Kamala Harris’s shifting cannabis stance (Newsletter: July 24, 2024)

Rescheduling comment period closes; House GOP blocks marijuana amendments; DeSantis’s false legalization claim; Dallas cannabis decrim

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Vice President Kamala Harris has evolved significantly on marijuana—from campaigning against legalizing cannabis in California to now being the first major party presumptive presidential nominee in U.S. history to support federal legalization.

With the close of the federal marijuana rescheduling comment period, the Drug Enforcement Administration will now weigh the more than 40,000 submissions—including those from governors, lawmakers, health experts and advocacy groups.

Two separate analyses of the more than 40,000 comments in the federal marijuana rescheduling docket show that the vast majority of submissions support fully descheduling cannabis—with one showing that only 8 percent want it to remain in Schedule I.

The House Rules Committee is blocking floor votes on amendments that would prevent marijuana testing of certain federal job applicants.

In his latest comments against the marijuana legalization initiative on Florida’s November ballot, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) falsely claimed in a speech at a police event that most Colorado voters “regret” enacting the reform—even though recent polls actually show they continue to support it.

The Dallas, Texas city secretary certified that activists collected enough valid signatures to put a marijuana decriminalization initiative on the local November ballot.

/ FEDERAL

The Environmental Protection Administration said a public comment about air emissions from cannabis farms is outside the scope of a rule on an Oregon air plan.

Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) tweeted, “DOJ is proposing rules based on the popularity of marijuana instead of the science. We’re calling them out.”

The House bill to federally legalize marijuana got one new cosponsor for a total of 93.

/ STATES

A Nebraska senator authored an op-ed urging voters to reject two medical cannabis legalization initiatives that may appear on the November ballot.

Nevada regulators sent a health and safety bulletin about marijuana products that may contain certain dietary supplements.

Vermont regulators posted guidance about cannabis prerolls and advertising.

California regulators are encouraging cannabis businesses to request disaster relief if impacted by wildfires.

Washington State regulators sent a newsletter with updates on various marijuana issues.

Missouri regulators will hold a listening session about marijuana research licenses on August 5.

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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.

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

Redmond, Oregon voters will see questions on their November ballots on allowing marijuana dispensaries and psilocybin service centers.

Howard County, Maryland officials are accepting applications to serve on the Adult-Use Cannabis Advisory Panel.

The Boston, Massachusetts Cannabis Board will meet on Wednesday.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is backing down from his push to reclassify marijuana as a narcotic.

Latvia’s governing coalition is divided on the issue of decriminalizing drugs.

The UK Food Standards Agency issued its first positive safety assessment for a consortium application in its CBD Novel Foods approval process.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that “medical cannabis seems to be effective at reducing perceptions of pain, including for”
playing-related musculoskeletal disorders.

A study found that “despite recent shifts away from punitive drug policies, we detected no reduction in drug arrests nationally and increasing prevalence in non-metro areas” and that “despite reporting the lowest level of illicit substance use and drug selling, [non-Hispanic] Black individuals had significantly increased odds of arrest across years.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 says it is important that anti-drug grant programs “are funding the President’s drug control priorities and not woke nonprofits with leftist policy agendas.”

The U.S. Hemp Authority is accepting public comments on an adult cannabinoid certification standard.

/ BUSINESS

Google co-founder Sergey Brin is reportedly funding psychedelic start-up Soneira.

Green Check launched an expansion of its cannabis API and data tool.

/ CULTURE

Melissa Etheridge is being sued by partners in her cannabis business over allegations that she “abandoned them” and left them in “financial ruin.”

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