FBI memo on marijuana investments; Another Medicare hemp coverage rule; NC governor pushes legalization; HI cannabis resolutions
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
President Donald Trump is proposing that Congress continue a rider protecting state medical cannabis laws from federal interference for the first time after suggesting its deletion in prior budget requests—but he is also asking lawmakers to keep blocking Washington, D.C. from legalizing recreational marijuana sales
The Federal Bureau of Investigation declassified a guidance memo blocking agents from investing in or working at marijuana companies but allowing involvement with hemp and CBD businesses—except if their packaging depicts a cannabis leaf, which is considered “promotion of marijuana.”
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services filed a Federal Register notice finalizing a rule to allow coverage of some hemp products like hulled seed, seed protein powder and seed oil as specialized benefits through Medicare Advantage plans.
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein (D) is stepping up the push to legalize marijuana after the Advisory Council on Cannabis he appointed issued an interim report recommending the state move away from a criminalization-based approach and toward a system of “robust” regulations providing legal access to THC products.
The Louisiana Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved a bill to allow patients with terminal and irreversible conditions to use medical marijuana in hospitals, subject to certain limitations.
The Hawaii Senate Judiciary Committee approved resolutions calling on Congress to federally legalize marijuana, support state efforts to clear people’s conviction records and take steps to facilitate access to banking services for companies in the cannabis industry.
Missouri lawmakers sent Gov. Mike Kehoe (R) a bill to ban intoxicating hemp products, protect marijuana consumers’ privacy and recognize cannabis industry workers’ right to unionize.
/ FEDERAL
Rep. Jim Baird (R-IN) expressed his concerns about the pending federal recriminalization of hemp products at a House Appropriations Subcommittee Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies hearing.
/ STATES
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) discussed his opposition to legalizing marijuana.
Delaware regulators filed proposed changes to marijuana product rules.
Missouri regulators filed proposed rules to establish marijuana research facilities.
Minnesota regulators published guidance about on-site cannabis consumption.
New York’s new top marijuana regulator discussed his plans for overseeing the legal industry.
Massachusetts regulators are investigating a whistleblower complaint against a marijuana business.
New York cannabis regulators posted an updated form for reporting incidents or complaints.
The Illinois Medical Cannabis Advisory Board will meet on Monday.
The Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission will meet on Wednesday.
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/ LOCAL
Los Angeles, California regulators sent an update about various cannabis issues.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Saint Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew spoke about efforts to implement cannabis reform in a “careful and measured” way.
Nepal local governments are taking steps to allow cannabis cultivation.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “Christian participants reported the most favorable views toward both medical and recreational cannabis, followed by Jewish respondents, while Muslim and Druze participants expressed more conservative attitudes.”
A study found that “individuals purchased and consumed cannabis regardless of legal status and legal status was not significantly associated with harm or benefit rating, controlling for demographic and use data” and that “individuals appear more likely to purchase through legal means, if available.”
/ BUSINESS
Curaleaf Holdings, Inc.’s chief legal officer extended an existing automatic securities disposition plan.
Village Farms International, Inc.’s chief financial officer is leaving the post while remaining an employee of the company.
/ CULTURE
Scarlett Johansson talked about seeing Cypress Hill smoke a very large blunt at the first concert she ever attended.
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