PA marijuana licensing bill; Congressional bill on cannabis/drug testing in hospitals advances; MA psychedelics vote; Hemp & marijuana op-ed
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Food and Drug Administration published a finalized version of guidance aimed at helping researchers studying the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics navigate the “unique challenges” of such investigations—and has also scheduled a public hearing on the issue for September.
The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health approved a bill to require the Department of Health and Human Services to study how prevalent drug testing for marijuana, fentanyl and other drugs is in hospital emergency departments.
The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed an economic development bill that includes provisions to create a five-year pilot program allowing the use of psychedelics to treat mental health conditions.
Pennsylvania representatives filed a bill to award medical marijuana licenses to small, diverse and disadvantaged businesses—with the sponsor saying that the diversity goal included in the program “has not been met due to multistate corporations dominating the Commonwealth’s medical cannabis industry.”
Morgan Tweet of IND HEMP argues in a new Marijuana Moment op-ed that cannabis businesses should support a new proposal called the Goodness of Hemp Act that she says addresses the concerns of regulated operators “while creating a framework that prioritizes consumer protection, market accountability and long-term industry stability.”
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Thailand sent an alert about new customs policies related to cannabis in the country.
Former Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) tweeted that the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) once told him, “Sorry, Cory. I can’t help Colorado solve its marijuana problem. While y’all got potheads, I got Baptists.”
/ STATES
Nebraska’s attorney general spoke about approval of medical cannabis regulations.
A Pennsylvania senator said he doesn’t “currently have the votes to move” his marijuana legalization bill through the committee he chairs.
Members of the Puerto Rico Senate Health Committee are inspecting medical cannabis businesses this week.
A federal judge rejected hemp farmers’ request for more time to appeal dismissal of their lawsuit challenging Maryland product restrictions.
Montana regulators adopted changes to rules on marijuana product recalls.
New York regulators launched new resources to help young people and the adults they trust discuss cannabis.
Missouri regulators published the latest issue of their marijuana podcast.
Oregon regulators will consider a marijuana business stipulated settlement agreement 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.
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/ INTERNATIONAL
An Irish senator authored an op-ed about the need to decriminalize drugs.
Ghana’s government is considering legalizing industrial hemp.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study suggested that “cannabidiol may represent a promising complementary therapeutic strategy for reducing orofacial pain associated with temporomandibular disorders.”
A review concluded that “CBD is useful for people with epilepsy that doesn’t respond to other treatments.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A Concerned Women for America official authored an op-ed arguing that marijuana should remain in Schedule I.
/ BUSINESS
Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. is asking shareholders to approve a reverse stock split in support of a plan to uplist on a major U.S. exchange.
Tilray Brands, Inc. is launching medical cannabis products in Panama.
Quest Diagnostics published an annual report indicating that positive hair drug tests for marijuana and other substances among the U.S. workforce have increased over the last five years.
/ CULTURE
Wrestler Rob Van Dam said marijuana is a “gateway out” of heroin addiction.
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