Congress delays legal cannabis vote (Newsletter: September 18, 2020)

Harris talks marijuana decrim; CDC meets with medical cannabis patients; TX GOP candidate runs on legalization; Booker pushes descheduling vote

Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day.

Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible…

Looking for more cannabis news and resources? If you support our reporting with a monthly donation of $25 or more, we’ll give you access to our Cannabis Bill Tracker, exclusive material from our interviews and more.

Don’t miss out – join us at https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment

/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

The office of House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) told Marijuana Moment the “schedule hasn’t changed” for a planned vote on a federal marijuana legalization bill next week despite rumblings of concern from moderate Democrats. Hoyer himself said, though, that while he supports the proposal, “we’ve got to get the CR and COVID-19 done, because they’re absolutely critical to the welfare of our country,” referring to legislation to keep the government funded and avoid a shutdown.

• Meanwhile, Democratic Caucus Chairman Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) said the cannabis issue didn’t come up on a caucus call today. And Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), the lead sponsor of the bill, said he wants the vote to proceed as planned, while Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) indicated that a delay would be OK.

Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) held a virtual meeting to build support for the planned House vote to federally legalize marijuana.

Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) argued that a Joe Biden administration won’t be “half-steppin’” with “incrementalism” but she also stopped short of pledging marijuana legalization, saying they would only decriminalize cannabis and expunge prior records.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been meeting with medical cannabis patients as part of a broader series of listening sessions on alternative pain treatments.

Texas Republican congressional candidate Tre Pennie is calling for federal cannabis legalization and investments in communities harmed by the war on drugs, and he shared his plan exclusively with Marijuana Moment.

• “If done right—with proper federal regulation, oversight, and training, we can begin to lift failing communities out of poverty, reduce minority incarceration rates related to marijuana offenses and create sustainable markets resistant to online marketplace monopolies.”

/ FEDERAL

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) tweeted, “The time has come to decriminalize marijuana in this country.” He also tweeted, “I’m fighting for the Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act in the Senate. ✔️ It ends federal prohibition. ✔️ It addresses much-needed criminal justice reforms. ✔️ It provides opportunities for minority- and women-owned small businesses.”

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) tweeted, “It’s past time for Congress to bring our country’s harmful and outdated marijuana laws into the 21st century. Senate Democrats are committed to doing just that.”

West Virginia Democratic Senate candidate Paula Jean Swearengin tweeted, “The addiction epidemic has taken too many lives in WV & across this nation. Now with our economy struggling, we are seeing even MORE deaths of despair. We can revitalize and diversify our economy AND present new alternative treatments by legalizing #cannabis & enacting #M4A”

New York Democratic congressional candidate Mondaire Jones tweeted, “Let’s legalize it, Senator. 2021 ✊🏿”

Indiana Democratic congressional candidate Andy Ruff tweeted, “Decriminalizing marijuana leaves the supply side illegal and does nothing to help Hoosier farmers. That’s why I support full LEGALIZATION. It gives #IN09 much needed tax revenue AND allows our ag community to tap into its unsurpassed knowledge and skills.”

/ STATES

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) said there’s been no date set for a marijuana business licensing tiebreaking lottery and that he’s focused on “fairness” and getting “equitable results.” Regulators said they are continuing to “review questions” that have been raised about the process.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson (R) denied allegations in a House Democratic report that his office interfered with lawmakers’ investigation into the state’s medical cannabis program.

The Vermont House of Representatives gave its final approval to a bill to facilitate marijuana expungements and allow people to possess and grow more cannabis without the threat of jail time.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court heard arguments in a case on whether redacted portions of medical cannabis business license applications should be disclosed.

The Montana commissioner of political practices is probing North Fund, which has given more than $2.9 million to a marijuana legalization campaign in the state.

Washington, D.C. continues to see racial disparities in marijuana enforcement under legalization.

Iowa regulators published a market analysis of the state’s limited medical cannabis program.

Alaska regulators will discuss marijuana enforcement issues on Wednesday.

Oregon regulators released an updated list of approved pesticides for cannabis.

Maine regulators released summaries of the marijuana sampling and testing processes.

Florida’s Medical Cannabis Advisory Committee’s Patient Advocacy Subcommittee will meet on September 21.

—
Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,500 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.
—

/ LOCAL

A Dallas, Texas City Council member is planning to introduce a marijuana decriminalization proposal.

Oakland, California is funding a cannabis manufacturing incubator for social equity operators.

/ INTERNATIONAL

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern explained why she won’t reveal how she plans to vote on the country’s marijuana legalization referendum.

Colombian lawmakers debated marijuana legislation.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that “CBD increases serotonin receptor activity in crayfish as seen with SSRIs, thus could be of use in treating anxiety.”

The National Science Foundation awarded a three-year, $591,628 grant to study new uses for hemp.

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Nebraska Democratic Party tweeted about ongoing efforts to legalize medical cannabis in the state.

The Washington Post editorial board cheered Virginia lawmakers’ passage of legislation preventing police from conducting searches based on the smell of marijuana alone.

Sensible Change MN released a voter guide for Minnesota’s upcoming legislative elections.

/ BUSINESS

Canopy Growth Corp., Canopy Rivers Inc. and TerrAscend Corp. are being sued for allegedly committing fraud, civil conspiracy and breach of fiduciary duty, among other things, as part of a cannabis supply agreement.

Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. announced a dividend of $1.17 per share of common stock.

A lawsuit alleging that Canna Brand Solutions caused a vaping-related lung illness was dismissed by a Washington State judge.

/ CULTURE

Kendall Jenner admitted that she is a “stoner.”

Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox.

Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.