CO to vote on marijuana tax hike; CO AG: Don’t let Big Tobacco take over cannabis; NM accepts marijuana license applications; AZ posts revenue
Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day.
Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible…
Your good deed for the day: donate to an independent publisher like Marijuana Moment and ensure that as many voters as possible have access to the most in-depth cannabis reporting out there.
- Sandra Spades: “I support Tom Angell’s Marijuana Moment via Patreon because it keeps me updated with up-to-the-minute news and information concerning the cannabis industry. I have owned a smoke shop for over 25 years and being on top of the law concerning cannabis is important to me.”
Support our work at https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment
/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The federal Department of Health and Human Services and the California governor’s office are looking into rules on allowing medical marijuana use in hospitals in response to a state lawmaker’s request for clarification.
The Colorado secretary of state confirmed that enough signatures were submitted to put a measure on the November ballot to increase marijuana taxes and use the revenue to fund education programs.
Colorado’s attorney general sent a letter urging congressional leaders to federally legalize marijuana in a way that doesn’t let Big Tobacco take over the cannabis industry from small businesses. He also said it’s important not to overtax the product.
New Mexico regulators began accepting applications for recreational marijuana producer licenses.
The Arizona Department of Revenue reported that marijuana sales generated nearly $21 million in tax revenue in July, with medical cannabis purchases still outpacing adult-use for now.
/ FEDERAL
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has been conducting a months-long investigation into potential corruption in Nevada’s marijuana business licensing process.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) tweeted, “It’s long past time to end the federal prohibition on marijuana, enact criminal justice reforms, and invest in communities hurt by the War on Drugs. That’s why @SenBooker, @RonWyden, and I are working to pass our Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act.”
Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO) argued in a House floor speech that it isn’t too burdensome to ask people to provide IDs to vote because they have to do so to buy marijuana.
Rep. Kaiali‘i Kahele (D-HI) tweeted about touring a hemp farm, saying, “There’s so many benefits to industrial hemp which can improve our quality of life, reduce our carbon footprint & provide quality employment. Excited to advocate for our farmers to destigmatize industrial hemp.”
The House bill to allow CBD as a dietary supplement got one new cosponsor for a total of 30.
/ STATES
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) appointed another member to the cannabis Social Equity Council as well as an interim executive director for the body. Separately, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation is considering opening a marijuana dispensary near its Foxwoods Resort Casino property in the state.
Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Cranley, currently Cincinnati’s mayor, tweeted, “Ohio needs a criminal justice system that is truly fair & offers equal protection under the law. That means we must address issues of poverty and mental illness, reform prosecution practices that lead to wrongful convictions, and legalize marijuana. And that’s just the start.”
Texas Democratic attorney general candidate Lee Merritt tweeted, “In the past fifty years, the U.S. has spent over $1,000,000,000 fighting the ‘war on drugs.’ Don’t ever let them tell you we can’t afford to pay for health care, education, and housing for our people.”
A Mississippi senator said he hopes to imminently finish a draft medical cannabis bill.
A Maryland delegate is pushing to override Gov. Larry Hogan’s (R) veto of a bill to decriminalize drug paraphernalia.
A California appeals court ruled that a ban on marijuana businesses within 600 feet of schools only includes physical buildings and not undeveloped land.
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission held its second meeting, with the chairman saying patients might not be able to access medicine until later than expected.
Colorado regulators sent a bulletin on marijuana testing requirements and a compliance tip about process validation for contaminant testing.
Alaska regulators proposed changes to rules on marijuana business employee badges.
Montana’s top marijuana regulator spoke about the process for creating rules for the market.
West Virginia regulators hosted an event to help people register as medical cannabis patients.
Two Nevada cannabis advisory subcommittees met.
—
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.
—
/ LOCAL
Sioux Falls and Lincoln County, South Dakota officials approved medical cannabis zoning rules.
The Oshkosh, Wisconsin City Council is considering a proposal to lower the fine for marijuana possession.
An effort to decriminalize marijuana in Prairie Village, Kansas stalled amid opposition from the police chief.
Denver, Colorado officials sent a reminder about two marijuana equity events on Friday.
/ INTERNATIONAL
South Africa’s government released a marijuana policy plan.
Panama’s National Assembly discussed a medical cannabis bill.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “many available studies support the efficacy of CBD as a treatment option to reduce seizure frequency in children with drug-resistant epilepsy, particularly in patients with Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.”
A study found that “patients using medical cannabis or cannabis-based medicine are more satisfied with the treatment than controls using conventional medication for the same disorders” and “may have lower scores of depression” but “may have higher levels of pain.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Alabama Democratic Party tweeted, “The enthusiasm around recreational cannabis legalization– and the criminal justice, economic, and health reforms that come along with it– is high. 🍃 But we need your help!”
The Tulsa World editorial board called on Oklahoma officials to stop trying to undermine the voter-approved medical cannabis program.
/ BUSINESS
Jushi Holdings Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $47.7 million.
Trulieve Cannabis Corp. will open its 100th marijuana dispensary in the U.S. on Thursday.
FSD Pharma Inc. is acquiring Lucid Psycheceuticals Inc.
TILT Holdings Inc. is partnering with the Shinnecock Indian Nation to establish marijuana operations on tribal land in New York.
Ayr Wellness Inc. announced that its board approved the repurchase of up to 5 percent of company shares.
HEXO Corp closed an underwritten public offering worth $144.8 million.
Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox.
Marijuana Moment is made possible with support from readers. If you rely on our cannabis advocacy journalism to stay informed, please consider a monthly Patreon pledge.
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in these blog posts is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The use of any information provided in these blog posts is solely at your own risk. The authors and the website do not recommend or endorse any specific products, treatments, or procedures mentioned. Reliance on any information in these blog posts is solely at your own discretion.
