Russia frees US marijuana prisoner; Congressional bill: medical cannabis for veterans; FL medical marijuana for opioid addiction; TX cannabis bills
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Russian officials have reportedly freed U.S. citizen Kalob Byers, who was arrested for allegedly possessing cannabis products at an airport in Moscow earlier this month.
Basketball player Brittney Griner—who was previously incarcerated in Russia for possession of marijuana—has canceled a planned speech at a cannabis conference after discovering what she interpreted to be a threatening message in her hotel room.
Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) filed a bill to allow Department of Veterans Affairs doctors to issue medical cannabis recommendations to their military veteran patients.
The New Mexico House Health & Human Services Committee approved a bill to strengthen workplace protections for medical marijuana patients by specifying that “random drug testing of an employee shall not include testing for cannabis.”
The Hawaii Senate Health and Human Services Committee approved a bill to create a special fund to support clinical research into psychedelic-assisted treatment using substances such as psilocybin and MDMA.
Texas lawmakers are considering nearly two dozen cannabis reform bills this session—including proposals to legalize recreational marijuana, regulate intoxicating hemp products and expand the state’s limited medical cannabis program.
A Florida senator introduced a bill to allow people to legally access medical cannabis if they have “an addiction to or dependence on an opioid drug.”
A New Hampshire Republican representative asked colleagues at a House hearing to pass a bill to legalize psilocybin because the psychedelic can treat a severe headache disease she suffers from.
The Maine legislature’s Government Oversight Committee voted to investigate a potential conflict of interest on the part of the Office of Cannabis Policy’s director.
/ FEDERAL
Former Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR), President Donald Trump’s nominee for labor secretary, disclosed in federal financial disclosures that she is an investor in a licensed cannabis business in Oregon.
/ STATES
Former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell (D) said the state “might as well” legalize marijuana to generate tax revenue because, he claims, “even if someone was arrested [for cannabis] they were almost never prosecuted.”
Here’s a look at where New Jersey gubernatorial candidates stand on legalization marijuana homegrow.
The New Mexico House of Representatives passed a bill to amend the Motor Vehicle Code to include offenses for driving a motor vehicle under the influence of cannabis, as well as alcohol and controlled substances.
Hawaii’s House majority leader said there is not enough support in the chamber to pass a marijuana legalization bill.
Virginia House and Senate committees rejected legislation to require the Safety and Health Codes Board to set a THC impairment standard and testing protocol for manufacturing and utility worksites.
An Ohio senator criticized Gov. Mike DeWine’s (R) plan to “override the will of the voters” by amending the state’s marijuana legalization law to redirect how revenue is allocated.
Minnesota regulators posted cannabis business license applications and guidance.
Colorado’s first psilocybin services facilitators have been certified.
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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 issued a temporary order allowing Louisville, Kentucky firefighters to use medical cannabis while off duty.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Argentina’s minister of national security said the government plans to revoke all medical cannabis cultivation permits.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “there was a statistically significant seizure reduction in the group receiving CBD therapy compared to the placebo group.”
A study suggested that “hot air drying followed by glass jar curing is preferred for higher drying efficiency, better preservation of the cannabinoids and microbial safety.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Colorado Springs Gazette editorial board is again warning about what it sees as the harms of marijuana legalization.
/ BUSINESS
Numinus Wellness Inc. announced the wind-down of certain non-operating subsidiaries.
Operator Canna Co., founded by former Navy SEAL Robert O’Neill who shot Osama bin Laden, will soon begin supplying New York dispensaries with its products.
/ CULTURE
Wrestling star Mia Yim said WWE removed marijuana from its banned substances list a few years ago.
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