NE gov candidate pledges medical marijuana order; Polls: MA anti-cannabis initiative trails; Study: Dispensaries benefit nearby businesses
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The latest Marijuana Moment/NuggMD quarterly tracking poll shows that just 29 percent cannabis consumers now approve of the Trump administration’s action on the issue as the rescheduling process continues to experience delays—down from 48 percent last quarter and 73 percent in the quarter before that.
Nebraska Democratic gubernatorial candidate Lynne Walz said she would sign an executive order to expedite access to medical marijuana on “day one” of her administration—suggesting she would fire Medical Cannabis Commission members who are “slow-walking” implementing voter-approved ballot initiatives.
Two new polls of Massachusetts voters show that a strong majority oppose an initiative to roll back marijuana legalization on the November ballot—while The Boston Globe editorial board is also coming out against the measure, saying that “prohibition doesn’t work.”
A new study found that after recreational marijuana dispensaries open, “nearby establishments exhibit increases in customers, transactions, and revenue.”
- “Recreational dispensaries can function similarly to localized demand-generating anchors by attracting customer activity that creates opportunities for surrounding establishments.”
Roll With Paid’s Leah Kollross authored a new Marijuana Moment op-ed laying out what hemp businesses need to do to protect their ability to run payroll for their employees ahead of the scheduled federal recriminalization of hemp THC products.
- “When a payment processor leaves, a business loses convenience. When a payroll provider leaves, people miss paychecks, and employer liability goes through the roof.”
The Colorado Office of the State Auditor published a report concluding that regulators’ framework for testing marijuana products for contamination and warning consumers about risks has significant gaps.
/ FEDERAL
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration tweeted, “Marijuana use during pregnancy can be harmful to a baby’s health and cause many serious problems.”
Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) posted photos of herself visiting a hemp business, saying, “As federal policy evolves, it’s crucial that we listen to local small businesses to understand how proposed bans impact good-paying jobs and manufacturing across Colorado.”
/ STATES
Here’s a look at where Oklahoma gubernatorial candidates stand on cannabis.
Nebraska Democratic attorney general candidate Jocelyn Brasher blamed incumbent Attorney General Mike Hilgers (R) for delays in launching medical cannabis access.
Florida regulators made a technical correction to a rule on practice standards for smoking as a route of administration for medical cannabis.
Iowa regulators held a hearing on a proposal to move medical cannabis to Schedule III.
Alabama’s top medical cannabis regulator announced plans to retire.
Colorado regulators published an updated marijuana business fee schedule.
Washington, D.C. regulators are taking action against unlicensed cannabis sales.
Utah regulators sent updates about the state’s medical cannabis program.
California regulators sent updates on various cannabis issues.
Vermont regulators will hold a hearing on cannabis event pilot program procedures on Wednesday.
Ohio regulators will host a cannabis conference on Thursday.
Oregon regulators will host psilocybin services Rules Advisory Committee meetings next month.
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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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/ LOCAL
The Kansas City, Missouri City Council is considering a proposal to use marijuana tax revenue to fund homeless services.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found “no significant associations between crime levels and legal cannabis store openings.”
A review concluded that “current evidence for [psilocybin-assisted therapy] in [alcohol use disorder] is mixed but suggests preliminary signals of efficacy for reducing alcohol consumption and increasing the odds of maintaining long-term abstinence.”
/ BUSINESS
Cannabix Technologies Inc. made the first commercial delivery of its new breath-based multi-drug test panel.
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