AG Blanche not trying to “micromanage” state marijuana laws; WI gov candidates on cannabis; Poll: MA voters see legalization benefits
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A Drug Enforcement Administration judge has rejected marijuana rescheduling opponents’ request to reopen a hearing on the reform for additional testimony and document discovery but he is allowing new briefs about a federal report that found “gaps” in the drug scheduling process.
- “Requests for further briefing on these issues beyond the replies allowed above are disfavored.”
- “This isn’t about a citizen in Virginia lawfully getting a license, lawfully opening a shop that sells lawfully manufactured marijuana under the state laws of Virginia… We are going through a process at the federal level with marijuana laws.”
Wisconsin gubernatorial candidates discussed marijuana during a debate, with Democratic nominee David Crowley saying the state should legalize recreational cannabis immediately and Republican nominee Tom Tiffany saying it should start with medical marijuana as part of a “step-by-step approach.”
A new poll of Massachusetts voters found that a majority believe marijuana legalization has been good for the state’s economy, tax revenue, local communities and criminal justice system—while a plurality think legal cannabis has been good for young people.
Utica, New York firefighter Ryan Quinn explains in a new Marijuana Moment op-ed why he and a colleague are suing the city after being suspended for off-duty medical cannabis use.
- “Public safety and fair treatment for medical cannabis patients can both be taken seriously. We should be able to distinguish evidence of past cannabis exposure from evidence that someone was impaired on duty.”
Virginia’s Senate president pro tempore is facing federal marijuana distribution, racketeering and money laundering conspiracy charges—with prosecutors alleging she used her legislative influence to protect and enrich a cannabis business she co-owns.
/ FEDERAL
Department of Health and Human Services Senior Advisor Calley Means cited “psychedelic reform” as an issue he was honored to work on in a statement about stepping down.
/ STATES
Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer (D) signed a bill to decriminalize drug paraphernalia and take other harm reduction steps.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) posted photos of himself at the Kentucky Cannabis Industry Alliance conference.
The Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus tweeted, “There is still a lot of work that needs to be done, but Senate Republicans have prevented our efforts time and time again… Adult Use Cannabis”
A Washington State representative said the marijuana industry “went on to basically rain down all fire and brimstone and crush every bill that I’ve ever attempted” to limit THC potency.
Texas regulators are facing another lawsuit over hemp product restrictions.
Oklahoma’s top medical cannabis regulator is stepping down.
Massachusetts regulators are considering changes to marijuana product testing rules.
Illinois regulators published guidance about hemp products.
U.S. Virgin Islands regulators conditionally approved cannabis business license applicants.
Virginia regulators are hiring a cannabis equity business loan administrator.
Minnesota regulators sent a newsletter with various cannabis updates.
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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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/ INTERNATIONAL
The Council of the European Union approved a partial negotiating position on a set of updated rules for the common organisation of agricultural markets, including provisions to “harmonise rules on hemp production and marketing to address discrepancies between national rules.”
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study’s results “do not suggest a causal association between cannabis use frequency with eating behavior or anthropometrics.”
A study found that co-use of cannabis and psilocybin “was associated with lower stress and higher well-being after controlling for demographic and other substance use covariates.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
Americans for Safe Access is accepting votes for its Cannabis Safety Awards.
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