Bill targets online marijuana ads; Senator attends hemp biz opening; GOP lawmaker: Cannabis a “gateway drug”; Prohibitionist filing in SCOTUS gun case
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Senate Banking Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection took testimony on marijuana businesses’ financial services access problems—with Nevada’s former top cannabis regulator saying the issue makes state officials’ jobs harder.
The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade approved a bill called the Kids Online Safety Act that would require online platforms to take steps to prevent minors’ access to potentially sensitive content—including advertisements for cannabis products and certain other drugs and services.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) attended a ribbon cutting ceremony at a new hemp store, saying he’s “working on new legislation” to reverse the looming federal recriminalization of THC products that was signed into law by President Donald Trump.
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) said President Donald Trump would be “wrong” to reschedule marijuana—calling it a “gateway drug.”
Smart Approaches to Marijuana and other prohibitionist groups filed a brief asking the Supreme Court to uphold the law banning gun possession by cannabis consumers—alleging that marijuana is more dangerous than alcohol and makes people more prone to psychosis and violence despite it being “marketed as a ‘chill’ drug by its peddlers.”
A study of Olympic and elite-level athletes found that “CBD users cumulatively agreed or strongly agreed that CBD is safe (96%); improved sleep (93%) and relaxation (90%); and reduced pain from training (77%).”
- “Many athletes expressed concerns about the potential for inadvertent anti-doping rule violations due to CBD product contamination with THC or other banned cannabinoids.”
The Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation is proposing changes to rules for marijuana social equity microbusinesses in order to address “predatory” contracts that have led to the revocation of previously awarded licenses.
/ FEDERAL
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles said former Department of Government Efficiency head Elon Musk is “an avowed ketamine [user]” and then denied saying it despite a reporter recording it on tape.
The U.S. Sentencing Commission is accepting public comments on proposed amendments to federal sentencing guidelines.
Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) discussed momentum for marijuana policy reform.
The House bill to create a path for patients to use Schedule I drugs got two new cosponsors for a total of nine.
/ STATES
A New Mexico cannabis company CEO launched a gubernatorial campaign as a Republican.
Florida’s attorney general tweeted, “We are seeing a rise in the dangerous consequences of marijuana use on young people. As ER visits go up, my office will be investigating how these products are getting into kids’ hands.”
Kansas’s attorney general reacted to a lawsuit challenging recent raids on sellers of allegedly illegal cannabis products.
Nebraska’s attorney general said the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products is a “very significant win for the country.”
The New Jersey Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee approved a bill to restrict hemp products.
An Ohio representative discussed his reasons for voting against a bill to alter the voter-approved marijuana legalization law and institute restrictions on hemp products.
New York regulators published updated marijuana packaging, labeling and marketing rules.
Maryland regulators filed proposed changes to cannabis tax rules.
Colorado regulators published guidance on changes to marijuana rules.
Vermont regulators will consider marijuana purchase limits guidance, multi-dose gummies and other issues on Wednesday.
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/ LOCAL
The Boston, Massachusetts Cannabis Board will meet on Wednesday.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan’s government is moving to legalize cannabis cultivation.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “CBD has therapeutic potential in the treatment of [autism spectrum disorder] symptoms, especially behavioral and emotional problems.”
A study found “positive feedback regarding CBD’s use for insomnia, indicating that most users perceive it as an effective treatment for this condition.”
A review concluded that “cannabinoids, especially CBD, exhibit significant potential as adjuvant or alternative treatments for inflammatory, infectious, and autoimmune skin diseases.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
Colorado Leads, American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp), Massachusetts Cannabis Coalition and Nevada Cannabis Association filed an amicus brief in a U.S. Tax Court case challenging the 280E penalty on marijuana businesses.
/ BUSINESS
Organigram Global Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of C$80.1 million and a net loss of C$38.0 million.
Michigan retailers sold $259.7 million worth of legal marijuana products in November.
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