Baltimore ends drug prosecutions amid coronavirus outbreak (Newsletter: March 19, 2020)

Sanders vs. Biden on marijuana; Advocates push officials on cannabis access during coronavirus outbreak; Feds probe Missouri cannabis applicants

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EDITOR’S NOTE:

As you know, the coronavirus outbreak has impacted all sectors of our economy and shifted legislative priorities across the country. The marijuana industry and reform movement are no exceptions. 

From California to Washington, D.C., reform campaigns are being affected by this pandemic—and the Marijuana Moment team remains committed to delivering you the most comprehensive reporting on the latest drug policy developments as we navigate this current climate. 

We’re interested in hearing directly from activists on the ground whose campaigns have been impacted and what the strategy is going forward. If this crisis has impacted your reform efforts—state, local, etc.—we encourage you to reach out to [email protected] with the subject line “Coronavirus” so we can better understand the state of play during this time.

Stay safe and wash your hands. 

In solidarity,
Tom and Kyle

/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

New York lawmakers filed a revised marijuana legalization bill that they hope to work into the budget, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) said he still wants issues like cannabis to be addressed in the spending legislation that could pass this week on an expedited basis due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Marijuana Moment’s latest analysis takes a detailed look at where remaining Democratic presidential contenders, former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) stand on marijuana and drug policy.

Advocacy group Americans for Safe Access is pushing governors to ensure that medical marijuana patients maintain access to the cannabis they need as jurisdictions enact a variety of differing approaches to exempting certain businesses from shutdowns.

/ FEDERAL

A federal grand jury requested records from Missouri regulators about medical cannabis business license applications from four individuals.

Iowa Democratic Senate candidate Eddie Mauro tweeted, “Joni Ernst has let down Iowa farmers. Legalization of cannabis and bold action on climate could generate billions in new sources of revenue for Iowa’s agricultural producers.” He also tweeted support for pending Senate cannabis legislation.

/ STATES

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) said he is “sympathetic to the potential good that medical marijuana might provide.”

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) discussed his support for medical cannabis.

Arizona’s House speaker spoke about his views on the potential link between marijuana and schizophrenia.

Florida’s surgeon general moved to allow telemedicine for medical cannabis and other drugs.

Illinois regulators are allowing dispensaries to do curbside sales of medical cannabis.

Washington State regulators are allowing marijuana businesses to carry out curbside service for medical cannabis in light of coronavirus concerns.

New York regulators said that medical cannabis dispensaries are essential and can stay open amid coronavirus-caused business closures.

Maryland regulators are allowing dispensaries to deliver medical cannabis to patients in parking lots.

Oregon regulators are abbreviating the agenda for a Thursday meeting and moving it to take place via a conference call in light of coronavirus concerns.

Michigan regulators sent a bulletin about temporary changes to how marijuana business license applicants will receive their licenses.

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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.

Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
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/ LOCAL

San Francisco, California officials reversed a decision to force marijuana businesses to close over coronavirus concerns.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that “purified pharmaceutical CBD may be an effective and safe adjunctive therapy in refractory [epileptic spasms] and may also be associated with improvements in electrographic findings.”

/ BUSINESS

Canopy Growth Corporation closed all of its stores across Canada due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Charlotte’s Web Holdings, Inc. secured self-affirmed Generally Recognized as Safe status for its hemp extract.

A study found that single women are more interested in marijuana stocks than the general population is.

Arkansas dispensaries have sold more than $50 million worth of medical cannabis since the program went online.

/ CULTURE

The National Cannabis Festival is being postponed from April to September amid coronavirus concerns.

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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.