Gabbard on marijuana & security clearances; PA gov pushes legalization; NC medical cannabis; VA legal sales; NH hearing; MO expungements
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s nominee for health and human services secretary, told senators that marijuana rescheduling is a “prerogative of the DEA” and he will “defer to” that agency on the issue—adding he would “like to review the data” that led to his department’s Schedule III recommendation.
Former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump’s pick to serve as director of national intelligence, said past marijuana use should not disqualify people from receiving security clearances but that “ongoing” use is a “more complex” eligibility consideration.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) plans to include marijuana legalization in a budget request he will submit to lawmakers this week—but while the Democratic House majority leader is “confident” there’s a “path forward on cannabis,” the GOP Senate majority leader is skeptical.
The Virginia Senate passed a bill to legalize recreational marijuana sales on a party-line vote, while companion legislation also advances in the House of Delegates and Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s (R) office signals a likely veto.
North Carolina’s Republican Senate president pro tem said there is “an opportunity” to address medical cannabis and intoxicating hemp products this session.
The New Hampshire House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee held a hearing on a bill to legalize and regulate marijuana, one of several pending proposals to end cannabis prohibition in the state.
Missouri courts have expunged more than 140,000 marijuana cases since voters approved a legalization ballot initiative in 2022.
An ongoing World Health Organization review could potentially lead the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs to recommend the rescheduling of coca leaves under international treaties.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Homeland Security Department and Customs and Border Protection are being sued for allegedly unlawfully detaining the CEO of a Canadian company that makes cannabis agricultural equipment.
The Drug Enforcement Administration launched a new “Together for Families” network.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit rejected a medical cannabis business owner’s appeal of his sentence for tax crimes.
/ STATES
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) issued an executive order extending the due date for cannabis business licensing and renewal fees due to recent fires. Separately, regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to inaccurate labeling that reports more cannabinoid content than is contained.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen (R) said he’s “fundamentally opposed to any kind of recreational marijuana” and that he supports medical cannabis but believes it “should be regulated and handled by the federal government.”
A Maine representative discussed his bill to add testing requirements for medical cannabis.
A Montana representative suggested that cannabis industry workers make too much money, saying that legislative staff “deserve a better salary than those who put dope in plastic bags and hand it across the counter.”
South Carolina lawmakers spoke at a marijuana reform rally.
Michigan regulators announced a recall of cannabis vape cartridges that contain medium chain triglyceride oil.
Kentucky’s state auditor is considering investigating the medical cannabis business licensing process.
Colorado officials announced that 17 more cannabis businesses have been selected to receive grants.
New York’s cannabis enforcement director discussed efforts to combat unlicensed sales.
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission’s communications officer left the job after being suspended with pay for over a year following accusations of workplace bullying and harassment.
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/ LOCAL
The Denver, Colorado City Council will consider a proposal to license psychedelics businesses on Wednesday.
Oakland, California officials published planning, building and fire prevention guidance for cannabis businesses.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Mexico’s Supreme Court failed to invalidate the ban on cultivating and harvesting cannabis for non-medical purposes due to a lack of sufficient votes.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found “evidence of substitution between alcohol and cannabis bud,” that “cannabis leaf is a complement for alcohol but a substitute for cannabis bud” and that there is “negative income elasticity for alcohol, cannabis bud, and opium consumption.”
A study of rats concluded that a “personalized [cannabidiol-loaded hollow suppository] is a promising medication for the treatment of epilepsy.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture included changes to hemp rules in its 2025 federal priorities.
/ BUSINESS
Bright Green Corporation announced plans to file for bankruptcy protection.
TerrAscend Corp. announced anticipated quarterly net revenue of $74.4 million.
Greenlight Dispensary is being accused of alleged “union busting.”
Psilocybin services provider Mandala Journey Work LLC is being sued for allegedly unlawful trade practices.
/ CULTURE
Ringo Starr spoke about how the first time he ever smoked marijuana was with Bob Dylan.
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