AOC touts psychedelics’ medical “promise”; Study: Covering medical marijuana with workers’ comp; VA THC & kratom enforcement; TX hemp restrictions
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Bipartisan lawmakers touted the passage of psychedelics amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act—with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) telling Marijuana Moment that psilocybin is “one of the only substances that has shown early promise in treatment-resistant PTSD” and Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA) saying “everybody microdoses,” even “professional guys.”
California Treasurer Fiona Ma (D) said the state’s current marijuana legalization law is a “complete failure” that was written “by big companies that wanted to take over the smaller farms” and should be replaced with a new ballot initiative that prioritizes consumers and small businesses.
A new study conducted by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment on covering medical cannabis through workers’ compensation found “clear, measurable reductions in pain alongside significant improvements in physical function, overall mobility, and quality of life”—as well as a reduction in opioid use.
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones (D) launched a new Regulated Products Enforcement Unit to oversee actions concerning THC and hemp products, kratom, liquid nicotine vapes and emerging intoxicants.
New Texas Department of State Health Services restrictions on hemp THC products take effect on Friday following a series of court rulings that have alternatively halted and resumed sales of various cannabinoid items.
/ FEDERAL
Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) spoke about how marijuana rescheduling can ease barriers to research.
/ STATES
Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong, currently an assemblymember, discussed her support for legalizing cannabis during a debate.
A New Hampshire Senate candidate discussed his support for legalizing marijuana in an op-ed.
A Florida appeals court ruled that employers can fire workers for off-site medical cannabis use.
Missouri regulators filed proposed rules on marijuana dispensary curbside pickup.
Oregon regulators are accepting comments on a petition to amend rules concerning the psilocybin services training program curriculum approval process.
The Delaware Delaware Maternal & Child Death Review Commission warned in its annual report that “even though cannabis is legal, it effects the health of pregnant women and developing babies and can lead to complications during pregnancy and in childhood.”
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/ LOCAL
Manhattan’s borough president said he is “outraged” that the cannabis drinks are being sold in bodegas.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Israeli officials closed an investigation of alleged dumping of Canadian medical cannabis into the country’s market.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “as cannabis becomes legal and commercialized, the likelihood of using it over antidepressants seems to increase, especially among females.”
A study found that arginylglycylaspartic acid-functionalized, CBD-loaded lipid nanoparticles “improved cognition and metabolic balance in Alzheimer’s disease rats.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Washington Post editorial board said the Trump administration’s military attacks on suspected drug boats has “accomplished nothing.”
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America is asking its supporters to send letters urging Congress not to reverse the scheduled recriminalization of hemp THC products this year.
/ BUSINESS
High Tide Inc. closed its acquisition of J. Supply Holdings Inc., operating as Northern Helm.
Tesla is being sued by an employee who claims he was improperly discriminated against and denied a job transfer due to medical cannabis use.
Canadian retailers sold C$485 million worth of legal marijuana products in May.
/ CULTURE
Rosario Dawson is urging Congress to reverse a planned ban on hemp THC drinks.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
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