Police groups back marijuana reform; LA cannabis pardons; Fed health official: “tremendous excitement” on psychedelics; NY psilocybin
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The New Hampshire Senate gave its final passage to a marijuana legalization bill, sending it back to the House of Representatives for concurrence on recent amendments—but reform supporters in that chamber are not happy with the changes, raising questions about its chances of being enacted into law.
The Louisiana Senate amended and approved House-passed bills to decriminalize marijuana paraphernalia and allow the governor to issue pardons for cannabis possession convictions.
Major police groups in California and Oregon are endorsing a congressional bill that would end federal marijuana prohibition in legal states while also legalizing interstate cannabis commerce.
National Institute on Drug Abuse Director Nora Volkow said there is “tremendous excitement” about the therapeutic potential of psychedelics—but added that more research is needed and people should understand “it’s not magic” even though it’s “very promising.”
The chair of the New York Assembly Health Committee filed a bill to legalize psilocybin for adults who obtain a permit after undergoing a health screening and taking an educational course.
New York Office of Cannabis Management Executive Director Chris Alexander resigned, saying he no longer has “confidence in my ability to do my job and lead this team effectively under current circumstances” following Gov. Kathy Hochul’s (D) criticism.
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission voted last year to do away with a requirement that all marijuana deliveries be handled by two drivers in a vehicle—but the policy still remains in place.
/ FEDERAL
Former Surgeon General Jerome Adams tweeted, “A society where individuals are constantly self-medicating with a mind altering substance is a health recipe for disaster. We need an honest conversation about the risks of normalizing widespread marijuana use- especially for kids/ pregnant women/ before driving/ while at work. 🤷🏽♂️”
Rep, Dan Goldman (D-NY) tweeted, “The War on Drugs failed to make our communities safer while disproportionately imprisoning people of color. As its deficiencies become clearer, especially related to marijuana—we must decriminalize marijuana and expunge convictions, allowing the impacted to rebuild their lives.”
The House marijuana banking bill got two new cosponsors for a total of 121.
The House bill to remove past marijuana use as a reason to deny federal employment or security clearances got one new cosponsor for a total of 10.
/ STATES
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee (D) nominated the first administrator of the state’s Cannabis Office.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) touted a court decision to impose a $15.2 million fine on the owner of unlicensed marijuana stores.
A Pennsylvania representative discussed his concerns about legalizing marijuana.
California regulators announced a voluntary recall of marijuana products due to packaging safety issues.
Maine regulators posted an overview of cannabis legislation enacted this session.
Ohio arrests or citations for marijuana paraphernalia possession significantly decreased following the state’s legalization law taking effect, according to a study.
Missouri regulators will host three marijuana licensee workshops next month.
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Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,500 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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/ INTERNATIONAL
Germany’s food and agriculture minister said the country will move to loosen restrictive hemp rules.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Cabinet received an interim report from the country’s Marijuana Commission.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study concluded that “cultivation of hemp in carbon farms is recommended to reduce the carbon footprint and sell carbon units.”
A study found that “rats treated with psilocybin achieve more rewards through increased task engagement, mediated by modification of forgetting rates and reduced loss aversion,” suggesting that “psilocybin may afford an optimism bias that arises through altered belief updating, with translational potential for clinical populations characterised by lack of optimism.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Cato Institute published a blog post about marijuana banking legislation.
/ BUSINESS
WM Technology, Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $44.4 million.
/ CULTURE
Nicki Minaj was arrested for marijuana in The Netherlands.
Wiz Khalifa settled a lawsuit filed by the co-owner of his cannabis brand.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
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