Politics

Cannabis banking outlook bright in Senate, but federal shutdown looms

September 26, 2023 · MJ Biz Daily

Long-awaited federal cannabis banking reform is expected to sail through a key U.S. Senate panel hearing Wednesday, which would be the first time the landmark legislation has secured a yes vote in the upper chamber of Congress. But after that, prospects for the bipartisan and heavily negotiated SAFER Banking Act are much less certain, multiple cannabis industry observers told MJBizDaily. For once, negative attitudes toward marijuana wouldn’t be to blame. Instead, the obstacle is the chaos currently enveloping Congress, where a government shutdown… Read more.

‘God Almighty,’ No One Should Be In Prison Over Marijuana Possession, Biden Says At Congressional Black Caucus Event

September 26, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

President Joe Biden is again touting his mass marijuana pardon from last year, referencing the act of clemency at a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation awards ceremony. “I’m keeping my promise that no one—no one—should be in jail merely for the use or possession of marijuana. God Almighty,” the president exclaimed. “And those who are in jail, they’re going to be released and the records are going to be expunged.” The speech at the event with Black lawmakers is just the… Read more.

National Conference Of State Legislatures Urges Senate To Pass Marijuana Banking Bill As ‘Much-Needed Solution’ To Industry Challenges

September 26, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

A group that represents state lawmakers across the U.S. is urging Senate leaders to pass a bipartisan marijuana banking bill to provide a “much-needed solution” to the “unsafe and untenable” challenges that the cannabis industry faces under prohibition. In a letter sent to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) on Monday, National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) CEO Tim Storey expressed the organization’s support for the revised Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER)… Read more.

GOP Presidential Candidate Ramaswamy Proposes Expanding DEA With Thousands Of New Agents Despite Opposition To Drug War

September 25, 2023 ·

Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is proposing a dramatic restructuring of the federal government’s workforce, in part by eliminating certain agencies like the FBI. But, at the same time, he wants to keep and significantly expand the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) despite having criticized the broader war on drugs. The 38-year-old presidential hopeful—who has voiced support for legalizing marijuana and decriminalizing certain psychedelics—detailed his plan to fire about 75 percent of federal workers and shutter key agencies during a recent domestic… Read more.

Republican Lawmakers Urge DEA to Reject Cannabis Reclassification

September 24, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

In a letter to Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Anne Milgram, 14 Republican lawmakers urged the agency to reject the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommendation to reclassify cannabis from Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act to Schedule III.  “It is irresponsible for HHS to recommend that marijuana be removed from Schedule I. It would also be irresponsible for DEA to act on this recommendation,” the letter states. “Our country relies on DEA to enforce our nation’s drug laws.… Read more.

Third Time At Bat For The MORE Act

September 23, 2023 · Green Market Report

Cannabis legislators are a persistent bunch as ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), refiled the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment and Expungement or MORE Act on Wednesday. So far there are 33 co-sponsors and they are all Democrats. MORE Act 3.0 The previous versions of the MORE Act stated that states could create their own cannabis policies without federal interference. The MORE Act in previous versions would remove cannabis from the controlled substances list. It would also create a cannabis sales… Read more.

Marijuana Banking Bill Will Pass ‘Decisively’ Next Week, Senate Committee Chair Says As More Amendments Are Floated

September 23, 2023 ·

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Sherrod Brown (D-OH) says a bipartisan marijuana banking will pass “decisively” out of his panel next week, as senators discuss possible tweaks on its path to the floor and anti-drug advocates decry the reform as a public safety hazard. The revised Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act that’s due for a committee markup next Wednesday might not enjoy the same level of support as other unrelated bills that recently moved out of the panel,… Read more.

Group Funded By Alcohol And Tobacco Companies Pushes Feds To Issue Marijuana Tax Stamps To Combat Illicit Market

September 22, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

A new report from the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation (CPEAR) looking at the nation’s illicit cannabis market makes a number of policy suggestions aimed at reining in unlicensed marijuana sales. Among them, the group calls for a centralized, nationwide track-and-trace system as well as marijuana tax stamps to help “distinguish regulated cannabis products from illicit products.” “Eliminating the illicit market requires a multifaceted approach, one that leverages technology and data and relies on collaboration between law enforcement… Read more.

House Democrats File Marijuana Legalization And Expungements Bill

September 22, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

A top House Democrat has reintroduced a bill to federally legalize, tax and regulate marijuana, with provisions to expunge prior cannabis convictions. Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, refiled the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act on Wednesday. There are 33 initial cosponsors—all Democrats. The comprehensive legalization legislation has passed the House twice in recent sessions—but this marks the first time it’s being introduced with Republicans in control of the chamber, raising serious questions about… Read more.

State regulators want Congress to redefine, regulate hemp, delta-8 THC

September 21, 2023 · MJ Biz Daily

An association of regulators of state cannabis programs is asking Congress to include in the next Farm Bill new rules governing hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoids, including a new definition for what constitutes “hemp” versus marijuana. If adopted, the proposed rules would have broad implications for products containing hemp-derived, intoxicating cannabinoids, including delta-8 THC. Such products have exploded in popularity since the 2018 Farm Bill was enacted. The Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA) asked House and Senate committee chairs in a Sept. 15 letter to… Read more.

Yay, Weed is Going to be Rescheduled or Legalized! Republicans: Hold My Beer!

September 20, 2023 · Cannabis.net

Marijuana Moment is reporting a group of 14 Republican congressional members is calling on the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to oppose the top federal health agency's suggestion to change the scheduling of marijuana, advocating instead for it to remain in the most stringent category as per the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). In a letter addressed to DEA Administrator Anne Milgram on Monday, Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and Representative Pete Sessions (R-TX) took the lead, along with twelve other colleagues from both chambers. They asserted… Read more.

California marijuana businesses beg gov to veto product label legislation

September 20, 2023 · MJ Biz Daily

California marijuana companies are asking Gov. Gavin Newsom to veto a recently passed bill that’s meant to deter children from using cannabis products, claiming the legislation would instead ban many existing brands’ current logos while doing nothing to curb the illicit market. The California Assembly last week passed Assembly Bill 1207, which prohibits any cannabis product package or label deemed “attractive to children.” That includes any images of “including, but not limited to”: Cartoons, toys or robots. Real or fictional humans. Any fictional… Read more.

Schumer Aims To Bring Newly Revised Marijuana Banking Bill To The Floor ‘With All Due Speed’ After Next Week’s Committee Vote

September 20, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

A marijuana banking bill that’s set for a Senate committee markup next week has an updated title and several new provisions related to federal financial regulations, guidance and reporting requirements, according to a summary that is circulating. And Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said on Tuesday he intends to “bring this legislation to the floor with all due speed.” The title of the measure is being extended by one word. The bill that’s being circulated ahead of the Senate Banking… Read more.

Kansas City Council Earmarks $458,000 In Marijuana Tax Revenue To Fund Local Violence Prevention

September 16, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Kansas City, Missouri officials have green-lighted using proceeds from a 3 percent municipal tax on marijuana to fund a violence prevention program in the city. The City Council on Thursday approved a proposal to put $458,000 in proceeds from the local cannabis tax, which voters approved in April, toward the city’s Aim4Peace initiative, which works with local communities and survivors of violent crime. All told, the city estimates it should make roughly $3 million each year from legal sales after the tax… Read more.

Former Cannabis CEO Hired to Oversee Connecticut Cannabis Program

September 15, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) has tapped the former CEO of the state’s first licensed cannabis grower as state program manager for cannabis, CT Insider reports. Jennifer Mandzuk worked at Theraplant from 2014 until January and served as the company’s CEO since July 2022, the report says.  DCP spokesperson Kaitlyn Krasselt told Insider that “Agencies often hire subject matter experts from the industry to ensure high quality, experienced staff.”  The state ethics office told Insider that the state’s code of ethics “does not… Read more.

Justice Department Begins Issuing Marijuana Pardon Certificates Under Biden Order

September 15, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has begun issuing formal certificates to individuals whose convictions for marijuana possession were covered under President Joe Biden’s (D) mass cannabis pardon last October. The documents are intended to allow people to demonstrate that they were granted clemency, which could help avoid obstacles to housing, employment, education and child custody caused by a federal criminal conviction. Although neither DOJ nor the Office of the Pardon Attorney has announced the issuance of the certificates, at least some applicants… Read more.

RFK Jr. Reaffirms That Legalizing Marijuana And Using Revenue To Fund Treatment Centers Would Be ‘Part Of My Presidency’

September 14, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a 2024 presidential candidate, is again calling for federally legalizing marijuana, opening up banking services for the industry and using cannabis tax revenue to fund drug treatment and rehabilitation centers. During an appearance on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal on Wednesday, Kennedy, who is running as a Democrat, took a question from a Republican caller who asked him to lay out his position on cannabis policy. The son of former Attorney General Robert Kennedy and nephew of President John… Read more.

Senate Committee Vote On Marijuana Banking Bill ‘Won’t Be Next Week,’ Despite Insiders’ Predictions, Chairman’s Office Says

September 12, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

The Senate Banking Committee will not be voting on cannabis banking legislation next week, despite the suggestions of some key insiders and analysts. While top Senate players on both sides of the aisle have indicated that they’re prepared to move the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act this fall after a “productive” August recess, a Banking Committee spokesperson told Marijuana Moment on Monday that the “markup won’t be next week.” To be clear, no lawmakers involved in the legislation have publicly… Read more.

Once a marijuana enemy, DEA now key to rescheduling

September 12, 2023 · MJ Biz Daily

The most significant shift in U.S. marijuana policy is drawing closer, but one major obstacle remains in reform’s way: the Drug Enforcement Administration. On Aug. 29, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) responded to President Joe Biden’s October 2022 call for a federal review of marijuana scheduling with a revolutionary pronouncement: The drug should be reclassified as a Schedule 3 controlled substance. Now, the federal government’s first official acknowledgment that marijuana has medicinal value goes to the DEA, the arm of… Read more.

‘Very Concerned’ GOP Lawmaker Demands Biden Administration Explain Marijuana Scheduling Recommendation

September 12, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

A Republican congressman who opposes cannabis legalization is demanding answers about the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’s (HHS) recent recommendation to reschedule marijuana, writing in a letter to the Biden administration that he’s “very concerned” about the agency’s guidance. In a letter to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC) lists 11 questions he wants the agency to answer by October 3. The questions include inquiries about how HHS arrived at its rescheduling recommendation, which officials “were consulted… Read more.

SAFE Banking Act’s Odds May Have Just Increased

September 8, 2023 · Green Market Report

When it rains, it pours. And sometimes that’s a good thing. On the heels of the “historic” news last week that the Biden administration is poised to reschedule marijuana, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown told reporters that he believes the SAFE Banking Act may also be ready for prime time, sending another shockwave through the cannabis industry. First, Brown – who chairs the powerful Senate Banking Committee – told Punchbowl News that SAFE could get a committee hearing “in the next six weeks.”… Read more.

Why Does Presidential Candidate Ron DeSantis Hate Weed So Much?

September 7, 2023 · Cannabis.net

During a presidential campaign event in Iowa on Saturday, Ron DeSantis reaffirmed his stance against the legalisation of marijuana. He expressed worries about the potential for young children to access cannabis contaminated with fentanyl. DeSantis underscored that he sees this issue as a pressing modern concern, differing greatly from substances used decades ago. He thinks that such substances' usage among the youth leads to a myriad of problems. Additionally, he highlighted the severe toll drugs are taking on the nation. The… Read more.

Congressman’s Interference In Cherokee Tribe’s Marijuana Legalization Vote Could Help Referendum Pass, Chief Says

September 7, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

The head of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), which is set to vote on a referendum to legalize cannabis for adults on Thursday, says he believes efforts by an anti-marijuana North Carolina GOP congressman to insert himself into the tribe’s internal affairs could ultimately cause more members to support of the measure. In an interview this week with Marijuana Moment, EBCI Principal Chief Richard G. Sneed said it was a “big misstep” for U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC) to run… Read more.

Schedule 1 to Schedule 3, and Back to Schedule 1? – The ‘Stop Pot Act’ Looks to Effectively End Cannabis Legalization in America

September 7, 2023 · Cannabis.net

As the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina prepares for a vote on the legalization of adult-use cannabis, U.S. Representative Chuck Edwards (R) has issued a threat to defund the tribe, regardless of the vote's outcome. Principal Chief Richard Sneed of the tribe has characterized this move by the Republican congressman as a significant political misstep. On the late evening of September 1st, Edwards introduced what he has named the "Stop Pot Act." This proposed bill would withhold 10% of federal… Read more.

Schumer Says Senate Will Be ‘Making Progress’ On Marijuana Banking In Floor Speech On Legislative Priorities

September 6, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is reiterating his commitment to advancing marijuana banking reform as the chamber comes back into session from the August recess. In a floor speech on Tuesday, Schumer discussed various legislative priorities for the coming weeks and months. That includes “making progress on cannabis” through the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act, he said. However, he stressed that “we are under no illusion that we can make progress on the Senate floor unless we… Read more.

Colorado Governor Applauds Biden On Marijuana Rescheduling Recommendation, But Urges Action On Banking And FDA Enforcement Guidance

September 6, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

The governor of Colorado is applauding President Joe Biden after his administration’s top health agency recommended rescheduling marijuana—but he says the initial move must be followed with more action to address cannabis banking, immigration, criminal justice reform and federal enforcement concerns. That should include developing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance clarifying that it will not interfere in state-legal marijuana activities, he said. In a letter sent to Biden on Tuesday, Gov. Jared Polis (D) commended the U.S. Department of Health… Read more.

Senate Banking Committee Chair Aims To Advance Marijuana Bill Within ‘The Next Six Weeks’

September 6, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

A key Senate committee chairman says that he’s spoken with Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) about moving bipartisan marijuana banking legislation, which he hopes to advance along with several other priority bills “in the next six weeks.” Senate Banking Committee Chairman Sherrod Brown (D-OH) told Punchbowl News on Monday that the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act is one of the top bills on his fall legislative agenda. And while he didn’t comment on the substance of his conversation… Read more.

Why Rescheduling Would Be More Than Just a Tax Break for Cannabis

September 5, 2023 · Green Market Report

Now that the Department of Health and Human Services recommended moving cannabis to schedule 3, the industry is asking what impact a potential reclassification would have on the financial futures of U.S. cannabis companies. The removal of the tax burden from section 280E of the IRS tax code is expected to be one of the biggest changes. But how big would that effect be? Mike Regan, director of research at Excelsior Equities, recently spoke with Green Market Report to break down the math. “Consensus estimates expect about… Read more.

White House Says Biden ‘Has Always’ Supported Medical Cannabis Legalization

September 4, 2023 ·

President Joe Biden (D) “has always” supported legalizing cannabis for medicinal purposes, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during a briefing on Friday. The statement came days after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a historic recommendation to the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that cannabis be moved from Schedule I to Schedule III under federal law. “The president asked the secretary of HHS and also the attorney general to initiate the administrative process to review how marijuana is… Read more.

Federal Marijuana Rescheduling Is Just A ‘Step’ On The Path To Legalization, Congressional Lawmakers Say

September 2, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Congressional lawmakers might be encouraged by news that the top U.S. health agency is recommending marijuana rescheduling—but some like Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) are also stressing that this is just a “step” in the right direction as they pursue legalization. Scores of legislators, including Republican members, have applauded the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for advising the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act… Read more.

Moving Marijuana To Schedule III Could Have Sweeping Impacts For Businesses, Federal Employees, Research And More

September 1, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

If the U.S. government moves marijuana to Schedule III of the Controlled Substance Act (CSA)—as the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has now formally recommended—the shift could have profound implications for all sorts of cannabis-related issues, ranging from research to business taxes to U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mailing rules. In the aftermath of the HHS announcement, some of the proposal’s would-be consequences are clearer than others. For instance, it’s evident that cannabis businesses could, for the first time, claim… Read more.

What Could Rescheduling Mean for the Cannabis Industry?

September 1, 2023 · Green Market Report

The U.S. marijuana industry received one its biggest jolts in years this week when news leaked that the Department of Health and Human Services is on board to reschedule cannabis. If the Drug Enforcement Administration agrees, the plant would move from the most restrictive level of Schedule 1 to the middle ground of Schedule 3, a potential milestone that could result in a huge financial boost to the sector. The biggest obvious benefit of rescheduling, several industry attorneys said, is that the… Read more.

Anti-Marijuana Ted Cruz Swigs Beer To Protest Possible Lowering Of U.S. Alcohol-Consumption Guidelines: ‘Kiss My Ass’

September 1, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) doesn’t support legalizing marijuana or other currently illicit drugs, but he’s big mad over the prospect of the federal government advising Americans to drink less alcohol. During an interview with Newsmax on Wednesday, the senator said that federal officials “can kiss my ass” if they decide to reduce the recommended maximum consumption of alcohol to two drinks per week, as has recently been floated. “What is it with liberals and wanting to control every damn aspect… Read more.

Rep. Matt Gaetz Asked DEA for Documents & Timeline Related to Cannabis Descheduling

September 1, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

In a letter to Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Anne Milgram, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R) asked why the agency has not begun taking steps to reconsider cannabis’ status as a Schedule I drug.  The letter notes that President Joe Biden (D) has sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Attorney General’s office asking for the process to begin. The letter follows Milgram’s July 27 testimony before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government… Read more.

‘Biggest thing, ever’: Marijuana rescheduling recommendation hailed

August 31, 2023 · MJ Biz Daily

The disclosure Wednesday that top Biden administration health officials this week officially recommended marijuana be reclassified from a Schedule 1 substance to Schedule 3 – the same category as Tylenol with codeine – was hailed as the biggest development in MJ policy reform in more than 50 years.  Marijuana investors concurred, boosting stocks of major U.S. cannabis companies approximately 20%. “It’s historic. It’s the biggest thing that’s happened in cannabis reform at the federal level, ever,” Shane Pennington, a partner at… Read more.

Where Presidential Candidate Will Hurd Stands On Marijuana

August 29, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Former Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX) has entered the race to become the 2024 Republican presidential nominee. So what does his record on drug policy look like? Hurd, who also previously worked as a CIA agent, has opposed nearly all marijuana reform proposals that he had an opportunity to vote on during his time in Congress. That includes incremental measures like protecting banks that work with state-legal cannabis businesses, as well as comprehensive legislation to federally legalize marijuana. While he has… Read more.

DeSantis Doubles Down On Opposition To Marijuana Legalization, Claiming Colorado’s Illicit Market Is ‘Bigger And More Lucrative’ After Reform

August 29, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, has reaffirmed that he would not legalize marijuana if elected to the White House—arguing contrary to evidence that the reform has actually increased the size of the illicit market in Colorado. During a campaign event in Iowa on Saturday, an attendee told DeSantis that she knows people whose children developed “cannabis-induced psychosis” and asked about whether he would move to legalize or reschedule cannabis under federal law if he became… Read more.

GOP Congressman Explains Why He’ll Vote For Ohio Marijuana Legalization Initiative In November As State Releases Pro And Con Arguments

August 29, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

As Ohio officials release pro and con arguments for a marijuana legalization initiative that will appear on the November ballot, a GOP congressman who represents the state is applauding the measure and explaining why he will personally be “voting yes.” In a statement shared with Marijuana Moment on Monday, Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH), co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, encouraged “all Ohio voters to participate and make their voices heard on this important issue” now that the legalization measure has… Read more.

Former Top FDA Official Predicts Agency Will Make Schedule III Marijuana Recommendation With ‘Election Cycle’ In Mind

August 28, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

A former top Food and Drug Administration (FDA) official believes it’s most likely that marijuana will be put in Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) following an ongoing administrative review ordered by President Biden last year. FDA is mindful of political factors such as the 2024 election, the official said, so a policy change may come sooner rather than later. Howard Sklamberg, who previously served as chair of FDA’s Marijuana Working Group from 2014 to 2017, spoke about the… Read more.

Verano CEO Pens Open Letter to Alabama Governor Over License Reversal

August 28, 2023 · Green Market Report

George Archos, CEO of Verano Holdings Corp. (OTC: VRNOF) penned a letter to Alabama Governor Kay Ivey expressing the company’s commitment to the state and raising concerns over the recent scrapping of its cannabis business license. The Chicago-based multistate operator had its hopes up in June when it was awarded a medical cannabis license in Alabama based on its application score. It immediately pledged a $40 million investment into the state. But to the firm’s chagrin, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) later decided to void… Read more.

Former Trump Drug Czar Says Top Federal Officials Stopped FDA From Scheduling Kratom Amid Concern About Agency’s ‘Bias’

August 26, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

As the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Trump administration prepared to propose federal restrictions on kratom, a number of top officials intervened, criticizing the agency’s “bias” and stopping it “on the spot” from moving ahead with scheduling, a former White House drug czar said in a new interview. “They did not give—did not have—the entire facts. They didn’t have the science,” said Jim Carroll, who served as director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, or… Read more.

DeSantis’s Anti-Marijuana Flip-Flop Is Yet Another Reason He Shouldn’t Be Elected President (Op-Ed)

August 23, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Believe it or not, Ron DeSantis used to be one of the coolest Republicans when it came to weed. Unfortunately, spineless Ron DeSantis has capitulated and fallen in line with the majority of his fellow career-politician Republican prohibitionists. The facts show he is now squarely opposed to the super-majority of Americans (including a majority of Republican voters) who support legalization. This is yet another reason why he must not be elected president. To be fair, before I continue to trash him,… Read more.

Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission Funding Buoyed by Cannabis Tax Revenues

August 23, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission last week approved a spending plan that, for the first time, includes funding from state cannabis taxes, the Bozeman Daily Chronicle reports. The cannabis tax contributions have buoyed the account to about $1.13 million; typically, the commission is funded by contributions by residents who check off the fund on their state income tax forms, which usually generates between $30,000 and $40,000. The state legalization law requires that 4% of cannabis-derived sales taxes are used for nongame wildlife programs. Montana collects… Read more.

GOP Presidential Candidate Ramaswamy Talks Marijuana Legalization In Chat With Joint-Smoking Bill Maher

August 22, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy reiterated his support for federal marijuana legalization in an interview that aired on Sunday, saying the current state–federal conflict on cannabis is “a farce” that allows governments to unfairly target people. Appearing on the podcast Club Random with Bill Maher, who smoked a joint during the conversation, Ramaswamy said the gap between state and federal marijuana laws is “a joke” that “undermines the rule of law.” “I think we should align the federal law with… Read more.

Cresco CEO Still Believes Federal Reform is Possible

August 21, 2023 · Green Market Report

During the company’s most recent earnings call, Cresco Labs (CSE: CL) (OTC: CRLBF) CEO Charles Bachtell strongly implied that he believes federal marijuana reform is still on the horizon, despite the lack of progress to date on bills such as the SAFE Banking Act. He’s also not worried about potential disruption or added regulations if marijuana is federally rescheduled. “I’ve spent a lot of time in D.C. this year,” Bachtell said. “There are a lot of constructive conversations happening, and the right… Read more.

Bipartisan Lawmakers Push VA Secretary To End ‘Detrimental’ Policy Blocking Doctors From Recommending Medical Marijuana To Veterans

August 18, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Bipartisan congressional lawmakers are expressing “deep concern” over a recently updated U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) marijuana directive that continues to prohibit its doctors from making medical cannabis recommendations to veterans living in states where it’s legal. In a letter sent to VA Secretary Denis McDonough on Thursday, three co-chairs of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus—Reps. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Dave Joyce (R-OH)—said that VA “has once again denied the reality of medical marijuana as a key treatment option”… Read more.

Census Bureau Begins Collecting Data About Marijuana Business Economic Activity As Market Enters Mainstream

August 17, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

The U.S. Census Bureau is updating its survey of American companies to better capture marijuana-related economic activity, part of an effort to “keep up with the nation’s ever-changing business landscape.” For the first time, the 2022 Economic Census—which is being conducted right now and asks businesses about their activities from last year—includes options for respondents to identify themselves as part of the cannabis economy. “While there are no specific questions about cannabis in the 2022 Economic Census,” the bureau said on its… Read more.

NAACP Adopts Resolution Supporting Federal Legalization, Cannabis Workers

August 17, 2023 · Cannabis Now

The NAACP has reaffirmed its support for legalizing cannabis at the federal level while adopting a new position expressing support for workers in the cannabis industry and their right to unionize. At the 114th NAACP National Convention held in late July, the nation’s oldest civil rights organization voted on several policy resolutions, including one that reaffirmed its support for cannabis resolution at the federal level. The NAACP has been an active voice in cannabis policy reform issues since at least… Read more.

GOP Candidate Ramaswamy Supports Federal Marijuana Legalization And Allowing Veterans To Use Psychedelics

August 16, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy says he supports federally legalizing marijuana and allowing veterans with PTSD to use certain psychedelics—but his campaign is also attacking a recent Fox News article that suggested he supports decriminalizing “certain hard drugs” even though he recently said the broader reform would be an “important” part of broader strategy. “Vivek is in favor of federal legalization of marijuana” his campaign said on Monday in response to the news report. “The current state-level ‘legalization’ farce contributes… Read more.

GOP Congressman Who Backs Marijuana Reform Files Bill To Deport Prince Harry For Allegedly Lying About Drug Use

August 12, 2023 ·

A GOP congressman who has sponsored marijuana reform legislation is filing a new bill to target immigrants who’ve lied about illicit drug use on their visa applications—sending a political message amid conservative scrutiny of the UK’s Prince Harry, who has disclosed using psychedelics and cannabis before moving to the U.S. On Tuesday, Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) introduced the Substance and Possession Abuse Restrictions for Entrance (SPARE) Act, the name of which is a reference to the duke’s memoir—titled “Spare”—about his… Read more.

DEA Chief Seeks Clarity on Cannabis Rescheduling

August 11, 2023 · Cannabis Now

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Administer Anne Milgram told lawmakers that she will seek clarity from the Department of Health and Human Services on the timeline for the Biden administration’s review of the scheduling of cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act. The commitment to lawmakers came at a recent congressional legislative committee hearing, where lawmakers questioned the DEA head on scheduling review. President Joseph Biden ordered his administration to review the scheduling of cannabis under federal drug laws in an executive… Read more.

Biden Admin Has No Record Of Marijuana Letter Cited By DEA Head In Congressional Testimony

August 11, 2023 ·

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) says it has no record of a letter from the White House regarding President Joe Biden’s marijuana scheduling review directive, seemingly contradicting what the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently testified to lawmakers. At a House Judiciary Committee hearing last month, DEA Administrator Anne Milgram told Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) that the president “had sent a letter to the secretary of HHS and to the attorney general to ask for… Read more.

Los Angeles mayor expected to pick new chief for city’s cannabis agency

August 9, 2023 · MJ Biz Daily

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is shaking up leadership at several city agencies, including an expected management overhaul at L.A.’s cannabis regulatory agency – which oversees a roughly $1 billion marijuana market. A listing for an executive director for the Department of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) has been posted on the city’s employment website for several weeks, increasing speculation that interim director Michelle Garakian is on the way out. The deadline for candidates to submit their applications is 4 p.m. PT Aug. 18.… Read more.

DeSantis-Approved Florida Law Bans ‘Recreational’ Marijuana Ads While Instituting More Industry Worker Restrictions

August 9, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

The governor of Florida signed a little-noticed bill that took effect last month, expanding medical marijuana advertising and manufacturing restrictions to prohibit any products or messages that promote “recreational” cannabis use, while adding more stringent eligibility requirements for workers in the industry. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, approved the large-scale health legislation in May, making significant changes to the state’s existing medical cannabis law that could significantly impact the market, especially if an adult-use legalization measure makes… Read more.

Federal Worker Safety Official Says Marijuana Prohibition Makes His Agency’s Job ‘Complicated’

August 8, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

An official with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) says that ongoing marijuana prohibition makes the agency’s job “complicated” when it comes to ensuring the safety of workers in the cannabis industry. At a National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety & Health (NACOSH) meeting in late May, a New York marijuana regulator who was representing a trade union asked an OSHA official what, if anything, the agency is doing to incorporate people who are starting businesses in cannabis… Read more.

Marijuana industry spends millions lobbying as shutdown threatens SAFE Banking

August 8, 2023 · MJ Biz Daily

The cannabis industry continues to spend millions of dollars on high-powered lobbyists to sway U.S. senators to pass marijuana reform, but those efforts could be thwarted this fall by a government shutdown that threatens to upend Congress’ legislative calendar. U.S. marijuana companies and trade groups spent more than $2.4 million lobbying the U.S. Senate in the first half of 2023, according to the most recent federal lobbying disclosure filings. That’s less than the $2.9 million spent on trying to woo… Read more.

Giving Up on Legalization? – Cannabis Industry Titans Throw in the Towel on Lobbyist in Washington

August 7, 2023 · Cannabis.net

A recent report from Stat News indicates a decrease in federal lobbying efforts by cannabis industry operators. Notably, Curaleaf, a significant player in the industry, reduced its lobbying spending in Washington, D.C., by almost 40% during the first half of the year compared to its peak spending in 2019. Furthermore, both Columbia Care and Pax Labs took more drastic measures by eliminating their lobbying teams. In response to this trend, Aaron Smith, co-founder and CEO of the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA),… Read more.

We’ll Get to It When We Get to It Says Biden Administration about Marijuana Legalization Review

August 6, 2023 · Cannabis.net

According to the DEA's administrator, the agency has not received a clear timeline from the Biden administration regarding the study of marijuana's federal status, as suggested during a congressional hearing. In response, Tennessee Democrat U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen stated his intention to speed the process. Last autumn, President Joe Biden initiated an "administrative review" to reevaluate marijuana's classification under the Controlled Substances Act. As part of this process, public health agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the… Read more.

Biden’s VA Continues Policy Of Blocking Doctors From Recommending Medical Marijuana To Veterans In Updated Directive

August 4, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has released an updated directive that reaffirms its doctors are prohibited from issuing medical cannabis recommendations to their military veterans patients. The new document also notes the revised federal definition of marijuana that went into effect with the legalization of hemp. The revised Veterans Health Administration (VHA) guidance is largely consistent with a previous version it released in 2017, which itself was updated to explicitly encourage VA doctors to discuss veterans’ marijuana use. That… Read more.

Senate Votes To Let People Who’ve Used Marijuana Work At Intelligence Agencies Like CIA And NSA As Part Of Defense Bill

July 31, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

The U.S. Senate has approved a large-scale defense bill that includes provisions to bar intelligence agencies like the CIA and NSA from denying security clearances to applicants solely due to their past marijuana use. Senators adopted a number of amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on Thursday before approving the overall legislation. That included attaching the full text of the separate Intelligence Authorization Act, which was itself previously amended in committee last month to include the cannabis provision from Sen.… Read more.

Bipartisan Federal Bill Would End Ban on Cannabis Consumers Getting Security-Sensitive Jobs

July 29, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

Legislation to prevent prior or current cannabis use from becoming grounds for failing to receive security clearance or for being found unsuitable for federal employment was introduced in the U.S. House on Tuesday.  The bill includes bipartisan support, sponsored by Reps. Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Jamie Raskin (D-MD).  The Cannabis Users Restoration of Eligibility (CURE) Act will also allow someone who has previously been denied a security clearance or a federal job opportunity based on cannabis use the chance to have that denial reviewed. … Read more.

U.S. House Amends Military Spending Bill to Let VA Doctors Recommend Medical Cannabis

July 29, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday voted to add an amendment to the must-pass National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to end the Veteran Administration’s (VA) prohibition on providers assisting military veterans in accessing state-legal medical cannabis.   The amendment, introduced by Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), passed unanimously by a voice vote. Blumenauer is the founder and co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus. Blumenauer was successful in getting a similar amendment on the 2016 version of the NDAA to pass the House and Senate in… Read more.

Bipartisan Senate And House Lawmakers Seek Expert Input On CBD Regulations As FDA Faces Pressure To Act

July 29, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Bipartisan leaders of key House and Senate committees are soliciting information from experts about best practices for developing a regulatory framework for CBD. As the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues face pressure to create rules so that the hemp-derived cannabinoid can be lawfully marketed as food items or dietary supplements, bipartisan lawmakers have put out a Request for Information (RFI) to gather relevant information from subject matter experts. The chairs and ranking members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor,… Read more.

DeSantis Appoints Drug Policy Council Members, Including Sheriff Who Campaigned Against Medical Marijuana And Another Who Backs Decrim

July 28, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), a Republican 2024 presidential candidate, has appointed six new members to his state’s Drug Policy Advisory Council—and it includes an eclectic mix of stakeholders, like a sheriff who campaigned against a medical cannabis ballot initiative that voters approved and another sheriff who supports marijuana decriminalization. The panel also features yet another sheriff who went viral for warning heroin sellers while wearing a ski mask and a pastor who thinks his fellow Southern Baptists should “take a… Read more.

Schumer Says Work Continues On Marijuana Banking Bill As Key Senators Dispute Reason For Delay

July 28, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) says that work continues to pass a bipartisan marijuana banking bill, and another Democratic senator is urging voters to keep up the pressure as lawmakers head back to their districts for the summer. But despite their optimism, a key committee chairman and the measure’s Republican top sponsor are still stuck in an intractable blame game. Action on the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act is on hold for at least a month as… Read more.

Congressional Committee Addresses FDA Inaction On CBD Regulations At Hearing

July 28, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

A first-of-its-kind congressional committee hearing took place on Thursday, with lawmakers examining the impacts of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inaction on developing regulations to allow for the sale of hemp-derived CBD as food items or dietary supplements. The House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services announced the scheduling of the hearing—titled “Hemp in the Modern World: The Years long Wait for FDA Action”—last week. “FDA announced earlier this year that it’s needs a new regulatory framework… Read more.

Bipartisan Federal Proposal Seeks to Update Hemp-Derived CBD Rules

July 27, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

A group of federal lawmakers last week introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation aimed at updating federal hemp rules to ensure hemp-derived CBD products are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) like other legal products used in dietary supplements, foods, and beverages.   In a press release, the lawmakers – Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Rand Paul (R-KY), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) – said the Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act “is essential to protecting consumer safety and treating hemp producers fairly.”  The legislation… Read more.

House Approves Veterans Medical Marijuana Access And Psychedelics Research Amendments As Part Of Spending Bill

July 27, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved amendments to a large-scale spending bill that would allow U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) doctors to recommend medical cannabis to military veterans and promote research into substances like psilocybin and MDMA. Just one day after the House Rules Committee made the measures in order for floor consideration, they passed on the floor on Wednesday and are advancing as part of appropriations legislation covering Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies (MilCon/VA). The medical… Read more.

Senate Vote on SAFE Banking Act Likely Delayed Until Fall

July 27, 2023 · Cannabis Now

A bill to give cannabis operators access to common banking services will not see a vote in the US Senate this summer, according to media reports, despite the hopes of Democratic leaders and businesses in the regulated marijuana industry. Don Murphy, a lobbyist with the Marijuana Leadership Campaign, revealed on social media on July 20 that Ohio Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown, the chair of the Senate Banking Committee, told him that the legislation, known as the Secure and Fair Enforcement… Read more.

Florida Awards Medical Marijuana Licenses To Black Farmers Under Bill DeSantis Signed Into Law

July 26, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Two Black farmers in Florida have been awarded medical marijuana business licenses under a bill that Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed into law last month. The state’s legalization law that was implemented in 2017 stipulated that one medical cannabis business license needed to go to a Black farmer who is covered by the historic “Pigford” class action litigation against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) alleging discriminatory lending practices. But it was only last year that the Florida Department of Health… Read more.

Same Old Banana in the Tailpipe for Marijuana Legalization – Republicans Block Every Cannabis Legalization Amendment

July 22, 2023 · Cannabis.net

Don't say you haven't heard this song before, in fact, over and over, but as Marijuana Moment first reported, the bipartisan efforts to introduce marijuana and psychedelics amendments into a major defense bill faced disappointment as they failed to progress to the floor. Lawmakers from both political spectrums proposed these amendments to be included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Despite numerous drug policy amendments being offered, the House Rules Committee, led by Republicans, opted against allowing any of them to advance to… Read more.

Republicans Show Their Cards, Cut Cannabis from Defense Bill

July 21, 2023 · MG Magazine

Numerous cannabis-related amendments with bipartisan support were stripped from the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by the Republican-led House Rules Committee before the bill could reach the floor for a vote. The GOP-friendly bill passed the House on a mostly party-line 219-210 vote. The proposed amendments were focused on affording veterans, servicemembers, and private citizens who possess a national security clearance the right to use hemp and cannabis products in accordance with state and federal laws. “It’s disappointing to see the committee… Read more.

White House Officials Discuss Marijuana Reform With Top Wisconsin Senate Democrat

July 21, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

When the top Wisconsin Democratic senator met with key Biden administration officials at the White House on Thursday, she took the opportunity to discuss marijuana reform issues such as the ongoing review of its federal scheduling status and efforts to repair the harms of cannabis criminalization. Senate Minority Leader Melissa Agard (D) and other members of the chamber’s Democratic caucus convened in Washington, D.C. to talk about their legislative priorities and hear from the officials about ways the Biden administration’s… Read more.

Congressional Committee Schedules Hearing To Press FDA On Lack Of CBD Regulations Next Week As Bipartisan Lawmakers File Bills To Address The Issue

July 21, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

A congressional committee has scheduled a hearing for next week focused on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) refusal to enact regulations to allow for the marketing of hemp-derived CBD products. And bipartisan and bicameral lawmakers have separately reintroduced a bill to fill the regulatory gap. The House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services scheduled the hearing—titled “Hemp in the Modern World: The Years long Wait for FDA Action”—for July 27. Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) said… Read more.

‘Hallucinogenic’ MUSHROOMS may be to blame for US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, 76, repeatedly bowing to China’s vice premier after she ordered four portions at dinner (but the chef insists they weren’t psychedelic)

July 19, 2023 · Daily Mail

Hallucinogenic mushrooms may be to blame for US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's cringeworthy bows to China's vice premier after she ordered four portions at dinner three nights before their meeting, sources claim. Jian shou qing mushrooms, which have psychedelic properties if they are not cooked thoroughly, formed part of a traditional dish Yellen polished off at Beijing restaurant Yi Zuo Yi Wang on July 6. The usually stately politician, 76, then came under fire from Republican opponents for bowing to her Chinese counterpart, He Lifeng, three days later… Read more.

Virginia Cannabis Sales Unlikely to Launch Under Gov. Youngkin’s Administration

July 18, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

The administration of Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) has no plans to allow adult-use cannabis sales to commence in the state while he is in office, the Daily Progress reports. Adult-use cannabis sales were expected to begin in 2024 under a law passed by the legislature and signed by former Gov. Ralph Northam (D) in 2021; however, during a Virginia Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council meeting last week, Joseph Guthrie, commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said the… Read more.

Florida Marijuana Ballot Measure Would Net Up To $431 Million In Annual Tax Revenue, Analysts For DeSantis And Lawmakers Say

July 17, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Officials from the Florida legislature and the office of Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) estimate that a marijuana legalization initiative that may appear on the 2024 ballot would generate between $195.6 million and $431.3 million in new sales tax revenue annually if voters enact it. And those figures could increase considerably if lawmakers opted to impose an additional excise tax on cannabis transactions that’s similar to the ones in place in other legalized states. On  Thursday, the state Financial Impact Estimating… Read more.

GOP Congresswoman Pushes For Psychedelics And Marijuana Research For Veterans In Floor Speech

July 17, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

A GOP congresswoman is touting recently released Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance on psychedelics research and calling for additional work to study the therapeutic benefits of marijuana for military veterans. In a speech on the House floor on Wednesday, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) talked about the need to support “novel forms of research” to unlock the potential of psychedelics and cannabis for the treatment of conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that commonly afflict veterans. “As a doctor, former director of… Read more.

GOP Lawmakers Outraged About Marijuana And Cocaine Found At Biden White House, With One Saying It Endangers President’s ‘Well-Being’

July 16, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Conservative media, as well as certain Republican lawmakers, have a new White House drug fixation after it was disclosed by the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) that agents discovered small amounts of marijuana in the West Wing twice last year, in addition to the cocaine that they more recently found. Ever since cocaine was identified in the West Wing, which was disclosed to lawmakers during a closed briefing earlier this month, the news cycle has been filled with routine updates on… Read more.

House And Senate Both Move To Keep Blocking D.C. Marijuana Sales But Protecting State Medical Cannabis Laws

July 15, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

House and Senate appropriators have approved large-scale annual spending bills that once again include language to protect state medical cannabis programs, as well as a controversial rider to block Washington, D.C. from implementing a system of regulated marijuana sales. The Senate and House Appropriations Committee both held markups of Fiscal Year 2024 spending legislation for Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) on Thursday. And the Senate panel, as well as a House subcommittee, have also advanced their appropriations measures for… Read more.

Secret Service admits it twice found marijuana at White House — months before cocaine discovery

July 15, 2023 · New York Post

Is it the White House or the Trap House? The Secret Service discovered small amounts of marijuana at the executive mansion last year in addition to the cocaine found in the West Wing earlier this month, a spokesman confirmed to The Post Thursday. “Per the Secret Service Uniformed Division, small amounts of marijuana were found on two occasions in 2022 (June and September), at a check point,” the rep said in a statement. “No one was arrested in these incidents because the… Read more.

Bipartisan Lawmakers Celebrate Psychedelics Research Amendment And Say House Speaker Has Committed To Pushing The Issue

July 14, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Bipartisan congressional lawmakers are celebrating the inclusion of a psychedelics research amendment as part of a must-pass defense bill that’s on the House floor—and a GOP congressman says he has the commitment of the House speaker to fight to broaden the scope of the measure in talks with the Senate. At a press conference that took place shortly after the House Rules Committee advanced the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with the psychedelics language that were previously attached in the… Read more.

Republicans LOL’ed the Idea of the SAFE Banking Act for Cannabis Businesses Passing Anytime Soon

July 14, 2023 · Cannabis.net

First reported by Marijuana Moment, a Republican senator has voiced skepticism regarding Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's ambitious plan to address marijuana banking and other legislative priorities during the summer session. Senator John Cornyn believes that Schumer's proposed timeline is unrealistic, deeming it wishful thinking to expect the successful completion of all the necessary items within the limited timeframe. As the debate over cannabis banking reform intensifies, the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act passage remains uncertain. Speaking on the Senate floor, Senator… Read more.

Bipartisan Lawmakers Push For Marijuana And Psychedelics Amendments To Defense Bill, But Committee Action Is Delayed

July 13, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Bipartisan lawmakers pushed for the adoption of marijuana and psychedelics amendments as part of a large-scale defense bill at a House committee meeting on Tuesday—but the proposals’ fate remains uncertain following complications over unrelated measures being pushed by conservative members. The House Rules Committee did clear 290 largely non-controversial amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for floor votes as the leadership negotiates with House Freedom Caucus members who are demanding adoption of contentious measures on issues like abortion,… Read more.

Top North Carolina GOP Lawmaker Says He’s ‘Very Sure’ Medical Marijuana Bill Won’t Advance This Session

July 12, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

A top North Carolina lawmaker says that he’s “very sure” that a Senate-passed medical marijuana legalization bill will not advance in the House this session—even amid strong-arm tactics launched by the other chamber to force the issue—though he said legislators would likely return to it during next year’s short session. House Majority Leader John Bell (R) said in an interview with Spectrum News on Monday that there’s “still discussions going on” about the cannabis measure, but Republican lawmakers “unfortunately did… Read more.

Schumer Says Passing Marijuana Banking Bill ‘Will Not Be Easy’ And Needs GOP Support, As He Sets Agenda For Summer

July 11, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Passing a marijuana banking bill is a priority during the upcoming summer work session in the Senate, but it “will not be easy” and needs GOP support to advance, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said in a letter to colleagues that notably omitted his typical call for attaching criminal justice provisions like expungements. The letter that Schumer released on Sunday says that lawmakers will first focus on advancing must-pass appropriations and defense legislation. But he said that Democrats “will also… Read more.

Did You Know Cannabis Legalization Now Has Its Own Super PAC Political Donor Fund?

July 11, 2023 · Cannabis.net

A newly established super PAC called "Legalize America" has been launched by a coalition of marijuana businesses and advocacy groups. The primary objective of this super PAC is to elevate the prominence of cannabis as a national issue in the upcoming 2024 election and beyond. Legalize America plans to collaborate with industry partners to encourage customers to make "round-up" donations at the point of sale when purchasing products from dispensaries. The Legalize America super PAC's formation involves their organization and its… Read more.

Wednesday is the last day for Springfield voters to register for marijuana tax election

July 7, 2023 · Yahoo!News

Springfield residents invested in the city's proposed marijuana tax must be registered to vote by Wednesday in order to weigh in. A special municipal election is set for Aug. 8, with only one issue on the ballot. Voters have the opportunity to decide whether the city of Springfield imposes an additional 3% sales tax on recreational marijuana. Revenues from this sales tax would go toward "public safety, mental health services, housing and substance abuse services," according to the ballot. Only… Read more.

Booker Slams ‘Two-Tier System’ Of Marijuana Criminalization That Shields Powerful From Punishment While Discussing Hunter Biden Plea Deal

July 6, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) says that while he believes the justice system has effectively handled prosecution against President Joe Biden’s son, there’s still a double-standard in the country that has allowed presidents and members of Congress to admit to past marijuana use with impunity while subjecting thousands of less privileged people to punitive cannabis laws. In an interview with CNN’s “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace” that was released late last month, the senator was asked whether he believes that there’s… Read more.

Matt Gaetz proposes end to cannabis testing for military

July 6, 2023 · Yahoo!News

A proposed amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) would end cannabis testing for members of the military — both when they're enlisting and accepting a commission. If the amendment is included in the NDAA, H.R. 2670 (118), it would address a growing issue in the U.S. military: the increasing number of recruits who test positive for marijuana use, particularly in states where it is legal. Nearly 33 percent more recruits tested positive in 2022 than in 2020, according to the New… Read more.

Where Presidential Candidate Doug Burgum Stands On Marijuana

July 5, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R) is running for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, formally announcing his candidacy on June 7, 2023. The governor has approved several marijuana policy reforms at the state level, though he’s stopped short of embracing adult-use legalization and opposed ballot initiatives to enact such a system in his state. Among the bills that Burgum has signed during his tenure are ones to decriminalize simple possession, increase allowable THC limits for medical cannabis and allow people… Read more.

Bipartisan Lawmakers Applaud FDA For Publishing Psychedelics Research Guidance, As They Requested In New Congressional Bill

July 5, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Bipartisan congressional lawmakers are applauding the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for releasing first-ever draft guidance on psychedelics research—a development that they had requested through a new bill just days before the agency took the step. Reps. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) filed the legislation this month. And while FDA didn’t say that its decision to release the guidance was directly responsive to the measure, it’s precisely the action that the first part of the bill… Read more.

A Democratic Presidential Candidate That Will Actually Legalize Weed? – RFK Jr May Be the Best Hope for the Cannabis Industry

July 4, 2023 · Cannabis.net

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a contender for the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination, intends to legalize marijuana and psychedelics should he win the presidency. Additionally, he proposes implementing taxes on these substances, with the generated revenue being utilized to establish "healing centers." These centers would serve as places where individuals recovering from drug addiction can engage in organic farming as a therapeutic approach. Kennedy also advocates for enabling greater access to banking services for the cannabis industry. While the candidate's stance on drug policy reform… Read more.

RFK Jr. Pledges To Legalize Marijuana And Psychedelics, Using Revenue To Fund Farms Where People Recovering From Drug Addiction Can Grow Organic Food

July 1, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a 2024 Democratic presidential candidate, says that he would legalize marijuana and psychedelics if elected to the White House—and he’d tax both substances, using revenue to create “healing centers” where people recovering from drug addiction could learn organic farming as a therapeutic tool. He also voiced support for freeing up banking services for the cannabis industry. The candidate’s position on drug policy reform had been vague around the time he entered the race—but it’s quickly come… Read more.

Ukraine’s President Says Legalizing Medical Marijuana Can Help People Impacted By ‘Trauma Of War’ With Russia

June 29, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

The president of Ukraine is calling for the legalization of medical marijuana to help Ukrainians cope with trauma amid the ongoing war with Russia. In an address to the Ukrainian Parliament on Wednesday, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that “all the world’s best practices, all the most effective policies, all the solutions, no matter how difficult or unusual they may seem to us, must be applied in Ukraine so that Ukrainians, all our citizens, do not have to endure the pain,… Read more.

Florida Governor Signs Medical Marijuana Bill Despite Opposition to Federal Reform

June 28, 2023 · Green Market Report

Provisions under the new law could more than double the number of licensees in the state. In the span of just four days, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis both nixed the possibility of federal marijuana decriminalization if he wins the U.S. presidency and also gave a significant boost to his home state’s medical marijuana market by signing a pro-cannabis legislative bill into law. DeSantis on Monday signed House Bill 387, which both makes permanent the option of renewing medical marijuana patient registrations via remote… Read more.

Schumer Touts Marijuana Banking Bill As Bipartisan Priority, And Republican Sponsor Is Optimistic As Long As Measure Isn’t Expanded

June 28, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is highlighting marijuana banking reform is one of several key legislative priorities that he intends to push through using bipartisan cooperation when the Senate reconvenes next month. The Republican sponsor of the cannabis bill, meanwhile, says this is the “best” time to get the job done—but cautioned that passage could be jeopardized if Democrats move to significantly expand the scope of the legislation. In the first half of this year, the majority leader was… Read more.

Florida Attorney General Argues That Marijuana Legalization Ballot Measure Misleads Voters In Brief To Supreme Court

June 27, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

The attorney general of Florida has submitted a brief to the state Supreme Court detailing the reasons she is seeking to keep a marijuana legalization initiative off the 2024 ballot. The Florida Chamber of Commerce and an anti-drug organization also filed briefs opposing the measure, which is being almost entirely funded by the multi-state cannabis company Trulieve. After being granted a two-week extension by the court, Attorney General Ashley Moody (R) filed the initial brief on Monday’s deadline. As expected,… Read more.

Flashback: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Pot and Heroin Busts in the ’70s and ’80s

June 27, 2023 · CelebStoner

Forty years sober, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. turned down Bill Maher's offer of a joint on his latest Club Random podcast. Nearly 53 years ago on July 10, 1970, Kennedy and his cousin Robert Shriver were arrested for marijuana possession in Barnstable, MA on Cape Cod. Both were just 16 at the time. Kennedy and Shriver were among 12 teens who got caught in the sting. Tried as juveniles, they each received sentences of 13 months' probation on August 6. Kennedy was kicked out of several… Read more.

Biden Admin Only Has Two Viable Marijuana Options, New Coalition Says In Report That Details Benefits Of Rescheduling

June 26, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

A newly formed coalition of marijuana businesses and advocacy organizations is making the case that the Biden administration really only has two viable choices when it comes to its ongoing federal scheduling review: remove cannabis from the list of banned substances altogether or reschedule it—the less ideal option of the two, but one that the group says would still come with significant benefits. The Coalition for Cannabis Scheduling Reform (CCSR), which launched earlier this month, published a report on Monday that… Read more.

Cannabis Coalition Makes Case for Descheduling in New White Paper

June 26, 2023 · Green Market Report

Federally legalizing marijuana is both doable for the Biden administration and relatively easy, according to a new white paper that makes the case for reform. The paper, released Monday by the Coalition for Cannabis Scheduling Reform, prioritizes “de-scheduling” – or removing marijuana from the list of federally controlled substances altogether – but also acknowledges that “rescheduling” marijuana to Schedule 3 or lower would be “a historic step along the path to necessary reform.” The white paper was issued in the midst… Read more.

SAFE Act Not Passing In Congress Was ‘A Bit Of A Momentum Killer’ For Cannabis Investing, Says Poseidon’s Patrick Rea

In a recent episode of Benzinga's Cannabis Insider, a renowned platform for insights on the cannabis industry, co-hosts Javier Hasse and Elliot Lane had an enlightening conversation with Patrick Rea of Poseidon Investment Management. Poseidon is a key player in the cannabis sector, committed to investing in promising private cannabis companies. According to Rea, Poseidon is currently monitoring about 50 private investment funds that focus on cannabis businesses, with half of them being active. Starting from the second week of January, Rea embarked on a mission to understand the industry’s… Read more.

Ron DeSantis Says He Would Not Decriminalize Marijuana If Elected President

June 24, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), a 2024 GOP presidential candidate, said he would not federally decriminalize marijuana if elected to the White House—arguing that cannabis use hurts the workforce, inhibits productivity and could even lead to death if contaminated. At a campaign event in South Carolina on Thursday, a person who said they were representing wounded veterans asked DeSantis if he would “please” decriminalize cannabis as president. The governor responded directly: “I don’t think we would do that.” He then talked… Read more.

Congress Should Force VA To Study Medical Marijuana For Military Veterans After Years Of Inaction, Lawmaker Says At Hearing

June 24, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

A Democratic congressman says that it’s time for Congress to give the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) a mandate to study the benefits and risks of marijuana for military veterans. At a Member Day hearing before the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee on Thursday, Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA) urged the panel to advance his bipartisan bill, the VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act. Back when he was serving in the California legislature, Correa said veterans started approaching him—”slowly, gradually but firmly”—and describing… Read more.

True or False – The SAFE Banking Act Has the 10 Republican Votes Needed to Pass the Cannabis Banking Bill?

June 24, 2023 · Cannabis.net

The issue of marijuana banking has been a longstanding concern within the cannabis industry. Despite previous bipartisan support in the House of Representatives, the SAFE Banking Act has faced challenges reaching the president's desk. However, there is optimism that the current situation may differ. Are you going to fall for the "banana in the tailpipe", again as far as SAFE Banking is about to pass? Cannabis.net has always stood by the statement that, "Weed will be federally legally, when Mitch McConnell say… Read more.

Trump Defends His Proposed Death Penalty For Drug Sellers Before Being Reminded That Woman He Pardoned Would Be Killed

June 23, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Former President Donald Trump seemed confused during a recent interview when he was confronted with the fact that his proposed plan to impose the death penalty on drug traffickers would have condemned a woman he pardoned and promoted as an example of a key criminal justice reform achievement during his administration. Speaking with Fox News host Bret Baier, Trump first defended his extreme position that drug traffickers should be quickly convicted and executed, touting countries like China and Singapore for… Read more.

Colombia Senate Rejects Cannabis Sales Bill

June 23, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

The Colombia Senate on Tuesday narrowly rejected a bill to allow legal cannabis sales to adults, Reuters reports. The measure failed despite having a majority of support in the chamber — 47 voted in favor and 43 opposed but, as a constitutional amendment, the bill needed support from 54 senators, leaving it just seven votes short. Despite the vote, Interior Minister Luis Fernando Velasco indicated on Twitter that the administration of President Gustavo Petro would “insist on this issue.”   In an interview… Read more.

Chris Christie Vows To ‘End’ The Drug War If Elected President—But Only Partially

June 22, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R), a Republican 2024 presidential candidate, says that he would “end” the war on drugs if elected, emphasizing the need for a treatment-based approach to people experiencing addiction—while at the same time maintaining that he’d seek to increase enforcement against those who sell drugs. During a recent town hall event hosted by CNN, a mother who said her son is in jail after struggles with fentanyl asked Christie what he would “do about the war… Read more.

Biden Review Must Fully Deschedule—And Not Merely Reschedule—Marijuana To Resolve State-Federal Conflicts (Op-Ed)

June 21, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Since California legalized the use of cannabis for medical purposes in 1996, there has existed a growing chasm between state-level marijuana policies and federal law. Today, the majority of states and the District of Columbia authorize the state-licensed production and sale of cannabis to qualifying patients. Twenty-three of these states also regulate the possession and use of marijuana by adults. Nonetheless, under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act (CSA) of 1970, the cannabis plant is classified as a prohibited controlled substance. The CSA exists to… Read more.

Biden Promotes Marijuana Pardons And Scheduling Review In Juneteenth Proclamation

June 20, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

President Joe Biden marked the holiday Juneteenth by issuing a proclamation that promotes his mass marijuana pardon and scheduling review directive. As the country commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black people, the president’s proclamation touts various efforts by his administration to address racial discrimination, including last year’s cannabis clemency move. “I have taken action on marijuana reform by pardoning prior District of Columbia and Federal simple marijuana possession offenses and directed a review of marijuana scheduling,” Biden said on the federal holiday,… Read more.

Leave the Republican Party Because They Don’t Support Marijuana Legalization? NH Rep Jumps Ship, Cites Weed Legalization Issue

June 19, 2023 · Cannabis.net

New Hampshire Representative Dan Hynes recently took to Facebook to make a significant announcement - he has officially changed his party affiliation from Republican to Independent. He expressed his reasoning behind this decision, citing his belief that the Republican party no longer upholds crucial values such as defending the Constitution and ensuring individual freedom. Representative Hynes elaborated on three specific examples that influenced his choice in his Facebook post. Firstly, he expressed his disappointment that legislators failed to safeguard both… Read more.

Congressional Resolution Calls For Legalizing Marijuana And Overdose Prevention Sites As Part Of Government’s ‘Moral Obligation’

June 19, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

More than a dozen congressional Democrats have filed a resolution to recognize the country’s “moral obligation to meet its foundational promise of guaranteed justice for all,” in part by legalizing marijuana and overdose prevention sites as well as expunging drug-related records. The legislation, led by Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), proposes a number of reforms to address systemic issues like mass incarceration, racial discrimination, addiction and homelessness. Cannabis isn’t the focus of the measure, but it’s included in a section calling… Read more.

2 Pounds of Weed Per Person? – Minnesota Blows Away the Usual ‘Up to 10 Ounces’ Recreational Cannabis Limits

June 17, 2023 · Cannabis.net

Minnesota's upcoming recreational marijuana law permits residents to smoke weed and grants them the highest possession limit nationwide. In a celebratory event, Minnesota Democratic Governor Tim Walz enthusiastically signed the bill officially legalizing recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and above. Governor Walz expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the extensive efforts of many individuals involved in this significant milestone. Why can Minnesotans soon have up to 2 pounds of marijuana? Jesse Ventura, the former governor of Minnesota (1999-2003), was among the early… Read more.

Feds Aim To Finish Cannabis Scheduling Review ‘This Year,’ Top Biden Official Tells Marijuana Moment

June 16, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

The head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is aiming to present President Joe Biden with a federal cannabis scheduling decision “this year” as agencies work “as quickly as we can” to complete an administrative review, Secretary Xavier Becerra told Marijuana Moment during a press briefing in Sacramento on Thursday. While Becerra and other federal officials have previously emphasized that they are working “expeditiously” to carry out the cannabis review, which the president directed late last year, there’s… Read more.

New Hampshire Lawmaker Defects From Republican Party, Partially Over Senate Marijuana Legalization Bill Defeat

June 15, 2023 ·

A New Hampshire House lawmaker says that he’s defecting from the Republican party to become in an independent—in part because of his frustration over the Senate’s repeated refusal to approve marijuana legalization. Rep. Dan Hynes said on Tuesday that he is leaving the GOP because he feels the party has lost touch with its founding principles, including promoting “individual freedom.” Among his specific contentions is that “Republicans in the senate almost unanimously voted against legalizing marijuana for adults” this session,… Read more.

Elizabeth Warren Wants Marijuana Laws That Block Amazon And Big Tobacco From Monopolizing The Legal Industry

June 11, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Ed Markey (D-MA) are calling for marijuana reform that prioritizes communities most impacted by the drug war and prevents monopolization by large corporations like Amazon and big tobacco firms. At an event focused on creating an equitable cannabis industry on Saturday, the senators thanked activists for holding the line for small and minority marijuana businesses, and they pledged to promote legislation that aligns with that goal. “We know that legalization alone is not enough,” Warren… Read more.

Federal Bill Introduced to Allow Cannabis Research at Universities

June 9, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

Bush Flowering herb hemp with seeds and flowers. Concept breeding of marijuana, cannabis, legalization.

A House bill introduced Tuesday aims to promote cannabis research at universities and eliminate federal barriers for researchers. The Higher Education Marijuana Research Act was introduced by Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) and Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO).  In a statement, Titus, a member of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, said cannabis is “a major economic driver in Nevada and across the country and deserves further research.”     Morgan Fox, National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) political director, said that “Despite cannabis being… Read more.

Kansas gov won’t use executive powers to legalize medical marijuana

June 3, 2023 · MJ Biz Daily

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said this week that she will not use her office’s executive powers to legalize medical marijuana or to decriminalize cannabis possession. A vocal advocate of marijuana reform who nonetheless says she opposes adult-use legalization, Kelly has said she would sign a medical-cannabis legalization bill if state lawmakers pass one. Despite that executive pressure, a state Senate committee in March blocked a medical cannabis legalization bill for the year. As the Topeka Capital-Journal reported, Kelly will not follow the lead of other Democratic governors in… Read more.

Hunter Biden’s Attorneys Cite Marijuana And Gun Ruling To Deter Charges On Alleged Federal Form Lying, Reports Say

June 3, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Attorneys for President Joe Biden’s son reportedly told Justice Department officials that a recent federal court ruling on gun rights for people who use marijuana should invalidate any charges related to allegations that he lied about his drug use on a federal firearms purchase form. As federal prosecutors investigate the 2018 handgun purchase, which took place at a time when Hunter Biden disclosed that he was a regular user of crack cocaine, his attorneys are challenging the idea that he… Read more.

California Officials Award More Than $50 Million In Marijuana Tax-Funded Community Reinvestment Grants

May 27, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

California officials have awarded more than $50 million in marijuana tax-funded community reinvestment grants, the state announced on Thursday. The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) said that the funds are being distributed to 31 different local health departments and community-based nonprofit organizations that support economic and social development in areas disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs. This marks the fifth year in a row that the office has provided the grant funding. And the cannabis tax… Read more.

Louisiana House Approves Marijuana Expungements Bill, Sending It To Senate

May 26, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

The Louisiana House of Representatives has approved a bill to streamline expungements for people with first-time marijuana possession convictions. The legislation from Rep. Delisha Boyd (D) cleared the chamber in a 69-30 vote on Tuesday, sending it to the Senate. It makes it so people who are convicted of possessing up to 14 grams of cannabis as a first offense can petition the courts to wipe their record after 90 days from the time of the conviction. That would significantly… Read more.

Where Presidential Candidate Ron DeSantis Stands On Marijuana

May 26, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has officially announced that he’s running for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. The candidate’s marijuana policy record is fairly mixed. While he opposes cannabis legalization, he supported several pieces of reform legislation during his time in Congress and has taken steps to build on Florida’s medical marijuana program as governor. As a general theme, DeSantis seems to support the right of states to set their own cannabis policies, even if he personally draws the line… Read more.

Texas Medical Marijuana Expansion in Legislative Limbo as Session Nears End

May 26, 2023 · Green Market Report

Any bills still in committee on Wednesday will be dead in the water. The future of medical cannabis expansion in Texas remains uncertain, as the state’s legislative session is set to conclude this Memorial Day. Crucial legislation aiming to broaden access to low-THC medical cannabis products for chronic pain sufferers may face its demise if not passed by a Texas Senate committee by Wednesday – the last day the more-deliberative Senate can pass bills. House Bill 1805, introduced by Rep.… Read more.

Where Presidential Candidate Tim Scott Stands On Marijuana

May 24, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) is entering the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination—one of the latest contenders to try and stake their claim against the party’s current frontrunner, former President Donald Trump. As far as marijuana policy goes, Scott’s record is thin. During his time in the House, he voted against an amendment on protecting state medical cannabis programs. But overall, his drug platform has mostly focused on what he views as the nexus between border policies and opioid… Read more.

Minnesota poised to become 23rd state to legalize recreational marijuana

May 23, 2023 · Aol.com

Minnesota is poised to become the 23rd state to legalize recreational marijuana, after the state Senate gave its final stamp of approval on legislation early Saturday morning. The bill, which would allow adults over 21 to carry up to 2 ounces of marijuana in public and possess up to 2 pounds at home starting Aug. 1, now heads to Gov. Tim Walz’s (D) desk for signature. He is widely expected to sign the legislation. “Legalizing adult-use cannabis and expunging cannabis… Read more.

Minnesota Senate Votes to Legalizes Adult-Use Cannabis

May 21, 2023 · Green Market Report

Gov. Tim Walz has pledged to sign the bill. The Minnesota state Senate gave the final green light early Saturday morning by a vote of 34-32 and sent HF 100, which legalizes recreational marijuana, to the desk of Gov. Tim Walz. Once Walz signs the legislation as he has promised to do, Minnesota will become the 23rd state to have legalized adult-use cannabis. The final bill – which was first approved by the state House of Representatives on Thursday – allows for… Read more.

You Can Have Recreational Cannabis, But You Can Only Buy It from the Government? – NH Governor Offers Deal with Devil?

May 20, 2023 · Cannabis.net

The Republican governor of New Hampshire announced signing an alternative proposal for marijuana legalization through a state-operated store system. This development hit the news barely a day after the New Hampshire Senate rejected a bill for the same purpose. The outcome remains uncertain as the fate of the proposed legislation is currently undecided. In the previous session, the House had passed a bill to establish a state-regulated market under the supervision of the state Liquor Commission. However, the Senate rejected this… Read more.

Groups Push Senators To Add Marijuana Business Stock Exchange Access To Banking Bill

May 19, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

A coalition of marijuana advocacy groups is asking that a bipartisan marijuana banking bill be expanded to include provisions ensuring that cannabis businesses have access to all forms of financial services—including the ability to be listed on senior U.S. stock exchanges. In a letter sent to Senate Banking Committee leadership on Thursday, the coalition SAFE Banking for Equity said that it appreciates that the panel is “treating this issue with the urgency it demands” by holding a hearing focused on cannabis… Read more.

Cannabis delivery, relaxed distribution rules get Henderson council’s approval

May 19, 2023 · Las Vegas Sun

The Henderson City Council on Tuesday approved new rules to relax limitations on cannabis dispensaries within the city, including allowing delivery service. The new bill strikes a previous colocation requirement and limits the amount of cannabis sales facilities to no more than 11 in city limits. It also removes the section that allowed for waivers of or reductions to the required 1-mile minimum separation distance between cannabis dispensaries. Council also repealed a previous ruling passed in September 2017 that required… Read more.

Florida AG argues adult-use marijuana ballot measure violates state Constitution

May 19, 2023 · MJ Biz Daily

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody filed a petition with the Supreme Court of Florida this week, arguing that the Adult Personal Use of Marijuana ballot initiative is unconstitutional. Text of the proposed constitutional amendment must be approved by the state Supreme Court. As of last month, Florida cannabis advocates had collected more than 600,000 valid signatures in support of the constitutional amendment to legalize adult-use marijuana. In an advisory opinion filed Monday, Moody said the measure, which would put recreational marijuana before… Read more.

New Hampshire Senate Votes To Create Marijuana Study Commission As Legalization Compromise Emerges In House

May 19, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

The New Hampshire Senate has voted to create a study commission to examine potential models to legalize marijuana as the as the governor predicts that his plan to create a state-run cannabis market will likely be considered by lawmakers “next year.” Meanwhile, senators moved to set aside another House-passed marijuana legalization bill—though representatives are now discussing pursuing compromise legislation next week that would provide for a combination of state-operated and privately licensed cannabis shops while also allowing current medical cannabis… Read more.

innesota Lawmakers Vote To Legalize Drug Paraphernalia, Residue, Testing And Syringe Services

May 17, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

The Minnesota legislature has approved large-scale legislation that contains provisions to legalize drug paraphernalia possession, syringe services, residue and testing—a win for harm reduction advocates in the state. As part of a criminal justice and public safety omnibus bill, bicameral lawmakers agreed to a final conference report last week that includes the drug policy reform measures. The Senate passed the report on Friday and the House approved it on Monday in a 69-63 vote, sending it to the governor’s desk.… Read more.

New Mexico Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Using Alcohol Roadside Sobriety Tests to Test Cannabis Impairment

May 17, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

The New Mexico Supreme Court on Tuesday heard arguments about whether roadside impairment testing for alcohol can be used to check for cannabis impairment, the Santa Fe New Mexican reports. The defendant, Nina Luna, was convicted of driving under the influence and speeding in 2018 after a state police officer pulled her over in Albuquerque and determined she was driving while impaired by cannabis.  Following the traffic stop, the officer described in his report that Luna’s eyes were red and watery and she had… Read more.

Thai PM candidate casts vote in marijuana-print shirt

May 15, 2023 · Reuters

Thailand's health minister and cannabis advocate Anutin Charnvirakul turned heads during Sunday's election as he arrived to cast his vote at a polling station wearing a dark shirt with bright green marijuana leaves. The 56-year-old is the prime ministerial candidate for the Bhumjaithai Party, which has campaigned on a promise to promote medical marijuana after successfully pushing for the substance to be decriminalised last year. Without associated regulations in place, recreational use surged, angering the Southeast Asian country's conservatives. Anutin has promised that if re-elected,… Read more.

Schumer Wants Marijuana Banking Bill To Get Committee Vote ‘In The Near Future,’ Reiterating Plan To Attach ‘Criminal Justice Provisions’

May 13, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) says a committee vote on a marijuana banking bill will be scheduled “in the near future” following an initial hearing on Thursday—and he is reiterating plans to attach criminal justice reform provisions to the financial services measure. In a speech on the floor on Thursday evening, Schumer said that the Senate Banking Committee meeting represented a “big step” for the bipartisan Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act, which was refiled by Sens. Jeff Merkley… Read more.

Cannabis divide deepens ahead of General Election in Thailand

May 13, 2023 · Thai

The future of marijuana in Thailand may become uncertain as political parties contesting in the upcoming national election call for the repeal of cannabis decriminalisation, which has been in effect for approximately one year. Pheu Thai Party‘s Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a prime ministerial candidate, has voiced her concerns about liberalised cannabis at a recent rally, stating the need to suppress drugs. The legal vacuum that emerged from decriminalisation has caused frustration among politicians and citizens alike, as the new industry was introduced before lawmakers could assess and pass regulations for its… Read more.

Congresswoman Asks National Botanic Garden To Grow Marijuana Plants Outside Of The U.S. Capitol

May 12, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

A congresswoman is asking for marijuana plants to be displayed at the U.S. Botanic Garden near the Capitol in Washington, D.C. in recognition of state and federal efforts to legalize cannabis. Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) wrote a letter to the executive director of the living plant museum, which is run by Congress and located near the U.S. Capitol Building, on Wednesday, requesting that both male and female marijuana plants be added to the national garden. Norton expressed appreciation that… Read more.

The Senate must act on legislation clarifying cannabis banking rules

May 10, 2023 · The Hill

Members of the U.S. Senate Committee of Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs are scheduled to discuss legislation tomorrow, the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act, that seeks to normalize relations between state-licensed cannabis businesses and financial institutions. The advancement of the SAFE Banking Act is crucial to the health and safety of the tens of millions of consumers who patronize state-legal cannabis markets. That is because, under current federal law, the multi-billion-dollar state-legal cannabis market must operate largely as a cash-only business. This makes state-licensed cannabis… Read more.

Cannabis banking bill ‘faces an uphill climb in this Congress,’ analysts warn before Senate hearing

May 10, 2023 · Market Watch

Cannabis stocks have scored a boost from optimism around Thursday’s hearing on a bill that would protect banks that work with the industry, but some analysts are downbeat on the SAFE Banking Act’s chances of becoming law. “We believe the cannabis banking effort faces an uphill climb in this Congress, but there will be mile markers on the road ahead that could make us more optimistic,” said BTIG’s Isaac Boltansky and Isabel Bandoroff in a note. “Before lining up for… Read more.

New Hampshire Senators Reject House-Passed Marijuana Legalization Bills In Committee, But Floor Votes Still Planned

May 9, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

A New Hampshire Senate committee has rejected two House-passed bills to legalize marijuana—as well as a measure to allow medical cannabis patients to grow their own plants—though they will still move to the floor despite the procedural defeat. The House Republican sponsor of the legalization legislation, meanwhile, has signaled that he’s prepared to hold up unrelated Senate measures if the opposite chamber fails to enact the reform. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted against the legalization and regulation measure from House Majority… Read more.

The Struggle is Real for Republicans and Legal Cannabis in America

May 7, 2023 · Cannabis.net

Schizophrenia and cannabis made the news this week as a new study shows young men who use cannabis at a high frequency may have higher trends towards schizophrenia.  The study may want to look at Repubilcan politicians in US as well, as on one hand they co-introduce the SAFE Banking act, and on the other they block medical access to the plant for veterans stuffering with PTSD. In Congress, a bipartisan bill to reform federal banking laws to provide easier access… Read more.

Adult-Use Marijuana Initiative Expected to Reach Ohio Voters This Fall

May 6, 2023 · Green Market Report

A recent poll showed than 60% of Ohioans support recreational cannabis. A campaign to legalize marijuana for Ohioans age 21 and older is ready to collect additional signatures in order to qualify for this November’s ballot. The recreational marijuana law, proposed as an initiated statute by the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, was transmitted to the Ohio General Assembly on Jan. 3. Lawmakers have four months to take action on a law proposed through an initiated statute. If they don’t pass… Read more.

Maryland Gov. Signs Cannabis Legalization Bill

May 5, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) on Wednesday signed the bill to legalize cannabis in the state, Maryland Matters reports. After signing the legislation Moore said it will “ensure that the rollout of recreational cannabis in our state drives opportunity in an equitable way.”  Will Tilburg, acting director of the newly created Maryland Cannabis Administration, said the agency is “working quickly to implement the legislation and develop Maryland as a model for equity and safety in cannabis regulation.” Moore’s final approval of the legislation came… Read more.

Federal Marijuana Records Would Be Automatically Sealed Under New Bipartisan Congressional Bill

May 5, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Bipartisan congressional lawmakers have filed a bill to mandate the automatic sealing of criminal records for certain non-violent federal marijuana convictions. Reps. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Nancy Mace (R-SC) reintroduced the Clean Slate Act last week. The measure would also provide relief to people who have been arrested for other offenses that did not result in a conviction. The legislation has been filed over the last several sessions, and the previous version advanced through the House Judiciary Committee last year. It… Read more.

Oregon Cannabis Trade Group Asks Lawmakers for Stricter Regulations Against Expansion of Bad Actor Businesses

May 5, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

In a letter to lawmakers, the Cannabis Industry Alliance of Oregon asked that a bill currently being considered by the House be amended to prevent La Mota – the cannabis company that had hired former Secretary of State Shemia Fagan as a consultant – from continuing its expansion in the state, according to a Willamette Week report outlining the letter. In the letter, the organization said that “Companies that display a flagrant disregard for state laws and fair business practices have no… Read more.

Key Senate Committee Chairman Says Marijuana Banking Bill Hearing Could Be Held Next Week

May 5, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

A key Senate committee chairman said on Thursday that a hearing on a bipartisan marijuana banking bill could be scheduled as early as next week, adding that lawmakers are going to “move quickly on it.” Senate Banking Committee Chairman Sherrod Brown (D-OH) told NBC News reporters that his panel could hold a hearing on the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act as soon as next Thursday, May 11. While a hearing hasn’t been formally scheduled yet, the comments come as senators… Read more.

Texas Voters Will Decide On Marijuana Decriminalization Ballot Measures In San Antonio And Harker Heights On Saturday

May 4, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Days after the Texas House of Representatives passed a marijuana decriminalization bill that is now pending in the Senate, voters in two cities in the state will head to the polls on Saturday to decide on two related local ballot measures. San Antonio voters will consider a broad justice-reform initiative that includes provisions to decriminalize cannabis, and  Harker Heights residents will have the chance to overturn their local government’s repeal of an earlier decriminalization measure they passed. The San Antonio proposal asks… Read more.

Congressional Lawmakers Optimistic About Bipartisan Cannabis Banking Bill

May 4, 2023 · Cannabis Now

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has reintroduced legislation to give legal cannabis companies improved access to banking services routinely used by other businesses across the nation. The bill, the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act of 2023, was refiled in the Senate late last month by Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Sen. Steve Daines, a Republican from Montana. Republican Rep. Dave Joyce of Ohio and Oregon Democratic Rep. Earl Blumenauer filed a companion bill in the… Read more.

Cannabis Research for Veterans Bill Potentially Dead After Senate Rejection

May 3, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

Following the Senate’s rejection of a bill last week to require the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct a study of veterans who use medical cannabis, Sen. John Tester (D-MT), chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, told Military.com that the measure, and other veteran-focused bills, “may all be dead.”   In a procedural vote last Wednesday, the Senate voted 57-42 to advance the cannabis bill, three votes short of the 60 required to pass.  The bill, which included provisions related to the… Read more.

Wisconsin GOP Lawmakers Strip Marijuana Legalization From Governor’s Budget In Joint Hearing

May 3, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Wisconsin Republican lawmakers have removed proposals to legalize marijuana for recreational and medical use from the governor’s executive budget for the 2023-2025 biennial. At a hearing of the legislature’s Joint Finance Committee on Tuesday, members voted 12-4 to eliminate numerous provisions of Gov. Tony Evers’s (D) budget request, including measures on legalizing, taxing and regulating cannabis in the state. The move was expected, as the GOP-controlled legislature has previously stripped marijuana reform language from past executive budgets, and top Republican lawmakers warned that any… Read more.

Former Top Schumer Staffer Highlights Reasons To Be Optimistic About Marijuana Banking Passing This Session (Op-Ed)

May 2, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

By Reggie Babin, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP With the recent reintroduction of the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act, Congress is once again engaged in an effort to achieve a meaningful breakthrough on federal cannabis reform. Understandably, many have serious doubts as to whether this time will be any different than previous iterations while others are likely convinced that it won’t be. After spending the past six years working to advance this issue in Congress as the… Read more.

Donald Trump Calls Cannabis ‘Popular’ Among Voters Though Damaging, Still Thinks Dealers Should Get Death Penalty

May 2, 2023 · Benzinga

Donald Trump told Newsmax’s “Greg Kelly Reports” in a recent interview that marijuana does “significant damage” although he recognized that legalizing cannabis is a “pretty popular thing” among voters. Greg Kelly, who seemed slightly irked about the aroma of cannabis in the N.Y. subway system, pushed Trump on whether he thought cannabis legalization could ultimately be detrimental to the country’s competitiveness and psyche. “I mean, you see the same studies. It’s not helping people. I mean, studies are saying that it does damage. It does… Read more.

Oregon Audit Forces State Official to Resign Cannabis Consultancy

May 1, 2023 · Green Market Report

Other state lawmakers had criticized the business arrangement. Oregon’s secretary of state on Monday cut ties with a marijuana business she’d been consulting with after the business arrangement came to light following a state audit of Oregon’s cannabis industry. “I exercised poor judgment by contracting with a company that is owned by my significant political donors and is regulated by an agency that was under audit by my Audits Division,” Secretary of State Shemia Fagan said in a press release, which also stated her… Read more.

Senators Celebrate Bipartisan Marijuana Banking Bill Reintroduction

May 1, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Senators are urging action on a marijuana banking bill that was reintroduced last week, taking to Twitter to call for bipartisan work to enact the reform this session. The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act was filed with much fanfare, earning the early applause of top legislators like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). In the days since its introduction, more than a dozen senators have cheered the bill’s introduction with tweets. While bipartisan lawmakers have filed a series of modest… Read more.

Failure to launch: What happened to Canada’s ‘cannabis strategy table?’

May 1, 2023 · MJ Biz Daily

A proposed cannabis “strategy table” appears to be stuck in bureaucratic and political gridlock in Canada’s capital, more than a year after it was first announced. In April 2022, the planned strategy table was unveiled in the country’s federal budget to provide a forum for government officials and cannabis industry executives to come together to discuss steps that could bolster the legal industry – this at a time when many companies were struggling financially. The lack of open communication channels between the… Read more.

Colorado Senate Bill Paves Way for Licensed Therapeutic Centers

April 27, 2023 · Green Market Report

Initially, only psilocybin and psilocyn would be allowed at therapeutic centers. The Colorado Senate approved a bill to regulate psychedelic substances, in line with a voter-endorsed initiative. The legislation aims to establish guidelines for legal psychedelic use in authorized therapeutic centers under trained professionals’ supervision. Additionally, the bill sets licensing standards for facilitators and businesses involved in producing, testing, storing, distributing, and transporting natural medicine products. The measure passed during a voice vote after amendments in its second reading on Monday. The bill passed… Read more.

Federal Bill Would End Prohibition of Firearm Sales to Cannabis Consumers

April 24, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

U.S. Rep Brian Mast (R-FL) last week introduced a bill to end the prohibition of firearm sales to cannabis consumers in states that allow adult- and medical-use cannabis. Currently, federal law restricts the sale of guns or ammunition to anyone who is an “unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance,” which includes cannabis. The Gun Rights and Marijuana (GRAM) Act creates a carve-out for cannabis for individuals who live in states or on tribal lands where cannabis use is legal.… Read more.

Washington Lawmakers Fail To Pass Drug Possession Bill By Deadline, With Governor Likely To Call Special Session To Prevent Decrim

April 24, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

State lawmakers have until July to pass a new drug possession statute in response to a 2021 Supreme Court decision that invalidated the old law. Since the Legislature failed to pass a compromise bill on Sunday night before the 2023 regular session ended, a special session likely will be called to finish this work. Senate Bill 5536, one of the last bills debated in the 105-day legislative session, failed 43-55 in the Democratic-controlled House. Several Democratic lawmakers voted against the… Read more.

Donald the Delusional and His Views on Genetically Engineered Cannabis Causing Violence in America

April 22, 2023 · Cannabis.net

Donald the Delusional and his views on Genetically Engineered Cannabis Donald Trump, aka "The Donald," is the epitome of bizarreness in American politics. He's the guy who singlehandedly flipped the switch on the level of crazy, forever unveiling the absurdity of the system. He's activated some sort of a "backdoor program" in the minds of millions, convincing them that he's some sort of hero or savior against an evil government. Don't get me wrong, the government is fucking evil, but… Read more.

GOP Congressman Files Bill To Allow Marijuana Consumers To Buy Guns

April 21, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

A Republican congressman filed a bill on Thursday’s 4/20 cannabis holiday to protect the Second Amendment rights of people who use marijuana in legal states, allowing them to purchase and possess firearms that they’re currently prohibited from having under federal law. Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL), co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, reintroduced the Gun Rights and Marijuana (GRAM) Act on Thursday—one of the latest in a series of cannabis proposals to be filed in the run-up to the 4/20 holiday.… Read more.

Federal Bill Aims to Prepare Feds for End of Cannabis Prohibition

April 20, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

A bipartisan bill reintroduced in the U.S. House on Tuesday aims to prepare the federal government for the end of cannabis prohibition nationally. The Preparing Regulators Effectively for a Post-Prohibition Adult Use Regulated Environment (PREPARE) Act is sponsored by Republican Rep. Dave Joyce (OH) and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY). In a joint statement, the sponsors said the measure “creates a fair, honest and publicly transparent process for the federal government to establish effective regulations to be enacted upon the termination of… Read more.

Congressional Committee Launches Investigation Into FDA’s Decision Not To Regulate CBD

April 19, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

A Republican congressional committee chairman is demanding that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) turn over documents relating to the agency’s decision not to regulate CBD products. Rep. James Comer (R-KY), chair of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, sent a letter to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf on Monday, announcing an investigation into the agency’s decision and criticizing the “insufficient rationale for inaction” on CBD regulations. FDA said in January that, after years of review since hemp and its derivatives… Read more.

Trump Suggests ‘Genetically Engineered’ Marijuana May Be Causing Mass Shootings

April 15, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Former President Donald Trump is suggesting there may be a link between the use of “genetically engineered” marijuana and mass shootings. At a speech at a National Rifle Association (NRA) leadership forum on Friday, Trump listed a number of controversial and unproven factors that he said he’d direct the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate as possibly causing the ongoing scourge of mass shooting afflicting the country. “We have to look at whether common psychiatric drugs, as well as… Read more.

Cory Booker Calls Marijuana A ‘Dangerous Drug’ And Says He’s Frustrated With ‘Non-Diverse’ Industry

April 15, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) says it’s been “frustrating” to see marijuana legalization fall short of equity goals, which he said is partly due to ongoing federal prohibition. And while he’s pushing for reform, he characterized cannabis as a “dangerous” drug that hasn’t been studied enough. The senator, who has long advocated for equity-centered federal legalization and sponsored a bill to that end with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) last year, discussed the prospects of drug policy reform at a… Read more.

Top House Democrat And Republican Congressman File Bill To Prepare For Federal Marijuana Legalization

April 14, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

The top House Democrat and a Republican lawmaker have refiled a bill to lay the groundwork for federal marijuana legalization. Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) introduced the Preparing Regulators Effectively for a Post-Prohibition Adult-Use Regulated Environment Act (PREPARE) Act on Thursday. The incremental reform would direct the attorney general to create a commission charged with making recommendations on a regulatory system for cannabis that models what’s currently in place for alcohol. “With nearly every… Read more.

Schumer, Blumenauer & More Congress Members To Discuss Cannabis Polices In Capitol On 4/20

April 6, 2023 · Benzinga

Cannabis advocates will hold a policy forum in the Capitol Visitors Center of the  Congressional Auditorium symbolically scheduled for April 20 - the unofficial marijuana holiday. The summit will bring together activists and leaders from government, business, healthcare, veterans groups and civil rights organizations to review and analyze the most important cannabis policy challenges and opportunities reported Marijuana Moment. “The Summit is Washington, D.C.’s premier celebration of cannabis advocacy and a call to action for American leadership in defense of state’s rights and the will of the voters,… Read more.

Schumer To Speak At 4/20 Marijuana Policy Forum Inside The U.S. Capitol Alongside Other Lawmakers

April 5, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Marijuana reform advocates announced on Wednesday that they’ll be holding a policy forum inside the U.S. Capitol Building on the unofficial cannabis holiday 4/20 that will feature speakers including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). The National Cannabis Policy Summit’s Congressional Forum, hosted in the Capitol Visitors Center’s Congressional Auditorium, will bring together advocates, experts, lawmakers, stakeholders and patients for a discussion on the need for federal reform with a focus on promoting equity. While pro-legalization festivals and forums have… Read more.

The Evil Emperor Mitch McConnell’s Home State of Kentucky Legalizes Medical Marijuana

April 5, 2023 · Cannabis.net

n the act of legislative progress, the Kentucky House of Representatives has given the green light to a medical marijuana legalization bill previously passed by the Senate. The bill, proposed by Senator Stephen West (R), passed through the House Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations Committee before receiving a vibrant 66-33 vote in favor of its passing. The governor's signature is the final step in its journey to becoming law. The unwavering support of Governor Andy Beshear (D) has been instrumental… Read more.

Where Presidential Candidate Marianne Williamson Stands On Marijuana

April 3, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Marianne Williamson is again seeking the Democratic presidential nomination—mounting a challenge against incumbent President Joe Biden for the 2024 election. The lecturer and self-help author hasn’t served as an elected official before, but she has taken a clear position on drug policy: the war on drugs has failed, and it’s time to legalize marijuana and explore the potential of psychedelics. Running against an incumbent president from the same party is a tall task, but Williamson has attracted headlines over the… Read more.

Congress allows Washington DC medical cannabis reforms to become law

March 24, 2023 · MJ Biz Daily

Medical cannabis is expected to be much more easily and widely available in Washington DC after a set of reforms that include lifting a cap on dispensaries and allowing patients to “self-certify” became law this week. Congress had until March 22 to interfere with the Medical Cannabis Amendment Act signed into by Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser in January, but the federal lawmakers took no action, according to NORML. In addition to allowing residents to “self-certify” as medical-cannabis patients, which some observers say amounts to a… Read more.

Hawaii Senators Approve Bill To Create Psychedelics Advisory Council To Prepare For Federal Legalization

March 23, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

A Hawaii Senate committee approved a House-passed bill on Wednesday that would create an advisory council to look into possible regulations to provide access to federal “breakthrough therapies” like psilocybin and MDMA. The psychedelics legislation from Rep. Adrian Tam (D) advanced, with amendments, in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee in a 5-0 vote. Members took testimony from advocates and experts, including a representative of the Department of Health, which voiced support for the proposal. All 20 people and organizations that… Read more.

Hawaii Won’t Legalize Marijuana This Year Despite Senate Passage, But Advocates Look To 2024

March 23, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

A Hawaii Senate-passed bill to legalize marijuana has stalled out in the House for the year—but advocates are shifting focus to 2024, hoping to enact the reform in the second half of the two-year legislative session. The legislation from Sen. Joy San Buenaventura (D) cleared the Senate earlier this month, and hopes were high that it’d make it through the House as well. But a hearing wasn’t scheduled before a deadline for bills that have been referred to three or more… Read more.

Kansas Senate Committee Tables Medical Cannabis Bill

March 23, 2023 ·

A Kansas Senate Committee last week tabled a medical cannabis legalization bill, likely killing the bill for the session, the Associated Press reports. On Twitter, Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said she was “disappointed that some legislators are saying they don’t want to move forward with legalizing medical marijuana this year – effectively turning their backs on our veterans and those with chronic pain and seizure disorders.”  The measure would have allowed physicians to recommend non-smokable medical cannabis products to treat 21 illnesses or conditions, including cancer, epilepsy, spinal cord… Read more.

Oklahoma Bill Would Let Medical Cannabis Agency Shut Down Non-Eco-Friendly Operations

March 22, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

The Oklahoma Senate on Tuesday passed a measure that would allow the director of the state Medical Marijuana Authority to shut down cannabis operations that are damaging the environment, KOKH reports. Sen. Joe Newhouse (R) authored the legislation and argued that it would help reign in medical cannabis operations in the state that are not following state law.  Oklahoma has one of the nation’s most permissive medical cannabis programs, but it has been rife with controversy. Last year, two Oklahoma attorneys were charged in a “Ghost Owner”… Read more.

New Political Action Committee to Back Candidates Who Support Psychedelics

March 21, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

A newly-formed political action committee aims to back candidates for office that back the use of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes, NBC News reports. The Psychedelic Medicine PAC also aims to secure federal funding to further education and research efforts for psychedelics but stops short of calling for full legalization or decriminalization of the substances. In an interview with NBC News, Ryan Rodgers, co-founder and executive director of Psychedelic Medicine PAC, said the group has “to convince a historically stubborn audience around psychedelics that it’s… Read more.

Minnesota Lawmakers Approve Marijuana Legalization Bill With Overhaul Amendment In House Committee

March 20, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Another Minnesota House committee has approved a bill to legalize marijuana, after members adopted a large-scale amendment to overhaul various provisions of the legislation. The House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee passed the measure in a voice vote on Monday. The panel, chaired by bill sponsor Rep. Zack Stephenson (D), first took up the legislation in January, but it was always the plan to have the proposal returned to the committee. Like a recently adopted change to a companion bill… Read more.

Cannabis could be sold, consumed at certain events if new Nevada bill passes

March 18, 2023 ·

You could be able to sell and consume cannabis and cannabis products at certain events if a new bill passes the Nevada legislature. State lawmakers are looking at a new bill being proposed by Assemblyman Cameron "C.H." Miller. According to the bill, it would allow portable cannabis vendors to set up show. However, the event, as well as vendors, would need to receive a license from the Cannabis Compliance Board. For consumers, they would have to be at least 21 years old… Read more.

After Kansas Medical Marijuana Bill Stalls In Senate, Governor Urges Public To Pressure Lawmakers For Action

March 17, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

A bill to legalize medical marijuana stalled in the Kansas legislature on Thursday—but now the governor is urging the public to contact their representatives to demand they take the legislation back up for action “this session.” Gov. Laura Kelly (D), who has long championed cannabis reform, said on Thursday that she’s “disappointed that some legislators are saying they don’t want to move forward with legalizing medical marijuana this year—effectively turning their backs on our veterans and those with chronic pain and seizure… Read more.

New Bipartisan Congressional Bills Would Allow Hemp Derivatives Like CBD As Dietary Supplements And Food Additives

March 17, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Bipartisan congressional lawmakers have refiled a pair of bills meant to provide a pathway for the regulation of hemp derivatives like CBD as dietary supplements and food and beverage additives. The two measures that were filed on Friday—the Hemp and Hemp-Derived CBD Consumer Protection and Market Stabilization Act and the CBD Product Safety and Standardization Act—are being sponsored by Reps. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) and Angie Craig (D-MN). Earlier versions of the bills were filed last Congress and ultimately did not advance,… Read more.

Kentucky Senate Passes Medical Cannabis Bill

March 17, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

The Kentucky Senate on Thursday passed a medical cannabis bill on a 26-11 vote, WYMT reports. The legislation moves next to the House, which has passed medical cannabis reforms in previous sessions but they ultimately died in the Senate.   The measure would not allow patients to access smokable products but permits edibles and concentrates. If approved by the Senate and signed into law by Gov. Andy Beshear (D), the bill would take effect on January 1.   Beshear, who made medical cannabis legalization a legislative priority, is expected to sign… Read more.

Delaware Senators Send House-Passed Marijuana Sales Bill To The Floor, Alongside Legalization Measure

March 16, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

A second Delaware Senate committee approved a House-passed bill on Thursday to create a regulated adult-use marijuana market, sending it to the floor where a complementary measure to legalize possession is also set for action. The proposals are being sponsored by Rep. Ed Osienski (D), and they both advanced through a separate Senate committee on Wednesday after being approved in the full House. Now the Senate Finance Committee has also cleared the regulations-focused bill, which needed a second stop because… Read more.

Kansas Senators Shelve Medical Marijuana Legalization Bill After Hearing From Law Enforcement Opponents

March 16, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Kansas senators have shelved a bill to legalize medical marijuana following a hearing that featured multiple opponents, including state law enforcement representatives. Members of the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee voted on Thursday to table the legislation, which the panel itself is sponsoring. Following the action, Chairman Mike Thompson (R) said that lawmakers have “bigger fish to fry,” indicating that he’s not interested in taking the proposal back up before the end of the 2023 session. Officials with the Kansas Sheriffs… Read more.

New Hampshire House Votes To Legalize Marijuana With No Regulations Or Limitations

March 16, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

The New Hampshire House of Representatives has approved another bill to legalize marijuana in the state—except this one contains no regulations or limitations on cannabis. About a month after the House passed a comprehensive legalization, taxation and regulation measure that’s being sponsored by bipartisan leaders, members on Thursday took up the simpler legislation to remove marijuana from the state’s listed of banned substances. The chamber first voted, 210-160, to overrule the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, which had deemed the… Read more.

Texas House Committee Considers Raising THC Limits for Medical Cannabis Products

March 16, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

The Texas House Public Health Committee on Monday heard hearings on a bill that would expand the state’s medical cannabis program, FOX 44 reports. The measure would allow access to products with THC levels as high as 5%. Under current law, patients can only access low-THC products with THC concentrations up to 1%.  The measure is, in part, meant to reign in the proliferation of hemp-derived THC products, such as delta-8, which some medical cannabis consumers are relying on because of the low THC limits in… Read more.

Minnesota Lawmakers Consider & Adjust Adult-Use Cannabis Proposals

March 16, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

House and Senate committees in Minnesota on Tuesday each altered adult-use cannabis legalization bills being considered by lawmakers, with the House Transportation Finance Committee tacking on an amendment to reduce the amount of cannabis individuals can keep in their homes from 5 pounds to 1.5 pounds, ABC 6 News reports.  The Senate State and Local Government committee adopted a 142-page amendment to create distinctions between the industrial hemp industry and the adult-use cannabis industry.   Ted Galaty, a hemp farmer and owner of Willow’s Keep Farm, told… Read more.

Kansas Senators Take Up Medical Marijuana Legalization Bill In Committee

March 15, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

A Kansas Senate committee on Wednesday held the first of two scheduled hearings this week on a medical marijuana legalization bill. The legislation was taken up by the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, which is sponsoring the bill as a panel. Members heard from proponents and neutral witnesses who shared stories about their personal experience with the plant, research into the medical potential of cannabis and more. People with chronic migraines, spinal injuries, as well as medical professionals, academics, veterans… Read more.