DOJ moves to dismiss marijuana & guns case; Lawmakers push against hemp criminalization; MI cannabis tax increase; Study: CBD & anxiety
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
President Donald Trump posted a video about the medical benefits of cannabis for seniors—highlighting how its integration into the healthcare system can save costs and advocating that Medicare cover CBD.
The Department of Justice is asking a federal court to dismiss a prosecution of a man who allegedly illegally possessed a gun while being a marijuana consumer—saying there is a “reasonable likelihood” the Supreme Court will address the constitutionality of the underlying law.
- “Continuing to pursue this case at this time would needlessly waste judicial and prosecutorial resources.”
A bipartisan group of 27 members of Congress sent a letter urging House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to oppose efforts to recriminalize consumable hemp products with THC—saying it would “deal a fatal blow to American farmers” and that its inclusion in a spending bill “clearly violates” House rules.
A new poll shows that a majority of American adults think marijuana is “not very dangerous” or “not at all dangerous”—though most also think cannabis use “leads to the use of more dangerous drugs.”
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA) said the therapeutic potential of the psychedelic ibogaine is at the “absolute cutting edge of science,” arguing that it is a “uniquely powerful intervention” in treating conditions like addiction.
A new study found that “dramatic reductions in anxiety occurred following just one week of treatment” with CBD.
- “Use of this proprietary hemp-derived, full-spectrum, high-CBD sublingual product may result in clinical improvement with few side effects.”
The Michigan House of Representatives passed a bill to add a new 24 percent tax on marijuana at the wholesale level that is projected to generate $420 million in new revenue on an annual basis to fund road repairs.
A new World Health Organization report concludes that coca leaf does not have any “clinically meaningful public health harms” but that its prohibition creates “substantial public health harms.”
Utah police are facing a federal lawsuit from a church that uses cannabis, psychedelics and vapes as sacraments and claims officers violated their free exercise of religion in recent raids.
/ FEDERAL
The Drug Enforcement Administration published a report on cocaine seizures.
Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) tweeted, “Rescheduling marijuana can help veterans. America’s heroes struggling to heal deserve every possible tool for recovery.”
The House bill to federally legalize marijuana got one new sponsor for a total of 55.
The House bill to designate psychedelic therapy centers of excellence got one new cosponsor for a total of 15.
/ STATES
The Georgia House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Medical Marijuana and Hemp Policies met.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld a rule requiring medical cannabis businesses to test their products at two separate laboratories.
California regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to the presence of aspergillus.
New York regulators published guidance on a court order allowing marijuana dispensaries to stay in their current locations amid a dispute about zoning rules.
Vermont regulators reached a settlement in a lawsuit challenging cannabis business advertising restrictions.
Colorado regulators are preparing a guide aimed at encouraging cannabis consumers to shop at social equity businesses.
Illinois regulators posted updated guidance about a cannabis business loan program.
Massachusetts marijuana regulators addressed the reasons for rescheduling meetings at which they are expected to finalize rules for cannabis social consumption business licensing.
Arkansas officials touted enforcement actions against illegal hemp-derived THC products.
Virginia regulators began inspections of inhalable hemp products.
The West Virginia Medical Cannabis Advisory Board met.
The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission will hold a public meeting on Wednesday.
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/ LOCAL
Los Angeles, California regulators published guidance about a recently enacted statewide marijuana tax cut.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The New South Wales, Australia government rejected recommendations to decriminalize marijuana possession and enact other cannabis reforms.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “cannabis effectively reduces [chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy] symptoms and improves” quality of life and activities of daily living, and that “higher THC doses were more effective than lower doses, with combined CBD and THC doses yielding greater symptom relief.”
A study found that “oral cannabidiol increases thermal threshold in horses without physiologic adverse effects.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Bloomberg editorial board criticized the Trump administration’s use of the military in the “war on drugs.”
/ BUSINESS
Canopy Growth Corporation adjourned a shareholder meeting due to lack of quorum.
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