GOP senator: Regulate marijuana like alcohol; Bill to increase hemp THC limit; Survey: Cannabis industry workers happy; OH legalization change delay
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The U.S. House of Representatives approved amendments to let Department of Veterans Affairs doctors recommend medical cannabis and to support research on the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) said marijuana legalization opponents “have lost” the debate and that “it’s time” to create a regulatory framework treating cannabis “the same way that we do with alcohol and tobacco” so states can set their own policies without federal intervention.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) filed a bill to triple the amount of THC that can legally be in hemp and to make other changes to federal rules for the crop to address industry concerns.
The Department of Homeland Security is denying claims a Norwegian tourist was denied U.S. entry over a meme about Vice President J.D. Vance on his phone, instead pointing to “admitted drug use”—which the man says was two instances of cannabis consumption in places where it is legal.
Hourly workers in the marijuana industry rank at the top of the list of “happiest” employees across multiple sectors, according to a new survey from Deputy—with more than 9 in 10 reporting a “positive sentiment” in their job.
The Ohio House Judiciary Committee canceled another hearing on a bill to revise the voter-approved marijuana legalization law amid Republican disagreements, with a key lawmaker saying no changes will be made until at least the fall.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eight Circuit upheld an Arkansas hemp product restriction law, appearing to contradict arguments that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) made days earlier to justify his veto of hemp ban legislation in his state.
The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission is expected to consider a proposed memorandum of agreement with other agencies that advocates say is an “intentional step” to “absolutely destroy patient access” on Thursday.
/ FEDERAL
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is proposing to continue including marijuana related businesses in its Bank Secrecy Act/Money Laundering Risk Assessment data collection program amid other changes.
The U.S. Sentencing Commission published a fact sheet on prison contraband, including marijuana and other drugs.
/ STATES
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) used his line-item veto to cancel certain funding for the Cannabis Control Division.
Florida’s agriculture commissioner said officials seized nearly 11,000 hemp products for alleged violations of child-protection standards for packaging, labeling and marketing.
The chairman of the North Carolina House Rules Committee, which is playing a key role in legislation to restrict hemp products, is also the president of a hemp manufacturing and distribution company.
An Alabama senator filed a bill to ban all hemp-derived THC products.
The Nebraska campaign behind medical cannabis ballot initiatives approved by voters last year is asking the state Supreme Court not to revive a lawsuit seeking to overturn the measures.
Virginia regulators published the results of a medical cannabis practitioner survey.
The California Legislative Analyst’s Office published a report on tax exemptions for donations of medical cannabis.
Massachusetts’s acting top marijuana regulator toured a dispensary.
Rhode Island regulators are proceeding with the application process for a medical cannabis dispensary license with previously qualified applicants from an earlier selection round.
The California Cannabis Authority Board of Directors will meet on Friday.
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/ INTERNATIONAL
Thailand’s public health minister signed an order requiring people to have doctors’ prescriptions and medical certificates mandatory in order to buy cannabis.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “since 2012, there has been considerable growth in patents and publications related to cannabis drug delivery systems, driven by the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids.”
A review concluded that psilocybin “may have therapeutic properties in depression and alcohol-use disorder.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll found that Australians support legalizing marijuana, 48 percent to 41 percent.
/ BUSINESS
Verano Holdings Corp. is opening a bodega-style dispensary in Phoenix, Arizona.
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