Newsletter
Senate infrastructure deal includes cannabis research expansion (Newsletter: August 3, 2021)
CO marijuana tax ballot measure; LA cannabis decrim takes effect; CT legalization revenue projections
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Senate’s new bipartisan infrastructure deal has a provision intended to let researchers study marijuana that consumers are actually buying from dispensaries—instead of just government-grown cannabis. The House already passed a similar measure.
Colorado voters could decide on an initiative to increase marijuana taxes to fund education programs this November after an advocacy group appeared to turn in more than enough signatures to put the proposal on the ballot.
Louisiana’s new marijuana decriminalization law officially took effect. The lawmaker who sponsored it is partnering with advocates to educate the public about what they can and can’t do without being jailed. They also say it’s time for broader cannabis legalization.
Connecticut’s Office of Fiscal Analysis released updated projections on marijuana tax revenue for the next five years.
/ FEDERAL
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy is funding research to support model state legislation on drug harm reduction, equitable enforcement and removing stigmas.
President Joe Biden’s nominee for U.S. attorney for Massachusetts has declined to prosecute some drug cases and has endorsed safe consumption sites for illegal drugs.
The Naval Submarine Base New London posted pun-filled marijuana warnings for sailors.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) cited the Washington, D.C. police chief’s recent remarks linking marijuana sales to violence in a Senate floor speech.
Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) tweeted, “We cannot legalize recreational use of marijuana without expunging the records of those convicted at the federal level.”
/ STATES
Texas Democratic attorney general candidate Joe Jaworski said legalizing marijuana is one of his priorities.
Ohio House Democrats tweeted about a newly filed marijuana legalization bill.
Michigan regulators proposed new draft marijuana rules. They also published an advisory bulletin about keeping cannabis edibles away from children.
Illinois regulators are being sued by marijuana dispensary license applicants who claim their proposals were improperly scored.
Massachusetts’s treasurer is accepting applications to serve on the Cannabis Advisory Board.
Oregon’s marijuana regulatory body officially changed its name to the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission.
California tax officials said they can’t disclose data on cannabis-related tax deductions and credits due to privacy rules.
Maine regulators published an overview of hemp products and how differing regulations apply to them.
The South Dakota legislature’s Medical Marijuana Study Subcommittee will meet on Wednesday.
Arkansas regulators will discuss how to select two additional medical cannabis dispensary business license winners on Thursday.
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/ LOCAL
Jamestown, New York is moving to end marijuana testing for most city employees.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The Israeli government removed blockages on medical cannabis exports.
The UK government responded to a recent report on drug policy.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study suggested that “CBD may exert anti-inflammatory effects in individuals with” cocaine use disorder.
A study found that “in proportion to their abundance, Cannabis sativa plants were consumed by sand flies much more frequently than expected (i.e., C. sativa is probably highly attractive to sand flies).”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association is asking lawmakers to revise a law that it says could lead to charges for officers who search or arrest minors suspected of marijuana possession or underage drinking.
Families Against Mandatory Minimums announced new staffers.
/ BUSINESS
Jushi Holdings Inc. pre-announced quarterly revenue of $47.7 million and a net loss of $11.4 million.
Green Thumb Industries Inc. acquired Mobley Pain Management and Wellness Center, LLC and Canwell Processing, LLC, which both held contractual interests in Summit Medical Compassion Center, Inc.
urban-gro, Inc. acquired MJ12 Design Studio.
A UK patent examiner said Compass Pathways Limited’s psilocybin claims are not inventive.
Acreage Holdings, Inc. is rebranding its Connecticut dispensaries to The Botanist.
/ CULTURE
Snoop Dogg spoke about the mainstreaming of the cannabis industry.
Comedian Bill Burr spoke to Conan O’Brien about how using psychedelic mushrooms helped calm him down.
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