Congresswoman calls out colleague’s marijuana arrest; DOJ moves to toss DC cannabis suit; CO ibogaine; MI judge OKs psychedelics event
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
As early voting begins in Virginia’s gubernatorial election, the candidates have contrasting marijuana positions—with Democratic nominee Abigail Spanberger supporting legalization of recreational cannabis sales and Republican nominee Winsome Earle-Sears calling it a “gateway drug.”
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) called out Rep. Byron Donalds’s (R-FL) past marijuana arrest as he works to pass legislation overturning a Washington, D.C. sentencing reform law—saying, “If he had grown up…under the very D.C. crime bill he’s pushing today, he wouldn’t be standing here as a member of Congress.”
The Department of Justice is asking a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit that a Washington, D.C. hemp store filed to challenge a law blocking local officials from legalizing and regulating cannabis sales in the nation’s capital.
The Colorado Natural Medicine Program Advisory Board voted to recommend that ibogaine be added to the list of psychedelic substances that can be administered in the state’s regulated healing centers, alongside psilocybin and psilocin.
A judge forced the University of Michigan to allow a student group to hold a psychedelics-focused event despite administrators’ concerns it would pose a “safety risk.”
The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority launched a new tracking system that shows there were nearly $30 million in medical marijuana sales over the past two months—even as patients voice concern about high prices.
The Delaware Office of the Marijuana Commissioner is now allowing marijuana businesses to transfer their permits between counties, a decision that will let cannabis companies move in response to strict local regulations.
/ FEDERAL
Federal officials are reportedly circulating draft legislation that would allow the president to wage war against drug cartels deemed to be “terrorists,” as well as against any country that allegedly harbors or aids them.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) tweeted, “Washington wants to BAN hemp because of a few bad actors, but that will destroy livelihoods for honest farmers in Kentucky and nationwide. We can’t let Washington destroy rural America.”
The House bill to respect state marijuana laws got one new cosponsor for a total of six.
/ STATES
Colorado’s attorney general reached a settlement with a cannabis company that allegedly failed to disclose health risks of its products and misrepresented their health benefits.
Massachusetts’s treasurer dropped a legal effort to block the state’s ousted top marijuana regulator from returning to her position.
Wisconsin lawmakers are circulating legislation to restrict intoxicating hemp products.
California regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to the presence of aspergillus and inaccurate labeling.
Minnesota regulators published guidance on hemp licensing.
Montana regulators are accepting proposals to fund applied research and market development projects to advance the state’s hemp industry.
New York regulators published a list of licensed hemp producers.
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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
The Sacramento, California City Council voted to allow cannabis cafes to operate.
The La Crosse County, Wisconsin Board of Supervisors debated a proposal to reduce the fine for marijuana possession to $1.
/ INTERNATIONAL
European Medicines Agency officials published a new paper about regulatory perspectives on psychedelics.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “the addition of a cannabinoid reduced the severity of [naloxone]-precipitated withdrawal.”
A study on psilocybin-assisted therapy “observed a clinically meaningful reduction in depressive symptoms at the primary endpoint, and the long-term follow-up.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is advising pregnant and lactating women not to use cannabis.
/ BUSINESS
LeafLink has a new CEO.
Canadian retailers sold C$485 million worth of legal marijuana products in July.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
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