UT gov signs psychedelics bill; Canadian Conservative leader’s marijuana stance; CO cannabis biz compliance checks; GA medical marijuana expansion
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released the first official details about a pilot program to provide insurance coverage for hemp-derived CBD products starting on April 1—confirming that up to 3 milligrams of THC will be allowed but noting that could change if a law recently signed by President Donald Trump to recriminalize hemp THC products takes effect without delay.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R) signed a bill to support clinical trials into the efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapy for military veterans with serious mental health conditions.
Canadian Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre said using marijuana is a “personal choice” when discussing the country’s legalization law with Joe Rogan—even though he actually voted against the policy change that was led by the Liberal Party.
A new report from the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division shows that cannabis businesses had a 99 percent success rate in underage sales compliance checks.
Georgia lawmakers passed a bill to expand medical cannabis access by allowing vaping, adding new qualifying conditions and increasing THC potency limits, sending it to the desk of Gov. Brian Kemp (R).
A New Mexico representative celebrated newly approved funding to provide psilocybin therapy access for low-income patients, saying she’s considering further legislation to make adjustments to or address any gaps in the program next year.
About $95 million in Missouri marijuana revenue that is supposed to be allocated to funding veterans services, public defenders and drug treatment programs remains unspent.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that the federal government must cover legal fees for an ayahuasca church following a settlement.
U.S. Southern Command’s Gen. Francis L. Donovan said at a Senate hearing that U.S. military strikes on suspected drug boats “aren’t the answer” to the country’s drug problems.
The Drug Enforcement Administration touted a “surge enforcing a ban on selling THC vape products to youth.”
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) reportedly spent nearly $19,000 in campaign cash last year on a psychiatrist who specializes in ketamine therapy, though it’s not clear what the sessions consisted of or who participated.
/ STATES
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo (R) appointed a new acting director for the Cannabis Compliance Board.
The New Jersey Senate passed a bill to change deadlines for a phased-on ban on intoxicating hemp products.
The Delaware House of Representatives passed a bill to clarify that rules on distance between cannabis businesses only apply to dispensaries and not production or wholesale facilities.
Colorado lawmakers are planning to file legislation to loosen restrictions on hemp THC beverages.
California’s new top marijuana regulator discussed his plans for overseeing the legal market.
The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority Board of Directors will meet on April 8.
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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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/ LOCAL
The Boston, Massachusetts Cannabis Board will meet on Wednesday.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare listed cannabinol as a “designated drug,” meaning that its manufacture, import, sale and use will be banned as of June 1.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “CBD-rich cannabis oil may reduce ADHD symptoms in children with” autism spectrum disorder.
A review concluded that “CBD demonstrated strong positive effects in terms of reducing symptoms associated with anxiety across various disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder).”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
March For Our Lives sent a fundraising email stating its support for the federal law banning gun possession by consumers of marijuana and other illegal drugs that is currently before the U.S. Supreme Court..
/ BUSINESS
PharmaCann Inc. is closing a Denver, Colorado cultivation facility and laying off 132 workers.
Canadian retailers sold C$466.1 million worth of legal marijuana products in January.
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