ID medical marijuana ballot sigs; AZ legalization rollback stalls; FL gov candidates on cannabis; Target expands hemp THC drink sales; LA penalties
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Congressional Research Service published a report detailing the scope and limitations of the Trump administration’s marijuana rescheduling move for consumers and businesses, saying it “does not immediately bring the state-legal marijuana industry into compliance with federal law” but “appears to authorize end users to possess marijuana for medical use without a [Controlled Substances Act]-compliant prescription.”
- “With respect to the manufacture, distribution, and possession of recreational marijuana, even if marijuana were completely moved to Schedule III, such activities would remain illegal under federal law and potentially subject to federal prosecution regardless of their status under state law.”
An Idaho medical cannabis campaign announced it turned in more than 150,000 signatures to qualify a legalization initiative for the November ballot—a raw total that is more than double the amount of verified petitions needed, though there are also regional requirements.
An Arizona anti-marijuana campaign is no longer seeking to put an initiative on the November ballot to roll back the state’s legalization law after its leader said he has “adjusted my viewpoints on the threat to kids” posed by the legal cannabis industry.
The Louisiana Senate Judiciary B Committee approved a House-passed bill that threatens to send people to jail for up to one year if they smoke marijuana within 2,000 feet of a school property—including college campuses.
Target is expanding its sales of hemp-derived THC drinks into three of the U.S.’s most populous states—a move that comes as a law signed by President Donald Trump is set to federally recriminalize the products later this year.
Florida Republican gubernatorial candidates are united in opposing marijuana legalization, while former Rep. David Jolly (D-FL) said, “I think the governor’s role is to represent the majority of the state, and the majority of the state asked for it.”
- Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) said, “I do not support recreational marijuana. I think the current regulatory system around medicinal use is fine.”
/ FEDERAL
The Food and Drug Administration announced its first authorization of fruit-flavored electronic cigarettes.
The Department of Health and Human Services promoted a video of a military veteran who used psychedelics to treat PTSD.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) tweeted, “A federal hemp ban would devastate American farmers and small businesses while pushing products into unregulated markets. My Hemp Safety Enforcement Act takes a smarter approach: ✅ States choose their own hemp regulations ✅ Synthetic cannabinoids banned across the board ✅ Consumer protections without an outright prohibition ✅ No more Washington dictating policy to the states ✅ No more one-size-fits-all federal overreach That’s how you protect people and an industry at the same time.”
Nebraska independent Senate candidate Dan Osborn tweeted, “The Trump administration reclassified marijuana from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug. That’s a win for Nebraska farmers and a win for patients and caregivers who can finally access the medicine they need.”
/ STATES
The Virginia Senate president’s offices and businesses, including a cannabis store, were raided by federal officials.
Pennsylvania representatives offered contrasting perspectives on marijuana legalization.
A Texas senator cited recent hemp product restriction developments, tweeting, “Texas was ahead of the curve on THC.”
A Florida appeals court dismissed the state’s appeal of a lower court ruling that suppressed marijuana evidence found during a traffic stop.
Colorado regulators issued a health and safety advisory about marijuana products that exceed
acceptable limits for total yeast and mold.
Montana regulators filed proposed changes to rules on marijuana product recalls.
Maryland regulators published guidance on federal marijuana rescheduling.
California regulators sent updates about various cannabis issues.
Oregon regulators are holding listening sessions about the psilocybin services program this week.
The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission will meet on Friday.
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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.
Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
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/ LOCAL
The Sacramento, California City Council is considering a proposal to use cannabis revenue to fund a basic income for former foster youth.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Israel’s health minister is pausing a proposal to restrict medical cannabis, including by disallowing smoking of it.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “cannabinoids may provide analgesic benefits for patients with fibromyalgia.”
A review concluded that “analysis of Phase II and Phase III clinical trial data shows that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy produces [post-traumatic stress disorder] remission rates of about 46% to 67%, significantly higher than the 20% to 30% remission rates of currently approved pharmacologic treatments.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Marijuana Policy Project published a voter guide for Pennsylvania’s primary elections.
/ BUSINESS
ACE Venture, LLC completed its 51 percent acquisition of Vireo Health of New York.
Green Thumb Industries Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $300.2 million.
Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $69 million.
RYTHM, Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $13.3 million.
/ CULTURE
Michael Jackson’s former publicist said the singer used marijuana as an “escape from life.”
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