Federal cannabis lawsuit dismissal gets appealed (Newsletter: July 5, 2024)

NE medical marijuana; Study: outdoor vs. indoor cannabis cultivation; MN AG wants marijuana homegrow suit dismissed

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Lawyers for marijuana companies are appealing the dismissal of their lawsuit that seeks to block enforcement of federal prohibition against their state-legal activities. The next stop for the case is the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.

Nebraska activists turned in what they hope are enough signatures to qualify two medical cannabis legalization initiatives for the November ballot.

A study concluded that “outdoor cannabis agriculture can be 50 times less carbon-emitting than indoor production,” with the authors saying the findings can help facilitate “informed decision-making to mitigate environmental impacts while supporting sustainable cannabis production practices.”

The Minnesota attorney general’s office is asking a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by people who say the state constitution gives them the right to sell marijuana that they grow at home.

Maryland’s comptroller updated a quarterly marijuana tax revenue report to fix a clerical error that had incorrectly swapped data for two regions.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services is facing a second federal lawsuit from another eight companies who say new rules restricting hemp-derived THC-infused drinks will unduly harm their businesses.

/ FEDERAL

The Drug Enforcement Administration posted a webpage saying that marijuana use “increases chances of kids becoming college drop outs.”

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) said in a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra that his department “refused to brief my staff regarding the scientific justification for the proposed re-scheduling of marijuana,” saying it would “have significant ramifications for public health and safety, yet your agency refuses to discuss it with congressional staff.”

/ STATES

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) tweeted, “We’re keeping our promise to get the system for legal medical marijuana up and running as effectively, safely and quickly as possible. Applications for business licenses are now being accepted!”

Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura spoke about his support for marijuana legalization and his new cannabis brand.

Texas’s attorney general issued an opinion saying that low-THC medical cannabis products can be transported between approved locations.

A North Carolina representative called marijuana a “gateway drug.”

Kentucky regulators filed medical cannabis testing rules.

Mississippi regulators issued guidance about medical cannabis patient allotments.

Washington State regulators sent a reminder about measuring cannabis plant canopy.

Washington, D.C. regulators sent cease and desist orders to several unlicensed marijuana businesses.

Vermont regulators posted a warning about scams targeting cannabis businesses.

New York, Ohio and Virginia marijuana regulators sent reminders to celebrate the Fourth of July responsibly.

A former Nevada top marijuana regulator authored an op-ed on the “opportunities and obvious interplay between” the cannabis and gaming industries.

The California Highway Patrol awarded more than $25 million in marijuana revenue-funded grants to law enforcement agencies, crime labs, local government agencies and nonprofits for projects aimed at addressing impaired driving.

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/ LOCAL

Detroit, Michigan officials prepared a report on use of the word “weed” on billboards.

/ INTERNATIONAL

The Irish Oireachtas Drugs Committee held a hearing on drug decriminalization.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study concluded that “significant positive correlation was found between the total flavonoids and cannabinoids and the antioxidant activity of the leaves.”

A review concluded that “there was preliminary efficacy data for ayahuasca, iboga, 5-MeO-DMT, psilocybin, and MDMA in the treatment of some” mental health conditions.

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

Prohibitionist organization Smart Approaches to Marijuana formed a campaign committee to oppose a proposed Arkansas medical cannabis expansion ballot initiative.

/ BUSINESS

Illinois retailers sold $141.8 million worth of legal recreational marijuana products in June.

/ CULTURE

Whoopi Goldberg is launching her cannabis product brands.

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