Feds want anti-marijuana groups’ lawsuit dismissed; PA legalization poll; Target adds new hemp THC drink licenses; NORML consumer freedom survey
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Health and Humans Services Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Director Mehmet Oz filed a brief moving to dismiss a lawsuit from anti-marijuana groups that are suing to block a plan to cover hemp products for eligible patients.
- Notably, the government’s motion to dismiss was prepared in part by Matthew Zorn, a lawyer for HHS who before taking on the federal job led numerous cases suing government agencies on behalf of plaintiffs seeking marijuana and drug policy reform.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) is asking lawmakers to amend a recreational marijuana sales legalization bill—including by pushing back the launch date for the market by six months.
A new poll of Pennsylvania likely voters shows that 69 percent support legalizing marijuana—with majority backing among Republicans, Democrats and independents, and from every age, racial and geographic demographic.
Target is significantly expanding its entry into the hemp-derived THC drinks market by obtaining 72 new lower-potency hemp edible licenses from the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management—one for each of its stores in the state and making it the largest holder of such licenses.
The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws is conducting a survey ahead of 4/20 to find out what cannabis consumers think about freedoms in the jurisdictions where they live.
John Grady of the Slaphappy Hemp Company argues in a new Marijuana Moment op-ed that the hemp industry didn’t kill itself as was claimed in another recent piece but is being targeted by a campaign of “market consolidation dressed as consumer protection.”
- “Something real—something built with care—is being dismantled by people who never had to love it to profit from it.”
A Nebraska senator is pushing back against regulators’ restrictive proposed hemp rules that will classify many products as “adulterated” under the state’s Pure Food Act and block their sales.
/ FEDERAL
A U.S. Army spokesperson addressed the case of a reserve officer who is being disciplined for owning a licensed New York cannabis business by saying that any member “who wrongfully uses, manufactures, and/or distributes marijuana could face action.”
/ STATES
Oklahoma’s attorney general tweeted, “For all the illegal marijuana growers and other operators of organized crime considering a future in Oklahoma. Don’t. We will find you. We will arrest you. And we will continue to send a message that Oklahoma does not tolerate these illegal acts in our state.”
A Missouri regulator discussed proposed rules to license marijuana research facilities.
New York regulators are accepting applications to serve on the Medical Cannabis Advisory Council.
Ohio officials sent an alert about preventing cannabis- and alcohol-related incidents during high school prom and graduation season.
U.S. Virgin Islands regulators sent a reminder about cannabis consumption permits for events ahead of 4/20.
New Jersey regulators will begin accepting applications for a cannabis business loan program on Monday.
The Alaska Marijuana Control Board will meet on Wednesday and Thursday.
The Nevada Cannabis Compliance 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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/ INTERNATIONAL
German lawmakers are pushing officials to more quickly approve cannabis clubs throughout the country.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study confirmed “the sensitivity of glioma, neuroblastoma, and hippocampal neuronal cultures to CBD.”
A study of “intranasal 5-MeO-DMT administered adjunctively to SSRIs demonstrated acceptable safety and tolerability with promising improvements in depressive symptoms.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
Prohibitionist organization Smart Approaches to Marijuana launched a new podcast.
/ BUSINESS
Vireo Growth Inc. and Glass House Brands Inc. announced a joint venture through which each company will contribute its California dispensary operations to the joint entity in exchange for a 50 percent ownership interest.
AYR Wellness Inc. announced the initial closing of the transfer of its Virginia operations into Arboretum Virginia LLC and the closing and initial funding of its new money exit facility with Arboretum.
/ CULTURE
CNN’s Sanjay Gupta will debut a new installment in his ongoing “Weed” series on Sunday.
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