New bipartisan federal hemp bill soon; VA gov talks marijuana amendments; Cannabis arrest stories requested; “One Plant” cannabis strategy op-ed
Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day.
Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible…
BREAKING: Journalism is often consumed for free, but costs money to produce! While this newsletter is proudly sent without cost to you, our ability to send it each day depends on the financial support of readers who can afford to give it. So if you’ve got a few dollars to spare each month and believe in the work we do, please consider joining us on Patreon today.
https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment
/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
President Donald Trump is reportedly considering issuing an executive order as soon as this week aimed at boosting research on the benefits and safety of the psychedelic ibogaine, a move that comes nearly four months since the president’s marijuana rescheduling order that still hasn’t been fulfilled.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) said he and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) are filing a bill to let states opt out of the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products that’s set to take effect later this year.
- “It’s good for Kentucky farmers. It’s a cash crop, kind of like tobacco…and I think we ought to expand it.”
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) defended her significant amendments to a bill to legalize recreational marijuana sales by saying she proposed them after speaking with governors of other states with legal cannabis markets.
- “Every one of them said some version of make sure you get it right the first time and don’t rush it because there will be things that come up.”
The Marijuana Policy Project is asking people to share their stories about being arrested over cannabis for possible inclusion in a new report the organization is preparing to publish detailing “the true impact of the ongoing scourge of prohibition.”
Jason Leisey of Emerald Tea Supply Co. argues in a new Marijuana Moment op-ed that because hemp and marijuana are both the same plant, they need to be held to the same standards.
- “If the loophole persists, that trust erodes. Not because the hemp farmers are bad people. But because a system that applies rigorous standards to one channel and none to another will eventually produce a failure that damages everyone.”
Missouri hemp industry leaders delivered thousands of letters asking Gov. Mike Kehoe (R) to veto a bill that would ban intoxicating hemp THC products in the state—even if planned federal restrictions are delayed or reversed.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Sentencing Commission adopted amendments to federal sentencing guidelines, including for drug offenses.
Former Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) said marijuana use is “really dangerous to the future of our civilization,” citing the opinion of healthcare providers who think it is “the biggest single source of the mental crisis that we’re having in the country.”
/ STATES
A Virginia senator said she is “exploring all available legislative options” for addressing Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s (D) proposed amendments to her recreational marijuana sales legalization bill.
An Ohio judge temporarily paused newly enacted cannabis restrictions.
Missouri officials posted a warning about a drug trafficking scam targeting doctors.
Minnesota regulators sent a reminder about the upcoming April 30 deadline to apply for hemp growing and processing licenses.
Utah regulators published an annual report on the medical cannabis program.
Massachusetts regulators published new public education videos about marijuana ahead of 4/20.
The Colorado Retail Marijuana Public Health Advisory Committee will meet on Monday.
Oregon regulators will host psilocybin services listening sessions on May 6 and 8.
—
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.
—
/ INTERNATIONAL
A Western Australia lawmaker criticized the government for lack of action to protect medical cannabis patients from driving under the influence charges.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “cannabis sativa phytochemicals emerge as promising molecular entities with the potential to reshape integrative oncology.”
A review concluded that “MDMA-assisted therapy results in short-term decreases in PTSD symptoms across studies to date, though more trials are needed.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Lancet editorial board is calling for an end to the war on drugs.
/ BUSINESS
Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. announced a share repurchase program.
TerrAscend Corp. has a new chief financial officer.
Sun Extractions workers in Hamilton, New Jersey voted to unionize with United Food and Commercial Workers Local 360.
Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox.
Marijuana Moment is made possible with support from readers. If you rely on our cannabis advocacy journalism to stay informed, please consider a monthly Patreon pledge.
