Bill to keep THC drinks federally legal like alcohol; VA marijuana PSA touts relaxation benefits; Houston cannabis ballot measure; DE sales
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Senate’s vote to delay the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products split typical partisan coalitions—with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) voting on the same side.
- “The cannabis industry and some of the alcohol industry don’t like it because it competes,” Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) told Marijuana Moment.
Reps. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) and Greg Landsman (D-OH) filed a new bipartisan bill in Congress to keep hemp THC drinks federally legal while taxing and regulating them similarly to alcohol under a three-tier system.
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles launched—but then deleted—a new ad that aims to discourage marijuana-impaired driving but that actually advertises how cannabis helps people relax by, for example, watching a nature documentary while snacking, taking a soothing bubble bath and tending to plants in a backyard garden.
The Houston, Texas City Council is expected to vote this week to place a measure to make misdemeanor marijuana possession the “lowest possible enforcement priority” for local police on the November ballot.
Delaware marijuana retailers sold $53.4 million worth of recreational cannabis products in the first year of legal sales—falling significantly short of a $281 million projection from the state’s first marijuana commissioner.
/ FEDERAL
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration convened a meeting about psychedelic data gaps.
Former Drug Enforcement Administration Deputy Chief of Staff Jim Crotty authored an op-ed arguing that drug legalizers and prohibitionists should be able to agree on increasing drug treatment services.
Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL) sent a press release about her support for federally recriminalizing hemp THC products.
Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) tweeted that a new study showing psilocybin’s role in treating PTSD is “exactly why I’m pushing to expand federal research into innovative therapies like psychedelics. Our veterans sacrificed so much for this country. We owe them every shot at healing.”
/ STATES
Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) discussed his experiences with ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT.
Here’s a look at where Ohio gubernatorial candidates stand on marijuana.
Florida regulators filed proposed changes to rules on medical cannabis business renewal applications.
Rhode Island regulators published guidance on marijuana business social equity applicant status certification.
U.S. Virgin Islands regulators said legal marijuana cultivation could begin within weeks and dispensaries could open by the end of the year.
California regulators sent a warning about a phishing scam involving emails that appear to be from the Department of Cannabis Control.
The Virginia Medical Cannabis Work Group will meet on Thursday.
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission will meet on August 25.
The Alaska Marijuana Control Board will meet on September 2 and 3.
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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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/ INTERNATIONAL
Victoria, Australia lawmakers are considering placing a cannabis legalization measure on the ballot.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that CBD-loaded human serum albumin nanoparticles “represent a promising nanocarrier platform for enhancing CBD delivery and therapeutic efficacy in” Alzheimer’s disease.
A study of mice suggested cannabis sativa inflorescence ethanol extract “as a high-value functional ingredient capable of ameliorating [atopic dermatitis] by modulating multi-target immune responses.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
Concerned Women for America published a post titled, “Big Marijuana’s Long Shadow of Destruction.”
/ BUSINESS
Village Farms International, Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $64 million.
AdvisorShares rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange.
Leafwell published a medical cannabis guide for employers.
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