PA AG on legalization; CO marijuana bill to gov; TX cannabis & ibogaine votes; IL marijuana odor bill; Study: Legalization reduce workers comp costs
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Jeanine Pirro, President Donald Trump’s new nominee for acting U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, joined the board of a CBD company—in contrast to her predecessor in the role who sent a threat letter to a locally licensed medical cannabis dispensary.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday (R) said he doesn’t currently support pending marijuana legalization legislation but is leaving the door open to potentially backing the policy change in the future.
Colorado lawmakers sent Gov. Jared Polis (D) a bill to streamline marijuana regulations by reducing certain restrictions on cannabis businesses.
The Texas House of Representatives gave initial approval to a bill to significantly expand access to medical cannabis by adding new qualifying conditions, approving additional product forms and authorizing new dispensary licenses.
The Texas House of Representatives gave initial approval to a Senate-passed bill to create a grants program to support clinical trials on the therapeutic potential of ibogaine, with the aim of encouraging Food and Drug Administration approval of the psychedelic.
The Illinois House Judiciary – Criminal Committee approved a Senate-passed bill to clarify that police may not stop or detain drivers, or search their vehicles, based solely on the smell of marijuana—and to remove a requirement that cannabis be transported in odor-proof containers.
A new study shows that while legalizing marijuana is tied to a “gradual increase” in workers’ compensation claims, “per-claim medical payments declined” and “the number of pain medication prescriptions, including opioid prescriptions, declined.”
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission is pushing the legislature for a budget increase to cover infrastructure updates that regulators say can help address key issues, but lawmakers are skeptical.
Nebraska families whose loved ones stand to benefit from medical cannabis spoke at a series of lawmaker-hosted forums about the need to implement the will of the voters who approved legalization ballot measures last year.
/ FEDERAL
The Environmental Protection Agency said a public comment about the environmental effects of cannabis cultivation is not germane to a rule on Tehama County, California’s air quality plan.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) cited hemp legalization as an issue he and other colleagues successfully implemented, saying, “I reintroduced Ron Paul’s bill and offered it as an amendment to the 2014 Farm Bill and it became law. This is why you can buy CBD now.”
/ STATES
Rhode Island lawmakers spoke about their legislation to direct cannabis revenue to a new Disproportionately Impacted Areas Investment Fund.
An Oklahoma representative discussed his bill to smooth the medical cannabis business licensing process.
A former Maine senator authored an op-ed in support of federal marijuana rescheduling.
New York regulators halted sales of several brands of cannabis products amid an investigation into whether they were made with legally approved ingredients produced in the state.
California regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to labeling that is attractive to children.
A member of the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission stepped down.
A Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice review found that there was a decrease in marijuana-related intake complaints for youth since FY 2021.
Michigan regulators published guidance about hemp in food and dairy products.
Maryland regulators posted resources about the Cannabis Business Assistance Fund.
Missouri regulators published guidance on marijuana purchase and possession limits.
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/ LOCAL
Denver, Colorado’s mayor signed an ordinance updating the city’s marijuana laws.
/ INTERNATIONAL
French President Emmanuel Macron’s office is pushing back against claims that he was pictured removing a bag of cocaine from a table at a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that rheumatoid arthritis “patients using cannabis had lower mortality, depression, chronic pain, and anxiety, but higher risks of opioid, nicotine, and alcohol use.”
A study suggested that “psychedelics can be used to target neuroimmune interactions relevant to neuropsychiatric disorders and potentially other inflammatory diseases.”
/ BUSINESS
Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $128 million and a net loss of $19.3 million.
Organigram Global Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of C$65.6 million.
Curaleaf’s CEO alleged that New York officials are using “un-American” tactics to stymie larger marijuana businesses.
Springbig has a new CEO and other executives.
Arizona retailers sold $82 million of recreational marijuana products in March.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
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