Biden ads slam Trump’s cannabis stance (Newsletter: June 28, 2024)

KY medical marijuana launch; DE cannabis licenses; CA psilocybin; UN experts: Legalize drugs; RAND psychedelics report; AZ sales

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign is taking out ads highlighting how his stance on cannabis contrasts with that of former President Donald Trump. It also launched a new webpage saying that “marijuana is not as dangerous as we once believed.”

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced that the state will begin accepting applications for medical cannabis business licenses—and letting doctors sign up to get certified for patient recommendations—on Monday, six months ahead of schedule.

The Delaware Senate Judiciary Committee approved a House-passed bill to let medical cannabis businesses convert to dual licensees that could also sell recreational marijuana—but only if they have a labor peace agreement and a plan to support social equity.

California lawmakers withdrew a bill to authorize a psychedelics pilot program to provide psilocybin treatment to military veterans and former first responders after it didn’t have enough support to pass the Assembly Health Committee.

A joint statement from United Nations human rights experts calls on countries across the world to replace the war on drugs with legalization, saying that “responsible regulation of all drugs” can “eliminate profits from illegal trafficking, criminality and violence.”

A new RAND Corporation report on psychedelics says that “now is the time” for federal officials to decide how to regulate substances like psilocybin.

• “Or, if they prefer a patchwork of state policies—possibly including those that allow for commercial supply and promotion—they can do nothing and just watch the industry grow.”

Data from the Arizona Department of Health Services shows that the state’s medical cannabis sales continue to shrink and are now just one-quarter of the size of the recreational marijuana market.

/ FEDERAL

A former Drug Enforcement Administration special agent authored an op-ed urging the federal government not to reschedule marijuana.

Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) discussed his opposition to the marijuana legalization initiative on Florida’s November ballot.

Rep. Val Hoyle (D-OR) tweeted, “Legalizing cannabis will create economic opportunities nationwide and can help reduce reliance on opioids. Former NFL running back Ricky Williams visited my office to discuss his advocacy on and off the field and how Congress can support this work.”

/ STATES

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee (D) vetoed a kratom regulation bill.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen (R) said he would veto any legislation to legalize marijuana.

An attempt by Ohio lawmakers to pass a marijuana reform proposal before the legislature adjourns for the summer failed.

A Louisiana representative spoke about Gov. Jeff Landry’s (R) veto of her marijuana pardons bill.

Michigan regulators published a bulletin about a new target analyte being added to marijuana testing rules.

Minnesota regulators published a marijuana guide for local governments.

New York regulators published a reminder that they do not currently issue permits for cannabis events.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture will gain authority to accredit cannabis laboratories on Monday.

The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority Board of Directors met.

Colorado regulators will host a psychedelics work group rulemaking meeting on Monday.

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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.

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

The Dallas, Texas City Council is expected to consider a marijuana decriminalization proposal later this summer.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández was sentenced to 45 years in U.S. prison after being convicted of charges of aiding drug traffickers.

Jersey lawmakers rejected legislation to decriminalize marijuana.

Manitoba, Canada officials are instituting new cannabis product freshness rules.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that hemp essential oil “plays a role not only in tumor chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy treatment, but also in anti-tumor treatment.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

A poll of Thailand residents found that at least 80 percent support a proposal to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic.

The Colorado Springs Gazette editorial board is urging the federal government not to reschedule marijuana.

/ BUSINESS

4Front Ventures Corp. announced a brokered offering for gross proceeds of up to C$5,000,100. 

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