IRS resists call for cannabis biz tax guidance (Newsletter: April 3, 2020)

Mass. gov defends rec marijuana closures; Coronavirus impedes drug reform ballot measures; Former NFL player slammed for CBD COVID claims

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) said it’s “not likely” marijuana legalization will be in the budget due Wednesday, explaining that it is “something that had to be talked through and worked through, and the legislature wasn’t here. I was doing this COVID virus.” Lawmakers also filed new amendments to spending legislation that don’t include legal cannabis language. The developments come one day after Marijuana Moment obtained a leaked document indicating legalization wouldn’t be in the budget.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) defended his decision to shutter recreational marijuana stores amid the coronavirus outbreak.

• “We are going to have to deal with the fact that people are going to come here from all over the place across the Northeast and create issues for us with respect to the fundamental issue we are trying to solve for here, which is to stop the spread. For that reason and that reason alone, I think this is just a non-starter with us.”

Marijuana Moment’s latest analysis looks at how the coronavirus pandemic is upending efforts to place marijuana legalization and drug reform measures on ballots in states across the country as the public health crisis has made signature collection all but impossible.

Former NFL player and cannabis company founder Kyle Turley keeps claiming, without clinical evidence, that CBD can “prevent and cure” coronavirus—and both supporters and opponents of marijuana legalization are calling on him to stop. When Marijuana Moment asked about the possibility of Food and Drug Administration enforcement, he essentially dared the feds to bring it on.

• “Please shut my company down so I can have another blockbuster press release on how the FDA and the United States government is suppressing truth and information when we have study after study now being driven by major cannabis companies in getting clinical trials to prove what I’m saying is true.”

/ FEDERAL

The Federal Bureau of Investigation tweeted, “The FBI has a zero tolerance policy for employees on ALL illegal drugs.”

Libertarian presidential candidate Lincoln Chafee, a former Rhode Island governor and U.S. senator, posted to Facebook, “I support ending the war on drugs and do not believe anyone should ever go to jail for having a drug addiction problem. Addiction can happen to anyone. We need to address this as a health issue and not a criminal one. As President, I will pardon non-violent offenders, aid them in getting real help, decriminalize all drugs and declare an end to the failed war on drugs.”

/ STATES

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) signed an executive order authorizing curbside pickup of medical cannabis, allowing doctors to issue recommendations via telemedicine, extending patient certification expirations and allowing temporary caregivers amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Two of Iowa’s five CBD medical cannabis dispensaries have permanently closed.

Illinois regulators extended curbside medical cannabis sales through April 30 amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Massachusetts regulators will consider “potential relief” for marijuana businesses and other issues on Friday.

Ohio regulators released updated medical cannabis patient and caregiver numbers.

An Oklahoma representative said he plans to file a marijuana legalization bill.

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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,000 cannabis 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

An independent audit examined Los Angeles, California’s marijuana licensing process.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Canadian regulators said that marijuana labs are stepping up to help with coronavirus testing.

New Zealand regulators are moving to allow certain medical cannabis vaporizers.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study of the use of cannabinoids by adolescents and young adults with cancer found that “benefits were reported by 19% of responders regarding anxiety control, 24% for nausea, 29% for pain control and improvement of sleep, and 48% for appetite improvement.”

A study examining “the effects of cannabis on simulated driving in young as compared to middle-aged drivers” will soon be recruiting participants.

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

A poll found that U.S. adults consider medical cannabis dispensaries essential during the coronavirus pandemic, 44%-41%. On the question of recreational dispensaries, 34% say they are essential and 49% say they are not.

Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy is calling on Gov. Greg Abbott (R) to enact a moratorium on cannabis possession arrests and bring lawmakers into a special session to pass legalization legislation amid the coronavirus outbreak.

/ BUSINESS

CannTrust Holdings Inc. obtained a court order protecting it from lawsuits from creditors and class-action plaintiffs.

Tilray, Inc. is releasing 11 million shares from a lock-up agreement.

Terrapin Care Station is postponing all 4/20 promotions, sponsorships and events in light of the coronavirus outbreak.

Green Cross CBD is delivering CBD products via drone to reduce person-to-person contact amid the coronavirus pandemic.

/ CULTURE

Race car driver Danica Patrick spoke about her investment in CBD company Beam.

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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.