VA head talks psychedelics; MDMA amendment to NDAA; Another PA legalization bill; Health groups push Congress on medical marijuana
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A U.S. Department of Agriculture database describes marijuana as having “medicinal” uses—even as the federal government continues to classify cannabis in Schedule I, which is supposed to be reserved for substances with no medical value.
Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins met with bipartisan members of Congress to discuss psychedelic therapy access for military veterans, saying the department is exploring “new avenues to safely and responsibly help those who have served.”
The House Armed Services Committee approved a National Defense Authorization Act amendment directing the Pentagon to issue a status report on a psychedelic treatment program for active duty military service members and veterans—including “progress, findings, shortfalls, and recommendations to continue and, if necessary, improve the current programs using MDMA to treat patients suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.”
Another Pennsylvania lawmaker filed a marijuana legalization bill, saying the reform “presents an unprecedented economic opportunity” that will “generate revenue, create thousands of jobs and support new businesses.”
Major health groups—including U.S. Pain Foundation, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Epilepsy Foundation of America, AIDS United and Tourette Association of America—are calling on Congress to continue protecting state medical cannabis laws from federal interference.
The Omaha Tribe of Nebraska’s Tribal Council voted to legalize marijuana for recreational and medical use, effective immediately—becoming the first jurisdiction within the state to enact such a far-reaching cannabis reform.
Delaware Marijuana Commissioner Joshua Sanderlin defended the state’s plan to first launch recreational cannabis sales via existing medical dispensaries as a “pretty traditional path forward” despite advocates’ concerns that it leaves new and small equity businesses behind.
/ FEDERAL
Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Todd Lyons said that in recent raids on Glass House Brands facilities, “we were going after a marijuana grow facility, which happens to donate to [California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D)]…with a criminal warrant against an American business that’s harboring and trafficking in illegal immigration…and the forced labor of children.”
The House bill to seal marijuana records got one new cosponsor for a total of three.
/ STATES
A Pennsylvania senator authored an op-ed arguing that marijuana legalization can provide funding for public transit.
California regulators launched “an active investigation” after receiving a complaint that Glass House Brands, which was recently raided by federal officials over immigration issues, had employed minors.
The Utah Medical Cannabis Policy Advisory Board is considering a proposal to increase medical marijuana purchase limits.
New York regulators reached a settlement agreement with two cannabis businesses that found they engaged in prohibited cross-tier conduct, including unauthorized branding and promotion of products under a proprietary dispensary brand.
Minnesota regulators published a list of businesses that are tax delinquent for cannabis product sales.
The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission will meet on Friday.
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/ LOCAL
New York City officials will host a cannabis festival and resource fair on Saturday.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Slovenian lawmakers approved medical cannabis legislation.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study of caregivers of children who use medical cannabis to treat neurological disabilities found that they “reported symptom improvement in their children and improved quality of life for their child and family.”
A study suggested that “adolescent cannabidiol treatment produces dose-dependent antidepressant-like effects of moderate magnitude without compromising long-term cognition in rats.”
/ BUSINESS
Flowhub launched a new ecommerce solution for cannabis businesses.
/ CULTURE
Theo Von hosted a podcast about ibogaine.
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