VA gov to decide on marijuana bills; PA legalization plan; TX cannabis decrim; Judge rules against marijuana consumer gun ban; NJ cannabis tax hike
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Ohio Senate passed a bill to significantly alter the voter-approved marijuana legalization law—by halving the number of plants adults can grow, adding new penalties and eliminating certain social equity measures, among other changes.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) is set to decide on several marijuana bills—including measures to legalize recreational sales, clear certain cannabis criminal records, provide for resentencing of current prisoners and protect consumers’ parental rights.
Bipartisan Pennsylvania senators announced a new plan to legalize marijuana and are circulating a memo asking colleagues to cosponsor their forthcoming bill—but they’re criticizing Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) for putting an “overly burdensome tax rate” in his own cannabis proposal.
The Texas House speaker pro tempore filed a bill to decriminalize marijuana—removing the threat of arrest and jail time for possessing up to an ounce of cannabis.
Another federal judge has issued a ruling against the government’s ban on gun ownership by marijuana consumers, saying it “imposes a far greater burden on…Second Amendment rights than our history and tradition of firearms regulation can support.”
The Bernalillo County, New Mexico Board of Commissioners approved a revised employment agreement with the local firefighters’ union to reflect new policy removing marijuana from the definition of illegal drugs “when used legally off-duty for medical or recreational purposes.”
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) is proposing to raise marijuana taxes by increasing a social equity fee from $2.50 per ounce to $15 per ounce—and he wants to add a $30 per ounce fee on intoxicating hemp products as well.
The Missouri House Veterans Committee held a hearing on a bill to support research on psilocybin-assisted therapy for military veterans with PTSD, major depressive disorder or substance use disorder, as well as those needing end-of-life care.
Florida lawmakers are considering legislation to restrict intoxicating hemp products after Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) vetoed an earlier bill that reached his desk.
/ FEDERAL
The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee held a hearing on interdicting illicit drugs.
/ STATES
Ohio’s attorney general, a candidate in next year’s gubernatorial election, discussed his past marijuana use and pledged he would respect the will of voters who approved a legalization referendum even though he opposed it, saying, “it’s the law of the land and so we need to do the best possible job regulating and having a safe, fair marketplace that’s as healthy as it can be.”
The Montana Senate passed a bill to enact a moratorium on new marijuana business licenses until 2027.
The Utah Senate Health and Human Services Committee approved a House-passed bill to add new medical cannabis pharmacy licenses.
Pennsylvania’s House Appropriations Committee chairman said the state should join its neighbors in legalizing marijuana, but a Republican representative said he “doesn’t think we’re there yet.”
A West Virginia delegate filed legislation to put a marijuana legalization referendum on the 2026 ballot.
The New York inspector general is investigating the Cannabis Social Equity Investment Fund.
Massachusetts regulators published a report reviewing the state’s marijuana landscape. Separately, regulators will host a listening session about the medical cannabis program on Thursday.
California regulators sent guidance about product labeling for organic cannabis products.
New Mexico regulators posted a list of approved hemp facilities.
The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission will meet on Friday.
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Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of 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.
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/ LOCAL
The Prince George’s County, Maryland Council is considering legislation to bar police, sheriff and fire departments from automatically rejecting job applicants due to positive marijuana tests.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Grenada’s agriculture minister said the government will propose legislation to decriminalize cannabis this year.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “county cannabis retail store density in Washington was associated with reduced accidental poisoning and opioid mortality while suicide and motor vehicle accident mortality rates did not appear to change.”
A study found that “naturalistic ayahuasca use was associated with persisting improvements in mental health and wellbeing, with the largest magnitude of symptom reduction observed in those diagnosed with a depressive or anxiety disorder.”
/ BUSINESS
Green Thumb Industries Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $294.3 million.
Trulieve Cannabis Corp. is launching a non-alcoholic THC beverage.
Illinois retailers sold $140.2 million worth of recreational marijuana products in January.
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