Hemp THC ban pro & con arguments to Congress; MD medical marijuana employment protections; VA cannabis resentencing votes
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case on marijuana consumers’ Second Amendment gun rights, with most justices appearing skeptical of the Trump administration’s defense of the ban—and some suggesting a pending rescheduling action undermines the idea that cannabis consumption makes a person uniquely dangerous and subject to disarmament.
- The lawyer representing the Trump Department of Justice told justices, however, that “the government has not made final decisions with respect to what to do with marijuana” rescheduling yet.
Former Rep. David Trone (D-MD), who owns Total Wine & More, expressed concerns about the looming federal recriminalization of hemp THC products in an appearance at a Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America event.
- “This is now an adult beverage category, whether it’s a beer tonight or a glass of wine or an adult hemp beverage.”
The Virginia House and Senate Courts of Justice Committees amended and approved bills to provide resentencing relief for people with prior marijuana convictions, setting the stage for bicameral negotiations as separate legislation to legalize recreational cannabis sales also advances.
The Maryland Senate Finance Committee approved a bill to protect firefighters and rescue workers from being penalized for off-duty use of medical cannabis, with the sponsor saying marijuana provides a “safer, viable alternative” to opioids.
Law enforcement and anti-drug groups sent a letter urging congressional leaders not to delay the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products from taking effect with a new Farm Bill being marked up this week.
The Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation filed proposed rule changes to target bad actors in the industry, streamline ownership changes, allow publicly traded companies to own cannabis licenses and establish product recall procedures.
/ FEDERAL
The Department of Defense inspector general reportedly stalled a review into the Trump administration’s deadly military strikes on suspected drug boats.
The Drug Enforcement Administration promoted an article about a study that found teens who use marijuana are “twice as likely to develop psychotic or bipolar disorders.”
Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) discussed his support for cannabis law reform.
/ STATES
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun (R) deflected a question about marijuana reform to lawmakers.
The Omaha Tribe of Nebraska’s attorney general discussed plans to move forward with a medical cannabis program despite pushback from state officials.
The Iowa House Economic Growth and Technology Committee approved a bill to classify hemp as an agricultural commodity.
The Oregon House Committee on Economic Development, Small Business, and Trade rejected a bill to enact new restrictions on cannabis edibles.
Illinois marijuana and hemp bills advanced to the Senate Cannabis Committee.
Here’s a look at where North Carolina legislature candidates stand on legalizing medical cannabis.
California regulators are moving to change rules on multipack cannabis goods.
Washington State regulators published an updated list of pesticides allowed in the production of marijuana.
Michigan regulators filed a complaint against a marijuana business over alleged violations.
Kentucky regulators are hosting a series of medical cannabis informational webinars.
The New York Cannabis Control Board will meet on Thursday.
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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
A San Francisco, California supervisor is proposing legislation to ban retail sales of nitrous oxide.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Ghana’s interior minister said the country’s launch of a medical cannabis program is “about job creation, medicine and revenue, not about recreational use of drugs.”
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “CBD could be an effective pharmacological intervention to prevent the enlargement of the secondary wave of” traumatic brain injury.
A review concluded that “cannabinoid-based therapies may reduce pain in some patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Wall Street Journal editorial board weighed in on the case on marijuana consumers’ gun rights that’s before the U.S. Supreme Court, saying, “to regain the Second Amendment’s protection, all they have to do is quit.”
New York Times reporter Robert Draper wrote about his experiences using ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT at a clinic in Mexico.
/ BUSINESS
Tilray Brands, Inc. acquired BrewDog.
The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. announced that an ad hoc group of noteholders of its senior secured notes and senior secured convertible note agreed to a further extension and to forbear from exercising any of their rights and remedies under the amended and restated indenture.
/ CULTURE
Paul McCartney discussed his 1980 arrest for marijuana in Japan in a new documentary.
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