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Italy marijuana referendum in courts’ hands; Poll: Record-high PA legalization support; MD lawmakers talk cannabis expungement
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The latest annual survey from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows yet again that the spread of marijuana legalization for adults to more states is not driving an increase in youth use. Teen cannabis consumption actually dropped in 2020.
Italian activists turned in 630,000 signatures to qualify a referendum to legalize personal cultivation of marijuana and psilocybin mushrooms. The measure and petitions will undergo review by two courts before being put before voters next year.
A new poll found that 60 percent of Pennsylvania voters support legalizing marijuana—a record high. Support, which comes as several new bipartisan cannabis legalization efforts are being filed in the legislature, has nearly tripled from just 22 percent in 2006.
Maryland lawmakers on the House Cannabis Referendum and Legalization Workgroup and Senate Finance Committee held hearings on the process of expunging marijuana conviction records if voters pass a referendum to legalize next year.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is hiring for a position to serve as “the curator of hemp involving preserving, regenerating and producing high quality germplasm and conducting research on the maintenance, genetic diversity, taxonomy, systematics, characterization, enhancement, and evaluation of germplasm.”
The Senate approved the confirmation of President Joe Biden’s nominee for director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR) said marijuana legalization will “be front and center” after major pending legislation is handled.
Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) tweeted, “Nevada’s cannabis industry has created new businesses and jobs, and brought in millions in new tax revenue for our state. But federal law is holding back this booming industry from reaching its full potential. That’s why I’m fighting to pass the bipartisan SAFE Banking Act, because it’s time to finally provide legally-operating cannabis businesses access to the banking system.”
Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) tweeted, “Using medical marijuana to treat a medical condition shouldn’t rob law-abiding Americans of their constitutional rights. We need to pass and get the MORE Act signed into law.”
/ STATES
Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidates Charlie Crist, currently a congressman, and Nikki Fried, currently the agriculture commissioner, continued to feud over marijuana policy.
Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe tweeted, “Over the past 8 years VA Dems have: expanded Medicaid, legalized cannabis, raised the minimum wage, strengthened voting rights, enacted gun safety laws & so much more. Make no mistake, all our progress is at stake this November.” Separately, the state attorney general joined counterparts in other states in sending a warning about marijuana-infused foods that resemble major brands.
California’s attorney general sent a warning about cannabis edibles that resemble major food brands.
Colorado’s attorney general tweeted, “Indeed, there is a risk of marijuana edibles passing as candy. In Colorado, however, we have adopted regulations that bar edibles that can be easily confused with regular candies and snacks. Nonetheless, parents should be vigilant.”
Mississippi’s agriculture and commerce commissioner reiterated concerns about medical cannabis.
The Washington, D.C. Council will consider legislation to crack down on unlicensed marijuana businesses on Tuesday.
A federal judge ruled that Maine’s residency requirements for medical cannabis business owners can remain in effect while they are challenged in court.
Michigan’s revised hemp plan received federal approval.
Washington State regulators announced cannabis social equity rulemaking.
New Mexico regulators proposed rules on marijuana solvents and labor peace agreements.
Iowa regulators sent an update about the medical cannabidiol program.
Illinois officials will discuss cannabis tax revenue and distribution at an event on Tuesday.
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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.
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/ LOCAL
Dixfield, Maine’s town manager is one of 13 people federally indicated for an alleged illegal marijuana conspiracy. Others involved in the case include law enforcement officers and a prosecutor.
Denver, Colorado officials are transitioning to an online system for marijuana business license applications.
Roanoke, Virginia’s commonwealth’s attorney and his electoral challenger discussed their views on marijuana legalization.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Australia’s Federal Police commissioner claimed that decriminalizing drugs would make the Australian Capital Territory a “target” for organized crime.
New Zealand’s government is funding medical cannabis research.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study of patients with endometriosis found that “cannabis appears to be effective for pelvic pain, gastrointestinal issues and mood.”
A study of Florida medical cannabis patients most commonly use it “to treat their symptoms of anxiety, pain, and stress and reported great therapeutic effectiveness” and that “a majority (65%) of patients also reported either a reduction or total discontinuation of at least one prescription or over-the-counter drug.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Credit Union National Association’s chief advocacy officer said he has “confidence” that marijuana banking issues will be resolved “probably in the next four years.”
The Sierra Club’s vice president of conservation said hemp is “a tremendously sustainable crop.”
/ BUSINESS
Hemp company Apothio LLC is the first plaintiff to ask investors to buy crypto tokens to support a crowdfunded lawsuit in a case that accuses California officials of improperly destroying its $1 billion crop.
Amazon reportedly settled a lawsuit filed by an Iowa man who said his job offer was rescinded after he tested positive for marijuana.
/ CULTURE
Martha Stewart launched new flavors of CBD gummies.
Snoop Dogg is releasing a new “weed anthem.”
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