NJ governor candidates on marijuana; OH cannabis & hemp bill advances; PA cannabis regulatory vote; Non-cannabis CBD developed from kitchen spice
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
New House and Senate lobbying reports show that alcohol companies and industry groups are stepping up lobbying efforts around hemp drinks—also detailing how major businesses like DoorDash and PayPal are engaged in cannabis-related congressional advocacy.
As New Jersey voters prepare to elect a new governor, the candidates have contrasting marijuana views—with Republican Jack Ciattarelli calling cannabis a “gateway drug” and Democrat Mikie Sherrill voting for and sponsoring reform legislation in Congress.
The Ohio House Judiciary Committee approved a bill to revise the state’s voter-approved marijuana legalization law by removing some protections for consumers and to restrict intoxicating hemp products.
The Pennsylvania Senate Law & Justice Committee approved a bill to create a Cannabis Control Board to oversee the existing medical marijuana program and intoxicating hemp products—and which could also regulate the adult-use market if broader legalization is enacted.
Researchers behind a new federally funded study developed a new class of CBD-like compounds using the common kitchen spice caraway seeds—not cannabis—that “not only prevented seizures and reduced seizure-related deaths but also promoted healthier brain cell development.”
The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission approved a timeline for issuing new marijuana dispensary licenses, including to social equity applicants and worker-owned cooperatives.
/ FEDERAL
The White House has paused the nomination process for President Donald Trump’s nomination to be a federal judge in Florida amid his involvement in an ongoing investigation into the alleged misuse of Medicaid funds to campaign against a marijuana legalization initiative on the state’s 2024 ballot.
The U.S. Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control held a hearing on Hezbollah’s ties to drug trafficking.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) said that the Trump administration’s military strikes against alleged drug boats “go against all our tradition.”
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) is calling for a hearing on the Trump administration’s military attacks on suspected drug boats.
/ STATES
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee (D) announced that the state’s top cannabis regulator is concluding her tenure.
A caller to Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s (R) radio show was hung up on in the middle of making a point about medical cannabis legislation.
Ohio’s Senate president and House minority leader discussed the prospects for passing hemp legislation.
The Maryland House Ways and Means Committee toured a cannabis processing facility.
A Florida senator hosted a cannabis forum.
A former Delaware judge authored an op-ed about the “risks” of marijuana legalization.
Louisiana regulators adopted changes to medical cannabis rules.
Illinois regulators held a hearing on proposed changes to cannabis rules.
Oklahoma regulators are delaying the launch of a new medical cannabis portal.
Vermont regulators sent a reminder about new hemp product labeling requirements.
Utah regulators sent various updates about the medical cannabis program.
Minnesota regulators will host an information session about cannabis community restoration grants on Thursday.
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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
San Francisco, California’s mayor said President Donald Trump’s threats to send the National Guard to the city “will do nothing to get fentanyl off the streets or make our city safer.”
A former Fall River, Massachusetts mayor was stabbed near the marijuana dispensary he serves as CEO for.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Brazil’s agrarian development minister pressured Meta to reinstate banned cannabis-related Instagram accounts.
Ten parties running in Netherlands elections support legalizing cannabis.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “cannabinoids are promising therapeutic targets in the treatment of sepsis, as they improved survival, and reduced inflammation and organ injury.”
A study found that “in a state [medical cannabis] program, barriers related to MC access and cost indicated a significant increase in the likelihood of [illicit medical cannabis] use.”
/ BUSINESS
Organigram Global Inc.s’ outgoing CEO will stay on longer as the company completes an ongoing search for a replacement.
Charlotte’s Web Holdings, Inc. has a new board of directors member.
/ CULTURE
Musician Jelly Roll picked a team in a college football game based on marijuana, saying that “if this came down to the battle of the growers, I’m riding in Michigan, baby… My favorite place to partake in recreational activity in America.”
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