GOP lawmakers talk hemp regulations; NH legalization push; TX Dem campaigns on marijuana; NE medical cannabis laws upheld
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
President Donald Trump commuted the sentences of more people with marijuana convictions as his administration continues to consider federal cannabis rescheduling.
Several Republican members of Congress spoke to Marijuana Moment about their views on how—and whether—hemp THC products should be regulated now that President Donald Trump signed a bill to delay a scheduled ban for one month.
New Hampshire Democratic gubernatorial candidate Cinde Warmington said the state should legalize marijuana and stop sending tax revenue to its neighbors that have already enacted the reform.
Texas Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Vikki Goodwin is campaigning on her support for cannabis reform—hosting a “Legalize It” rally, endorsing a local Houston ballot initiative to deprioritize marijuana arrests and bashing Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) for championing a hemp THC product ban.
The Nebraska Supreme Court unanimously upheld voter-approved medical cannabis legalization ballot initiatives, rejecting litigation from Republican elected officials who sought to invalidate them.
North Carolina’s state health director said he is “not in any way convinced that we are definitely moving to be a marijuana-legal state” but that “it could happen.”
Mike Simpson of Lovewell Farms argues in a new op-ed that Rhode Island attorney general candidates should explain whether they intend to defend the state’s decision to regulate hemp in the face of federal uncertainty.
/ FEDERAL
The Food and Drug Administration issued a request for information on opportunities to advance the development of botanical drug products.
Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) discussed his support for recriminalizing hemp THC products.
Nebraska independent Senate candidate Dan Osborn tweeted, “Nebraskans voted for medical marijuana, yet Pete Ricketts has done everything he can to OBSTRUCT it. Today, the Nebraska Supreme Court said NO. This is bigger than medical marijuana, it’s about the power of our vote. Politicians work for us. And today, our Supreme Court reinforced that truth and upheld the power of the people.”
/ STATES
North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong (R) signed a bill to ban synthetic kratom products and limit sales of kratom to adults over the age of 21.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) tweeted, “Legal cannabis sales have generated nearly $8.4 BILLION in tax revenue for California communities, funding programs like: → Childcare and early childhood development → Youth substance abuse prevention → Medical research → Environmental recovery”
Rhode Island Democratic attorney general candidates clashed over the record of one contender as chair of the state Cannabis Control Commission.
Montana regulators adopted changes to rules marijuana business security requirements and correspondence standards.
Florida regulators are proposing stricter marketing rules for medical cannabis.
The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission will meet on Wednesday.
The New York Cannabis Advisory Board will meet on Thursday.
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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
Houston, Texas misdemeanor marijuana arrests have increased by nearly 1,300 percent under the current mayor.
Los Angeles, California regulators sent a newsletter with various cannabis updates.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The UK Food Standards Agency is preparing to recommend approval of CBD oils, sweets, drinks and supplements.
New Zealand officials gave approval to two psychiatrists to prescribe MDMA to people with PTSD.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “cannabinoids exhibit biologically plausible antitumour activity across multiple cancer hallmarks and may present promising candidates for combination therapeutic strategies.”
A review concluded that ayahuasca “is a promising therapeutic intervention in neuropsychiatric disorders.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The chair of the Florida Democratic Party tweeted, “72% of Floridians voted for access to medical cannabis and almost 1 million Floridians (including my dying father and saved my mother’s life) are patients, but Desantis has been hellbent on destroying the program. Thank god only 123 more days of this a**hole.”
The Miami Herald editorial board said voters deserve a “do-over” on a marijuana legalization ballot measure that narrowly failed after state officials used Medicaid funds to campaign against it.
Americans for Safe Access published a guide about medical cannabis patients’ rights under federal rescheduling.
/ BUSINESS
The University of Maryland sent a cease and desist letter to Terps USA over alleged trademark infringement.
/ CULTURE
Tennis player Aryna Sabalenka halted a U.S. Open match over the smell of marijuana.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
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