MT legal cannabis campaign launches signature drive (Newsletter: May 8, 2020)

1st psilocybin decrim anniversary; Survey: Drivers wary about marijuana bumper stickers; MO House rejects amendment requiring lawmakers use cannabis

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

After losing a court fight on electronic signatures, Montana marijuana legalization activists will circulate ballot petitions with a new strategy involving single-use wrapped pens, masks, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. A former director of the state Department of Public Health and Human Services endorsed the plan.

• “As our state reopens for business, we must also reopen for democracy. Our signature drive will allow Montana voters to exercise their constitutional right to a ballot initiative in a safe and responsible way.”

The Missouri House of Representatives voted on an amendment to require lawmakers to “consume a substantial dose of medicinal marijuana” prior to performing their legislative duties. It failed in a voice vote, but some “ayes” could be heard in the chamber. The sponsor spoke to Marijuana Moment about why he filed the measure.

It has been one year since Denver became the first city in the U.S. to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms. The vote sparked a movement that is now active in more than 100 cities, with Oakland and Santa Cruz already moving to enact policies decriminalizing other entheogens like ayahuasca and ibogaine. Marijuana Moment took a look at where the psychedelics reform movement stands now, with Oregon likely to have legal psilocybin therapy on the ballot in November and D.C. voters poised to decriminalize many plants and fungi.

A survey found that drivers are more wary about sporting marijuana bumper stickers on their cars than decals about topics like politics, guns, religion and President Trump. Fifty-nine percent said they believed cannabis stickers would “affect how police perceive me.”

/ FEDERAL

The U.S. Department of Agriculture released a short podcast about risk management offerings and crop insurance products for hemp growers.

Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) responded to a video about restaurants using glass pods to allow safe dining during the coronavirus pandemic by tweeting, “Great idea. With so many cannabis greenhouses in my district, the possibilities are endless.”

/ STATES

Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak’s (D) phase one of coronavirus reopening will allow marijuana businesses to conduct in-store sales after submitting a plan and receiving approval from regulators.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s (R) deputy chief of staff and chief operating officer are being investigated by the House Special Committee on Government Oversight, which is looking into the rollout of the state’s medical cannabis program. Separately, the Senate approved a bill amending rules for medical marijuana edibles, background checks and telehealth.

North Carolina Democratic agriculture commissioner candidate Jenna Wadsworth tweeted, “Cannabis should be legalized and treated like a medicinal herb instead of being used as an excuse to perpetuate systemic racism and lock up people of color.”

Arizona marijuana activists are continuing to collect signatures for a proposed legalization ballot measure while they await a court decision on the ability to conduct electronic petitioning.

Massachusetts regulators said they believe recreational marijuana stores can safely reopen if Gov. Charlie Baker (R) will allow it. Separately, the state’s medical cannabis patient count grew by roughly 14% in April as recreational marijuana shops have remained shuttered during the coronavirus pandemic.

Maryland regulators are being sued over their handling of medical cannabis patient applications from out-of-state residents.

Iowa regulators have received 18 pre-applications for two vacant CBD medical cannabis dispensary slots.

The Oregon Cannabis Commission’s Research and Leadership Subcommittee will meet on May 20.

A Pennsylvania representative tweeted, “As I’ve been saying, the time is now to have the conversation and move forward in a bi-partisan effort to legalize adult-use cannabis.”

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/ INTERNATIONAL

Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that cannabis coffeeshops must remain takeout-only until at least September 1 due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Colombian officials approved the export of cannabis seeds to Denver, Colorado.

UK officials said they won’t pay for an epileptic boy’s imported cannabis oil.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that police “officers in Washington, though not supportive of re-criminalization, expressed concerns about: youth access and use; increases in drugged driving; prosecutorial reluctance to charge; nuisance calls about cannabis usage in public; the lack of police preparation for legalization, and; legalization’s effect on their workload.”

A review concluded that “most identified studies suggest cannabis use is not associated with significant cognitive impairment in” bipolar disorder.

A study found “a high prevalence of work-related allergic—and particularly respiratory—symptoms in the employees of two indoor cannabis grow [facilities] in Washington State.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The American Civil Liberties Union outlined its vision for equitable marijuana reform.

The U.S. Hemp Building Association is a new organization advocating for hemp building professionals.

/ BUSINESS

Columbia Care, Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $28.9 million and a loss of $9.8 million.

/ CULTURE

Woody Harrelson, John Goodman, Tiffany Haddish and Pete Davidson are starring in a new series based on the drug-fueled comic The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers.

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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.