democratic congressional candidate Annie Andrews tweeted, “I support legalizing cannabis. But unlike @NancyMace, I believe it should be legal, taxed, and regulated in all 50 states. Her proposal would do absolutely nothing for SC. But that’s what she always does.”
/ STATES
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a bill on cannabis beverages. Separately, the Assembly Business and Professions Committee approved legislation requiring cities to allow medical marijuana delivery.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) named new members to the Cannabis Advisory Board. Separately, the lieutenant governor tweeted, “It is incumbent upon us to create a socially responsible cannabis industry here in NYS that ensures jobs and opportunity for minorities who have long been subject to unfair enforcement when it comes to cannabis use.” And regulators announced that a firm run by former basketball player Chris Webber will co-manage the state’s $200 million Cannabis Social Equity Investment Fund.
North Carolina House Agriculture Committee leaders removed provisions to permanently legalize hemp from the Farm Bill.
The Pennsylvania House Health Committee amended a kratom regulation and consumer protection bill to instead simply lower the legal age for purchase from 21 to 18.
A Kentucky representative who is sponsoring a medical cannabis bill said he doesn’t believe Gov. Andy Beshear (D) has the authority to legalize it by executive order.
A Montana senator spoke about how lawmakers may address marijuana legislation in 2023.
A new Colorado law allows marijuana industry workers to receive responsible-vendor designations.
The Maryland Court of Appeals ruled that in light of decriminalization, the odor of marijuana does not provide probable cause but only reasonable suspicion.
Massachusetts cannabis regulators and staff will meet with a mediator to discuss issues related to the governance of the agency.
Michigan regulators published an advisory bulletin on changes to the marijuana business employee background check process.
Oklahoma regulators said they expect their medical cannabis oversight budget request to increase for fiscal year 2023.
Utah regulators sent an update on the medical cannabis program.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,000 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.
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/ LOCAL
The Linn County, Oregon Board of Commissioners voted to place a measure on the November ballot to ban psilocybin production, manufacturing and service centers.
The Hunterdon County New Jersey sheriff said he wants to ban police officers from using marijuana.
Albany, New York’s is promoting a cannabis event city officials are holding with state regulators on Monday.
A Racine County, Wisconsin supervisor said marijuana is safer when it’s legal and regulated.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The Swiss Federal Council voted to remove the requirement for physicians to have a special permit to prescribe medical cannabis.
The Italian Chamber of Deputies Justice Commission approved a bill to allow home cultivation of up to four cannabis plants.
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra compared marijuana to opiates, saying that while it has medical uses, it can be misused.
Members of the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group on CBD were removed or resigned, according to conflicting statements.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “there is promising evidence that [medical cannabis] may have a beneficial effect on the onset and duration of migraine headaches in adults.”
A study found that “psilocybin has long-lasting antidepressant-like effects in flies.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
Prohibitionist organization Smart Approaches to Marijuana is asking its supporters to contact Attorney General Merrick Garland about their concerns with cannabis reform.
/ BUSINESS
Aurora Cannabis Inc. is laying off 12 percent of its workforce.
Sundial Growers Inc. entered a “stalking horse bid” to acquire Zenabis Global Inc.
Charlotte’s Web Holdings, Inc. has a new CFO and chief administration officer.
Tilray Brands, Inc. hosted a delegation from the Luxembourg Ministry of Health at its facility in Cantanhede, Portugal.
An explosion at an Ilera Healthcare facility in Taylor Township, Pennsylvania left several people injured.
/ CULTURE
Novels and TV shows are increasingly working psychedelics into their plots, according to the Wall Street Journal.
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