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Sorry brother Hopper...
I'll be a good little Independant now ;)
No need to apologize my friend. I'm as guilty as anyone here. I get pissed and forget. And i also am an independent,,,, although i lean right especially with the bullshit that is going on in our Country right now.
 
End of the week News.





TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Arkansas Supreme Court ruled that votes will be counted on the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot after all. The justices reversed a Board of Election Commissioners determination that the ballot title is misleading.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) said he wants the federal government to legalize marijuana even though he opposes enacting the policy change in his own state.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) said he received an initial report from the Medical Cannabis Advisory Committee he formed and that "there will be some actions forthcoming."
At a House Ways & Means Committee meeting on healthcare legislation, Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) noted the therapeutic role of psychedelics like psilocybin, which he says have "real potential" as alternative mental health therapies with "less impact" than pharmaceuticals.
Reps. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) and Brett Guthrie (R-KY) sent a letter demanding that the Food and Drug Administration explain its delay in enacting regulations for CBD products.
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) signed an executive order creating an Advisory Task Force on Recreational Marijuana to review the state's cannabis taxes, fees and regulations, and make recommendations for improvements.
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A new report from Leafly and Whitney Economics shows how local marijuana business bans end up bolstering an illicit cannabis market that sells unregulated products without regard for age limits, testing and tax revenue.
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The Oregon Health Authority announced that behavioral health funds made available under the state's voter-approved drug decriminalization law have now been released to counties to support treatment and other services.
 
FEDERAL
The National Institute on Drug Abuse's strategic new plan says it will explore "novel therapeutic strategies—including the use of psychedelic, cannabinoid, and kratom compounds" as potential substance use disorder treatments. It will also examine the medical uses for cannabis and the impact of changing marijuana policies.

U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit declined to reconsider a ruling that overturned Maine's residency requirements for medical cannabis business owners based on the Dormant Commerce Clause.

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO) spoke at the launch event for prohibitionist organization Smart Approaches to Marijuana's Parent Action Network.

Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) tweeted that she met with cannabis companies "to talk about the development of a regulatory pathway for the sale of hemp-derived cannabidiol. We need to protect and promote this industry."

Alaska Democratic Senate candidate Pat Chesbro tweeted, "As Senator, I'll fight to de-schedule cannabis products at the federal level, as well as work to correct the harm that past drug laws have brought on Americans. I'll also support the SAFE Act to bring banking to legal canna-business."

New York Republican congressional candidate Tina Forte said her family's experience with drug arrests has "given me insights to the reforms we desperately need, including decriminalization of marijuana, expungement of marijuana violations, and restoring rights for nonviolent offenders."



STATES
The state of Pennsylvania's official Twitter account promoted the governor's Marijuana Pardon Project, saying, "In Pennsylvania, we believe in second chances."

A Florida representative tweeted, "Cannabis legalization can ensure that thousands of nonviolent offenders have their records expunged. It will be an economic boon for our state that creates jobs and respects our freedoms. When re-elected, I'll continue our bipartisan work to move Florida towards legalization!"

New Jersey officials urged the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit not to revive a lawsuit challenging the state's marijuana legalization law.

Oregon regulators proposed rulemaking related to a marijuana business license moratorium and regarding reporting of trafficking and unlawful employment of minors at cannabis premises.

California's top marijuana regulator said "the state can do more to help remove barriers for [small farmers] to participate in the legal market."

Connecticut regulators selected applicants for six marijuana retail and two micro-cultivation licenses in a general lottery.

Washington State regulators extended an allowance for minors to be present on the premises of cannabis wholesale producers and processors.

Vermont regulators approved additional marijuana cultivation and manufacturing business licenses.

A former Massachusetts regulator coauthored an op-ed laying out concerns about monopolization in the marijuana industry.

Maryland's Medical Cannabis Commission met.

The Louisiana House of Representatives's Medical Marijuana Commission will meet on Friday.

The Tennessee Medical Cannabis Commission will meet on Friday.

Hawaii's Dual Use of Cannabis Task Force will meet on Monday.
 
Pay attention



TOP THINGS TO KNOW
An economic analysis of Arkansas's marijuana legalization ballot initiativeprojects that it could lead to nearly $1 billion in annual cannabis sales, generate more than $460 million in tax revenue over five years and create up to 6,400 jobs.
New York regulators revealed that they received 903 applications for marijuana dispensary licenses in the initial round that is reserved for people who have been harmed by cannabis criminalization.
The U.S. Air Force and Space Force are instituting a pilot program to give recruits a second chance if they test positive for marijuana on initial drug screens.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) told students that legalizing marijuana depends on their showing up the polls to vote—adding that neighboring Illinois's governor has joked with him that he doesn't mind the state delaying, as it means more tax revenue for his own coffers.
The Drug Enforcement Administration is trying to bill a doctor $11,740 to process a Freedom of Information Act request about his efforts to treat terminally ill cancer patients with psilocybin, claiming that the physician has a "commercial" interest in the information.

A new study found that using medical cannabis is tied to significant reductions in use of opioids and other addictive painkillers.
  • "Most patients rated medical cannabis as being important to their quality of life."
Sponsor Message
 
FEDERAL
The Food and Drug Administration issued guidance clarifying that harm reduction naloxone suppliers are exempt from wholesale pharmaceutical distribution restrictions.

Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA) is leading a panel on cannabis at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's conference on Friday.

A spokesperson for Pennsylvania Democratic Senate candidate John Fetterman, currently the lieutenant governor, issued a statement walking back his previously voiced support for decriminalizing drugs. Meanwhile, his campaign released a TV ad featuring a sheriff talking about how he "gave a second chance to those who deserved it," including marijuana consumers.

Iowa Democratic Senate candidate Mike Franken tweeted, "‼️Iowa is losing ⬇️ revenue to states like Illinois from the taxes generated AND paying the high price 💸 of putting people behind bars for possession of cannabis. 🌿 Let's put our state on even footing and legalize it nationwide 🇺🇸"
STATES
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) sent a press release about Friday's deadline to apply for relief under the Marijuana Pardon Project. Separately, the Department of Health hired a new top medical cannabis regulator.

Oregon gubernatorial candidates clashed on whether the state's voter-approved drug decriminalization law should be repealed during a debate. Separately, an advisory committee will consider psilocybin packaging, labeling and product transportation on Thursday.

Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O'Rourke, a former congressman, tweeted, "We’re going to legalize marijuana in Texas."

Massachusetts's top marijuana regulator is reportedly still an owner/partner of a cannabis company in the state because a change of ownership request has not yet been processed.

The New Jersey Advisory Committee on Professional Ethics issued an opinion that lawyers can use legal marijuana and may operate or invest in regulated cannabis businesses.

Missouri's top medical cannabis regulator said he thinks the stigma surrounding marijuana is diminishing.

Vermont recreational marijuana sales will begin on Saturday, or even sooner.

Connecticut's Social Equity Council voted to allow five cannabis businesses to submit their applications amid lawsuits.

Washington, D.C. regulators approved one additional medical cannabis dispensary and two new cultivation facilities.

Maine regulators issued guidance on best practices for marijuana sample collection.

Nevada regulators rejected a cannabis company's move to dismiss a disciplinary action for allegedly manipulating testing results.

The Louisiana Department of Health's Employment and Medical Marijuana Task Force met.

Hawaii's Dual Use of Cannabis Task Force will meet on Monday.
 
TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Bipartisan Senate leaders took steps to expedite a vote on a cannabis research bill—but Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) objected for reasons that his office would not explain to Marijuana Moment, upending the plan for now.
  • Another source on Capitol Hill said Cornyn intends to block all House bills that are taken up under unanimous consent in the Senate—not just the cannabis reform proposal—because he’s broadly frustrated that the opposite chamber has not advanced more of his own legislation that has been sent over.
A new U.S. Department of Agriculture report examines growing interest in hemp across Europe—and how the crop can help the continent achieve bold climate-related goals as a "contributor to European Green Deal objectives."
Pennsylvania's Board of Pardons secretary told Marijuana Moment that 2,500 people have now applied for relief under the governor's month-long Marijuana Pardon Project—but the deadline to get applications in is coming up on Friday at midnight.
A new Tax Policy Center report shows how several states are now generating more tax revenue from legal marijuana than they do from alcohol or tobacco.
A poll found that a majority of Maine residents support decriminalizing drugs and instituting other harm reduction policies.
 
FEDERAL
The Small Business Administration is amending small business size regulations to incorporate North American Industry Classification System revisions that include cannabis businesses as an official designation.

Customs and Border Protection awarded a $63,560 contract for a cannabis analyzer device.

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) claimed in a Senate floor speech that fentanyl is being laced into marijuana.

Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA) tweeted about Friday's deadline to apply under the Pennsylvania governor's Marijuana Pardon Project.

The House bill to allow marijuana businesses to list on stock exchangesgot one new cosponsor for a total of four.

The House bill to allow CBD as a dietary supplement got one new cosponsor for a total of 43.

The House bill to allow CBD as a food and beverage additive got one new cosponsor for a total of 11.



STATES
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) tweeted, "It’s time to legalize marijuana – and tax it, much like we already do with alcohol."

The New Jersey Assembly Oversight, Reform, and Federal Relations Committee approved legislation to allow marijuana companies to deduct business expenses from their state taxes.

The New York Legislative Commission on Rural Resources is pressing regulators for updated details on the anticipated rollout of recreational sales and broader licensing plans.

South Dakota regulators filed amended hemp rules.

Virginia regulators issued guidance on background checks of owners of medical cannabis businesses.

Vermont regulators opened a marijuana product registration portal.

Washington State regulators reached a settlement agreement with Unicorn Brands LLC concerning a year-long investigation and multiple violation notices for creating synthetically-derived THC from hemp and distributing it into the state-regulated cannabis market.

Michigan regulators published guidance on best practices for several common issues affecting marijuana businesses.

Oregon regulators posted updated marijuana tax revenue distribution information.

Nevada cannabis regulators are partnering in an effort to reduce impaired driving.
 
BREAKING NEWS
President Joe political name announced on Thursday that he is taking dramatic steps to change federal marijuana laws and provide relief to drug war victims—an unexpected development that comes roughly a month before the November election.




only applies to federal cases , not state

this pardon will apply to only about 6500


meanwhile in 2018 the fbi reported about 800,000 marijuana arrested nationwide

in other words the pardon was done for political motives like getting re-electEd …….pure pandering
 
A lot of news to digest so pay attention.



TOP THINGS TO KNOW
President Joe political name issued a proclamation to pardon people for marijuana possession offenses and initiated a process to federally reschedule cannabis—just weeks before Election Day.
The Department of Justice said it will "expeditiously administer" the president's marijuana pardon proclamation and Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said he is "looking forward" to working on the separate cannabis scheduling review that's being directed.
Marijuana Moment compiled a roundup of the huge number of members of Congress, state officials, organizations and others who reacted to political name's cannabis pardons and scheduling review move.
White House Drug Czar Rahul Gupta noted marijuana's "medical benefits" and declined to voice opposition to broader legalization when asked—despite a mandate in federal law that the Office of National Drug Control Policy director "take such actions as necessary to oppose any attempt to legalize" Schedule I substances.
Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves Robles sent lawmakers a marijuana legalization bill he wants them to pass.
A new poll found that three out of five American voters want marijuana to be legalized nationally and almost half say it should be a "top" or "important" congressional priority.
  • 63 percent support the House's passage of a cannabis legalization bill earlier this year.
Sponsor Message
There are 37 states and 4 U.S. territories with medical or hybrid adult use cannabis programs.

Schedule VI is a proposed new schedule designed to preserve all their rights to control & regulate marijuana without hurting existing cannabis businesses or disrupting existing state tax revenue infrastructure.
 
FEDERAL
Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) and 12 other Republican senators released a public service announcement warning about "rainbow fentanyl."

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) tweeted, "We have people still sitting in jail for possession of marijuana while others are able to run and profit from chain dispensaries. Where is the fairness in that? Legalize marijuana. Release those incarcerated with marijuana charges. It’s simple."

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) tweeted, "The States Reform Act is the best way to solve the Cannabis problem while respecting the Constitution and States rights."

Idaho independent Senate candidate Scott Cleveland said during a debate that New Mexico's legalization of marijuana is partly to blame for it being like a "third-world country" and "an episode of the Walking Dead."


STATES
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) said the state is "still on track" to launch recreational marijuana sales by the end of the year.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) directed the creation of a multi-agency, cross-jurisdictional task force of enforcement agencies to coordinate efforts against illegal cannabis operations. Separately, regulators held a stakeholder meeting on proposed marijuana tax rules changes.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (D) tweeted, "Kansas is one of the last states that hasn't legalized medical marijuana, and Kansans with severe illnesses are suffering. This is unacceptable. It's time we pass it once and for all."

South Carolina Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joe Cunningham, a former congressman, tweeted, "Why is @henrymcmaster too chicken to debate more than once? Is he too afraid to defend why he wants to rip away women’s freedom? Or why he wants to lock up veterans for using marijuana? Come on, Governor. Don’t be a chicken. Show up and defend your record."

Arkansas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris Jones tweeted, "Ballot initiatives offer a way for Arkansans to have a seat at the table. This year, we have an opportunity to take a step toward a just and equitable cannabis industry. Every Arkansas voter has the right to vote as they wish — as it should be!"

A Missouri representative discussed her concerns with the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot.

A North Dakota representative spoke about protections for employers in the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot.

An Indiana senator tweeted, "Recent polling and Hoosiers' testimony continue to show that Indiana is ready for a change in our cannabis laws. We cannot continue to do nothing while our neighboring states modernize their laws."

Virginia's top marijuana regulator spoke about the prospects for legislation to allow recreational sales to begin.

Colorado regulators approved new pesticides that can be used on cannabis.
 
Sorry Big, i didnt follow the link on the **Big Guy** pardoning federal Simple cannabis possession.
My Question tho.. Why did the feds. even charge anyone for minor possession? Sounds like a giant waste of time to me...
 
Sorry Big, i didnt follow the link on the **Big Guy** pardoning federal Simple cannabis possession.
My Question tho.. Why did the feds. even charge anyone for minor possession? Sounds like a giant waste of time to me...
Minor possession is often a way to obtain a warrant
 
Sorry Big, i didnt follow the link on the **Big Guy** pardoning federal Simple cannabis possession.
My Question tho.. Why did the feds. even charge anyone for minor possession? Sounds like a giant waste of time to me...

i am sure a lot of those cases of simple possession were cases that were plea bargained down for reduced sentences , giving up names , cooperating with the feds, etc
 
Hump Day Pot News


KamelToes has studied ALL the positions but her favorite is on her knees or back.





TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Vice President Kamala Harris is urging voters to study the marijuana positions of midterm candidates and elect a pro-reform Congress that can create a "uniform" federal policy.
White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain touted strong public support for President Joe political name's marijuana pardons and scheduling review as two new polls show majority backing for the cannabis moves.
Major League Baseball reportedly signed a deal for Charlotte's Web to become the “Official CBD of MLB.” In addition to a rights fee and revenue share in a new line of "Sport" products, the league will also get shares in the CBD company as part of the deal.

A new Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City report shows how marijuana legalization has a "significant effect" on states' economies through "higher employment and stronger demand for commercial real estate" while generating tax revenue.
The U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that state-level marijuana legalization provides an exception to the federal ban on importing drug paraphernalia into the country.
President Joe political name's cannabis clemency move leaves many people behind—including non-citizens, military members, people in federal prison for selling marijuana, those convicted at the state level and victims of the broader war on drugs.
Kansas lawmakers have laid out a plan to prepare medical cannabis legislation for votes in the 2023 session—including three public hearings before the Special Committee on Medical Marijuana, starting on Wednesday.
 
FEDERAL
The National Institute on Drug Abuse issued responses to questions about a request for proposals to produce cannabis for research.

Former White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Bill Bennett said marijuana is a "gateway" to using fentanyl.

Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH), a Senate candidate, spoke about his support for marijuana legalization during a debate, and Republican opponent J.D. Vancesaid cannabis should be a "states' issue" and that he doesn't want people being sent to jail for use, but he has concerns about people getting violent after consuming.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (R-WA) tweeted, "Marijuana is classified at the same level as heroin and HIGHER than fentanyl. @POTUS is right: It makes no sense. Pardoning prior federal offenses of marijuana possession is an important first step. Now, the Senate should pass the MORE Act and legalize it nationwide."

Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA) tweeted, "Grateful to @POTUS for his bold move to pardon those with simple marijuana convictions in federal prison. Now, the next step is to expunge these records."

Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) tweeted, "Kamala Harris is bragging about political name's mass marijuana pardons even though she oversaw nearly 2,000 marijuana-related convictions as a San Francisco DA. What changed, @VP?"

Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) spoke about the ongoing federal-state conflict on marijuana.

Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) tweeted, "The FDA has wide authority over products Americans use, but its failures from baby formula to CBD have contributed to shortages and confusion in the marketplace. @HouseGOP would prioritize accountability from FDA and other agencies."

Former Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) tweeted, "The high concentration of THC in these marijuana products is not what people grew up with. We need to listen to the research, which is clearly pointing to harmful consequences like increased risk of psychosis."




STATES
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) said the "fastest, easiest and quickest way" for someone to deal with a part marijuana conviction is to get it expunged rather than through the pardon process.

A spokesperson for New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said gubernatorial marijuana pardons are "not necessary" because convictions are already being expunged.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) tweeted, "The only thing standing in the way of legalizing and taxing marijuana in Wisconsin is Republicans in the Legislature."

South Carolina Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joe Cunningham, a former congressman, tweeted, "Our message is one of freedom...Freedom includes women's freedom to control their own bodies. It can include the freedom to purchase marijuana for adults or allow our veterans to use marijuana to treat PTSD, it includes the freedom to put a bet down on a football game."

Colorado Republican gubernatorial candidate Heidi Ganahl and GOP attorney general candidate John Kellner will speak at a prohibitionist event on the state's "failed drug policies" on Friday.

Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O'Rourke, a former congressman, spoke about his support for legalizing marijuana and expunging past records.

California's attorney general announced that the state's Campaign Against Marijuana Planting is being reformulated as Eradication and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis, and that the program chopped down nearly one million illegally cultivated marijuana plants and seized more than 200,000 pounds of illegally processed cannabis over the past year. Separately, regulators said they are making improvements to the state's marijuana track and trace system.

Arkansas Republican attorney general candidate Tim Griffin, currently the lieutenant governor, called legalizing marijuana "a horrible idea."

Iowa attorney general candidates discussed marijuana and drug policy during a debate.

A Missouri representative discussed her concerns with the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot.

The Minnesota Court of Appeals upheld a lower court's ruling that the odor of burnt marijuana did not provide probable cause for police to search a vehicle.

Maine regulators issued updated guidance on commingling various strains of cannabis trim or kief into mixed strain packages and on reporting testing results using laboratory uncertainty.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection included several hemp and CBD businesses in a new "Something Special from Wisconsin" guide.

Kansas regulators posted a list of licensed hemp processing businesses.
 

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