White House internship marijuana rules; DC worker protections pass; Senator pushes SBA aid for cannabiz; PA 280E tax fix advances
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Biden White House uploaded a webpage this week making clear that anyone who wants to even intern there must disclose—and could be denied eligibility for—past marijuana use, even if it was legal under state law.
The Delaware House of Representatives voted to uphold Gov. John Carney’s (D) veto of a marijuana legalization bill.
The Washington, D.C. Council unanimously approved a bill to “prohibit employers from firing, failing to hire, or taking other personnel actions against an individual for use of cannabis”—with some limited exceptions.
Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) sent a letter urging colleagues on the Senate Appropriations Committee to mandate that the Small Business Administration stop blocking marijuana businesses’ access to federal loans and services that are available to companies in any other industry.
Connecticut Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Stefanowski is asking the state attorney general to investigate whether Gov. Ned Lamont (D) broke the law by tweeting out a country music song that celebrates the marijuana legalization policy he signed.
The Pennsylvania House Finance Committee approved an amendment to decouple state tax policy from the federal 280E provision, thereby allowing medical cannabis companies to deduct business expenses in their state filings.
/ FEDERAL
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) tweeted, “The time is long overdue to legalize marijuana nationally, expunge past marijuana convictions and ensure revenue from legal marijuana is reinvested in the communities most impacted by the failed war on drugs.”
Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) published a blog post about his work to secure access to medical cannabis for military veterans.
Alaska independent congressional candidate Jeff Lowenfels believes that Wells Fargo closed down his campaign bank account because his campaign manager has a small interest in a cannabis company.
/ STATES
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) and primary challengers discussed the issue of public marijuana smoking during a debate.
Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) claimed there is “no data to support” medical cannabis in treating PTSD.
Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidates agree that marijuana should be legalized.
An Indiana senator spoke about the state’s “lagging cannabis laws and our region laying between two states with recreational cannabis.”
A former Arkansas representative spoke about the marijuana legalization ballot initiative effort he is leading.
A Pennsylvania judge ordered a temporary injunction on regulators’ recall of medical cannabis vape products.
Guam’s recreational marijuana regulations took effect.
Oregon regulators published an overview of post-harvest hemp testing requirements.
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/ LOCAL
New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority is being sued by a worker who claims he has been demoted, subjected to random drug testing and forced to attend drug counseling four due to legal medical cannabis use.
The Moffatt, Colorado Board of Trustees is considering changing the town’s name to “Kush.”
Albany, New York’s mayor is encouraging people to apply to serve on the local Cannabis Advisory Committee.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration released guidelines for growing cannabis, which becomes partially legal on Thursday.
The European Food Safety Authority is pausing CBD novel food evaluations “due to data gaps and uncertainties about potential hazards.”
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study suggested that “certain high-CBD extract has a high potential in the management of pathological conditions, in which the secretion of cytokines is dysregulated, as it is in severe COVID-19 disease or other infectious or inflammatory diseases.”
A review concluded that “oral, synthetic cannabis products with high THC-to-CBD ratios and sublingual, extracted cannabis products with comparable THC-to-CBD ratios may be associated with short-term improvements in chronic pain and increased risk for dizziness and sedation.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
Prohibitionist organization Smart Approaches to Marijuana is launching a new Parent Action Network.
A member of the Wall Street Journal editorial board authored a column attempting to tie marijuana to mass shootings.
/ BUSINESS
GW Pharmaceuticals is asking a federal judge to dismiss a proposed class action lawsuit that claims the company misled investors to secure an acquisition deal.
Canix announced a $10 million funding round.
Green Flower is partnering with Climb Credit to offer financing for cannabis education.
Amazon is being sued by a former employee who claims he was wrongfully terminated after reporting that another worker was using psilocybin.
Montana retailers sold $24.9 million worth of recreational and medical marijuana in May.
/ CULTURE
Jimmy Kimmel smoked marijuana during an appearance on Bill Maher’s podcast.
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