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Marihuana News for Tuesday April 5th





TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to expand research on marijuana—including by letting scientists study products from dispensaries. The Senate approved a separate cannabis science bill last month.
Democratic Cannabis Caucus Co-chairs Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Barbara Lee (D-CA) told Marijuana Moment that GOP Co-chair Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) voting against the only legalization bill that’s advancing in Congress does not undermine the bipartisan group’s work.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) didn’t buy any marijuana when she visited a dispensary on the first day of legal sales—but she says she might in the future, because legalization is “going to stay forever.”
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) announced that the state is auctioning off another round of marijuana-themed license plates—including ones reading, "WEED," "420," "BONGWTR,” "BLUNT," "TERPENE," "TOKER," "VISINE" and "NORML—to raise money for programs to aid disabled people.
The South Carolina House Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee heard hours of testimony on a Senate-passed medical cannabis bill.
The Maryland House Appropriations Committee held a hearing on a Senate-passed bill to create a state fund to provide "cost-free" access to psychedelics like psilocybin, MDMA and ketamine for military veterans suffering from PTSD and traumatic brain injury.
 
Moar Marihuana News



/ FEDERAL
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit accusing Customs and Border Protectionof illegally detaining more than 3,000 pounds of hemp.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) said she expects a hearing on her marijuana legalization bill to take place in the House Oversight Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Subcommittee.

Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) tweeted, "I’m deeply disappointed the president’s proposed FY23 budget prohibits DC from using its local funds to commercialize recreational marijuana. It’s difficult to reconcile the budget with his support for #DCStatehood, which would end congressional interference in DC local affairs."

Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ) tweeted, "Too many Black entrepreneurs have been kept out of New Jersey's cannabis industry. We need to do more to create equality in this important, emerging marketplace."

Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) will hold a telephone town hall on "the state and federal landscape on cannabis" on Tuesday.

Ohio Democratic congressional candidate Nina Turner tweeted, "People are incarcerated for using cannabis while others are legally profiting from it in this country. Legalize it, erase convictions, and make the cannabis industry equitable for Black and brown communities that have been devastated by its criminalization."



STATES
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) tweeted about a new public education effort, saying, "After adult-use cannabis was legalized, we promised to provide New Yorkers with the tools to stay healthy. That's why we’ve started Cannabis Conversations, to share information on who can consume, where to consume, & how to consume safely." Separately, regulators opened a 60-day public comment period on proposed marijuana dispensary conditional licensing rules. They also launched a web portal for localities to report repealing bans on cannabis businesses.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said he thinks medical cannabis dispensaries will be able to sell adult-use marijuana within weeks, and that standalone recreational stores are "a couple of months" away. Separately, the Assembly speaker said he met with regulators to express lawmakers' "frustration" with the time it is taking for the state to launch sales.

Maryland Democratic gubernatorial candidate John King, a former U.S. education secretary, tweeted, "I fully support cannabis legalization in Maryland, and will make implementing legalized cannabis in an equitable way a top priority as governor. I urge Governor Hogan to sign this bill and put cannabis on the ballot."

Texas Republican attorney general candidate George P. Bush said he would challenge municipalities that move to reduce marijuana arrests.

The Missouri Senate approved a bill that includes provisions to allow medical cannabis businesses to deduct expenses on their state taxes

Minnesota's House majority leader tweeted, "Cannabis laws were designed to and, tragically, have been effective at criminalizing people from our communities of color, especially the African Americans. I will continue to push for legalization of cannabis as Majority Leader."

The Louisiana House Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee approved a bill to outlaw smoking marijuana in a moving car.

A Colorado representative who is one of the four handpicked candidates being backed by a new anti-marijuana super PAC that launched last week has tweeted in support of the House passing a federal legalization bill.

An Arkansas campaign says it has collected 35,000 signatures in support of a proposed marijuana legalization initiative.

Nevada regulators proposed revised hemp rules.

Pennsylvania regulators published guidance on taxation of various hemp-derived products.

Michigan regulators are accepting proposals for veterans marijuana research grants.

West Virginia regulators posted a list of licensed hemp businesses.
 
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The Weed News never stops!




TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said he is reaching out to Republicans “to see what they want” included in a federal marijuana legalization bill he hopes to file “towards the end of April” with Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
National Institute on Drug Abuse Director Nora Volkow said the Schedule I status of psychedelics has made it "extremely hard to do research” on the effects of substances like psilocybin and has "slowed down the process enormously.”
The Washington, D.C. Council narrowly defeated a measure to effectively legalize recreational marijuana sales by letting adults “self-certify” for medical cannabis without a doctor’s recommendation. Concerns were raised over separate provisions to crack down on unlicensed businesses.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation reported that recreational marijuana sales have rebounded following a dip in the first two months of this year. March saw the state’s second highest ever monthly adult-use cannabis sales total.
A new federally funded study found that feeding hemp to cows helps reduce their stress levels and results in them spending more time lying down.
 
It just keeps coming and coming..

FEDERAL
The U.S. Border Patrol said it will "continue to take appropriate enforcement action against those who are encountered in possession of marijuana anywhere in the United States" despite New Mexico's legalization law.

Every House member of the Congressional Black Caucus sent a letter urging Senate leaders to hold a vote on House-passed legislation to eliminate the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine.

Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) said he plans to file legislation to protect Indian tribes' marijuana programs from federal interference.

Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ) gave a House floor speech about his vote in favor of a federal marijuana legalization bill.

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) delivered a House floor speech about his amendment to a marijuana legalization bill to fund research on technology to detect impaired driving.

Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) tweeted, "Thankful my bipartisan Medical Marijuana Research Act passed in the House tonight! This important bill will remove barriers & empower researchers who will educate us all about the potential benefits and risks of marijuana use. It’s high time we get this done!"

Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) expressed skepticism about drug harm reduction policies during a House hearing.

Rep. John Yarmuth (D-KY) spoke about public support for legalizing marijuana.

Kentucky Democratic congressional candidate Conor Halbleib tweeted, "Hal Rogers is more interested in continuing the prison industrial complex than improving the lives of his constituents. I will vote to decriminalize marijuana for the people. Time for a change."

The House bill to expand marijuana research got two new cosponsors for a total of 11.
 
There is still moar weed News!




STATES
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) tweeted about regulators' new cannabis public education effort, as did the Assembly majority leader.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R) tweeted a video of the Health Department director discussing medical cannabis oversight.

Georgia lawmakers failed to reach a deal on legislation to reform the state's medical cannabis business licensing system by the end of the session.

The Louisiana House of Representatives debated, but did not vote on, a bill that would reinstate the possibility of jail time for minors caught possessing marijuana.

The California Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee approved a bill to require cities to allow medical cannabis access, either through delivery or storefronts. Separately, the Senate Public Safety Committee approved a bill to increase penalties for water theft or pollution related to marijuana cultivation.

A Pennsylvania senator authored an op-ed saying she is "concerned" about how fellow lawmakers are considering legalizing marijuana.

A Colorado Republican Senate candidate says he sold marijuana while in college.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial court will hear arguments in a case about municipal marijuana licensing jurisdiction on Wednesday.

Rhode Island regulators issued a recall of medical cannabis products from Summit Medical Compassion Center due to "significant presence of" delta-8 THC.

A consulting firm hired by Arkansas regulators to score medical cannabis business license applications is being sued for allegedly steering licenses to certain companies while failing to disclose conflicts of interest.

Washington State regulators posted questions and answers on new cannabis quality control rules and timelines.

Iowa regulators sent a reminder that the 2022 hemp licensing window closes on April 15.

The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority included an update on its cannabis-funded community reinvestment grants program in its annual report.
 
The Weed News for Thursday April 7 , 2022



TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Delaware representative who sponsored a marijuana legalization bill that fell narrowly short on the House floor last month has a new two-track approach to first legalize possession and then pass separate legislation to regulate cannabis sales. New tentative support for the latter measure from the House speaker, who otherwise opposes legalization, could push it along.
Naval War College officials sent a warning claiming that a new hemp seed oil-infused Rockstar Energy drink from Pepsi "will cause you and your Sailors to pop-positive on drug tests.”
The Colorado House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee approved a bill to legalize MDMA therapy in the state when it gets federal Food and Drug Administration approval. The panel also defeated a separate psychedelics task force bill at the sponsor's request as activists pursue legalization ballot measures.
A new Marijuana Policy Project report found that states generated more than $3.7 billion in tax revenue from recreational marijuana sales in 2021. That doesn’t even include medical cannabis sales, application and licensing fees or industry worker income taxes.
A new study found that legalizing marijuana is tied to at least a 10 percent decrease in foster care admissions, including reductions in placements for physical abuse, neglect, parental incarceration and misuse of alcohol and other drugs. It also estimated that foster care systems would see $675 million a year in cost savings under national legalization.
 
The rest of the News.




FEDERAL
White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Rahul Guptatestified in a lawsuit accusing pharmaceutical manufacturers of contributing to the opioid crisis.

The Forest Service sent a reminder that marijuana is still banned in the Santa Fe National Forest despite New Mexico's legalization law.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said licensed hemp businesses are eligible for the Rural Cooperative Development Grant program.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) tweeted, "Americans are sending a clear message—they want an end to cannabis prohibition. That’s why @SenBooker,@RonWyden, and I are working to pass our Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act to end federal the prohibition and undo the harms of the War on Drugs."

Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) said she is "going to keep pushing the DEA and political name Administration for answers" on a case where terminally ill cancer patients are seeking access to psilocybin therapy under the "Right to Try" law.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) tweeted, "It is time to legalize marijuana nationwide and expunge past convictions."

House Democrats tweeted, "Black & Latino people serving long sentences while others make millions in profit is unjust. That’s why House Democrats passed the MORE Act to: ✅Expunge records. ✅Prioritize those harmed by the War on Drugs in the legal market. ✅Decriminalize cannabis federally. #WeNeedMORE"

Rep. David Price (D-NC) tweeted, "As a proud cosponsor, I am pleased that the House has passed the MORE Act. This comprehensive bill will: ➡️Decriminalize cannabis on the federal level ➡️Expunge records of past cannabis charges ➡️Expand cannabis research ➡️Invest in communities most impacted by the War on Drugs"

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) tweeted, "Overall, Black Americans are 3.5 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than whites, despite using at near-identical rates. Legalizing pot is a civil rights issue. We passed the MORE Act to legalize marijuana in the House last week. Time for the Senate to act."

Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) tweeted, "The majority of Americans agree—we’ve got millions of people serving time for outdated marijuana charges, which do nothing to get people back on their feet. By passing the #MOREact we are moving towards a smarter, more compassionate approach to our criminal justice system."

Louisiana Democratic Senate candidate Gary Chambers said the image of a cannabis consumer in 2022 should be "a United States senator."

The Senate bill to require the Department of Veterans Affairs to study medical cannabis got one new cosponsor for a total of two.

 
Moar Pot News.





STATES
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) spoke about his support for marijuana reform in an interview on the National Cannabis Industry Association's podcast.

Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried, currently the agriculture commissioner, spoke about her support for legalizing marijuana.

The Louisiana House of Representatives approved a bill to make it illegal to smoke or vape marijuana in a moving vehicle.

The Washington, D.C. Council sent a press release about members' decision not to act on cannabis legislation.

The Missouri House Special Committee on Criminal Justice held a hearing on a resolution to put a marijuana legalization referendum on the ballot. Separately, a former state Supreme Court chief justice and a former lawmaker coauthored an op-ed arguing that the legislature should pass a marijuana legalization bill instead of letting activists put the issue on the ballot.

Massachusetts senators have filed more than 30 amendments ahead of a Thursday debate on a marijuana reform bill.

A Pennsylvania court ruled that being a medical cannabis patient is not an affirmative defense to a driving under the influence charge. Separately, the chairman of the Senate Law and Justice Committee authored an op-ed about his support for legalizing marijuana.

The Maryland Court of Special Appeals admonished defense attorneys to not confuse marijuana decriminalization with legalization when trying to suppress evidence found in police searches.

A New Mexico judge ordered regulators to allow a cannabis producer to sell some untainted cannabis products after others were found to contain mold.

Michigan regulators launched a new monthly cannabis business disciplinary action report.

The New York Department of Labor posted a new webpage on cannabis industry workforce development. And regulators posted a new webpage with information on the cannabis excise taxes. Separately, a senator plans to announce legislation on Thursday to require cannabis businesses to create a plan to invest in communities disproportionately impacted by the drug war.

Iowa regulators posted a report on the medical cannabidiol program.

The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission will meet on Thursday.
 

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