AR legalization’s economic boost; Air Force marijuana policy change; Study: Cannabis reduces opioid use; WI gov: reform depends on youth vote
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
An economic analysis of Arkansas’s marijuana legalization ballot initiative projects that it could lead to nearly $1 billion in annual cannabis sales, generate more than $460 million in tax revenue over five years and create up to 6,400 jobs.
New York regulators revealed that they received 903 applications for marijuana dispensary licenses in the initial round that is reserved for people who have been harmed by cannabis criminalization.
The U.S. Air Force and Space Force are instituting a pilot program to give recruits a second chance if they test positive for marijuana on initial drug screens.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) told students that legalizing marijuana depends on their showing up the polls to vote—adding that neighboring Illinois’s governor has joked with him that he doesn’t mind the state delaying, as it means more tax revenue for his own coffers.
The Drug Enforcement Administration is trying to bill a doctor $11,740 to process a Freedom of Information Act request about his efforts to treat terminally ill cancer patients with psilocybin, claiming that the physician has a “commercial” interest in the information.
A new study found that using medical cannabis is tied to significant reductions in use of opioids and other addictive painkillers.
- “Most patients rated medical cannabis as being important to their quality of life.”
/ FEDERAL
The Food and Drug Administration issued guidance clarifying that harm reduction naloxone suppliers are exempt from wholesale pharmaceutical distribution restrictions.
Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA) is leading a panel on cannabis at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s conference on Friday.
A spokesperson for Pennsylvania Democratic Senate candidate John Fetterman, currently the lieutenant governor, issued a statement walking back his previously voiced support for decriminalizing drugs. Meanwhile, his campaign released a TV ad featuring a sheriff talking about how he “gave a second chance to those who deserved it,” including marijuana consumers.
Iowa Democratic Senate candidate Mike Franken tweeted, “‼️Iowa is losing ⬇️ revenue to states like Illinois from the taxes generated AND paying the high price 💸 of putting people behind bars for possession of cannabis. 🌿 Let’s put our state on even footing and legalize it nationwide 🇺🇸”
/ STATES
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) sent a press release about Friday’s deadline to apply for relief under the Marijuana Pardon Project. Separately, the Department of Health hired a new top medical cannabis regulator.
Oregon gubernatorial candidates clashed on whether the state’s voter-approved drug decriminalization law should be repealed during a debate. Separately, an advisory committee will consider psilocybin packaging, labeling and product transportation on Thursday.
Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke, a former congressman, tweeted, “We’re going to legalize marijuana in Texas.”
Massachusetts’s top marijuana regulator is reportedly still an owner/partner of a cannabis company in the state because a change of ownership request has not yet been processed.
The New Jersey Advisory Committee on Professional Ethics issued an opinion that lawyers can use legal marijuana and may operate or invest in regulated cannabis businesses.
Missouri’s top medical cannabis regulator said he thinks the stigma surrounding marijuana is diminishing.
Vermont recreational marijuana sales will begin on Saturday, or even sooner.
Connecticut’s Social Equity Council voted to allow five cannabis businesses to submit their applications amid lawsuits.
Washington, D.C. regulators approved one additional medical cannabis dispensary and two new cultivation facilities.
Maine regulators issued guidance on best practices for marijuana sample collection.
Nevada regulators rejected a cannabis company’s move to dismiss a disciplinary action for allegedly manipulating testing results.
The Louisiana Department of Health’s Employment and Medical Marijuana Task Force met.
Hawaii’s Dual Use of Cannabis Task Force will meet on Monday.
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/ LOCAL
Denver, Colorado officials opened applications for the second cohort of an entrepreneurial assistance program for aspiring cannabis business owners.
Los Angeles, California officials are hosting cannabis enforcement town hall meetings in October and November.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Former Mexican President Vicente Fox is continuing to call on lawmakers to legalize marijuana.
Canada’s Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre issued an alert about the laundering of proceeds from illegal marijuana sales.
Three Philippine senators voiced support for medical cannabis in a committee hearing, and one discussed the issue in a floor speech.
Australia’s Legalise Marijuana Party withdrew its application to register for Victoria’s elections one day before it was scheduled to answer questions about its legitimacy that were raised by the separate Legalise Cannabis Victoria Party.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that medical cannabis oil “significantly reduced agitation over placebo in patients suffering from behavioral disturbances related to dementia, with non-serious side-effects.”
A study suggested that “CBD may be considered a natural anti-inflammatory agent for protecting skin from immune disorders.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll of Thailand residents found that 87 percent oppose a proposed bill to regulate marijuana and hemp and 88 percent support medical cannabis, among other findings.
The Missouri Libertarian Party is staying neutral on the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot.
The New York Daily News editorial board is urging state regulators to expedite assistance for marijuana equity businesses.
/ BUSINESS
The Parent Company completed its acquisition of Calma Weho LLC.
Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. transitioned its CEO, who was recently charged with battery, to executive chairman of the board.
LinkedIn included three cannabis companies in its 2022 Top Startups list.
Rutgers Law School is launching a certificate in cannabis law and business.
Dutchie has a new general counsel.
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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.
