Trump drug official blames marijuana for deaths; NC hemp restriction vote delayed; PR gov signs psychedelics executive order
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A White House spokesperson rejected claims that the administration’s push to delay the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products is aimed at helping the business interests of President Donald Trump’s chief of staff’s son-in-law.
- The White House confirmed to Marijuana Moment that the administration supports a funding bill’s provision to delay the ban, and several sources separately said that the president himself called Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) this week to discuss his amendment to keep the prohibition on track for November.
- And White House Director of Legislative Affairs James Braid reportedly committed during a “tense” meeting with Senate Republicans that there would be no further extensions of the hemp ban’s effective date if the current proposal is enacted.
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy’s chief medical officer claimed that “the number one drug of addiction is marijuana”—arguing that it is important to “remember the victims of marijuana, the people who’ve died from marijuana harms.”
The North Carolina House of Representatives delayed a vote on a bill to ban hemp THC products until at least November amid pushback from Gov. Josh Stein (D) and industry advocates, with the speaker saying the legislature shouldn’t pass something that has “unintended consequences.”
Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González (R) signed an executive order to boost development of emerging therapies—including psychedelics such as ibogaine, psilocybin and MDMA.
A University of Kentucky researcher who helped lead a study showing that THC and CBD from marijuana can help late-stage dementia patients feel less agitation said it is an “oversight” that the state’s medical cannabis program doesn’t include dementia as a qualifying condition.
/ FEDERAL
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials detained a University of Maryland professor whose research focuses on cannabinoid receptors.
A spokesperson for Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said he is “firmly opposed” to delaying the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products.
Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) was pressed on the last time he used illegal drugs, saying it was “several years ago.”
South Carolina Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mark Lynch said during a debate that there is “no way that I’m for legalizing marijuana and cocaine.”
/ STATES
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) tweeted, “Colorado and Texas have taken very different approaches to personal freedoms – as in Colorado actually supports freedom. Colorado protects access to reproductive healthcare and recreational cannabis, while Texas has been going in the opposite direction.”
The attorneys general of California, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Mexico and South Dakota sent press releases about a letter they signed calling on Congress not to delay the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products.
Here’s a look at where Massachusetts lawmakers and legislative candidates stand on a ballot initiative to roll back marijuana legalization.
Mississippi regulators published guidance about the federal Drug Enforcement Administration’s registration process for medical cannabis businesses.
Maryland regulators are launching a free telephone helpline for medical cannabis patients.
New Jersey regulators published information about the differences between inhaling and ingesting cannabis.
Michigan regulators entered into consent orders under which a marijuana business will surrender its license and close over alleged violations.
Illinois regulators published a list of licensed cannabis businesses.
California regulators sent updates on various cannabis issues.
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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 former Fletcher, North Carolina police chief authored an op-ed urging state lawmakers not to ban hemp THC products.
Brown County, Wisconsin police used Flock cameras to track a man who traveled to neighboring Michigan to buy legal marijuana.
/ INTERNATIONAL
A Canadian judge ordered the Human Rights Commission to reopen a discrimination complaint filed by a patient who claims Scotiabank improperly revoked his mortgage because he was growing medical cannabis at home.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “CBD favorably modulates the proteolytic system on the cuticle of honeybees.”
A review concluded that “psychedelic therapies, particularly MDMA-assisted therapy, represent a potential breakthrough by targeting the underlying causes of PTSD rather than merely suppressing symptoms.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Family Research Council is supporting an amendment to keep the planned federal recriminalization of hemp THC products on track for November.
/ BUSINESS
Green Thumb Industries Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $306.7 million.
Verano Holdings Corp. reported quarterly net revenue of $217.9 million and a net loss of $13.4 million.
Aurora Cannabis Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of C$67.6 million and a net loss of C$4 million.
Grown Rogue International Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $11.3 million and a net loss of $1.5 million.
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas launched new online Cannabis Career Certificate programs.
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