IN gov on marijuana; MA psychedelics votes; NY medical cannabis bill; WNBA offers to end marijuana testing; OH hemp restrictions
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun (R) said the state is “probably going to have to address” marijuana legalization to “make sure that we’re not the state that’s lagging most” as its neighbors enact cannabis reform.
Idaho activists have collected enough signatures for a medical cannabis legalization initiative to exceed the statewide threshold for ballot qualification—though it’s unclear how many are valid and if they’re met a separate requirement for regional distribution of petitions.
The Massachusetts legislature’s Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery approved legislation to create pilot programs allowing eligible patients to access psilocybin and other psychedelics.
The New York Senate Health Committee approved a bill on reciprocity for out-of-state medical cannabis patients and pre-rolled joints in the medical marijuana program—even though both are already allowed under state law.
The Women’s National Basketball Association reportedly offered to end marijuana testing as part of a collective bargaining agreement with the WNBA Players Association that has now been agreed to by league and union representatives, though the full text of the deal has not yet been released or ratified.
An Ohio law adding restrictions on hemp THC products and rolling back consumers’ rights under the voter-approved marijuana legalization law took effect after a referendum effort to block the changes failed.
The South Carolina Senate voted to approve a bill to keep hemp THC beverages and gummies legal, with some restrictions on where they can be sold in certain forms.
The Nebraska legislature approved a bill to protect doctors who recommend medical cannabis from civil, criminal or disciplinary action—though another vote is still required for final passage.
The Missouri Court of Appeals Southern District ordered regulators to award marijuana business license applications to a company—finding that scoring on its applications was inconsistent and, in one case, performed by a grader whose qualifications were never established.
/ FEDERAL
The Department of Defense is asking a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit from a former contractor who claims he improperly lost his job after refusing to answer questions about past marijuana use.
The Drug Enforcement Administration published a list of exempt chemical preparations under the Controlled Substances Act.
Former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) and former Rep. Mimi Walters (R-CA) are facing complaints alleging improper lobbying and information dissemination, respectively, related to psychedelics reform advocacy.
/ STATES
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) signed a bill allowing police to administer roadside saliva drug tests during impaired driving traffic stops.
California regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to the distillate being from an unknown and unidentifiable source. Separately, regulators will host a cannabis listening session on Monday.
Minnesota regulators announced a recall of marijuana products that do not meet THC content or labeling requirements.
Colorado regulators issued a health and safety advisory about marijuana products that exceed regulatory limits for the pesticide chlorfenapyr.
Montana regulators adopted rules on marijuana testing quality assurance protocols and synthetic cannabinoids.
An audit by the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts found five instances in which medical cannabis regulators did not follow state laws or regulations, including an overpayment of $200,000 for a legal contract.
Michigan regulators filed a complaint against a marijuana business over alleged violations.
Virginia regulators published an overview of cannabis-related legislation approved by lawmakers this session.
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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 Clark County, Nevada Commission approved a hemp product regulation measure.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Colombian President Gustavo Petro is reportedly under investigation by U.S. authorities over potential ties to drug traffickers.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “medical cannabis can enhance pain management, sleep quality, and physical function while dramatically lowering the use of opioids.”
A study’s results “support a mechanistic rationale for the enhanced efficacy of whole mushroom extracts over isolated psilocybin and underscore the therapeutic potential of other constituent compounds.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
Amnesty International Canada is criticizing the Ontario, Canada government’s plan to defund safe consumption sites for illegal drugs.
/ BUSINESS
Colorado retailers sold $108.8 million worth of legal marijuana products in December.
/ CULTURE
Jimmy Kimmel joked that Transportation Security Administration agents are going to have to start selling the marijuana they confiscate due to lapsed funding for their agency.
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