Marijuana protections in spending bills; WADA: US to blame for cannabis ban; New ID legalization ballot measure; TN lawmaker wants cannabis on ballot
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…
Before you dig into today’s cannabis news, I wanted you to know you can keep this resource free and published daily by subscribing to Marijuana Moment on Patreon. We’re a small independent publication diving deep into the cannabis world and rely on readers like you to keep going.
Join us at https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment
/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) will finally release a draft of their long-awaited federal cannabis legalization bill on Wednesday, Marijuana Moment has learned.
Subcommittees of the House Appropriations Committee advanced spending bills that have protections for state medical marijuana programs and universities that research cannabis. One also blocks local police that carry out no-knock drug raids from getting funding.
The World Anti-Doping Agency made clear in a letter to Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Jamie Raskin (D-MD) that the U.S. has consistently led the global push to punish athletes for marijuana. The lawmakers had written the global sports authority to decry Sha’Carri Richardson’s recent cannabis-related ban.
- “The U.S. has been one of the most vocal and strong advocates for including cannabinoids on the Prohibited List.”
Idaho activists revised the text of an initiative to legalize marijuana possession after receiving comments from the state attorney general on an initial version. They’re aiming to get this, and a separate medical cannabis measure, on the 2022 ballot.
A Tennessee Republican representative filed a bill that would put three nonbinding marijuana questions on the state ballot for voters to decide on in 2022.
/ FEDERAL
Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) tweeted, “The @SBAgov’s loan programs provide financial assistance to small businesses who cannot easily access capital. However, SBA’s policy excludes cannabis small businesses. It’s time these loans are available to all state-legal cannabis businesses.”
Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) tweeted, “I’m no doctor, but the notion that marijuana is a performance-enhancing drug is unconvincing. This week, I joined a letter urging the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency to re-evaluate its classification of cannabis as a prohibited substance. And for Pete’s sake… #LetHerRun!”
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) tweeted, “As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Cannabis Caucus, I say it’s time we legalize cannabis. Athletes like U.S. Sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson should not be disqualified from the Olympics because of it.”
Rep. Mike Garcia (R-CA) tweeted, “I’m grateful for @LASDHQ’s work to combat the illegal marijuana grows in the AV. Their work reveals the importance of funding our law enforcement and securing our border. I look forward to continuing our efforts towards protecting the people of #CA25.”
Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) tweeted about attending a town hall meeting on illegal marijuana cultivation, saying, “I am committed to working with our federal and local partners to address this crisis and keep our communities safe.”
North Carolina Democratic Senate candidate Cheri Beasley tweeted, “It’s past time we legalize & regulate cannabis in NC. Taking this action will strengthen our economy, help family farms, & reform criminal justice.”
/ STATES
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) appointed a new member of the Cannabis Control Commission.
South Carolina Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joe Cunningham announced a plan to legalize recreational and medical marijuana.
Maryland Democratic gubernatorial candidate John King, a former U.S. education secretary, tweeted, “Black Marylanders are nearly twice as likely as white Marylanders to be arrested for cannabis despite using it at the same rate. It’s time to legalize it and expunge records for non-violent offenders.”
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Senate approved a bill to remove marijuana from government employee drug testing.
A North Carolina Senate Finance Committee hearing on a medical cannabis bill that was slated for Tuesday has been rescheduled until next week.
A Colorado executive order that suspended in-person exam requirements for medical cannabis recommendations, allowed online marijuana sales transactions and made other changes during the coronavirus pandemic was rescinded.
Missouri’s top medical cannabis regulator said he will revoke the licenses of businesses that are not operating by September 30.
South Dakota regulators published a request for proposals for a medical cannabis tracking system.
Washington State regulators published a new brochure on medical cannabis endorsements for marijuana businesses.
California regulators posted guidance on calculating marijuana excise tax due.
Ohio regulators posted an updated map of medical cannabis dispensary locations.
Nevada’s Cannabis Advisory Commission will hold its first meeting on Tuesday.
—
Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,100 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
Middletown, Connecticut’s mayor said he would consider smoking marijuana with Gov. Ned Lamont (D) to celebrate the opening of a dispensary.
The Boston, Massachusetts Cannabis Board will meet on Wednesday.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Uruguay’s government is considering rules to allow CBD-infused edibles.
Canadian regulators announced a recall of marijuana products from Atlas Growers Ltd. that may contain yeast, mold and bacteria.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “phytocannabinoids derived from Cannabis sativa have therapeutic potential due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties, making the plant a study option to reduce and reverse inflammation and comorbidities associated with obesity.”
A study found that “living near more [marijuana] outlets of any type was not significantly associated with intentions to use in the full sample, adjusting for individual- and neighborhood-level characteristics.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Democratic Governors Association tweeted, “Thanks to Gov. @Michelle4NM, New Mexico is the 17th state to legalize adult-use cannabis.”
The American Medical Association cheered the enactment of a Rhode Island law legalizing safe consumption sites for illegal drugs.
Human Rights Watch criticized the marijuana-related suspension of Sha’Carri Richardson.
Drug Policy Alliance founder Ethan Nadelmann launched a new podcast about drugs called Psychoactive.
The Tulsa World editorial board is calling on Oklahoma officials to enact a stronger medical cannabis tracking system.
/ BUSINESS
Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. has a new CFO.
Columbia Care Inc. appointed a new member to its board of directors.
/ CULTURE
Sacha Baron Cohen is suing Solar Therapeutics for allegedly engaging in copyright infringement by using the likeness of his Borat character on a billboard.
The UFC sent a warning to fighters about Texas’s restrictive marijuana testing rules.
Former Olympic snowboarder Ross Rebagliati said marijuana is a performance enhancing substance similar to how water is.
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.
