LA House votes to decriminalize cannabis (Newsletter: May 12, 2021)

Top fed drug official: Consider decrim; NE legislature voting on medical marijuana this week; Air Force warns against hemp shampoo for pets

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

National Institute on Drug Abuse Director Nora Volkow authored an essay saying it’s time to consider decriminalizing drugs, writing that “drug use continues to be penalized, despite the fact that punishment does not ameliorate substance use disorders or related problems.”

• “Black people and other communities of color have been disproportionately harmed by decades of addressing drug use as a crime rather than as a matter of public health.”

The Nebraska legislature is set to take up a medical marijuana bill on Wednesday—but it will likely have to overcome a filibuster on the floor and then, if it passes, a gubernatorial veto.

Minnesota’s House majority leader spoke about his chamber’s plans to vote on a marijuana legalization bill this week and said he thinks it could pass the Republican-controlled Senate as well—if only it is given a vote there.

The U.S. Air Force is stepping up efforts to stop service members from using marijuana or hemp products—going so far as to say that even CBD shampoo for dogs is not allowed on bases.

• “Even if it’s for your pet, it’s still illegal.”

/ FEDERAL

Closing arguments were held in the federal trial against a former Fall River, Massachusetts mayor who allegedly solicited bribes from marijuana businesses.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin (D-IL) tweeted, “This is simple. Legal cannabis businesses in Illinois should have access to banking services.”

Rep. Mike Garcia (R-CA) tweeted, “If you think the issue of the illegal grows in the Antelope Valley is about marijuana you are missing the bigger issue. My constituents are scared for their lives. People are being threatened. Taxpaying, law-abiding citizens are having their water & land stolen. It must end.”

Former Rep. Kwanza Hall (D-GA) sent a letter urging President Joe Biden to commute the marijuana sentence of rapper Ralo.

/ STATES

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) signed a bill to allow 30 medical cannabis oil dispensaries to open.

The chief of staff for Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey (R) spoke about potential amendments to the medical cannabis bill she is considering recommending to lawmakers. Meanwhile, the state attorney general spoke about his concerns regarding the legislation.

A spokesperson for Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) said efforts to reform the medical cannabis program are “entirely separate” from the push to legalize marijuana.

The Kansas Senate’s vice president said he thinks there’s enough support in the body to pass a medical cannabis bill, but perhaps not enough to force an expedited vote as the end of the year’s session approaches.

New York’s Assembly majority leader will participate in a forum on implementing marijuana legalization on May 22.

A scheduled Louisiana House vote on a marijuana legalization bill was delayed until Wednesday.

The Colorado House House Business Affairs & Labor Committee killed a bill to restrict marijuana delivery services.

The South Dakota Legislature’s Rules Review Committee voted to accept proposed rules saying that police officers and 911 dispatchers can be prevented from using medical cannabis by their employers.

An Illinois judge ordered a stay on a lawsuit challenging the state’s marijuana dispensary licensing process.

The tribal council for the Cherokee in western North Carolina voted to legalize medical cannabis on tribal lands.

Minnesota’s revised hemp plan was approved by federal officials.

Questions are being raised about whether a law on transparency in Missouri medical cannabis ownership records is allowing some companies to improperly control more businesses than is allowed.

New Mexico’s top marijuana regulator spoke about plans to implement legalization.

Michigan regulators published guidance on the use of hemp in food and dairy products.

South Carolina regulators published lists of approved hemp transporters and brokers.

California regulators held a hearing on proposed warnings for marijuana smoke and THC.

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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,100 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

The Jefferson County, Washington Board of Commissioners discussed psychedelics policy reform.

The Bronx, New York’s district attorney is being criticized for being slow to drop pending marijuana cases following legalization.

Norwood, Massachusetts’s police chief authored an op-ed against automatically expunging convictions for selling marijuana.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that “compared with manualized therapy with inactive placebo, MDMA-assisted therapy is highly efficacious in individuals with severe PTSD, and treatment is safe and well-tolerated, even in those with comorbidities.”

A study of rats found that “cannabidiol treatment prevented amphetamine relapse.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Alabama Democratic Party tweeted, “Alabama will become the 37th state to legalize medical marijuana, brining new healthcare options to Alabamians in need.”

The Wisconsin State Journal editorial board is calling on lawmakers to legalize marijuana.

Several member companies resigned from the Nevada Dispensary Association over concerns that it only represents the interests of large businesses.

/ BUSINESS

Trulieve Cannabis Corp. is acquiring Harvest Health & Recreation Inc.

Harvest Health & Recreation Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $89 million and a net loss of $23 million.

Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $260 million and a net loss of $17.2 million.

Acreage Holdings, Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $38.4 million and a net loss of $8.6 million.

Flower One Holdings Inc. reported preliminary quarterly revenue of $13.5 million.

A trademark dispute between BBK Tobacco & Foods LLP and Central Coast Agriculture Inc. over the use of the term “raw” is heating up in federal court.

Wesana Health Holdings Inc. began trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange.

Organigram Holdings Inc. has a new vice president of innovation.

/ CULTURE

Dave Chappelle told Joe Rogan that he used to buy marijuana from Idris Elba.

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