Feds fund research on cannabis laws' impact (Newsletter: February 22, 2022) – Marijuana Moment
Maryland House Debates Bill To Put Marijuana Legalization Referendum On November Ballot
Second Hawaii Senate Committee Approves Psilocybin Task Force Bill, With Decriminalization Measures Still Pending
U.S. Supreme Court Asks Feds To Weigh In On Medical Marijuana Workers Compensation Cases
Three In Four Florida Voters Support Legalizing Marijuana, New Poll Finds
Utah Senate Committee Approves Psychedelics Study Task Force Bill That Already Passed House
Top Federal Drug Agency Funds Research On Differing Legal Marijuana Regulatory Models
Don’t Feed Marijuana Buds To Donkeys, New Study Warns
Banking Activity Increases In States That Legalize Marijuana, Study Finds
Young People Who Use Marijuana Have Better Orgasms and Sexual Function, Study Says
One-Third Of Programmers Use Marijuana While Working, With Many Touting Creative Benefits, Study Finds
Sha’Carri Richardson, Suspended Over Marijuana, Suggests Racist Double Standard After Olympics Lets Russian Skater Compete Amid Doping Scandal
Marijuana Icon Willie Nelson Pushes For The Legalization Of ‘Comfort’ In Super Bowl Ad…For Shoes
Twitch Says Marijuana-Themed Usernames Are Exempt From New Ban, Just Like Alcohol And Tobacco
Weedmaps Ad Satirizes Plight Of Broccoli Emoji As Marijuana Stand-In On Social Media
NFL Awards $1 Million To Study Marijuana Pain Management And Concussion Protection For Players
Nearly Half A Million Americans Work In The Marijuana Industry, New Leafly Report Finds
Arizona Marijuana Sales Topped $1.4 Billion In 2021
New Mexico Marijuana Company Pushes Insurers To Cover Medical Cannabis Under State Law
Wells Fargo Analyst Says Federal Marijuana Testing Mandate To Blame For Trucker Shortages And Rising Costs
Weedmaps Ad Satirizes Plight Of Broccoli Emoji As Marijuana Stand-In On Social Media
Maryland Lawmakers Vote To Put Marijuana Legalization Referendum On November Ballot
Congressional Committee Discusses Challenges Marijuana Businesses Face In Economic Recovery From COVID
Hawaii Senate Committee Approves Bill To Legalize Marijuana For Senior Citizens 65 And Older
Hawaii Senators Approve Psilocybin Task Force Bill In Committee, With Decriminalization Measures Still Pending
Legalizing Marijuana Would Help People Get Their Mail Delivered On Time, Congressman Says
SCOTUS wants cannabis case input from DOJ (Newsletter: February 23, 2022)
Feds fund research on cannabis laws’ impact (Newsletter: February 22, 2022)
MD & DE legal cannabis bills advance (Newsletter: February 21, 2022)
Congressional cannabis biz hearing (Newsletter: February 18, 2022)
NH state-run cannabis stores bill passes House (Newsletter: February 17, 2022)
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OR psilocybin equity bill advances; Study: Drug arrests continue at high levels even as incarceration drops; CO marijuana research fairness
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The National Institute on Drug Abuse is funding research on the “effects of changing cannabis laws and policies in the U.S. and globally” with a focus on understanding which components of legalization laws best protect public health.
The Oregon Senate Human Services, Mental Health and Recovery Committee approved a bill to create a task force on ensuring the state’s legal psilocybin services program centers equity for psychedelic business owners, session facilitators and participants.
A new Pew Charitable Trusts analysis shows that police are continuing to make drug arrests at a high rate even while incarceration rates are dropping.
At a Colorado House Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee hearing, a lawmaker pressed on whether an ongoing review of the science on marijuana products would look fairly at benefits as well as at harms.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Department of Agriculture posted a short podcast about hemp innovation and research.
Sen.. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) spoke about the need for equity in the legal marijuana industry.
Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) and former Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) coauthored an op-ed calling on Congress and President Joe Biden to enact marijuana reform.
Kentucky Democratic Senate candidate Charles Booker tweeted, “Seriously, cannabis should be legal.”
/ STATES
Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke, a former congressman, uploaded a page on his campaign site about his support for legalizing marijuana. He also tweeted, “When I’m governor, we will legalize marijuana. We will stop locking up Texans for a substance that’s legal in much of the rest of the country while generating nearly $1 billion a year in new revenue and taxpayer savings. It’s the right thing to do.”
Massachusetts Democratic gubernatorial candidate Sonia Chang-Diaz is expected to tour a cannabis facility.
Wisconsin Republican attorney general candidate Eric Toney tweeted, “WI won’t go the way of California and Illinois in legalizing marijuana and eliminating cash bail. Public safety is on the ballot.”
Kentucky’s Senate majority floor leader said he doesn’t support legalizing recreational or medical marijuana but won’t block a bill from advancing if it has sufficient support from Republican colleagues.
The Oregon House of Representatives approved a bill to make it harder for unlicensed marijuana growers to access water, and the Senate passed legislation to place a moratorium on issuing hemp cultivation licenses in some counties.
The Minnesota House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee approved a bill to allow hemp-derived cannabinoids as food additives.
The Michigan House Regulatory Reform Committee will hold a hearing on a kratom regulation bill on Tuesday.
An Alabama senator said the prospects for his marijuana decriminalization bill are “not bright” this year even though it already advanced through committee.
A Georgia representative filed a bill to grant medical cannabis business licenses to companies that are protesting their rejection in the first round of awards.
A Kentucky representative introduced a bill to legalize safe consumption sites for illegal drugs.
An Illinois representative filed a resolution urging Congress to remove marijuana from Schedule I.
Connecticut’s Social Equity Council wants lawmakers to take steps to prevent marijuana market saturation.
The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, located in South Dakota, says police are arresting people who buy medical cannabis at the tribe’s dispensary.
New Mexico regulators will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to marijuana licensing rules on Tuesday.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,000 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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SCOTUS wants cannabis case input from DOJ (Newsletter: February 23, 2022)
MD & DE legal cannabis bills advance (Newsletter: February 21, 2022)
Tom Angell is the editor of Marijuana Moment. A 20-year veteran in the cannabis law reform movement, he covers the policy and politics of marijuana. Separately, he founded the nonprofit Marijuana Majority. Previously he reported for Marijuana.com and MassRoots, and handled media relations and campaigns for Law Enforcement Against Prohibition and Students for Sensible Drug Policy. (Organization citations are for identification only and do not constitute an endorsement or partnership.)
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NY gov signs marijuana licensing bill; UT psychedelics study advances; FL legalization poll; NM insurers pressed to cover medical cannabis; AZ sales
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The U.S. Supreme Court is asking the solicitor general to weigh in on two medical cannabis workers compensation cases it is considering taking up. State courts have reached differing decisions on the issue.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) signed a bill to give temporary marijuana business licenses to hemp growers and processors to help the state prepare for a timely launch of the adult-use market. There are equity, labor and sustainability requirements for participants.
The Utah Senate Health and Human Services Committee approved a bill to create a task force to study and make recommendations on the therapeutic uses of psychedelics such as psilocybin for treating mental health disorders. The legislation has already passed the full House.
A new poll found that three out of four Florida voters support legalizing marijuana—including majorities across party, age, sex and racial demographic groups.
New Mexico cannabis company Ultra Health sent a letter urging insurance companies to cover the cost of medical cannabis for certain patients, a move it argues is required under a new state law.
The Arizona Department of Revenue reported that consumers purchased more than $1.4 billion worth of marijuana products in 2021, the first year of legal adult-use sales. The new figures include sales of medical cannabis as well.
/ FEDERAL
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) tweeted, “Legalizing cannabis and expunging non-violent convictions isn’t just a criminal justice issue — it’s a health and economic issue too. I’m fighting alongside @CPeoplesStokes to ensure communities which were disproportionately harmed are able to benefit from this growing industry.”
A spokesperson for Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) said there needs to be more research on “the potential public health consequences of legalization.”
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) tweeted, “Today, 81% of the cannabis industry is dominated by white business owners— yet thousands of people of color serve time for marijuana-related offenses. It’s long past time for my colleagues in Congress to join me in the fight to right this injustice.”
Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) tweeted, “It’s time for Congress to act on achievable, incremental #cannabis reform that can build the bipartisan consensus necessary to become law and improve millions of lives.”
/ STATES
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) cheered law enforcement actions against medical cannabis businesses that officials say were diverting products to the illegal market. The state’s top medical marijuana regulator said the raids should serve as a “warning.”
Colorado Republican gubernatorial candidate Danielle Neuschwanger said Gov. Jared Polis (D) “belongs in a jail cell” for “taking money out of your pockets and lining marijuana companies’ pockets.”
Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Cranley, a former Cincinnati mayor, tweeted, “If we want to talk about government overreach, let’s talk about decades of locking up Black and brown men for smoking marijuana. It’s time we legalize it and invest that revenue back into good-paying jobs for Ohioans.”
Pennsylvania Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Shapiro, currently the attorney general, tweeted, “1. Legalize recreational marijuana. 2. Expunge the records of those serving time for non-violent marijuana offenses. 3. Boost our economy. It’s that simple.”
South Carolina Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joe Cunningham, a former congressman, discussed his support for legalizing marijuana.
Here’s a look at where Texas gubernatorial candidates stand on marijuana reform.
A Nebraska medical cannabis campaign committee reported that as of the end of January, it had received $68,000 in cash contributions and spent about $38,000.
The Kansas House of Representatives approved a hemp testing and seed bill.
The Oregon Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue Committee approved a bill to allow municipalities to increase local marijuana taxes. Separately, the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Ballot Measure 110 Implementation voted to divert at least $26 million from substance misuse treatment and toward police to combat illegal cannabis cultivation, but lawmakers say the move will be reversed.
The West Virginia House Judiciary Committee approved a bill to allow regulators to require medical cannabis businesses to maintain motion activated video surveillance.
The Wyoming Senate Labor, Health & Social Services Committee rejected a bill that would have allowed prosecutors to bring felony charges against pregnant women who consume illegal drugs.
Washington State lawmakers unveiled a budget plan that directs $125 million to reinvestment grants for communities harmed by the war on drugs.
Maryland’s House Judiciary Committee chairman spoke about his marijuana legalization legislation that’s expected to get floor votes this week.
A Missouri representative who is sponsoring a marijuana legalization bill says the policy change “is coming whether we want to do it this way or not.”
A California senator tweeted, “Harm reduction — including safe needle & paraphernalia programs — is a proven strategy to reduce infections & overdose deaths. Yet conservatives continue to work to criminalize them & prop up the failed War on Drugs. How about we just follow the science?”
Florida regulators are asking a judge to permanently ban a doctor from recommending medical cannabis following an undercover investigation that involved undercover agents posing as patients.
Nevada regulators met to act on marijuana business issues.
Utah regulators sent an update on the medical cannabis program.
The Tennessee Medical Cannabis Commission will meet on Friday.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,000 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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Top NY lawmaker’s PAC has marijuana focus; KY legalization bills; Wells Fargo: Fed cannabis policy hurts workforce; Canadian drug decrim momentum
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Maryland House Judiciary Committee approved bills to put a marijuana legalization referendum on the November ballot and begin setting up details for the program if voters approve. Floor votes are expected this week.
The Delaware House Appropriations Committee advanced a bill to legalize marijuana. It’s now cleared for a House floor vote as its next stop.
New York’s Assembly majority leader is leaching a new PAC that will focus in part on electing candidates that support equity-centered marijuana reform.
Kentucky Democratic lawmakers, including the Senate minority floor leader, filed new bills to legalize marijuana.
A Wells Fargo analyst said federal marijuana criminalization and resulting drug testing mandates are a major driver of rising costs and worker shortages in the transportation sector.
A bill to decriminalize drugs in Canada is gaining momentum as more localities, police officials and lawmakers express support for the policy—with one member of Parliament saying it has a real chance of becoming law.
/ FEDERAL
Federal judge Michelle Childs, a top contender to be nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court by President Joe Biden, once sentenced a man to 12 years in prison for selling less than nine ounces of marijuana. The White House reacted by saying it was just one of “thousands” of decisions she made on the bench.
Congress passed, and President Joe Biden signed, legislation again extending the classification of fentanyl-related substances under Schedule I.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) tweeted, “Comprehensive federal cannabis legalization with justice for the communities most impacted by the War on Drugs—especially communities of color—is a Senate priority. This is long overdue, and we will move forward.”
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) said making it hard for licensed marijuana businesses to access bank accounts is “perfect for organized crime.”
Rep .Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) called out Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), tweeting, “One US Senator ‘heard stories; about people allegedly using the Child Tax Credit ‘for drugs’ without any evidence or data to back it up. He then used that as justification to nuke the entire national program, causing millions of kids to fall into poverty in weeks. Horrifying.”
Louisiana Democratic Senate candidate Gary Chambers tweeted, “Kim Potter getting 2 years for murdering a Black man is America’s latest example of an inequitable criminal legal system, it is NOT justice for all. There are people serving more time for cannabis than this woman will serve for murder. This is America. It’s shameful.”
Virginia Republican congressional candidate Heerak Christian Kim tweeted, “Let’s illegalize marijuana & get rid of drugs from the streets & form USA public schools & save American children from drug overdose death & unemployment & broken marriages!”
/ STATES
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) signed several medical cannabis reform bills into law. Separately, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved legislation to let people clear certain marijuana records.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) nominated a member of the Medical Cannabis Commission. Separately, the House of Delegates approved a bill to add a representative of the hemp industry to the state Agricultural Commission.
South Carolina Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mia McLeod, currently a state senator, tweeted, “Every day South Carolinians like me live with chronic conditions and experience excruciating pain. We must recognize that medical marijuana is a safe alternative to opioids. It’s time to vote in favor of our residents.”
Texas Democratic attorney general candidate Lee Merritt tweeted, “Cannabis use should never be a reason for arrest and imprisonment. Its criminalization is nothing more than another way for law enforcement to harass and arrest Black and Brown communities. It’s time we legalize it.” He also tweeted, “The War on Drugs is and always has been nothing more than a war on communities of color.”
The Utah Senate approved a bill to allow medical cannabis for acute pain post-surgery, let students receive cannabis medications at school from a nurse and make other changes to the program.
The Georgia Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee approved a bill to remove certain limitations on hemp grower licenses.
A New Mexico bill to increase marijuana production limits for small businesses and to make other changes to the legalization program failed to pass by the end of the session.
California’s Senate majority leader tweeted about his bill to eliminate the marijuana cultivation tax, saying, “We can’t continue to tax family farmers based on the product’s weight — because when prices fall, the taxes remain disproportionately high. It’s simply not sustainable.”
Washington State Senate Republicans tweeted, “Cannabis stores are falling victim to armed robbery. Senator Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, filed legislation (SB 5927) to halt this trend. The bill would increase the penalty for these heinous acts and it passed the Senate.”
A Michigan representative filed a bill to allow Indian tribes to sell recreational marijuana on tribal lands.
A Pennsylvania representative tweeted, “Any conversation on decriminalizing #cannabis must have an emphasis on equity and correcting the harms to communities that have been most affected by the enforcement of cannabis laws. #HB2050 enacts the Cannabis Clean Slate that will expunge non-violent cannabis-related charges.”
Connecticut regulators increased monthly medical cannabis purchase limits.
Arizona regulators are threatening to revoke medical cannabis testing labs’ licenses over inflated potency reports and other issues.
New York regulators published hemp licensing guidance.
Vermont regulators posted information about the prequalification process for marijuana business licenses. They will also meet on Tuesday.
Oregon regulators reduced a backlog of marijuana business violation cases.
New Jersey regulators will hold a public meeting on marijuana issues on Thursday.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,000 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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SD legalization bill approved; Federal hemp survey; HI lawmakers vote to legalize marijuana for 65+; DEA psychedelics hearing; AR poll
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The House Financial Services Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Financial Institutions held a hearing partly focusing on challenges faced by small and minority-owned marijuana businesses amid the economic recovery from the COVID pandemic.
The South Dakota Senate Commerce and Energy Committee approved a bill to legalize marijuana, and the House Taxation Committee advanced companion tax legislation. Voters already passed a legalization ballot measure in 2020 but it was overturned by the state Supreme Court.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture released the results of its first-ever national hemp survey, finding that the crop’s value reached $824 million in 2021, with about 54,200 acres grown across the country.
The Hawaii Senate Health Committee approved a bill to effectively legalize marijuana for people over age 65. The move comes as Washington, D.C.’s mayor signed legislation letting senior citizens self-certify for medical cannabis without a doctor.
In a victory for advocates and researchers, a Drug Enforcement Administration administrative law judge ruled that the agency must hold hearings before it can proceed with a proposed ban on five psychedelic substances.
A new poll found that a majority of Arkansas likely voters support legalizing marijuana. The survey result comes as three separate campaigns are working to place cannabis legalization initiatives on the state’s 2022 ballot.
The New Mexico Senate Finance Committee voted to direct 10 percent of marijuana excise tax revenue to a new substance misuse treatment fund—but minutes later, the move was reversed by another panel.
Maryland lawmakers are working to decriminalize drug paraphernalia. Gov. Larry Hogan (R) vetoed a similar bill that passed the legislature last year.
/ FEDERAL
The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency tweeted, “Past and present use of hallucinogens, cocaine, and marijuana at varying usage levels will raise red flags with adjudicators. If you are arrested and charged with driving under the influence or in possession of narcotics, you could lose your Security Clearance or eligibility.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) tweeted, “Americans are sending a clear message: The vast majority support legalizing adult use of cannabis. As Senate Majority Leader, comprehensive federal cannabis reform with equity for the communities most impacted by the War on Drugs is a top Senate priority.”
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) tweeted that U.S. runner Sha’Carri Richardson “has a point” by suggesting that racism could be behind the disparate treatment she faced after testing positive for marijuana compared to a Russian skater who tested positive for a performance enhancing drug.
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) tweeted, “In 2017, 81% of cannabis business owners in the US were white. Meanwhile, 40,000 people—mostly people of color—are serving time for marijuana related offenses. If this isn’t injustice, I don’t know what is.”
Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) tweeted, “Workers are ready for change. From coffee shops to warehouses to cannabis businesses, workers are fighting together for better working conditions & fair wages. Regardless of industry or sector, workers deserve a voice in the workplace.”
/ STATES
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) said he supports some changes to marijuana sales legislation but will leave the details to lawmakers.
Pennsylvania Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Shapiro, currently the attorney general, tweeted, “An overwhelming majority of Pennsylvanians support legalizing recreational marijuana. As Governor, I’ll get it done — and we will expunge the records of those with non-violent convictions.”
Texas Republican gubernatorial candidate Kandy Kaye Horn supports legalizing marijuana and releasing low-level drug prisoners.
The Indiana House Courts and Criminal Code Committee rejected a Senate-passed ban on most delta-8 THC products.
The Georgia Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee held a hearing on a bill to remove certain limitations on hemp grower licenses.
A Washington State bill aimed at making the marijuana industry more diverse and equitable died after not advancing ahead of a legislative deadline. Separately, regulators highlighted a court decision affirming that cannabis delivery services are illegal.
A California senator said his bills to legalize psychedelics and allow safe consumption sites for illegal drugs are “contentious” but “righteous.”
New York regulators approved proposed medical cannabis rules.
Massachusetts regulators issued a quarantine order about marijuana products sold with unverifiable mycotoxin test results.
Colorado regulators said that businesses selling both recreational and medical marijuana are out of compliance with the law due to “legislative oversight.”
Arkansas regulators are asking a judge to dismiss a lawsuit that is blocking them from approving new medical cannabis dispensaries.
Michigan regulators held a hearing on proposed rules that would allow conversion of CBD oil to THC.
Nevada marijuana regulators will meet on Tuesday.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,000 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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