Newsletter
Sanders pushes to legalize cannabis for military veterans (Newsletter: November 11, 2019)
Former FDA head lays out CBD regulation ideas; Congresswoman visits marijuana dispensary; CDC vaping breakthrough
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), a presidential candidate, signed onto a bill that would federally legalize medical cannabis for military veterans.
Former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb is laying out a plan for how the agency can begin regulating CBD products.
- “FDA can start with supplements and put burden on producers to prove CBD safety at very low levels while ensuring manufacturing standards, purity, minimum levels of active ingredient during a transition period of enforcement discretion – and sweep market of non compliant products.”
Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA) visited a marijuana dispensary and discussed cannabis banking and descheduling issues.
/ FEDERAL
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reached a “breakthrough” in identifying vitamin E acetate as the likely cause of vaping-related lung injuries, with an official saying that while there are “a few” anecdotal cases of the additive being found in marijuana products from licensed dispensaries, most injuries seem to be linked to informally sourced products. The agency recommended “not using THC-containing e-cigarette, or vaping, products, or any e-cigarette, or vaping, products obtained from informal sources.”
Food and Drug Administration Principal Associate Commissioner for Policy Lowell Schiller is raising concerns about creating an exception for CBD supplements without adequate data on safety.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey published an oped on new federal hemp regulations.
Sen. Angus King (I-ME) sent a letter urging the Senate Banking Committee chairman and ranking member to advance marijuana banking legislation.
Sen Cory Booker (D-NJ), a presidential candidate, spoke about his support for expunging marijuana records, executive clemency and broader criminal justice reform and said that former Vice President Joe Biden (D) should repent for his role in enacting harsh penalties.
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) tweeted, “It’s not enough to end the failed and racist War on Drugs – we need real restorative justice for the communities of color most affected. It’s past time to get serious about #MarijuanaJustice.”
The House bill to deschedule marijuana and fund programs to repair the harms of the drug war got one new cosponsor for a total of 53.
/ STATES
The Rhode Island Senate and House of Representatives are asking a court to dismiss a lawsuit Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) brought against a law that gives lawmakers veto power over cannabis regulations.
Pennsylvania’s attorney general spoke about his support for legalizing marijuana.
Ohio regulators banned vitamin E acetate additives in marijuana vaping products.
Washington State regulators asked cannabis processors to immediately stop adding vitamin E acetate to vaping products.
Nevada’s auditor determined that the state’s marijuana business licensing process is adequate.
The California Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee held a hearing on marijuana-related employment and workplace issues.
The Florida Senate Appropriations Committee questioned officials from Florida A&M University about its medical cannabis education program.
Michigan medical cannabis businesses want regulators to launch recreational marijuana sales early by letting them move medical products to the adult-use market.
A man facing South Dakota drug charges after being caught with what he said was shipment of hemp from Colorado to Minnesota has pleaded not guilty.
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/ LOCAL
Boston, Massachusetts’s mayor is returning campaign donations received from marijuana company executives. Meanwhile, the City Council is expected to vote on a proposal overhauling the city’s cannabis business approval process.
The Palm Springs, California City Council adopted a “zero-tolerance” policy on odors emanating from marijuana cultivation businesses.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Finland’s health minister endorsed decriminalizing marijuana.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “cannabis use is increasingly common in women with gynecologic cancer” and that “many women report decreased opioid use after initiation of cannabis for analgesia.”
The National Institute on Drug Abuse posted a funding opportunity for research to “determine the biological mechanisms underlying the effects of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system on HIV-associated persistent inflammation and its consequent effects on nervous system function.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The National Republican Senatorial Committee tweeted, “We can’t believe we’re tweeting a @Playboy article, but we have to agree that @CoryGardner is working hard to find solutions for Coloradans in light of marijuana legalization.”
/ BUSINESS
A medical cannabis employment discrimination case against Amazon was moved from New Jersey state court to federal court.
A Leafly investigation unmasked the man behind Honey Cut, maker of a vaping cartridge thickening agent.
/ CULTURE
Musician Neil Young revealed that his use of marijuana has jeopardized his application for U.S. citizenship.
Basketball player Dion Waiters was suspended for 10 games after he reportedly had a “panic attack” following the consumption of a marijuana edible on a team flight.
A follow up to the TV series “Weeds” is in development.
The New York Times looks at senior citizens’ growing interest in ayahuasca.
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