Trump ally criticizes “psychedelics czar”; Fed court rules for medical marijuana patient; MN tribal & government-run cannabis stores; CA marijuana tax
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Right-wing activist Laura Loomer, whose criticism has appeared to influence the ouster of Trump administration officials in the past, is now complaining about the Department of Health and Human Services hiring a lawyer to serve in a role that has been described as a “psychedelics czar.”
A federal judge rejected Penske Truck Leasing Co.’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit claiming the company violated Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act by rescinding a job offer from a man after learning he was a medical cannabis patient.
A Pennsylvania senator is circulating a memo asking colleagues to support a new marijuana legalization bill he plans to file, saying that “adults should be free to make their own decisions about cannabis use—just as they do with alcohol and tobacco.”
As the White Earth Nation opens the first recreational marijuana dispensary in Minnesota outside of tribal lands, more than a dozen cities and counties have applied for licenses to operate their own government-run cannabis stores.
Nabis CEO Vince C. Ning argues in a new Marijuana Moment op-ed that California lawmakers should pass legislation to cancel a planned cannabis tax rate increase, saying that “the future of California’s cannabis industry depends on it.”
Texas lawmakers sent Gov. Greg Abbott (R) a bill to ban consumable hemp products with any amount of THC, while separately working out a deal on legislation to expand the state’s limited medical cannabis program.
/ FEDERAL
Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) discussed his support for cannabis banking legislation.
/ STATES
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) tweeted about the advancement of Texas legislation to ban hemp products, saying, “Texans, flee the nanny state and come up north to enjoy the land of the free.”
A Missouri representative said the Veterans Commission needs sources of revenue other than marijuana taxes.
Pennsylvania regulators issued revised guidance on medical cannabis research.
New York regulators will host an event on medical cannabis and seniors on Wednesday.
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/ LOCAL
A former Aspen, Colorado City Council member is opening a psychedelic healing center.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Germany’s health minister said he wants to restrict “easily accessible” online medical marijuana prescriptions because “cannabis is an intoxicating drug and can be particularly harmful to adolescents and young adults.
The head of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority suggested that a senator stepped out of a hearing to smoke hash during a contentious exchange.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “cannabinoids hold promise as adjunctive agents in cancer therapy, but further studies are required to address existing knowledge gaps.”
A study found that “public health-oriented recreational cannabis access may decrease cannabis use and cannabis-related harms, especially among those using other drugs.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Lincoln Journal-Star editorial board criticized Nebraska lawmakers for rejecting legislation to implement the voter-approved legalization of medical cannabis.
/ BUSINESS
A National Labor Relations Board judge concluded that Curaleaf violated federal labor laws when laying off Illinois employees.
Canadian retailers sold C$428.4 million worth of legal marijuana products in March.
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