FBI’s updated marijuana arrest data; TX Dems slam GOP over hemp THC ban; New IL medical cannabis conditions; Problematic use & prohibition op-ed
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Drug Enforcement Administration released the full official transcript of a hearing on the Trump administration’s cannabis rescheduling proposal—showing government lawyers making the case that “marijuana can no longer remain in Schedule I.”
New Federal Bureau of Investigation data shows that more than 200,000 people were arrested for marijuana in the U.S. last year—with 92 percent of cannabis busts stemming from possession alone.
Texas Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Vikki Goodwin and the Bexar County Democratic Party are suggesting that Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) pushed to crack down on hemp THC products to benefit his campaign donors in the alcohol industry.
The Illinois Department of Public Health added sickle cell disease and polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome with chronic pain as new medical cannabis qualifying conditions.
The Cato Institute’s Jeffrey Singer argues in a new Marijuana Moment op-ed that reports of increases in problematic cannabis use don’t justify a return to criminalization.
- “We should judge legalization against the real-world alternative of prohibition, with its illicit markets, criminal penalties and unreliable product information.”
/ FEDERAL
National Institute on Drug Abuse Director Nora Volkow said federal marijuana rescheduling will reduce barriers to research but expressed concerns that “as more states legalize cannabis use across states, access has increased, with greater dispensary density and proximity to homes linked with increased use among adults.”
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled that police cannot use a home’s proximity to alleged sales of illegal drugs to justify a search.
/ STATES
An Illinois representative is being accused of inappropriately using marijuana while performing official duties.
Maryland’s comptroller announced that the state collected more than $28 million in adult-use cannabis sales tax revenue in the second quarter of the year.
Florida regulators are proposing changes to rules on medical cannabis advertising and marketing.
Massachusetts regulators will begin accepting applications for the cannabis social equity program on September 1.
Vermont cannabis regulators are inviting one-on-one meetings with members of the public.
Michigan regulators published a monthly report on disciplinary actions against marijuana businesses.
California regulators sent updates on various cannabis issues.
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/ LOCAL
Former Baldwin Park and Compton, California City Council members were sentenced to federal prison over convictions related to bribes for marijuana business permits.
/ INTERNATIONAL
A St. Maarten lawmaker criticized the government’s marijuana regulatory framework.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that a cannabis-infused polyherbal African traditional medicine “demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and selective antibacterial effects against planktonic bacteria in vitro.”
A review concluded that cannabis sativa “extracts and phytocannabinoids exhibit cytotoxic and mechanistic effects in cervical cancer cell lines.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The International Cannabis Bar Association announced new board of directors members.
/ BUSINESS
Lawyers for Curaleaf reportedly told a journalist that answers to his questions were “privileged and confidential” while also being “on the record.”
Jushi settled a lawsuit with a former employee who sued over alleged age discrimination.
/ CULTURE
Wiz Khalifa’s cannabis brand is launching a line of THC beverages.
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Photo courtesy of Mike Latimer.
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