Marijuana gun rights case not impacted by rescheduling, DOJ says; Federal hemp amendments; Senate psychedelics hearing; TN medical cannabis push
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that the Trump administration is moving forward with the process of marijuana rescheduling, more than four months after the president issued an executive order telling the Department of Justice to get it done in “the most expeditious manner.”
- Marijuana products regulated by a state medical cannabis license will immediately move to Schedule III, as will any marijuana products that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Then, beginning on June 29, there will be a new expedited administrative hearing process to consider the broader rescheduling of cannabis.
President Donald Trump said medical cannabis is “the best of all the alternatives” for people with serious illnesses.
- “A lot of people are suffering from big problems, which this seems to be the best answer.”
Trump administration solicitor general John D. Sauer told Supreme Court justices in a new filing that federal marijuana rescheduling should not change the impact of a case they are considering on cannabis consumers’ gun rights.
Lawmakers, advocates and celebrities are weighing in on the Trump administration’s marijuana rescheduling move—with many saying it is long overdue, others arguing it doesn’t go far enough and some expressing concerns about what they fear will be negative consequences of the cannabis reform.
Reps. James Comer (R-KY) and Andy Barr (R-KY) filed amendments to the Farm Bill that would delay the scheduled federal recriminalization of hemp THC products for another year and create a framework for continued legal sales, with new restrictions and clarifications—though Barr withdrew his proposal after submitting it.
The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee scheduled a hearing for next week on a bill to create a new Department of Veterans Affairs office that would promote research on psychedelics and assist in reviewing scheduling status of drugs like psilocybin, ibogaine and MDMA.
A Tennessee lawmaker is calling on Gov. Bill Lee (R) and legislative leaders to convene a special session focused on legalizing medical cannabis in the state as federal marijuana rescheduling advances.
/ FEDERAL
The Drug Enforcement Administration promoted an anti-marijuana group’s “National Anti-420 Day” resources.
Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary spoke about the administration’s moves on psychedelics in a number of TV interviews.
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) withdrew her name as a cosponsor of a bill to let states and Indian tribes opt out of the pending federal recriminalization of hemp THC products.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about steps to combat Chinese-linked illegal marijuana grow operations during a hearing.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (R-MN) tweeted, “I introduced the bipartisan Hemp Safety Enforcement Act with Sen. Rand Paul to protect Minnesota’s hemp industry. A one-size-fits-all federal ban would hurt farmers, brewers, and small businesses. Our bill lets states regulate safely while protecting consumers and jobs.”
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) tweeted about meeting with members of the National Beer Wholesalers Association to discuss “reversing legislative setbacks on hemp that could affect production of hemp-derived beverages.”
/ STATES
The Alaska Senate Judiciary Committee added provisions on keeping marijuana conviction records confidential to an omnibus crime bill.
A Pennsylvania Republican senator said some of his colleagues in his party would rather vote to raise revenue by legalizing marijuana than with a tax increase.
An Oklahoma representative praised President Donald Trump’s psychedelics executive order.
The Michigan Supreme Court is ordering the Court of Appeals to reexamine the legality of the state’s new marijuana wholesale tax.
Montana regulators filed proposed changes to marijuana tracking rules.
Illinois regulators sent a reminder about marijuana business licensing and registration portal accounts.
Colorado regulators will host a hemp symposium on Tuesday.
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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
The Minneapolis, Minnesota City Council approved a proposal to decriminalize drug paraphernalia.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “the biochemical diversity of Cannabis sativa cultivated in Ondo state, Nigeria and its potential as a source of nutrients and bioactive compounds, with high variability across different plant tissues” and that “its antioxidant richness, especially in the composite and stem, suggests potential applications in the nutraceutical, functional food, and pharmaceutical industries.”
A study supports “integration of psychedelic-assisted methods with standard palliative care to enhance end-of-life care.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The chair of the Missouri Republican Party issued a statement supporting President Donald Trump’s psychedelics executive order.
The National Cannabis Industry Association is hosting lobby days on Capitol Hill from May 12-14.
/ BUSINESS
Green Thumb Industries Inc. is expanding its share repurchase program.
High Tide Inc. announced steps to address what it called “potential manipulation of its common shares.”
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