OK court: Legalization not on Nov. ballot; Marijuana record sealing vote in Congress; MN polls show legal cannabis support; IN hearing; Vet op-ed
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Oklahoma Supreme Court unanimously denied a marijuana legalization campaign’s request to force state officials to place their initiative on this November’s ballot. It will instead be voted on during the next statewide election.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) spoke about marijuana banking legislation at the White House, with the top senator saying he is “working on it,” according to the congressman.
The House Judiciary Committee approved bills to automatically seal records for certain federal marijuana convictions and provide funding to states to facilitate expungements.
A pair of new Minnesota polls show majority support for marijuana legalization—with one also finding that state residents back the legislature’s move to legalize THC-infused cannabis edibles.
The Indiana legislature’s Interim Study Committee on Public Health, Behavioral Health, and Human Services held a hearing on THC products and the potential legalization of marijuana.
Marine veteran Bill Bee writes in a new Marijuana Moment op-ed about how his Department of Veterans Affairs doctor broke the rules to suggest he try medical cannabis to treat PTSD and traumatic brain injuries—and it worked.
/ FEDERAL
The National Institute of Mental Health published an overview of a workshop it hosted earlier this year on the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics.
Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) authored a letter to the editor urging passage of a bill to eliminate the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine.
Former Rep. Denver Riggleman (R-VA) tweeted, “I believe the Bigfoot sightings in the northwest are usually accompanied by psychedelics… sightings anywhere really.”
North Carolina Democratic congressional candidate Pam Genant tweeted, “In Congress, I’ll work to ban for-profit prisons and lower the incarceration rate, end the war on drugs, and reduce senseless gun violence.”
The House bill to allow CBD in foods and beverages got one new cosponsor for a total of 42.
/ STATES
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) issued an order establishing an Advisory Task Force on Recreational Marijuana to review current cannabis tax and fee structures and regulations, and make recommendations for improvements.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) claimed that he “didn’t see one plan” from localities that would have been allowed to open safe consumption sites for illegal drugs under a bill he vetoed.
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) congratulated a state official for being named president of the Cannabis Regulators Association, saying, “I am proud to see Nevada play an integral role in shaping cannabis policy and regulatory best practices for states nationwide.”
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) tweeted, “Pennsylvanians want legalized marijuana. Until the legislature acts, I’m offering pardons for select minor possession convictions.”
Vermont Democratic gubernatorial candidate Brenda Siegel spoke about her support for safe consumption sites for illegal drugs and other harm reduction policies, and criticized Gov. Phil Scott (R) for vetoing legislation that would have studied alternative approaches.
Texas Democratic attorney general candidate Rochelle Garza tweeted, “I support legalizing cannabis in Texas and ending the prosecution of Texans on non-violent personal possession charges.”
Maryland Democratic attorney general candidate Anthony Brown, currently a congressman, spoke about the benefits of the marijuana legalization referendum on the November ballot.
Colorado’s treasurer tweeted about his support for marijuana banking legislation.
Louisiana lawmakers created a task force to study other states’ medical cannabis programs.
The Oregon House Interim Committee on Economic Development and Small Business discussed cannabis regulations.
Georgia regulators awarded medical cannabis cultivation licenses.
Florida regulators issued a long-delayed medical cannabis business license to people from a class of Black farmers who were covered by a discrimination lawsuit.
Utah regulators issued a report on medical cannabis pricing.
New York regulators published answers to frequently asked questions about medical cannabis home cultivation rules.
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/ LOCAL
Denver, Colorado’s mayor signed a measure to reduce marijuana delivery service license fees and permanently extend exclusivity for the category to social equity businesses.
New York City’s safe consumption sites for illegal drugs say they have now saved 500 people from overdoses.
The Las Vegas, Nevada City Council rejected a motion to opt out of allowing marijuana consumption lounges.
A Clark County, Nevada commissioner coauthored an op-ed touting a new local initiative to clear past cannabis convictions.
The Burlington, Vermont City Council approved several marijuana businesses.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs held a thematic session on the implementation of international drug policy commitments. The president of the International Narcotics Control Board threatened to take action against countries that legalize marijuana.
The Canadian government is set to announce the launch of an overdue review of the country’s marijuana legalization law on Thursday.
Thailand’s public health minister is opposing a move to relist some cannabis plant parts as narcotics.
New South Wales, Australia’s premier said he will not support efforts to decriminalize drugs.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “CBD has direct antineoplastic effects on lung cancer cells by various mechanisms mediated by cannabinoid receptors or independent of them.”
A study on psilocybin microdosing found that “seven central themes were observed in most individuals: 1) Mental Health; 2) Dose effects; 3) A feeling of connection to self, nature, or something ‘bigger’; 4) An increase in productivity; 5) An increased state of wellbeing; 6) Navigating problems more effectively; 7) Participants with a musical background experienced an increase in their levels of creativity.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Wyoming Republican Party’s Central Committee voted to include an item in its 2023 legislative priorities to oppose any legislation to legalize or decriminalize marijuana.
The Indiana Democratic Party tweeted, “Hoosiers made it loud and clear at the Statehouse — It’s time to legalize cannabis across Indiana. About 80% of Hoosiers want to legalize cannabis in some form. Vote for pro-cannabis candidates this November. Vote @INDems.”
/ BUSINESS
LeafLink announced that it has processed more than $1 billion in transactions since its launch.
Metrc reacted to concerns from Oklahoma medical cannabis businesses about a user license agreement they must sign in order to operate.
The Teamsters women’s conference featured workshops on organizing cannabis industry workers.
/ CULTURE
Ozzy Osbourne spoke about the time he laced his wife’s dinner with hash.
Woody Harrelson and Bill Maher smoked marijuana together on Maher’s podcast.
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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.
