Top federal & state cannabis developments of 2023 (Newsletter: December 28, 2023)

WI medical marijuana momentum; AZ cannabis-funded justice reinvestment grants; Study: Youth access declines with legalization; MO delta-8 restrictions

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

2023 was a big year for cannabis reform. Marijuana Moment compiled a look at the top federal developments on the issue—including the Department of Health and Human Services’s rescheduling recommendation, a banking bill vote in the Senate and several successful court challenges to the ban on gun possession for cannabis consumers.

2023 also saw key marijuana developments at the state level—including new legalization laws, record-setting sales in key markets, 280E tax breaks for the cannabis industry and the enactment of consumer protections.

Wisconsin’s Assembly speaker said he’s “pretty confident” that a limited medical cannabis bill will pass in 2024 “with just Republican votes” because Democrats are insisting on broader recreational marijuana legalization.

The Arizona Department of Health Services announced the awarding of 18 grants funded by marijuana revenue to support organizations focused on affordable housing, healthy food access, youth development and technology training for formerly incarcerated people.

A new Canadian study found that in “large samples of youth, perceptions of cannabis access as being easy has declined in prevalence since legalization.”

Missouri lawmakers prefiled legislation for 2024 that would regulate intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoid products like delta-8 THC in the same manner as marijuana.

/ FEDERAL

2024 Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie outlined his drug policy plan, saying the country needs an “approach that remembers and reflects on the very basic humanity” of people struggling with addiction.

The National Institute of Justice funded a study looking at the detectability of minor cannabinoids in drug testing kits.

/ STATES

A Hawaii representative coauthored an op-ed calling on the legislature to pass a marijuana legalization bill in 2024.

A Minnesota senator discussed the urgency of getting a top marijuana regulator for the state in place.

The Vermont Substance Misuse Prevention Oversight and Advisory Council is recommending that lawmakers maintain a THC potency cap for cannabis concentrates.

New Jersey regulators began accepting applications for diversely owned marijuana wholesale, distribution and delivery business licenses.

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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 East Point, Georgia City Council approved a marijuana decriminalization ordinance.

The Pueblo, Colorado City Council voted to eliminate local marijuana excise taxes for three years.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Japanese health officials are moving to ban additional synthetic cannabinoids.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A review concluded that “the use of cannabis for headache treatment is considered promising due to a convergence of data.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Los Angeles Times editorial board is calling on Congress to rewrite federal marijuana laws.

/ BUSINESS

Trulieve Cannabis Corp. announced the closing of a commercial loan secured by a cultivation site in Florida for aggregate gross proceeds of $25 million.

/ CULTURE

Football player Rashaan Evans was arrested for marijuana possession.

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