US citizen freed from Russian marijuana jail sentence; Fed cannabis breathalyzer meeting; Congressman: Psychedelics have more momentum than marijuana
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Terrance Cole, President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration, has voiced concerns about the dangers of marijuana and linked its use to higher suicide risk.
- “Everybody knows my stance on marijuana after 30 plus years in law enforcement , so don’t even ask!”
The White House announced it reached a deal with Russia to free American citizen Marc Fogel, who has been detained in that country for possessing medical cannabis he used to treat pain.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology announced it will host “an open and candid discussion” about “the path forward to realize meaningful cannabis breathalyzer technology and implementation” in April.
Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA) told Marijuana Moment that psychedelics are now “way ahead” of marijuana in terms of federal legislative momentum—and he criticized former President Joe Biden for not doing enough to advance meaningful cannabis reform before the end of his term.
The Arkansas House Education Committee approved a Senate-passed bill to set aside revenue from medical marijuana taxes to pay for free breakfast for students—a plan that Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) endorsed during her State of the State address.
A new poll shows that nearly 7 in 10 marijuana consumers plan to spend the same amount or more on cannabis in 2025 compared to last year—and that 62 percent report using cash for purchases amid ongoing industry barriers to financial services.
The Idaho Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee approved a House-passed bill to set a mandatory minimum $300 fine for possession of three ounces or less of marijuana, with the sponsor saying “every dollar spent on pot by someone is not spent on food, clothing, school supplies, real medicine or housing.”
/ FEDERAL
One of the Department of Government Efficiency’s staffers previously served as head of engineering for ketamine therapy company Mindbloom.
Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) sent a press release about his bill to continue applying the 280E tax penalty on marijuana businesses even after rescheduling.
Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) tweeted, “30% of marijuana sales in NV are with illegal operators. As Cannabis Caucus Co-Chair, I’m fighting for commonsense reform like the SAFE Banking Act to help legal cannabis businesses be more competitive.”
/ STATES
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) tweeted, “By failing to legalize adult-use cannabis, Pennsylvania is losing out on an industry that will bring in $1.3 billion in new revenue over the first five years. This is commonsense. I’m asking both sides to come together, send a bill to my desk, and get it done.”
The North Dakota House of Representatives rejected a bill to increase medical cannabis purchase limits.
The Minnesota House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee heard an update from marijuana regulators.
The chair of the Hawaii House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs Committee said he is “disappointed” that his marijuana legalization bill stalled on the House floor.
Arizona lawmakers are considering legislation to force regulators to spend money on medical cannabis research.
Connecticut legislative staff prepared a fact sheet about the state’s marijuana market.
Michigan regulators announced a recall of cannabis vape cartridges containing medium chain triglyceride oil.
Delaware regulators sent an update on efforts to launch the recreational marijuana market.
Maryland regulators published effective dates for updated cannabis testing requirements.
Colorado regulators sent a bulletin about marijuana enforcement priorities and testing.
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board has a new director of the Enforcement and Education Division.
Vermont regulators will host a cannabis business peer networking event on Wednesday.
The New York Cannabis Advisory Board will meet on Friday.
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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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/ LOCAL
A judge ruled that the Colorado Springs, Colorado City Council’s plan to place a measure to repeal the voter-approved legalization of recreational marijuana sales on the April ballot is unconstitutional.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “oral cannabidiol did not impair learning and memory in healthy adults.”
A review concluded that”psychedelics may offer novel therapeutic approaches for treating neuroinflammatory and neuropsychiatric disorders.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Family Research Council is supporting a Senate bill to continue applying the 280E tax penalty on marijuana businesses even after rescheduling.
/ BUSINESS
Organigram Holdings Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of C$42.7 million and a net loss of C$23 million.
Glass House Brands Inc. said it anticipates quarterly revenue in the range of $52 to $54 million.
MediPharm Labs Corp. terminated the sale of its facility in Napanee, Ontario to Kensana Health Inc.
Missouri retailers sold $122.9 million worth of legal marijuana products in January.
/ CULTURE
National Lampoon produced a promo for Jeeter featuring former football players Ricky Williams and Calvin Johnson.
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