Trump’s first drug war pardon; PA legalization chances; CO & VA psychedelics votes; Poll: More Americans use cannabis as a sleep aid than Rx pills
Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day.
Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible…
Hold on, just one second before you read today’s news. Have you thought about giving some financial support to Marijuana Moment? If so, today would be a great day to contribute. We’re planning our reporting for the coming months and it would really help to know what kind of support we can count on.
Check us out on Patreon and sign up to give $25/month today:
https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment
/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
President Donald Trump issued a full pardon to dark web drug market Silk Road operator Russ Ulbricht—despite his overall position that people who sell illegal drugs should face the death penalty.
The Food and Drug Administration is proposing to add “Cannabinoid Hemp Products (such as products containing CBD)” as a selectable option on adverse event reporting forms in order to better track the health impacts of increasingly popular hemp-derived consumables.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday (R) is warning about what he sees as the “potential harm that could be caused criminally” if lawmakers legalize marijuana as part of a bipartisan push that is supported by Gov. Josh Shapiro (D).
The Colorado House of Representatives gave initial approval to a bill to let doctors prescribe a form of psilocybin if the psychedelic is federally approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
The Virginia Senate Subcommittee on Health approved a bill to fund clinical trials involving veterans and “breakthrough therapies”—including psychedelic substances such as psilocybin and MDMA.
A new poll commissioned by Green Thumb Industries shows that more American adults use cannabis as a sleep aid than choose prescription sleep aids or alcohol for help falling asleep.
The Idaho House of Representatives passed a bill to set a mandatory minimum $300 fine for possession of three ounces or less of cannabis, with one lawmaker arguing that no state “is a better place because of the passage of marijuana legalization.”
Bipartisan Indiana lawmakers are looking to neighboring states for guidance on how to legalize marijuana with effective regulations and taxes.
/ FEDERAL
The Food and Drug Administration approved a ketamine-based nasal spray for use as a sole treatment for depression.
The Environmental Protection Agency said a public comment about volatile organic compound emissions of cannabis plants is outside the scope of a rule on a Washington State air quality plan.
Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) spoke about her support for releasing a man from a life sentence in prison for a nonviolent cannabis conviction.
/ STATES
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) appointed a new top marijuana regulator for the state.
Texas’s agriculture commissioner tweeted, “I support cracking down on illegal, intoxicating THC products (over the 0.3 legal limit) being sold OTC and without age restrictions across Texas, but banning THC outright is a bridge too far.”
Oklahoma lawmakers are considering several bills to change medical cannabis rules.
The head of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation claimed that cartels are “selling fentanyl laced with marijuana.”
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board has a new member.
Colorado regulators published a bulletin on cannabis social equity license eligibility criteria changes.
Vermont regulators sent a reminder that marijuana cultivation license applications must be completed by January 31.
Rhode Island regulators will hold a hearing on proposed marijuana rules on Friday.
—
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.
—
/ LOCAL
The Lockhart, Texas City Council is expected to consider reversing its decision not to implement a voter-approved marijuana decriminalization law on Thursday.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Philippine lawmakers are pushing for an investigation into killings in the nation’s bloody “war on drugs.”
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “consumption of vaporized cannabidiol in 16 mg and 32 mg doses does not appear to affect simulated vehicle driving performance and visual function.”
A study found that “cannabidiol alleviates intestinal fibrosis in mice with ulcerative colitis by regulating transforming growth factor signaling pathway.”
/ BUSINESS
Genesis HealthCare workers in Millville, New Jersey voted to ratify their first contract with United Food and Commercial Workers Local 152.
/ CULTURE
Mike Tyson coauthored an op-ed urging President Donald Trump to enact marijuana reform after “Democrats had their chance to act and failed.”
Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox.
Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
Marijuana Moment is made possible with support from readers. If you rely on our cannabis advocacy journalism to stay informed, please consider a monthly Patreon pledge.
