Anti-marijuana groups file initial hearing briefs; Congressman joins Marijuana Moment’s livestream push; VA budget amendments; LA psychedelics
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Drug Enforcement Administration revealed in a filing that its witness list for the cannabis rescheduling hearing starting on Monday includes a doctor who will give testimony about how “medical marijuana provides a medical benefit to pain patients”—and will also note “patient safety measures utilized in the industry.”
- The government’s other witness is a Food and Drug Administration official who will describe the process the agency used to develop a rescheduling recommendation.
Marijuana reform opponents—including three states—filed new briefs previewing the arguments they plan to make against rescheduling cannabis in the hearing, and the Drug Enforcement Administration reiterated it doesn’t intend to invite any supportive organizations to participate.
Marijuana Moment took its request for livestreaming of the cannabis rescheduling hearing directly to Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator Terrance Cole after the agency judge overseeing the proceedings said he won’t consider filings from non-parties to the proceedings.
Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN), Law360, a New York Times reporter, Cultivated Media and medical cannabis advocates joined Marijuana Moment’s request for the livestream access to the cannabis rescheduling hearing.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) submitted amendments to a budget bill that includes provisions to legalize recreational marijuana sales—though she didn’t alter the cannabis sections. Lawmakers are set to vote on the proposed changes on Monday.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry (R) allowed a bill to create a psychedelic-assisted therapy pilot program that will use opioid settlement dollars to fund clinical trials aimed at developing alternative treatments such as psilocybin, ibogaine and MDMA to take effect without his signature.
South Carolina lawmakers failed to agree on an approach to restrict hemp THC products, meaning that they will stay broadly legal in the state.
The Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation will begin accepting applications for a third round of cannabis microbusiness licenses next month.
/ FEDERAL
Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator Terrance Cole requested that the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General conduct an independent review of allegations that the agency allowed fentanyl pills to reach the streets.
Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) discussed his amendment to push the military to launch an expanded waiver program for recruits who test positive for THC.
Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) tweeted, “The SAFE Banking Act is a critical step towards ending outdated federal barriers that put legitimate cannabis businesses at a disadvantage. I am introducing this bill today to protect livelihoods and strengthen an industry that employs over 400,000 Americans.”
/ STATES
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) appointed a new member to the Cannabis Control Authority.
California regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to incomplete and incorrect regulatory compliance testing.
A Texas appeals court rejected a motion requesting reconsideration of a decision to lift a temporary injunction against hemp rules.
Hawaii regulators are being sued over hemp rules.
Oregon regulators filed proposed changes to psilocybin services rules.
Nevada regulators published fair market values for marijuana at wholesale.
Minnesota regulators are continuing a listening tour about cannabis.
The New York Cannabis Control Board will meet on Thursday.
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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
Osseo, Michigan’s mayor discussed efforts to launch a municipal marijuana dispensary.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “CBD can alleviate arthritic pain in levels comparable to other types of medications with low to no detrimental effects.”
A study of rats highlighted “psilocybin’s therapeutic potential in chronic” traumatic brain injury.
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Virginia Beer Wholesalers Association, Virginia Craft Brewers Guild, Virginia Spirits Association, Virginia Wineries Association and other groups sent a letter to Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) expressing concerns about a plan to use Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority officials to help oversee the recreational marijuana market.
The Brookings Institution published an analysis about use of the term drug “decriminalization.”
/ BUSINESS
Glass House is facing a fine related to an investigation of complaints regarding allegedly underage workers at its facility.
Trulieve Cannabis Corp.’s chairman and CEO notified the broker dealer administering her automatic securities disposition plan of her intention to terminate it.
Jushi Holdings Inc. shareholders elected board of directors members.
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