(Newsletter: April 5, 2023)
Published 6 hours ago on April 5, 2023
By Tom Angell
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Biden touts marijuana moves; NM gov notes legal sales anniversary; CT dismisses cannabis cases; MT psilocybin defeat; MN legalization vote
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW A new proclamation from President Joe Biden declaring April to be “Second Chance Month” for people who have served time in prison highlights marijuana criminalization’s racially disproportionate enforcement and its role in blocking access to jobs, housing and education. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) celebrated the one-year anniversary of the state’s legal recreational marijuana market—touting $300 million in sales and the thousands of jobs created by the cannabis industry. Connecticut’s chief state’s attorney announced that prosecutors have dismissed more than 1,500 pending marijuana cases following a review as part of the state’s post-legalization criminal erasure program. The Minnesota Senate Rules and Administration Committee approved a marijuana legalization bill. The legislation has just two more panel stops left to go before it can reach the Senate floor—and a House companion is also nearly done with committees. A Florida marijuana legalization campaign funded by Trulieve has now collected more than 70 percent of the valid signatures it needs to put its initiative on the 2024 ballot. The Montana House Human Services Committee rejected a bill that would have legalized psilocybin therapy for adults with certain medical conditions. A new Harm Reduction International report shows that the number of death penalty sentences carried out over drug offenses surged across the world in 2022. / FEDERAL The Drug Enforcement Administration is moving to temporarily place six synthetic cannabinoids in Schedule I. Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) tweeted, “Regardless whether an injury is physical or mental, I believe we owe it to every veteran to make sure they can access every possible tool to heal. One of those tools is medical marijuana.” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) tweeted, “In Mayor Eric Adams City of New York, an average of 8 people overdose on drugs every single day because of his PRO drug policy. He wants more drug use centers stocked with syringes, straws for snorting, and other drug paraphernalia to help NY’s poor drug addicts kill themselves. Drug overdoses account for 80 to 85% of accidental deaths in New York City. That’s a fatal overdose every 3 hours!” / STATES Kentucky agriculture commissioner candidates discussed their views on marijuana and hemp policies. The Montana House and Senate approved bills that contain differing provisions for how to allocate marijuana revenue. A New Jersey assemblymember filed a bill to require police to release statistics on deadly car crashes involving marijuana. A Missouri representative expressed concerns about a psilocybin access and research bill. Rhode Island courts posted information about marijuana expungements. New York regulators again missed a deadline to produce a cannabis social and economic equity plan. Separately, a top regulator spoke about ongoing steps to launch the recreational marijuana market. The California Industrial Hemp Advisory Board issued recommendations for the 2023 Farm Bill. The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission will meet on Thursday. Guam’s Cannabis Control Board will meet on Monday. — 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. —
/ LOCAL New York City officials will host an event on cannabis and hip-hop on Monday. / INTERNATIONAL German lawmakers said they expect the government to file a marijuana legalization bill within the next two weeks. / SCIENCE & HEALTH A study found that “short-term medical cannabis use in patients treated with [hemodialysis] was generally well tolerated.” A review concluded that studies “affirm the efficiency of the psilocybin therapy for depression, with only one or two doses in conjunction with psychological support during the process.” / ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS A poll of Britons found that 60 percent think authorities are losing the war on drugs and 6 percent think they are winning it. The American Transportation Research Institute launched a survey on marijuana and the trucking industry. / BUSINESS AYR Wellness Inc.’s chief operating officer stepped down. Peter/PetraMD announced its intent to acquire Ketamine Wellness Centers. Jushi Holdings, Inc. is being sued over alleged anticompetitive practices. Tilray Brands, Inc. announced that new products from its subsidiary Manitoba Harvest will debut at select Whole Foods Market stores.
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