Marijuana regulators from many states meet to talk top issues; Decrim set for 5 TX local ballots; NC Senate sends medical cannabis to House
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Cannabis Regulators Association—which represents marijuana regulators from states across the U.S.—is hosting a two-day conference to discuss emerging issues such as interstate commerce, delta-8 THC and equity. Industry participation at the closed-door event raises some questions, however.
The North Carolina Senate gave its final approval to a medical cannabis bill, sending it to the House of Representatives. But leadership in the House does not seem interested in taking up the legislation this year, raising serious questions about its path to the governor’s desk.
Harker Heights, Texas activists submitted signatures to qualify a marijuana decriminalization measure for the local November ballot—one of five cities in the state that are expected to vote on the reform in the upcoming midterm election. Voters in Austin—the state capital—already approved an initiative to decriminalize cannabis last month.
The U.S. Conference of Mayors—which represents 1,400 cities with populations of 30,000 or more—adopted a resolution calling on Congress to pass marijuana banking legislation. The measure also notes support for broader federal cannabis legalization.
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) proudly shared a new country music song about his state that touts the marijuana legalization law he enacted—drawing criticism from his Republican election opponent.
Mississippi regulators announced that less than a week after launching the state’s medical cannabis registration portal, more than 1,800 people have already signed up.
/ FEDERAL
Federal prosecutors specifically noted that men they are prosecuting for an illegal cannabis business “worked to subvert the state regulatory scheme” in Washington State, saying that “the state is also, of course, entitled to tax the marijuana industry.”
Former White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Bill Bennett suggested that marijuana use is to blame for mass shootings.
Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-IL) tweeted, “We must vote to legalize cannabis, so that we can focus our public safety resources on addressing the root causes of violence and not low-level drug possession.”
/ STATES
Hawaii Republican gubernatorial candidate Paul Morgan spoke about his support for legalizing marijuana.
The Nebraska attorney general’s office submitted a brief responding to a lawsuit medical cannabis activists filed challenging state requirements on signature thresholds for ballot initiatives.
Massachusetts’s treasurer announced that her office is accepting applications to serve as chair of the Cannabis Control Commission.
A Minnesota representative spoke about her involvement in a controversial meeting at which Democratic operatives strategized about an ultimately unsuccessful effort to change the name of the cannabis-focused third party to instead be the “MAGA Party.”
A New York assemblymember tweeted, “Psilocybin can help us heal from trauma, stress, and anxiety. Let’s be united in this very simple thing.”
Arkansas regulators approved a medical cannabis dispensary’s change of location.
Montana regulators published guidance on cannabis waste.
New Mexico regulators missed the deadline to issue cannabis training standards.
Oregon regulators launched a psilocybin services training licensing and compliance system.
South Carolina regulators published a list of permitted hemp transporters.
Michigan regulators are hosting an education session on how cannabis businesses may be required to provide employees with training related to the federal Worker Protection Standard on June 15.
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/ LOCAL
The Denver, Colorado City Council is considering putting a measure on the ball to increase local marijuana taxes to fund out-of-school learning programs.
The Albuquerque, New Mexico City Council are considering proposals on how to ban and punish public marijuana consumption.
The New Castle County, Delaware executive authored an op-ed urging lawmakers to override Gov. John Carney’s (D) veto of a marijuana legalization bill.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Thailand’s Office of the Judiciary said some ongoing trials and detention for cannabis-related offenses will be canceled in conjunction with a new law going into effect this week.
South Africa’s Western Cape High Court heard arguments in a case on the legality of a cannabis cultivation club.
The United Arab Emirates’s attorney general gave courts the power to punish drug possession and other crimes with fines instead of jail sentences.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that medical cannabis “is generally safe for oncology patients and can potentially reduce the burden of associated symptoms with no serious MC-related adverse effects.”
A review concluded that “data is promising for psychedelic-assisted treatment to become a much-needed treatment option for PTSD.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
Polls found that the share of U.S. adults who say that drug addiction is a major problem is declining.
The New York Daily News editorial board is calling on Congress to end the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine.
/ BUSINESS
Dutchie laid off 7 percent of its workforce.
Several cannabis companies are exploring the marketing potential of the metaverse.
Missouri dispensaries sold $30.96 million worth of medical cannabis products in May.
/ CULTURE
Jimmy Kimmel joked about the Canadian government’s move to allow drug decriminalization in British Columbia.
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