VA rejects veteran’s hemp biz; KS medical marijuana push as session ends; VT gov vetoes drug decrim prep bill; Poll: MO legal cannabis has support
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that delta-8 THC products are federally legal and fall under the Farm Bill’s definition of hemp.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is denying certification for a veteran’s legal hemp business because it could “give the appearance that” VA is endorsing still-illegal marijuana.
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott (R) vetoed a bill that would have created a panel to standardize “personal use” amounts of various substances with the goal of “reducing the criminalization of personal drug use.” Advocates saw it as a first step toward decriminalization.
Kansas’s House minority leader is making a final push for lawmakers to reach a deal on a bill to legalize medical cannabis ahead of Monday’s end of session deadline.
A new poll found that 62 percent of Missouri adults—including majorities or pluralities across party lines—support legalizing marijuana as a reform initiative heads toward qualifying for the November ballot.
/ FEDERAL
Customs and Border Protection tweeted, “🚨#Reminder 🚨 Medical and recreational marijuana remain illegal under Federal Law.”
Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) said he supports marijuana banking legislation but it would be “a shame if we don’t do something to help people expunge records or some of the other things.”
Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) tweeted, “It’s simple — the #SAFEBankingAct allows legal cannabis businesses to use our banking system the same way any other business can. This is something @RepPerlmutter has led on for years. Let’s get it done in the Bipartisan Innovation and Competition Bill.”
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) met with employees of Trulieve.
Rep. Mike Garcia (R-CA) posted a Twitter thread about his concerns regarding illegal marijuana grow operations.
Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidate Mehmet Oz said he has concerns with legalizing marijuana.
Florida Democratic Senate candidate Allen Ellison tweeted, “I think it’s way past time to decriminalize cannabis use, possession and the sale of it. We should legalize it at the federal level, tax the sale of it & fund 4 years of higher education with the proceeds. We can call the bill The Higher Learning Bill.”
/ STATES
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) reiterated his support for legalizing marijuana in speech at the Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party convention.
Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried, currently the agriculture commissioner, announced the registration is open for a cannabis equity summit her department is hosting next month.
The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed several medical cannabis reform bills, including one to increase business licensing fees.
The California Assembly Appropriations Committee approved a bill on employment rights for marijuana consumers as well as legislation to let veterinarians recommend medical cannabis for animals and concerning impaired driving. Meanwhile, the Senate Appropriations Committee advanced measures requiring warning labels on marijuana products and addressing cannabis taxes.
A Missouri representative accused the medical cannabis industry of working to block his marijuana legalization bill.
North Dakota activists said they’ve collected roughly 25 percent of the signatures they need to qualify a marijuana legalization initiative for the ballot.
Oregon regulators adopted the first set of administrative rules on psilocybin products, testing and training programs.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture issued the first pre-construction permits to cannabis social equity licensees.
Colorado regulators issued a bulletin about changes to labeling requirements for marijuana vaporizer delivery devices and pressurized metered dose inhalers.
Missouri regulators transferred another $5 million in medical cannabis revenue to the state veterans fund.
New Mexico regulators reached cannabis tax agreements with two pueblo tribes.
U.S. Virgin Islands regulators said they have no set timeline to complete medical cannabis rules.
Vermont regulators plan to approve more marijuana business licenses this week.
Hawaii’s Dual Use of Cannabis Task Force will meet on Monday.
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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.
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/ LOCAL
The Berks County, Pennsylvania district attorney said that local shops are selling illegal marijuana products incorrectly labeled as hemp.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Honduras’s vice president spoke about his plan to generate jobs with cannabis reform.
A Jamaican government cannabis task force has completed its report.
An Antigua and Barbuda government spokesperson said there may have been some unintended consequences of a marijuana decriminalization law.
A Jersey senator tweeted, “There is a growing body of evidence that criminalisation of cannabis is counter productive. Most politicians privately admit this. So let’s stop prosecuting people for it and get a substance use strategy in place instead.”
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study concluded that “THC might be used to treat inflammation in [rheumatoid arthritis] but it might need titrating to determine the effective concentration.”
/ BUSINESS
Harborside Inc. reached an agreement to acquire full ownership of its Seaside, California store.
Canopy Growth Corporation dissolved its Social Impact and Advocacy team.
Reepher launched insurance coverage for people facing marijuana DUI charges.
/ CULTURE
Master P is holding a benefit concert for efforts to free marijuana prisoners.
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