Tag: Newsletter

  • FDA punts CBD regulation to Congress (Newsletter: January 27, 2023)

    FDA punts CBD regulation to Congress (Newsletter: January 27, 2023)

    MN legalization payments very clear much more panels USDA’s new weekly hemp report NC medical marijuana bill refiled Examine: Legalization not tied to psychosis

    Subscribe to obtain Marijuana Moment’s e-newsletter in your inbox each and every weekday early morning. It is the most effective way to make guaranteed you know which cannabis tales are shaping the day.

    Your help can make Cannabis Instant possible…

    Free to read through (but not absolutely free to generate)! We’re proud of our publication and the reporting we publish at Marijuana Instant, and we’re happy to present it for cost-free. But it requires a whole lot of operate and methods to make this happen.

    If you value Cannabis Minute, spend in our results on Patreon so we can broaden our coverage and additional visitors can advantage: https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment

    / Prime Things TO KNOW

    The Foodstuff and Drug Administration introduced that it will not be issuing regulations to let CBD as a dietary supplement or foods additive—and in its place wishes to function with Congress on a “new way ahead.”

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture revealed the first issue of a new weekly report aimed at supplying “unbiased, well timed, and exact data” on the hemp industry.

    The Minnesota Residence Labor and Field Finance and Coverage Committee and Senate Commerce and Buyer Security Committee amended and permitted companion cannabis legalization expenses.

    A key North Carolina senator refiled a new version of his professional medical hashish bill that handed the chamber very last session but afterwards stalled in the Property. The Senate president pro tem suggests enacting it this session is “the appropriate detail for us to do.”

    A new review printed by the American Medical Association involving a population of more than 63 million men and women located that authorized cannabis states see “no statistically important raise in premiums of psychosis-connected diagnoses”—despite recurring prohibitionist promises to that impact.

    / FEDERAL

    The Substance Abuse and Psychological Wellness Solutions Administration’s Drug Screening Advisory Board will discuss the outcomes of cannabinoids which includes delta-8 THC on federal office drug tests applications in a closed-doorway conference on March 7.

    Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) explained transferring cannabis banking laws without the need of addressing thorough reform would set a “terrible precedent.”

    / STATES

    Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (D) tweeted, “Let’s slice taxes for all Kansans with my #AxingYourTaxes program, entirely fund distinctive education and learning, safe clear drinking water, legalize professional medical cannabis, at last broaden Medicaid, and get communities means to combat the opioid epidemic.”

    An Ohio senator submitted a monthly bill to give individuals caught driving with cannabis metabolites in their systema chance  to argue that they were not impaired.

    Pennsylvania senators released a invoice to enable physicians to endorse health care hashish for any affliction they see healthy.

    Florida lawmakers submitted legislation to let clinical hashish recommendations to be issued by way of telehealth.

    A Missouri representative spoke about his bill to supply protections to men and women who use psilocybin therapeutically.

    A Maryland appeals courtroom upheld a selection to permit regulators to remember clinical cannabis edibles.

    Washington Point out regulators initiated rulemaking on making it possible for marijuana businesses to use cloud storage choices for recordkeeping.

    Oregon regulators recalled hashish vaping products and solutions that analyzed beneficial for pesticides.

    A previous major Massachusetts cannabis regulator spoke about his new purpose at a corporation that makes an application for clinical cannabis patients.


    Marijuana Minute is monitoring hundreds of hashish, psychedelics and drug coverage expenses in state legislatures and Congress this yr. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/thirty day period get entry to our interactive maps, charts and listening to calendar so they never overlook any developments.

    Find out additional about our marijuana bill tracker and turn into a supporter on Patreon to get accessibility.

    / Neighborhood

    New York City’s mayor spoke in the course of his State of the City speech about a new financial loan fund to help men and women harmed by the drug war start out new companies, and about increased enforcement versus unlicensed marijuana enterprises.

    Denver, Colorado officials despatched a reminder about cannabis license renewals.

    / International

    Italian lawmakers talked over cannabis legalization.

    Intercontinental Felony Courtroom judges cleared the way for an investigation into the bloody Philippine “war on drugs” to resume.

    A European Parliament member from Malta tweeted, “A war on medication will generally are unsuccessful. No state can arrest its way out of medicine – its a great deal a lot more elaborate. This matter is not for sensationalism & populist statements. We have to assault trafficking, even though at the same time do the job on dependancy information & wellbeing. Science not ideology.”

    / SCIENCE & Health

    A overview concluded that “growing evidence of preclinical investigation demonstrates that THCs lessen tumor development by stimulating apoptosis and autophagy and inhibiting two considerable hallmarks of most cancers pathogenesis: metastasis and angiogenesis.”

    A examine of horses located that “treatment with CBD reduced some inflammatory cytokine generation with no detrimental aspect results.”

    / ADVOCACY, View & Investigation

    A poll of Ga residents observed that 53 {fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} guidance legalizing cannabis for recreational and clinical use, 23 percent want to enable health care use only, 15 {fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} back again decriminalizing possession and 7 {fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} want to keep criminalization throughout the board.

    A South Carolina Chamber of Commerce study exhibits that far more than two-thirds of small business leaders in the state assistance legalizing health care hashish.

    The U.S. Naval Institute released an op-ed arguing that the Navy should really refocus on counternarcotics efforts.

    / Business enterprise

    Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. is closing the the vast majority of its operations in California, Colorado and Oregon lessening payroll by 10 percent and consolidating cultivation and processing operations in Massachusetts.

    Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. is getting the Maryland assets of Devi Holdings, Inc.

    Organigram Holdings Inc. introduced that it is not in compliance with Nasdaq’s bare minimum bid selling price requirement.

    Make positive to subscribe to get Cannabis Moment’s every day dispatch in your inbox.

    Cannabis Moment is manufactured probable with aid from readers. If you depend on our hashish advocacy journalism to stay knowledgeable, make sure you take into consideration a month to month Patreon pledge.

  • Senate votes to send cannabis research bill to Biden (Newsletter: November 17, 2022)

    Senate votes to send cannabis research bill to Biden (Newsletter: November 17, 2022)

    Interstate marijuana commerce suit; Biden: cannabis moves are “top” achievements; Reps want banking data; GOP Congress legalization plan; MD hearing

    Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day.

    Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible…

    Free to read (but not free to produce)! We’re proud of our newsletter and the reporting we publish at Marijuana Moment, and we’re happy to provide it for free. But it takes a lot of work and resources to make this happen. 

    • An anonymous supporter: “I am tired of my employer and the government having a say over what I do in my own time. I am tired of hiding in the shadows and risking my job for the only therapeutic agent that can control my anxiety when all else fails. I stumbled across MM while looking for online resources regarding alt-cannabinoids and their legality. MM is an excellent resource for staying up to date on the highly dynamic canna laws in this country, that is published by folks who are serious about their mission to advocate for, and educate others about, cannabis.”

    If you value Marijuana Moment, invest in our success on Patreon so we can expand our coverage and more readers can benefit: https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment

    / TOP THINGS TO KNOW

    The Senate approved a House-passed marijuana research bill—marking the first time in history that standalone cannabis reform legislation has ever been sent to the president’s desk.

    • Just before the vote, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on the floor that he’s holding “productive talks” about “moving additional bipartisan cannabis legislation in the lame duck.”

    The White House is touting President Joe Biden’s move to pardon people for cannabis and initiate a review of its scheduling status as one of the administration’s “top accomplishments”—saying it will remedy the U.S.’s “failed approach to marijuana.”

    Reps. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) sent a letter asking the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network to provide marijuana banking data—including a demographic breakdown that they say can “inform federal efforts around equitably ending the racist cannabis prohibition.”

    Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) spoke to Marijuana Moment about her plans to advance marijuana reform in a Republican-controlled House of Representatives next year.

    • “The only place that cannabis is controversial is in D.C.”

    An Oregon marijuana business filed a federal lawsuit seeking to overturn the state’s ban on cannabis exports and imports to and from other states—arguing that it violated the U.S. Constitution’s Dormant Commerce Clause.

    The Maryland House Cannabis Referendum and Legalization Workgroup held its first hearing since voters overwhelmingly approved legalization on the ballot. Lawmakers now need to craft legislation regulating the market, and this latest meeting focused on taxes.

    Three subcommittees of the Louisiana Employment and Medical Marijuana Task Force met to discuss issues related to workplace protections for medical cannabis patients.

    / FEDERAL

    Former President Donald Trump, in his reelection campaign announcement speech, said he would “wage war on the cartels” and reiterated that he would ask Congress for legislation “ensuring that drug dealers…who are responsible for death, carnage and crime” would receive the death penalty.

    Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) said he is open to including expungements provisions in a package of marijuana reforms alongside banking access.

    Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA) said he will be watching to see how Sen.-elect John Fetterman (D-PA) evolves and changes “in between periods of marijuana and whatever else it is he does.”

    Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) tweeted, “President Biden sent an important signal when he pardoned citizens with federal charges for simple marijuana possession. But there’s still a lot more to do: 1 Expungement. A pardon ends a prison sentence, but it doesn’t erase the charge from your record. People with simple marijuana possessions are still being blocked from accessing housing, employment and other resources. We must expunge records in addition to providing pardons. 2 Pardon immigrants. President Biden’s pardon only applied to citizens with federal marijuana charges. Many immigrants applying for citizenship could continue to face deportation or other adverse consequences for possessing a substance that is now legal in many states.”

    Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) tweeted, “Black folks have been disproportionately locked up for marijuana offenses. Now, we’re being locked out of the growing legal cannabis industry. We need a cannabis policy that centers equity and the people most impacted by the failed War on Drugs.”

    Former Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR)  tweeted about the participation of the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation, for which he serves as co-chair, in a congressional hearing, saying, “Today’s hearing was a step in the right direction to creating a legal, regulated market for cannabis through federal guidelines.”

    / STATES

    South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) said her reelection effort was “tough” because marijuana and other issues were on the ballot.

    The Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted to impeach Philadelphia’s district attorney through a resolution that criticizes his decision not to prosecute certain marijuana and drug paraphernalia cases.

    Kansas’s House minority leader wants an interim committee on medical cannabis to have additional meetings.

    A Missouri senator-elect who currently serves as a representative said he would file a proposed constitutional amendment to steer legal marijuana tax revenue toward eliminating the personal property tax.

    Florida has a new top medical cannabis regulator.

    Indiana’s State Police superintendent said he doesn’t support legalizing marijuana but that he hasn’t seen an increase in enforcement near the borders with states that have enacted reform.

    Ohio regulators said it doesn’t appear that the state can enter into a medical cannabis reciprocity agreement with Kentucky under the limited provisions of an executive order on the issue that Gov. Andy Beshear (D) issued this week.

    New York regulators are being accused of violating the Constitution with guidance that says recreational marijuana “dispensaries, their true parties of interest, passive investors, and any management service providers cannot have any interest in any business anywhere that cultivates, processes, or distributes cannabis.”

    Oklahoma regulators are accepting public comments on proposed medical cannabis rules through December 15.

    Vermont regulators posted an update on the first six weeks of the state’s legal adult-use marijuana market.

    Arizona regulators will begin accepting applications for nonprofit medical cannabis dispensary certificates on December 16.

    Washington State regulators will host a conversation to explore ideas for modernizing rules for cannabis plant canopy on November 29.


    Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,500 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.

    Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.

    / LOCAL

    The San Francisco, California Board of Supervisors voted to suspend the city’s cannabis business tax until the end of 2025.

    / INTERNATIONAL

    The Colombian Senate First Committee approved a report attached to a marijuana legalization bill, with a vote on the legislation itself expected next week.

    Bavaria, Germany’s health minister is urging European Union officials to block his country’s marijuana legalization plans.

    / SCIENCE & HEALTH

    A review concluded that “CBD is a well-tolerated and safe natural compound that exerts analgesic effects, decreasing hyperalgesia, and mechanical/thermal allodynia in several animal models of pain and patients” and that “using CBD seems to be a promising strategy to overcome the lack of efficacy of conventional treatment for chronic pain.”

    A review highlighted the “diversification of clinical trials on cannabinoid-based medications in the past 21 years,” underlining “the increased interest in conducting clinical studies on new cannabinoid administration methods such as topical applications and on the investigation of emerging phyto- and synthetic cannabinoids” and showing that “more clinical trials have been designed to explore the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids in areas such as mental, behavioral, or neurodevelopmental disorders and skin diseases.”

    / ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

    A poll of Scottish adults found that they support ending prosecutions of people for possessing small amounts of marijuana, 65 percent to 18 percent, and support enacting the same policy for heroin, 42 percent to 36 percent.

    The Kentucky Democratic Party tweeted, “Thanks to Gov. @AndyBeshearKY’s executive order, medical cannabis can be legally used starting Jan. 1, providing a lifeline to Kentuckians in pain. This is huge — while GOP lawmakers continue to ignore the will of an overwhelming majority of Kentuckians, Gov. Beshear listened.” The party also criticized the state’s agriculture commissioner, saying, “After Ryan Quarles tried to ban Delta 8, a state court ruled that this hemp derivative — which is not a controlled substance under state or federal law — is legal in Kentucky. Yesterday @GovAndyBeshear announced official regulations to ensure it can be sold and purchased safely.”

    ASTM International’s cannabis committee developed a new practice for supplier lifecycle management.

    Oklahoma Southern Baptists adopted a resolution opposing marijuana legalization.

    The director of Americans for Prosperity Montana spoke about efforts to build support for psychedelics policy reform in the state.

    / BUSINESS

    SHF Holdings, Inc., d/b/a/ Safe Harbor Financial closed its acquisition of Rockview Digital Solutions, Inc, d/b/a Abaca.

    Charlotte’s Web Holdings, Inc. received a $56.8 million investment from a subsidiary of BAT.

    Payments provider Zotto is being accused of withholding money from several CBD companies.

    WM Technology, Inc. has a new chief marketing officer.

    Michigan retailers sold $209.4 million worth of legal marijuana products in October.

    Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox.

    Marijuana Moment is made possible with support from readers. If you rely on our cannabis advocacy journalism to stay informed, please consider a monthly Patreon pledge.

  • MS lawmakers defy gov’s medical cannabis demands (Newsletter: January 13, 2022)

    MS lawmakers defy gov’s medical cannabis demands (Newsletter: January 13, 2022)

    KY medical cannabis bill filed; MS senator brings hemp to marijuana meeting with gov; CA spends $100M on marijuana cannabis grants for cities

    Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day.

    Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible…

    Free to read (but not free to produce)! We’re proud of our newsletter and the reporting we publish at Marijuana Moment, and we’re happy to provide it for free. But it takes a lot of work and resources to make this happen. 

    • Matt W.: “I pledged because I value the news and information you provide and want to see it continue.”

    If you value Marijuana Moment, invest in our success on Patreon so we can expand our coverage and more readers can benefit: https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment

    / TOP THINGS TO KNOW

    Anti-drug Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) has been helping an Iowa church that wants to incorporate the psychedelic brew ayahuasca into its ceremonies—the Iowaska Church of Healing—with legal fights against the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service.

    A Kentucky Republican representative filed a medical marijuana bill that’s been revised from past versions in an attempt to win support—or at least remove hostile opposition—from legislative leaders so that it can pass this year.

    A Mississippi senator brought hemp to a meeting with Gov. Tate Reeves (R) to help assuage the governor’s concerns about medical marijuana possession limits.

    • “I took samples to show him what an ounce actually looks like—what 3.5 grams actually looks like.”

    California regulators awarded $100 million in funding to help local governments develop the legal marijuana market by processing business licenses.

    / FEDERAL

    A federal judge dismissed a Washington State marijuana dispensary’s racial discrimination lawsuit against state and federal officials.

    Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) criticized Democratic leaders for not advancing cannabis reform legislation.

    Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) authored a Wall Street Journal letter to the editor about her marijuana legalization bill.

    Florida Democratic Senate candidate Allen Ellison tweeted, “Not only should we legalize cannabis across the country, we should tax the sale of it and pay for higher education.”

    Kentucky Democratic congressional candidate William Compton tweeted, “Along with the revenue we can generate by legalizing Marijuana, we should not have someone go to jail for Marijuana. In congress, I will fight to legalize Marijuana nationwide.”

    / STATES

    Rhode Island’s House speaker said a new marijuana legalization bill should be released in the next 30-45 days.

    New Jersey’s Senate president said he doesn’t think home cultivation of marijuana will be legalized “any time soon.”

    South Carolina’s Senate majority leader indicated a medical cannabis bill will be considered soon, saying, “I don’t know where the votes will be, but we all agree it’s time to have a debate and move on.” And another senator said he expects the legislation to be one of the first brought up in the new session.

    The Wisconsin House State Affairs Committee approved a kratom regulation bill.

    Mississippi lawmakers are expected to consider a medical cannabis bill this week. One senator wants pharmacists to be involved in distributing marijuana.

    The Virginia legislature’s Cannabis Oversight Commission will meet on Monday.

    Kansas House Democrats tweeted, “House Democrats want Kansans like YOU to decide if Kansas should expand Medicaid and legalize marijuana. Contact your #ksleg-legislator TODAY and tell them you want to vote on issues that affect your life and your health.”

    A Florida senator filed a marijuana legalization bill and companion tax legislation.

    An Indiana representative filed a medical cannabis bill.

    A Maryland senator tweeted, “Legalizing marijuana is not about easing access to personal indulgence, it’s about creating equality.”

    The Illinois Supreme Court is being asked by a marijuana business to let regulators name the winners of new craft grower licenses.

    New York regulators filed proposed cannabinoid hemp rules. Separately, the Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking certified hemp sampling agents.

    The Utah Peace Officer Standards & Training Council voted to make it so cadets applying to be emergency dispatchers will not have to undergo a waiting period if they’ve used marijuana in a place where it’s legal.

    Ohio regulators received nine petitions to add new medical cannabis qualifying conditions.

    Oregon regulators are conducting a survey on interest in accessing psilocybin services and related issues.

    Vermont regulators will consider marijuana issues on Monday.

    The Washington State Cannabis Science Task Force will meet on Monday.


    Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 900 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.

    Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.

    / LOCAL

    The Kent, Ohio City Council is moving to place a marijuana decriminalization measure on the November ballot.

    Long Beach, California’s mayor tweeted, “In Long Beach we legalized cannabis before the state. We created a regulatory framework and taxed products and production. It’s time to legalize weed across the country.”

    Oakland, California officials will discuss loan and grant programs for cannabis equity businesses on Tuesday.

    / INTERNATIONAL

    Appointments for first-dose COVID vaccinations in Quebec, Canada spiked after the government announced the shots would be required to enter marijuana dispensaries and liquor stores.

    The Australian government is funding clinical trials on psilocybin, CBD, DMT and MDMA-assisted psychotherapy to treat debilitating mental illness.

    / SCIENCE & HEALTH

    A study found that “t​​wo years after legalization in Canada, the price of dried flower from legal sources decreased, along with a greater percentage of consumers purchasing from legal sources than after one year.”

    A study suggested that “MDMA/ecstasy and psilocybin use is associated with lower risk of depression.”

    / ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

    The American Medical Association said expanding medical marijuana research will be a topic of discussion at its conference next month.

    The Kentucky Democratic Party tweeted, “Democrats are heading to work every day this session committed to fighting for you. Health care, voting rights, universal pre-K, medical marijuana and much more: @GovAndyBeshear, @KYSenateDems and @KYHouseDems are prioritizing the issues Kentuckians care about.”

    / BUSINESS

    Columbia Care Inc. is commencing a solicitation of consents from noteholders.

    Ayr Wellness sent an update on its stock repurchase program.

    Swade Cannabis workers in St Louis, Missouri are seeking to organize a union.

    / CULTURE

    Filmmaker Kevin Smith posted about running into his daughter at a marijuana dispensary.

    Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox.

    Marijuana Moment is made possible with support from readers. If you rely on our cannabis advocacy journalism to stay informed, please consider a monthly Patreon pledge.

  • Senate votes to send cannabis research bill to Biden (Newsletter: November 17, 2022)

    VA gov won’t overturn legal cannabis, but sales unclear (Newsletter: January 4, 2022)

    RI leaders close to legalization deal; Bourbon-selling KY senator worried about medical marijuana; Record IL cannabis sales

    Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day.

    Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible…

    Your good deed for the day: donate to an independent publisher like Marijuana Moment and ensure that as many voters as possible have access to the most in-depth cannabis reporting out there.

    Support our work at https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment

    / TOP THINGS TO KNOW

    The federal monopoly on growing cannabis for research has officially ended, with two companies telling Marijuana Moment that they’ve harvested their first Drug Enforcement Administration-approved crops in recent weeks.

    Rhode Island’s House speaker and Senate president indicated in opening remarks at the start of the legislative session that they are nearing a deal on how to regulate the marijuana industry in a new legalization bill expected to be filed this month. But Gov. Dan McKee (D) might not be on board with a key detail.

    Kentucky’s Senate majority floor leader—who owns a bourbon company called “Kentucky Senator”—said he opposes medical cannabis despite strong support from his constituents.

    • “If they don’t like it, they can take it out on me in the next election.”

    The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation reported that marijuana businesses set a sales record in December, closing out a year with nearly $1.4 billion worth of legal cannabis products sold—more than doubling 2020’s total.

    / FEDERAL

    Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) tweeted, “The War on Drugs has been a war on people—particularly people of color. I’m working to pass our bill to end the federal marijuana prohibition, enact criminal justice reforms, and ensure equity for those impacted by the War on Drugs.”

    Pennsylvania Democratic Senate candidate John Fetterman, currently the lieutenant governor, tweeted about a local move to reduce some marijuana charges, saying, “Lebanon 🔴  is one of Pennsylvania’s most conservative counties. I commend the DA for adopting these common sense changes to marijuana charges. Legalization is “inevitable” in PA. Those aren’t my words. They belong to a Republican state Senator.”

    Kentucky Democratic Senate candidate Charles Booker tweeted, “There is overwhelming bipartisan support to legalize medical cannabis in Kentucky. The politicians blocking it know that very well.”

    Texas Democratic congressional candidate Coy Branscum tweeted, “I support federal efforts to legalize adult use marijuana. This will be a boon for investment in our country and will provide much needed criminal justice reform for our country.”

    / STATES

    Mississippi’s lieutenant governor pushed back against Gov. Tate Reeves’s (R) criticism of pending medical cannabis legislation, while the House speaker said it is “not the top issue” for the session. Separately, a senator is proposing a medical marijuana bill that would ban smoking.

    Tennessee Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jason Martin tweeted that voters told him it’s a priority to work on “updating Tennessee’s antiquated marijuana laws.”

    The Louisiana legislature’s Industrial Hemp Advisory Committee met.

    An Indiana representative said he doesn’t think there’s enough support in the legislature to pass marijuana reform.

    A Wisconsin senator applauded Gov. Tony Evers (D) for pardoning people with marijuana convictions.

    Montana’s Supreme Court has been slow to set up a specialized court to handle marijuana expungements.

    Massachusetts’s top marijuana regulator said implementing delivery services can “take a big chunk out of” the illegal market.

    Virginia regulators are considering amending rules for marijuana field tests and are accepting comments on proposed changes to rules on medical cannabis product labeling and access to facilities.

    Illinois regulators are beginning rulemaking on changes to the medical cannabis program.

    The New York Department of Agriculture and Markets tweeted, “We’re proud to announce that our Hemp Program Plan has been approved by @USDA. All growers who were licensed under our former Industrial Hemp Agricultural Research Pilot Program need to reapply under this new program in order to grow hemp this year.”

    Colorado regulators gave an update on the marijuana program in the Department of Revenue’s annual report.

    Oklahoma regulators sent an update about a switch to new medical cannabis licensing software this month.

    The Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission reported on hemp projects it is funding.


    Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 800 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.

    Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.

    / LOCAL

    Portland, Oregon officials posted application materials for cannabis business emergency relief funds.

    Oakland, California’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission will meet on Thursday.

    / INTERNATIONAL

    Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he will “never, never apologise for the deaths” in his nation’s bloody “drug war.”

    London, England’s mayor clarified that a new arrest diversion plan will only apply to people under 25 and for marijuana only, not other drugs. A spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson reacted by saying that “illegal drugs destroy lives and fuel violence.” And the leader of the Labour Party said he’s “not in favour of changing the drugs laws.”

    Quebec, Canada’s government is denying access to marijuana and alcohol retail locations to people who have not received COVID vaccinations.

    / SCIENCE & HEALTH

    A study concluded that medical cannabis “use for chronic pain is increasing with cannabis legalization.”

    A study of mice suggested that “both cannabinoids and terpenes in oil extracts should be considered as potential therapeutic agents against epileptic seizures and epilepsy.”

    / ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

    The Kentucky Democratic Party tweeted, “Nine out of 10 Kentuckians support legalizing medical marijuana. Republicans in Frankfort aren’t representing Kentucky’s interests — just their own.”

    The Indiana Democratic Party tweeted, “A state that Donald Trump won by 16 points [Montana] made recreational cannabis legal. The @indgop’s opposition to marijuana is more out of touch with most of the larger @GOP. Their partisanship is harming Indiana’s economic potential.”

    The Association for Cannabis Health and Medicine will host a summit on cannabis in sports on January 22.

    / BUSINESS

    MJBiz was acquired by Emerald Holding, Inc.

    The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company acquired Luxx Lighting and True Liberty Bags.

    Trulieve Cannabis Corp. won a dismissal of a lawsuit that accused the company of misleading investors about the quality of its cultivation facilities.

    The Honeybee Collective raised a $107,000 funding round.

    / CULTURE

    David Crosby gave a reporter tips about how to roll a joint and spoke about his forthcoming cannabis brand.

    Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox.

    Marijuana Moment is made possible with support from readers. If you rely on our cannabis advocacy journalism to stay informed, please consider a monthly Patreon pledge.

  • AOC & GOP cannabis expungements bill in Congress (Newsletter: December 3, 2021)

    AOC & GOP cannabis expungements bill in Congress (Newsletter: December 3, 2021)

    NYC safe consumption sites for drugs; Financial orgs want marijuana banking in NDAA; Jamaica’s new “good ganja sense” campaign

    Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day.

    Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible…

    Your good deed for the day: donate to an independent publisher like Marijuana Moment and ensure that as many voters as possible have access to the most in-depth cannabis reporting out there.

    Support our work at https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment

    / TOP THINGS TO KNOW

    National Institute on Drug Abuse Director Nora Volkow said “there’s no evidence to my knowledge that occasional [adult] marijuana use has harmful effects.”

    • “I don’t know of any scientific evidence of that.”

    New York City opened the first safe consumption sites for illegal drugs in the U.S. It remains to be seen how the Biden administration, which has voiced support for harm reduction approaches in general, will respond.

    The Credit Union National Association, Defense Credit Union Council and National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions sent a letter urging Congress to pass marijuana banking legislation through the National Defense Authorization Act.

    Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness launched a new “Good Ganja Sense” campaign to smash myths about cannabis and boost education. It features bus ads, a website and a catchy jingle.

    / FEDERAL

    A federal judge paused the deadline for filing pretrial motions in the case of an alleged Maine marijuana and money-laundering operation involving public officials to give the defendants more time to review evidence.

    Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) said he thinks there’s a “good chance” of passing marijuana banking legislation through the National Defense Authorization Act. He also tweeted about bipartisan backing for the move, saying, “I appreciate the support of these Senators – as well as  @SenatorHick & @SenatorBennet. By including #SAFEBanking in the final NDAA, we can safeguard our financial system, reduce the public safety risk & better support small & minority-owned businesses.”

    Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) and former Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR), who did not support marijuana legalization while in office,  joined the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation as co-chairs.

    Kentucky Democratic Senate candidate Charles Booker tweeted, “When I get to the Senate, I will file the legislation to finally legalize cannabis, and will call it the Gatewood Galbraith Justice and Healing Act.”

    Kentucky Democratic congressional candidate William Compton tweeted, “In congress, I would fully support legalizing Marijuana on the federal level. Kentucky’s cash crop had always been tobacco, why can’t we add Marijuana to create more revenue?”

    / STATES

    Pennsylvania Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Shapiro, currently the attorney general, tweeted, “60{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of Pennsylvanians support marijuana legalization. Every second wasted on this is another second folks who’ve possessed small amounts of marijuana spend dealing with an unjust record. Let’s get it done.”

    Illinois’s lieutenant governor hosted an event about a marijuana revenue-funded grant program, saying, “The #R3 program invests 25{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of adult-cannabis tax revenues back into communities that have suffered historic disinvestment. Our goal is to repair the harm by investing in these communities, and this work can only be done in collaboration with those same communities.”

    Mississippi lawmakers said they plan to pass a medical cannabis bill early in 2022.

    A Massachusetts senator filed a bill, by request of a citizen, that would amend alcohol regulations to mirror more restrictive marijuana ones.

    The New Mexico legislature’s Finance Authority Oversight Committee discussed the cannabis microbusiness loan program at a hearing. Separately, regulators will hold a public hearing on proposed marijuana labor peace agreements and solvents rules on Wednesday.

    The Oklahoma Senate will hold a hearing with medical cannabis regulators on Wednesday.

    Maryland’s House Cannabis Legalization Workgroup will meet on Wednesday.

    Connecticut regulators increased the acceptable amount of mold in tested marijuana products without issuing a formal rule about the change.

    The California Cannabis Control Appeals Panel proposed rules changes.

    New Jersey regulators posted a webinar about the marijuana business license application process.


    Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,200 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.

    Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.

    / LOCAL

    McGraw, New York voters narrowly approved a ballot measure to allow retail sales and on-site consumption of marijuana.

    The Greensport, New York Board of Trustees voted to opt out of allowing marijuana dispensaries and on-site consumption facilities.

    The Toms River, New Jersey Township Council voted to permanently ban recreational marijuana businesses.

    The Missoula, Montana City Council approved marijuana regulations.

    The city of Gloucester, Massachusetts is being sued by a marijuana business over allegedly excessive and illegal community impact fees that must be paid in order to operate.

    The Hartford, Connecticut Planning & Zoning Commission’s draft marijuana rules would encourage dispensaries to be located downtown.

    / INTERNATIONAL

    Mexico’s Supreme Court will consider a case challenging the prohibition on growing hemp on Wednesday.

    Spanish lawmakers said they will seek to pass marijuana legalization legislation in 2022.

    Singapore’s Court of Appeal upheld death sentences for two men convicted of conspiring to traffic marijuana.

    New Brunswick, Canada’s finance minister filed a bill to allow privately run marijuana stores and direct-from-producer farmgate operations.

    / SCIENCE & HEALTH

    A study found that “high CBD cannabis extracts downregulate the expression of several key fibrotic genes indicating their anti-fibrotic potential at the transcriptional level.”

    A review concluded that “both classical and a-typical psychedelics are promising treatment options in patients with terminal illness.”

    / ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

    The Marijuana Policy Project hired a communications director who previously worked for members of Congress.

    The Chacruna Institute published a guide for best practices for psychedelic plant medicine churches.

    The Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America is urging people to ask members of Congress not to include marijuana banking language in the National Defense Authorization Act.

    / BUSINESS

    Harborside Inc. is acquiring UL Holdings Inc. and LPF JV Corporation and is expected to rename itself as StateHouse Holdings. The company also announced a non-brokered private placement of units worth gross proceeds of up to $10 million.

    Flower One Holdings Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $14.1 million.

    Headset raised an $8.6 million funding round.

    The Parent Company has a new managing director of social equity ventures and chief people officer.

    / CULTURE

    Aaron Carter said he smoked marijuana with Michael Jackson.

    Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox.

    Marijuana Moment is made possible with support from readers. If you rely on our cannabis advocacy journalism to stay informed, please consider a monthly Patreon pledge.