White House cannabis meeting; CO gov signs medical marijuana in hospitals bill; MD psychedelics vote; VA hemp products op-ed; TX ibogaine
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz announced the launch of a new Trump administration initiative to cover hemp CBD and THC products, revealing that five Accountable Care Organizations have already submitted implementation plans.
A federal judge denied anti-marijuana groups’ request to block the hemp CBD and THC products coverage pilot program from taking effect—though their overall lawsuit is still under consideration, with a hearing on their motion for a preliminary injunction scheduled for 4/20.
David Heldreth of Panacea Plant Sciences spoke to Marijuana Moment shortly after participating in the White House Office of Management and Budget’s first meeting about a new CBD products enforcement policy from the Food and Drug Administration.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) signed a bill to allow terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis in healthcare facilities such as hospitals—but he criticized amendments that make participation by care centers optional rather than mandatory.
The Maryland House of Delegates advanced a Senate-passed bill to extend the Task Force on Responsible Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances for a year and require a new report with recommendations to ensure “broad, equitable and affordable access to psychedelic substances.”
Ivory Ellis of 757 Smokes argues in a new Marijuana Moment op-ed that Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) should use her power to propose amendments to provisions in a cannabis sales legalization bill that threaten to “upend access to the popular hemp products.”
Texas’s lieutenant governor and House speaker said the state will proceed with its own ibogaine research program after no drug companies submitted proposals meeting requirements and standards to receive state funds to begin clinical trials under a recently enacted law.
The Missouri Senate approved a bill to ban intoxicating hemp products, protect marijuana consumers’ privacy and recognize cannabis industry workers’ right to unionize.
The Nebraska legislature passed a medical cannabis regulation and funding bill that authorizes business application fees and requires license applicants to submit fingerprints for background checks.
/ FEDERAL
Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) tweeted, “We were finally making real progress on marijuana reform — moving it out of Schedule I and opening the door to real research. But that progress has completely stalled under Trump. Deadlines missed, reforms delayed, and no answers given. That’s unacceptable. I’m demanding answers.”
/ STATES
Colorado regulators issued a health and safety advisory about marijuana products with pesticides above acceptable limits.
Florida regulators filed changes to rules on medical cannabis delivery devices, harvest failures and wholesale transfers.
Massachusetts regulators adopted rules continuing to make marijuana delivery licenses exclusively available to equity program participants and improving the dispensary secret shopper program.
New Jersey regulators approved additional marijuana business licenses and took disciplinary action for alleged violations.
Minnesota regulators are now accepting applications for lower-potency hemp edible retailer, manufacturer and wholesaler business licenses.
Montana regulators posted resources about what they are calling “4/20 Safety Awareness Month.”
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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 Monroe County, Indiana prosecutor candidate pledged to refuse to pursue marijuana possession cases.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Thailand’s public health minister discussed forthcoming stricter medical cannabis rules.
Canadian officials sent a warning to travelers visiting the country for Easter to not bring cannabis in or leave with it.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “CBD demonstrates promising multi-target activity against critical signaling molecules in breast cancer and may serve as a safer, natural therapeutic candidate.”
A study of men with prostate cancer found that “cannabinoid therapy, whether used independently or alongside chemotherapy, was associated with improved pain control and some indicators of tumour response, without evidence of harm.”
/ BUSINESS
Vireo Growth Inc. closed its acquisition of Eaze Inc.
Tilray Brands, Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $206.7 million and a net loss of $25.2 million.
Jushi Holdings Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $68.3 million and a net loss of $15.6 million.
Charlotte’s Web Holdings, Inc. announced an additional equity investment by a subsidiary of British American Tobacco plc.
Village Farms International, Inc. favorably amended and extended a loan with a long-term lender.
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