Incoming VA & NJ govs’ marijuana reform stances; Survey: Cannabis drinks reduce alcohol use; Hemp “loophole” myth; AMA study: Psilocybin use “surged”
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A new Gallup poll shows that a majority of Americans support marijuana legalization but that it has dipped slightly since last year to 64 percent—driven largely by a significant drop among Republicans.
- “The decline in support for legal marijuana is driven by Republicans, whose support has fallen 13 points over the past year.”
Virginia Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger (D) supports legalizing recreational marijuana sales—unlike incumbent Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R), who twice vetoed bills to enact the reform sent to his desk by the Democratic-controlled legislature.
New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill (D) supports allowing home cultivation of marijuana and voted for federal cannabis legalization bills in Congress.
U.S. Hemp Roundtable cofounder and former chair Steve Bevan sent a letter telling congressional leaders that when he helped to write hemp provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill, legalizing intoxicating extracts and derivatives wasn’t a “loophole” but was intentional.
A new study shows that people who drink cannabis beverages see reduced alcohol use and improvements in overall wellbeing and sleep, as well as reductions in pain, stress, depression and anxiety.
A new scientific review published by the American Medical Association shows that use of psilocybin has “surged” in the U.S. in recent years in light of “promising clinical trial results” on its therapeutic potential—but it also says current federal laws present “a major barrier” to researchers gaining a better understanding of the psychedelic substance’s true impacts.
/ FEDERAL
The House bill to protect veterans from losing their benefits over state-legal marijuana use got one new cosponsor for a total of one.
The House bill to designate psychedelic therapy centers of excellence got one new cosponsor for a total of 18.
/ STATES
Pennsylvania’s attorney general sent a press release about a letter he signed with colleagues from other states calling on Congress to recriminalize intoxicating hemp products.
The Omaha Tribe of Nebraska’s attorney general testified about its marijuana program at a legislative hearing.
A New York assemblymember is pushing legislation to authorize oral fluid testing for cannabis to address impaired driving.
California regulators adopted changes to rules on hemp food product serving sizes and age limits.
Washington, D.C. regulators filed proposed changes to medical cannabis rules.
Hawaii regulators launched an outreach and education effort to encourage compliance with a new hemp business registration law.
Minnesota regulators will hold an informational session about a cannabis grant program on Thursday.
Washington State regulators will hold feedback sessions on cannabis rulemaking on Thursday and Friday.
The Oregon Occupational Therapy Licensing Board will hear a presentation on the psilocybin services program on Friday.
Nevada regulators will consider proposed changes to marijuana rules on November 20.
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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.
Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
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/ LOCAL
Revere, Massachusetts voters rejected a ballot question to allow recreational marijuana sales.
Niles Township, Michigan voters approved a ballot measure to ban retail marijuana businesses.
Menominee, Michigan voters approved a ballot measure to cap marijuana dispensaries.
Lima Township, Michigan voters rejected a ballot measure to allow marijuana businesses.
Belville, Ohio voters rejected a ballot measure to allow a marijuana dispensary.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The Canadian government included measures to adjust medical cannabis benefits for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Veterans Affairs Canada in a budget.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “cannabinoids show promise in managing [behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia], with good tolerability and safety.”
A study found that “minor cannabinoids CBD, CBG, CBN and CBC differed in their activation of [Dorsal Root Ganglion] neurons and directed unique activation properties across a diverse population of sensory neurons,” concluding that “such differences [underlie] the hypothesis that a combination (entourage) of complimentary minor cannabinoids can direct synergistic antinociceptive activity.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Orlando Sentinel editorial board is calling on Florida officials to stop impeding the process for a proposed marijuana legalization ballot initiative.
/ BUSINESS
atai Life Sciences shareholders voted to approve the strategic combination with Beckley Psytech Limited, forming Atai Beckley N.V.
Trulieve Cannabis Corp. reported quarterly revenue of $288.2 million and a net loss of $28.8 million. It also issued a notice of redemption for all of its outstanding $368 million worth of senior secured notes.
Cresco Labs Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $164.9 million and a net loss of $22 million.
Aurora Cannabis Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of C$90.4 million and a net loss from continuing operations of C$53.2 million.
Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $64.7 million.
/ CULTURE
American basketball player Jarred Shaw, who is facing severe punishments for possessing cannabis products in Indonesia, is getting support from attorney John Morgan.
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