Govs push Biden on cannabis rescheduling by end of year (Newsletter: December 6, 2023)

OH legalization developments; NH marijuana report; Banking guidance; NV police recruits cannabis change; IL sales; Cognitive impact study

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

The governors of six states sent a letter urging President Joe Biden to ensure that the Drug Enforcement Administration reschedules marijuana to Schedule III by the end of this year—a matter of less than four weeks from now.

An Ohio representative filed a marijuana bill that wouldn’t make as many drastic changes to the voter-approved legalization law as a separate measure that got a second Senate hearing on Tuesday—but would still criminalize sharing cannabis between adults.

A New Hampshire commission charged with drafting a bill to legalize marijuana sales through a system of state-controlled stores issued its final report after members failed to reach consensus on THC limits, public consumption, home cultivation and other issues.

The Nevada Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training approved a proposal to stop blocking people from becoming police officers due to prior marijuana convictions.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation reported that retailers sold a record amount of recreational marijuana to in-state residents in November. They also sold more individual cannabis products than any other month since launch.

The Cannabis Industry Financial Group published new guidance for marijuana businesses that are trying to secure banking services.

A study concluded that “medical cannabis, when used as prescribed, did not negatively impact cognitive function.”

There was “no evidence for impaired cognitive function when comparing baseline with post-treatment scores.”

An ACLU of Ohio lobbyist authored an op-ed slamming GOP state lawmakers’ move to gut the voter-approved marijuana legalization law, saying the legislature ignores the will of the electorate “at its own peril.”

/ FEDERAL

A federal court heard oral arguments in a case concerning a proposed safe consumption site for illegal drugs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) tweeted, “Nevada has been a leader in regulating legal cannabis since 2017. We know just how much of an impact this industry has on our economy, and I’m excited to see Nevada once again paving the way with @unlv’s first-of-its-kind Cannabis Policy Institute.”

/ STATES

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) made an initial appointment to the Task Force on Certain Sales of Home-Grown Cannabis, but other appointments have not yet been made and the panel is unlikely to meet a deadline to submit a report to lawmakers next month.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) tweerted, “More than $54 million worth of illicit cannabis has been seized to date thanks to @nys_cannabis & @NYSTaxDept enforcement efforts. We’re delivering on our promise to crack down on unlicensed stores who jeopardize health & safety.”

A Massachusetts judge granted the suspended top marijuana regulator’s request to block a meeting at which the state treasurer could have fired her. Separately, two cannabis officials were reportedly suspended amid allegations of misconduct.

Illinois regulators adopted rules permanently allowing curbside pickup of medical cannabis.

Missouri regulators are facing a potential lawsuit over a recall of marijuana products.

Minnesota regulators are accepting applications for 2024 hemp licenses.

An Arkansas official spoke about how medical cannabis revenue is being used to address food insecurity.

The Vermont Cannabis Control Board’s Medical Program Study Committee will meet on Thursday.

—
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.

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—

/ LOCAL

Harker Heights, Texas officials are being sued for refusing to implement a voter-approved marijuana decriminalization law.

New York City officials rejected a City Council member’s request to declare a public health emergency over unlicensed marijuana businesses.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Grenada’s government plans to enact medical cannabis legislation early in 2024.

Germany’s Social Democratic Party tweeted, “There is a lot of excitement about the postponed reading of the Cannabis Act, but it is not necessary. @dirkwiesespd and @dieschmidt make it clear again: ‘We are on the home stretch and are confident that the bill will be passed in the Bundestag in the new year.’”

A Ukrainian lawmaker is pushing European officials to support clinical trials on MDMA-assisted therapy.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study of rats found that “cannabis oil administration improved dyslipidemia, liver damage, hepatic steatosis, lipid peroxidation (improving enzymes involved in lipid metabolism), and oxidative stress.”

/ BUSINESS

Curaleaf is selling its Vermont assets to Zenbarn Farms.

Green Check launched an integration with Meadow.

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