Newsletter
Most US mayors want legal cannabis sold in their cities, survey shows (Newsletter: Jan. 23, 2019)
Study debunks 4/20 traffic deaths claims; Rep. Barbara Lee: Legal marijuana is no joke; DC considers same-day medical cannabis access
Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day.
Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible…
This issue of Marijuana Moment, and our original reporting that is featured in it, are made possible by the generous support of 369 Patreon sponsors. Cannabis industry professionals receive valuable rewards for pledges of $25 and up.
Check out the perks of being a sponsor on our Patreon page.
https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment
/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Most American mayors want marijuana to be legalized and sold in their cities, according to a new survey.
A study debunks the claim that traffic deaths rise on 4/20, finding that “there is little evidence to suggest population-wide effects of the annual cannabis holiday on the number of drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes.”
A Washington, D.C. councilmember filed a bill to give patients immediate same-day access to medical cannabis when they submit their applications. It would also allow social marijuana consumption areas and delivery services for patients.
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) spoke about why marijuana legalization is no joke. Among other things, she revealed that her own mother used medical cannabis to treat severe pain.
A new market research report from Eaze says that women and baby boomers are increasingly embracing marijuana, among other findings about who is buying what in California’s legal cannabis system.
/ FEDERAL
Politico Magazine looks at the prospects for passing marijuana reform in Congress in 2019.
A National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service report said that “more Americans have difficulty meeting the military’s eligibility standards because…some states have legalized the possession and use of marijuana.”
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) received more campaign contributions from cannabis industry organizations in the 2018 cycle than any other currently serving member of Congress, according to an analysis from prohibitionist group Smart Approaches to Marijuana. In response, he tweeted, “It’s not a surprise that I’m #1 on this list. I’ve been working on this issue since 1973 when Oregon was the first state to decriminalize possession. It’s also not a surprise that this group opposes reform & keeps their 💰 quiet. Legalization is coming. Deal with it.”
Separately, Blumenauer is partnering with NORML to encourage more lawmakers to join the Congressional Cannabis Caucus. And, he tweeted, “Ending the prohibition of marijuana isn’t enough! Restorative justice & access to opportunity for communities of color into this thriving industry must be part of the solution. We cannot allow the war on drugs to continue its harmful trajectory.”
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) tweeted, “As we fight the opioid crisis, we have to consider the role of medical cannabis. Not only have states with medical marijuana laws been found to have lower rates of opioid use but a new study finds that many users completely replace their prescription drugs with cannabis.”
/ STATES
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) spoke about his plans to create a Cannabis Compliance Commission.
Wisconsin’s House speaker said he is open to medical cannabis, but is upset with comments from Gov. Tony Evers (D) indicating it could lead to marijuana legalization, which he opposes.
South Carolina’s attorney general is expected to speak out against medical cannabis on Wednesday.
Minnesota lawmakers filed a proposed marijuana legalization constitutional amendment.
A Texas senator introduced a bill to expand the state’s existing limited low-THC medical cannabis law.
Kentucky’s agriculture commissioner announced that regulators approved 1,035 applications to grow up to 42,086 acres of industrial hemp in 2019, as well as an additional 2.9 million square feet of greenhouse space for hemp cultivation.
Pennsylvania regulators submitted a hemp legalization plan to the U.S. Department of Agriculture in accordance with provisions of the recently enacted federal Farm Bill.
Oregon and Washington State regulators will appear together at a marijuana conference on Wednesday.
The New Mexico Board of Veterinary Medicine will discuss the issue of medical cannabis and veterinarians on Friday.
Alabama regulators are accepting applications to participate in the state’s industrial hemp research program.
Michigan regulators are being asked by marijuana testing labs to stop allowing the sale of untested medical cannabis products.
Hawaiian lawmakers have filed a sizable number of cannabis bills for the new session.
Here’s a look at Florida lawmakers’ plans to introduce marijuana legislation this year.
—
Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 300 cannabis bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.
We followed more than 900 pieces of cannabis legislation in 2018. Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
—
/ LOCAL
The Clark County, Nevada County Commission voted to direct $12 million in marijuana fees toward homelessness programs.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The Philippine House of Representatives approved a medical cannabis bill on second reading.
Irish regulators say they may consider rescinding the country’s ban on growing medical cannabis.
The Canadian government is considering allowing border patrol officials to fine people caught carrying marijuana into the country.
Trinidad and Tobago’s government begins a public consultation on decriminalizing marijuana on Wednesday.
/ ADVOCACY
The Drug Policy Alliance released a report looking a municipal-level drug policy reforms that cities and towns can make.
An analysis by the Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition and the Massachusetts Grower Advisory Council concluded that 79% of all municipal host agreements with cannabis businesses violate state law.
The California Growers Association dropped a lawsuit it had filed aimed at overturning a regulation that allowed marijuana companies to be awarded an unlimited number of small cultivation licenses.
The Chicago Crime Commission, Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and Drug Free America Foundation are urging Illinois lawmakers not to legalize marijuana.
/ BUSINESS
Goop’s chief content officer said the company is considering launching CBD and THC products, and is looking into research on how psychedelics can help treat depression and PTSD.
Tilray is acquiring Natura Naturals Holdings.
BudTrader.com is giving free medical cannabis to federal workers affected by the government shutdown.
Weedmaps put up a billboard in Connecticut, close to the Massachusetts border, that says, “Weed is legal in 60 miles.”
/ CULTURE
Skateboarder Cory Juneau was suspended from competition for six months after testing positive for marijuana metabolites.
Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox.
Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
