Senate veterans psychedelics bill; MS medical marijuana bills to gov; Alcohol group push hemp ban delay; PA legalization dispute; TX THCA restrictions
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT) is planning to file a bill to create a new Office of Novel Therapeutics in the Department of Veterans Affairs that would promote research on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics and assist in reviewing the scheduling status of drugs like psilocybin, ibogaine and MDMA, according to legislative text obtained by Marijuana Moment.
Mississippi lawmakers sent Gov. Tate Reeves (R) bills to expand medical cannabis access by creating a pathway for patients who don’t have one of the state’s specific delineated qualifying conditions and by removing THC potency limits for marijuana concentrates.
The Massachusetts legislature’s Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a hearing on a ballot measure to roll back the state’s voter-approved marijuana legalization law, with the campaign facing skeptical questions from lawmakers about its funding and signature drive and on the impact of eliminating the regulated cannabis market.
The Hawaii House Health Committee approved a Senate-passed bill to create a psychedelics task force responsible for studying and making policy recommendations on providing access to breakthrough therapies such as psilocybin and MDMA, with new amendments.
Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America launched a new campaign pushing Congress to call off a scheduled ban on hemp THC beverages and instead regulate the products for consumer access with a framework that prioritizes “a safe and reliable marketplace.”
Pennsylvania lawmakers who support legalizing marijuana disagree on the best way to regulate it and which agency should be in charge of the legal cannabis market—while others argue the reform would cause more harm than benefits and shouldn’t be enacted.
New Texas Department of State Health Services rules restricting hemp products and banning sales of smokable THCA flower take effect next week—but because possession won’t be criminalized, advocates are urging consumers to stock up by taking advantage of sales in the coming days.
/ FEDERAL
The Drug Enforcement Administration promoted an article about a study finding that illicit drug use is tied to increased risk of stroke.
The House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee will hold a hearing on several anti-drug bills on Thursday.
Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA) sent a press release about a new bill he is cosponsoring to allow marijuana businesses to list on U.S. stock exchanges.
/ STATES
Illinois’s treasurer posted information about cannabis banking issues.
Oklahoma regulators announced a recall of medical cannabis products with pesticide content above allowable thresholds.
Colorado regulators sent a notification about marijuana products that contain lower THC levels than what the label displayed.
Ohio regulators sent guidance about recently enacted hemp product restrictions.
Oregon officials reported that marijuana tax revenues decreased year over year.
Vermont regulators published a brochure about the medical cannabis program.
California regulators sent updates on various cannabis issues.
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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.
Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
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/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “the presence of recreational dispensaries is associated with a decrease in illicit market prices.”
A study found that “whole plant CBD suppositories may offer a safe, effective alternative to managing menstrual pain and associated symptoms.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Boston Globe editorial board is urging marijuana consumers to make more “responsible choices.”
/ BUSINESS
The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. entered into definitive agreements to sell its Delaware and Ohio assets, entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding to sell most remaining assets and announced its intent to initiate bankruptcy proceedings.
Vireo Growth Inc. closed its acquisition of Schwazze assets.
Rubicon Organics Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of C$16.5 million.
Illinois retailers sold $104.8 million worth of legal recreational marijuana products in February.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
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