Trump backs cannabis legalization in Florida (Newsletter: September 2, 2024)

NE medical marijuana on ballot; AR cannabis expansion signatures; Studies: psychedelics can treat alcoholism; DeSantis legalization opposition

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Former President Donald Trump said he supports legalizing marijuana in Florida, predicting that voters will approve the reform measure on the state’s November ballot. He wants lawmakers to follow that up by banning public cannabis smoking, however.

Nebraska’s secretary of state announced that activists collected more than enough signatures to put two medical cannabis legalization initiatives on the November ballot.

Arkansas activists submitted a final batch of signatures to put an initiative on the November ballot to expand medical cannabis access by letting patients grow marijuana at home and allowing doctors to recommend it for any medical condition they see fit.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is doubling down on his opposition to the marijuana legalization initiative on the state’s November ballot even while a new survey shows the measure with enough support to pass and as GOP pollster Frank Luntz is highlighting bipartisan support for reform.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) announced that the state is awarding $35 million in marijuana revenue-funded grants to 88 local organizations to support community reinvestment efforts.

Two new studies highlight psychedelics’ role in combating substance misuse disorders, with one saying “psychedelic substances have demonstrated potential for treating drug addiction” and the other, which was conducted by a top federal drug official, finding that psilocybin is “safe and effective in reducing alcohol consumption.”

A new Oregon law overturning the state’s voter-approved drug decriminalization policy took effect.

The Missouri Hemp Trade Association filed a lawsuit seeking to block Gov. Mike Parson’s (R) executive order banning intoxicating hemp food and drinks from taking effect.

The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission is considering proposals to let marijuana packages have more color, and to require that they supply consumers with more information about the products that are inside.

/ FEDERAL

President Joe Biden issued a proclamation declaring Overdose Awareness Week, tweeting, “For the first time in 5 years, the number of overdose deaths in the United States has started to decline. But even one death is one too many, and far too many Americans continue to lose loved ones to the scourge of illicit fentanyl.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration promoted a prohibitionist group’s analysis of a new poll on Americans’ attitudes about marijuana.

/ STATES

New Hampshire Republican gubernatorial candidates agreed on opposing marijuana legalization during a debate.

California’s state auditor determined that a grant program designed to aid local jurisdictions in processing marijuana business licenses has been “weakened” by regulators’ “inadequate oversight and the local jurisdictions’ inappropriate expenditures.” Separately, regulators announced a recall of cannabis products due to pesticide contamination.

Colorado regulators issued a health and safety advisory about contaminated marijuana products.

Illinois’s top marijuana regulator said she hopes lawmakers will pass legislation allowing all dispensaries to specifically serve medical cannabis patients.

Missouri regulators published updated guidance allowing marijuana cultivators to source seeds from any location.

Kentucky regulators have received more than 1,000 medical cannabis business license applications.

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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.

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/ LOCAL

A former New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene official authored an op-ed about how cannabis tax revenue can be used to help eliminate health inequities.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A review concluded that “CBD is a promising candidate for treating neurocognitive disorders.”

A study found that “adult-aged Pennsylvanians perceive CBD and THC containing products as safer than alcohol.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Republican Party of Florida has received at least $1.7 million in contributions from hemp companies following Gov. Ron DeSantis’s (R) veto of a bill that would have restricted hemp products.

A former Florida Democratic Party executive director authored an op-ed arguing that the campaign behind a marijuana legalization initiative on the state’s November ballot has been using “misleading” arguments.

/ BUSINESS

StateHouse Holdings Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $27.8 million.

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