Georgia pharmacy sells medical cannabis, defying DEA threat (Newsletter: September 20, 2024)

Senators: SAFE Banking doesn’t have the votes; IL Supreme Court marijuana odor ruling; ID legalization; Congress & psychedelics; Cannabis & parenting

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

A Georgia pharmacy is defying a Drug Enforcement Administration threat letter by selling medical cannabis products in accordance with state law even though doing so risks losing its federal registration to dispense prescription pharmaceuticals.

Bipartisan senators spoke about the prospects for marijuana banking legislation, with both Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) saying there are not enough votes to pass it. Several lawmakers said a vote is possible in the lame duck period after the election, however.

The Congressional Progressive Caucus sent a fundraising email focused on federal marijuana decriminalization as Vice President Kamala Harris continues to maintain silence about her support for cannabis reform on the campaign trail.

The Illinois Supreme Court ruled that the smell of burnt marijuana “is insufficient to provide probable cause for police officers to perform a warrantless search of a vehicle.”

Idaho activists filed a proposed noncommercial marijuana legalization initiative that they hope to qualify for the state’s 2026 ballot.

The bipartisan Congressional Psychedelics Advancing Therapies Caucus posted a request for information on “how to implement programs and policies that address the range of complex issues with potential novel therapies…in medically supervised and interpersonally supportive settings.”

A new federally funded study on parents’ marijuana use that was supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that “positive parenting is higher during and immediately after the time periods when cannabis has been consumed compared to times when cannabis has not been used.”

/ FEDERAL

Former President Donald Trump reiterated his support for using the death penalty for people who sell illegal drugs,” saying it’s “the only way you’re going to solve” drug misuse issues.

The Environmental Protection Agency said a public comment about the environmental effects of growing cannabis is not germane to approval of a Nevada air quality plan.

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) posted another video of himself visiting a marijuana business, this time showing him handling dried flower.

/ STATES

The Michigan Senate Regulatory Affairs Committee approved a bill to allow 19- and 20-year olds to work at marijuana businesses.

A Florida representative authored an op-ed about her support for the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot.

California regulators issued notices about recalls of marijuana products due to the presence of aspergillus.

Montana regulators filed changes to rules on marijuana sampling protocols and quality assurance testing requirements.

Oregon regulators will hold a meeting on  draft changes to marijuana rules on Monday.

New York’s Cannabis Advisory Board will meet on Tuesday.

The North Dakota Medical Marijuana Advisory Board will meet on Tuesday.

Iowa regulators will hold a hearing on proposed changes to hemp rules on October 10.

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/ LOCAL

New York City’s mayor gave an update on enforcement efforts against unlicensed marijuana businesses.

The Saint Paul, Minnesota City Council approved marijuana business zoning rules.

The Miami Gardens, Florida police chief and other officials from South Florida endorsed the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Australian officials are warning medical cannabis providers about violating advertising rules.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study’s findings “support the short-term analgesic effects of THC and anxiolytic effects of CBD and further suggest that orally-administered THC and CBD should continue to be evaluated for the potential to provide both acute and extended relief from chronic low back pain.”

A study found that “CBD-rich oil is an effective and safe therapy for treating [neuropsychiatric symptoms] in [Alzheimer’s disease] patients, while also reducing the caregivers’ distress.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board is urging Florida voters to approve the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot.

/ BUSINESS

AYR Wellness Inc.’s president and CEO stepped down.

Tokyo Smoke commenced a stalking horse sale process.

MedMen Enterprises is being sued over allegedly unpaid rent.

Cybin Inc. announced a share consolidation.

/ CULTURE

The New York Film Festival is being sponsored by cannabis company The Travel Agency.

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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.