Senator touts hemp research funding; TX medical marijuana rules unveiled as hemp ban advances again; Study: Cannabis as opioid alternative for pain
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) touted her successful amendment to provide half a million dollars in funding to support research on hemp fiber, calling the cannabis plant “one of the oldest and most versatile crops in agriculture.”
The Texas Senate State Affairs Committee unanimously approved a bill to ban consumable hemp products with any amount of THC, hours after Gov. Greg Abbott (R) called a second special legislative session with hemp regulation on the agenda.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission posted draft proposed rules detailing how doctors can recommend new medical cannabis qualifying conditions and laying out regulations for pulmonary inhalation devices for low-THC marijuana.
The American Trucking Associations sent a letter telling Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy it is “deeply concerned” about the potential impact of federal marijuana rescheduling on drug testing programs for drivers.
A new study of chronic pain patients found that “the introduction of cannabinoids can produce useful reductions in opioid consumption in real-world settings, with additional benefits for disability and insomnia.”
- “Opioid consumption decreased significantly after both 6 and 12 months. Physical activity and sleep also improved. These findings indicate that medicinal cannabis can help patients to reduce their opioid consumption and improve their physical activity and sleep.”
Texas crime lab officials told lawmakers considering a ban on hemp products with any amount of THC that they don’t have enough resources to test cannabis as they prioritize processing fentanyl and sexual assault kits.
Indian tribes are increasingly seeing opportunity in hemp-derived THC products and the cannabis industry more broadly, even in tribal communities located within states that continue to criminalize marijuana.
/ FEDERAL
Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator Terrance Cole was named emergency police commissioner for Washington, D.C., though the move was later reversed amid litigation over the issue.
Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) said that “Mexican cartels are involved in the marijuana farms in Oklahoma and Colorado, and they are smuggling that into states like Kansas, where marijuana is illegal, addicting our youngsters, especially to those types of drugs.”
/ STATES
Florida’s attorney general announced the arrest of a petition gatherer working in support of a proposed marijuana legalization ballot initiative for allegedly submitting a dead woman’s signature.
New York regulators are being sued by marijuana businesses over a zoning rule mix-up that threatens to force dozens of dispensaries to move or close.
The Massachusetts state auditor published a report criticizing regulators’ oversight of the cannabis industry. Separately, regulators filed proposed rules for marijuana social consumption businesses.
California regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to the use of CBD isolate from an unknown and unidentifiable source.
Louisiana regulators are asking a federal judge to pause a lawsuit challenging hemp rules while federal policy on the issue is settled.
Maryland regulators published updated guidance on cannabis micro dispensaries.
Missouri regulators issued a variance to allow variety packs of certain edible marijuana-infused products.
Minnesota’s top marijuana regulator spoke about efforts to license businesses, including microbusinesses.
The Utah Medical Cannabis Policy Advisory Board will meet on Tuesday.
Michigan regulators will host an event about terpene profiles and best practices for vaporized products on September 11.
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/ LOCAL
New York City’s mayor announced a proposal to allow involuntary commitment of people with substance use disorders.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The Philippine Senate Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms is investigating the alleged use of marijuana in the legislative chamber by a staffer.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review suggested that “cannabidiol may benefit blood pressure control, specifically with prolonged use in hypertensive patients.”
A study found that “hemp seeds represent a sustainable, nutrient-dense food ingredient with momentous potential to support health and diversify agricultural economies.”
/ BUSINESS
Tilray Brands, Inc. submitted an application requesting an extension to regain compliance with Nasdaq’s listing standards regarding price per share.
Curalef Inc. employees in Maryland secured class status in a lawsuit accusing the company of stealing tips.
Cresco Labs Inc. closed a $325 million senior secured term loan refinancing.
Michigan retailers sold $274.7 million worth of legal marijuana products in July.
/ CULTURE
Bill Maher referenced his meeting earlier this year with President Donald Trump in light of the administration’s consideration of marijuana rescheduling, joking, “And they say it wasn’t smart to have dinner with him.”
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