DEA 4/20 PSA contest; CO gov on cannabis & guns; KY medical marijuana gummies; FL & MS cannabis bills approved; Anti-legalization group’s conference
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Drug Enforcement Administration is teaming up with an anti-marijuana group to promote a public service announcement contest pegged to 4/20, inviting students to submit videos about why the use of cannabis “is harmful for the developing brain, mental health, and your life!”
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) is criticizing his own state’s attorney general for filing a Supreme Court brief supporting the federal ban on gun possession by marijuana consumers—saying “I have repeatedly called for the rescheduling of marijuana and continue to urge the federal administration to stop dragging its feet.”
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced that medical cannabis gummies are now available for purchase at dispensaries, and he’s calling on lawmakers to approve new qualifying conditions for patients.
The Wisconsin Senate Health Committee approved a medical cannabis legalization bill sponsored by the Senate president and other Republican lawmakers as Democrats press to more broadly legalize recreational marijuana.
The Mississippi House of Representatives passed a bill to allow terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis in hospitals, nursing facilities and hospice centers—with the sponsor saying “compassion and medical judgment should come before bureaucracy.”
The Florida House Health Care Budget Subcommittee unanimously approved a bill to slash medical cannabis patient registration fees for military veterans—with the sponsor saying marijuana helps veterans by “reducing the dependency on opioids.”
The Maryland House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on a bill to protect medical cannabis patients’ gun rights under state law as the U.S. Supreme Court considers a challenge to a federal policy banning marijuana consumers from owning firearms.
Prohibitionist organization Smart Approaches to Marijuana is facing criticism over its decision to block multiple drug policy reform experts from participating in a conference it is hosting in Washington, D.C. this week.
/ FEDERAL
The Government Accountability Office noted in a report that some law enforcement agencies are making changes to recruitment policies related to previous drug use.
Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) tweeted about discussing marijuana rescheduling with members of the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition.
Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) tweeted, “I met with Texas parents to discuss their concerns and to acknowledge the growing issue of marijuana companies attempting to profit from the addiction of our children. Marijuana is a dangerous drug, and Texans understand better than most the serious and lasting harm it can cause to our children and to our society.”
The House bill to federally legalize marijuana got one new cosponsor for a total of 61.
The House bill to provide patients with a pathway to accessing Schedule I drugs got one new cosponsor for a total of 14.
The House bill to regulate hemp products got two new cosponsors for a total of three.
/ STATES
Washington, D.C.’s attorney general touted enforcement actions against unlicensed cannabis businesses in an annual impact report.
A Pennsylvania court held a hearing on a lawsuit challenging rules requiring medical cannabis dispensaries to employ medical professionals for patient consultation.
Oregon regulators published guidance on hemp-derived beverages.
New York regulators approved additional marijuana business licenses.
The Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Board published an annual report.
Nevada regulators are conducting a survey about proposed changes to cannabis rules.
The Minnesota Cannabis Advisory Council met.
The Colorado Retail Marijuana Public Health Advisory Committee will meet on Monday.
The Illinois Medical Cannabis Advisory Board will meet on Monday.
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/ LOCAL
The Boston, Massachusetts Cannabis Board will meet on Wednesday.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Several Thai political parties are pledging to put cannabis back on the narcotics list if they form a government following upcoming elections.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “no difference in [well child care] or [emergency department] visits was observed between cannabis-exposed and substance-unexposed infants” and that “there was a decrease in the odds of [developmental delay] in the first 2 years among cannabis exposed infants and no difference at 3 years.”
A study of people with metastatic cancer and cancer-related anxiety and depression found that “Group Retreat Psilocybin Therapy was safe and well tolerated, and exploratory measures show efficacy that is promising.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies published a policy guidebook.
/ BUSINESS
Aurora Cannabis Inc. filed a prospectus supplement establishing an at-the-market offering program allowing it to issue and sell up to $100 million worth of shares.
Dutchie launched a new checkout feature allowing dispensary customers to round up their purchase total to support groups advancing cannabis reform.
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Photo courtesy of Mike Latimer.
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