DEA wants to force FDA to appear at cannabis rescheduling hearings (Newsletter: December 16, 2024)

IRS 280E warning to marijuana industry; SC medical cannabis; TN poll shows legalization support; MA $7 billion in marijuana sales

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

The Drug Enforcement Administration is requesting subpoenas to “compel” Food and Drug Administration officials to testify at a marijuana rescheduling hearing next month—and the agency is ignoring a judge’s warning not to introduce thousands of public comments as evidence, which he said could be seen as a “dilatory tactic.”

The Internal Revenue Service is reminding marijuana businesses that they are subject to the 280E tax penalty, and it is warning that some cannabis companies seeking to avoid paying what they owe have used “a variety of rationales that do not constitute reasonable basis.”

A South Carolina Republican senator prefiled a bill to legalize medical cannabis for the 2025 session, saying that marijuana is “a lot less intrusive” than opioids.

A new poll shows that 63 percent of Tennessee voters support legalizing marijuana—including majorities of Republicans and Democrats.

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission announced that retailers in the state have now sold more than $7 billion worth of recreational marijuana products since the market launched—and that they saw near-record daily sales on “Green Wednesday” ahead of Thanksgiving.

A new scientific review on the benefits of medical marijuana for pediatric patients “found generally positive effects across various disease states,” concluding that “medical cannabis may be beneficial for quality-of-life symptoms related to specific conditions, like cancer, [autism spectrum disorder], treatment-resistant epilepsy, and [Sturge-Weber syndrome].”

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen (R) signed a proclamation certifying that voters approved two medical cannabis legalization initiatives on the ballot last month, but said that “serious issues remain regarding the validity of these petitions under federal law and the Nebraska Constitution.”

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) is calling on lawmakers to pass legislation restricting intoxicating hemp products—including by adding taxation and testing requirements and banning packaging that could appeal to children.

New York’s Assembly majority leader is pushing to provide financial assistance to struggling marijuana social equity businesses who have been saddled with what she called “overly high price loans.”

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission approved a proposal to double marijuana social equity fees that support reinvestment in communities harmed by criminalization—and announced a process for cannabis consumption lounge applications.

A Tennessee judge will hear oral arguments on Monday from hemp industry stakeholders who are seeking an injunction on new rules to restrict intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoid products that are set to take effect later this month.

/ FEDERAL

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre touted President Joe Biden’s marijuana pardons during a briefing.

Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT) discussed his support for marijuana rescheduling and cannabis banking legislation.

Rep. French Hill (R-AR), who has voted for marijuana banking legislation, was selected to serve as chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.

Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) inserted comments into the Congressional Record about one of his staffers, noting that during her time working for the Minnesota state legislature she played a role in building support for cannabis legalization.

/ STATES

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) spoke about regulators’ decision to pause a marijuana social equity business license lottery amid litigation. The House People of Color and Indigenous Caucus also reacted to the move.

A California senator was questioned as part of a federal investigation into an alleged cannabis business permitting bribery scheme. Separately, regulators announced a recall of prohibited cannabis-infused acidified beverages.

A Kentucky representative was named executive director of the Kentucky Cannabis Industry Alliance. regulators will hold a lottery for medical marijuana business licenses on Monday.

A New York judge granted a temporary restraining order on processing certain marijuana business license applications.

Alabama regulators approved a proposal to reduce most medical cannabis business license fees.

Delaware regulators announced that 529 marijuana business applicants will participate in a lottery stage for dispensaries on Thursday.

U.S. Virgin Islands regulators will host a cannabis information session on Monday.

—
Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,500 cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.

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/ LOCAL

Denver, Colorado officials proposed psychedelics rules.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Malta’s home affairs minister responded to cannabis enforcement questions from a lawmaker.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that “mice exposed to cannabis when compared to placebo showed a decrease in brain activation to Adderall.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

Americans for Safe Access’s founder is returning as executive director.

/ BUSINESS

Tilray Brands, Inc. reportedly added the interim CEO of AYR Wellness Inc. to its board of directors.

Garden Society workers in Passaic, New Jersey joined Teamsters Local 469.

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