Biden admits cannabis expungements still needed (Newsletter: May 31, 2024)

NH legalization bill to conference; Congressional marijuana & psychedelics amendments; Study: cannabis terpenes treat pain; FL ballot endorsement

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

President Joe Biden, who has previously falsely stated on several occasions that his marijuana pardons also expunged people’s records, has now acknowledged that his clemency actions did not do that—stating that “their records should be expunged as well, I might add.”

The New Hampshire House of Representatives rejected Senate changes to a marijuana legalization bill—requesting that a conference committee be formed to negotiate differences between the chambers’ versions.

Congressional lawmakers filed amendments to let Department of Veterans Affairs doctors recommend medical cannabis, block THC drug testing of federal job applicants, protect people from being denied security clearances over marijuana and encourage psychedelics research.

A new federally funded study found that marijuana terpenes are “as effective as morphine at reducing chronic neuropathic pain,” with fewer side effects.

• “Terpenes also appeared to enhance the efficacy of morphine when given in combination.”

Florida lawyer John Morgan, who funded the effort to legalize medical cannabis in the state, is now backing the recreational marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot.

A member of the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission called intoxicating hemp products a “public menace.”

/ FEDERAL

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) spoke about his support for marijuana reform.

Sen. Angus King (I-ME) said he believes that illegal marijuana cultivation operations in Maine are likely managed directly by the Chinese Communist Party.

Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) tweeted, “Reclassifying marijuana ignores science and endangers our youth. The Biden administration’s reckless disregard for protecting Americans is disturbing, and yet another example of ideology over common sense.”

/ STATES

The California Assembly passed a kratom regulation bill.

The Texas Senate State Affairs Committee held a hearing in the lieutenant governor’s push to ban intoxicating hemp products.

Ohio senators filed a bill to restrict intoxicating hemp products and require people who grow marijuana at home to submit an affidavit pledging not to sell it, among other changes.

The Vermont Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a lawsuit filed by a man who says he was improperly denied unemployment benefits due to medical cannabis use.

Maryland regulators posted guidance about reporting requirements for ancillary businesses and security guard agencies that work with the marijuana industry.

Washington State regulators posted guidance on a new law concerning tax exemptions on certain medical cannabis purchases.

Minnesota regulators sent a press release about newly enacted changes to marijuana laws.

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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

Denver, Colorado officials posted an overview of a recent Natural Medicine Work Group meeting.

/ INTERNATIONAL

A Canadian federal labor arbitrator gave Air Canada permission to perform hair drug testing on a flight attendant after his housemates and fellow employees claimed he was smoking marijuana and joking about hijacking.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

Researchers developed a “simple-to-use, portable, and relatively inexpensive system for characterizing the chemical components of mainstream smoke from cannabis cigarettes.”

/ BUSINESS

Canopy Growth Corporation reported quarterly net revenue of C$72.8 million and a net loss of C$92.3 million.

Cansortium Inc. and RIV Capital Inc. are merging.

Trulieve Cannabis Corp. will acquire Harvest of Ohio, LLC following the settlement of litigation.

MPX/iAnthus workers in Pleasantville, New Jersey ratified their first union contract.

Goodness Growth is seeking $860.9 million in damages from Verano Holdings Corp. over allegations of breach of contract related to an acquisition agreement.

Psychedelic church Soul Quest Church of Mother Earth Inc. and its owner were found liable in the death of a man who used drugs at a retreat it hosted.

/ CULTURE

Snoop Dogg is auctioning off a half-smoked blunt.

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