Feds highlight how states rely on cannabis revenue (Newsletter: October 13, 2023)

OH Senate: Voters shouldn’t legalize; DC medical marijuana bill signed; NJ cannabis education campaign; CO sales hit $15B

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

A new interactive map from the U.S. Census Bureau shows how reliant many states have become on marijuana revenue to maintain public services. In Oregon, for example, roughly $1 in every $20 the state made during some recent quarters comes from a single crop: cannabis.

The Ohio Senate passed a resolution urging voters to reject the marijuana legalization initiative on the November 7 ballot because it “will bring unacceptable threats and risks to the health of all Ohioans, especially children.”

Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) signed a bill allowing medical marijuana patients to submit products directly to labs for testing. Visiting non-residents can also get temporary cannabis patient registrations that last for a year under the new law.

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission is rolling out a public education campaign to promote safe and responsible use of marijuana—including encouraging people to utilize delivery services to mitigate the risk of impaired driving.

The Colorado Department of Revenue reports that retailers in the state have now sold more than $15 billion worth of marijuana products since legal adult-use sales began.

An independent Oregon government review found that officials failed to take steps to maintain public trust during an audit of marijuana regulations that was conducted while the secretary of state did outside consulting for a cannabis company.

The Kansas Silver Haired Legislature passed a resolution calling on state lawmakers to legalize medical cannabis.

/ FEDERAL

The Food and Drug Administration published a warning about the use of compounded ketamine products to treat psychiatric disorders.

Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) authored an op-ed defending her support for cannabis banking legislation against “baseless mistruths” levied by the prohibitionist organization Smart Approaches to Marijuana.

Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-FL) cited Florida voters’ approval of a medical cannabis ballot initiative as an example of how the state is more progressive than many people think.

The House marijuana banking bill got one new cosponsor for a total of 83.

/ STATES

A former Michigan House speaker who was convicted of receiving bribes while serving as a top marijuana regulator is seeking to delay his prison date.

An Illinois representative filed bills on consumable hemp products and cannabis transportation.

An Alabama judge dismissed Verano’s lawsuit that alleged regulators did not have authority to not grant the company a medical cannabis license in a do-over round of awards after initially deciding to give it one.

New Mexico regulators are proposing changes to marijuana rules.

Colorado regulators published a bulletin on marijuana industry adverse weather preparedness and a compliance tip with pre-harvest guidance.

New York regulators published answers to frequently asked questions about the marijuana business licensing process.

Nevada regulators will consider changes to rules on marijuana packaging, labeling and advertising on Wednesday.

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Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,000 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.

Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
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/ LOCAL

The Marion County, Oregon Board of Commissioners passed a resolution calling for the repeal of the state’s voter-approved drug decriminalization law.

A lawsuit is seeking to prevent a Humboldt County, California initiative to restrict cannabis consumption from appearing on the March 2024 ballot.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Germany’s health minister participated in a town hall meeting about the government’s marijuana legalization plan.

The UK Food Standards Agency reduced its maximum recommended daily intake of CBD from 70 mg to 10 mg.

The Israeli Ministry of Health is granting medical cannabis patient license extensions amid the ongoing war with Hamas.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that “20 mg of CBN taken nightly may be helpful for improving overall sleep disturbance, including the number of times one wakes up throughout the night, without impacting daytime fatigue.”

A study of mice found that “CBD administration was associated with reduced systemic inflammation and heterogeneous effects on pulmonary inflammation.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Toledo Blade editorial board is urging Ohio voters to reject the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot.

/ BUSINESS

iAnthus Capital Holdings, Inc. said its interim chief operating officer is transitioning out of the role.

Charlotte’s Web Holdings, Inc. has a new board member.

Organigram Holdings Inc. filed a final short form base shelf prospectus that enables it to qualify the distribution of up to C$500 million worth of common shares, debt securities, subscription receipts, warrants and units.

Arizona retailers sold $103.5 million worth of legal marijuana products in July.

/ CULTURE

Jimmy Kimmel joked about Georgia’s move to allow medical cannabis sales in pharmacies.

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