MD cannabis sales bill heads to gov’s desk (Newsletter: April 10, 2023)

AR medical marijuana & guns bill passes; NM gov signs cannabis expungements; MN psychedelics; TX medical expansion; Chicago Cubs CBD deal; MO sales

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

After resolving differences between House and Senate bills, Maryland lawmakers sent Gov. Wes Moore (D) legislation to regulate marijuana sales in preparation of the state’s voter-approved legalization law taking effect on July 1.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) signed a bill creating a process for people to verify if their marijuana convictions have been expunged and request expedited processing if eligible records are still pending.

Arkansas lawmakers sent Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) a bill to clarify that medical cannabis patients can obtain concealed carry licenses for firearms.

The Minnesota House Health Finance and Policy Committee inserted provisions to create a psychedelics task force that would prepare the state for possible legalization into a large-scale health policy bill heading toward a floor vote soon.

The Texas House of Representatives will vote on Tuesday on a bill to allow doctors to recommend medical cannabis as an opioid alternative for chronic pain while also replacing the current THC potency cap.

The Chicago Cubs is the first Major League Baseball team to officially partner with a CBD company. The deal with MYND DRINKS is rolling out with a guided meditation narrated by Cubs announcer Pat Hughes and a “Sounds of Wrigley Field” Spotify playlist.

Missouri retailers sold $126.2 million worth of legal marijuana products in March—the second month of adult-use sales. The state’s cannabis market is on pace to reach $1 billion in sales by the end of the year.

/ FEDERAL

A former White House Office of National Drug Control Policy chief medical officer spoke at a press conference opposing a California psychedelics legalization bill.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) tweeted, “I’m for completely getting the federal government out of marijuana regulation, not for taxing it, criminalizing those who don’t pay taxes on it, and setting up new equity/justice programs.”

The House bill to allow CBD as a dietary supplement got one new cosponsor for a total of 14.

/ STATES

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) cited the passage of medical cannabis legislation this session as an example of “the best of bipartisanship.”

Maryland’s lieutenant governor spoke about the importance of equity in cannabis legislation.

Arkansas lawmakers sent Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) a bill to ban delta-8 THC products.

Minnesota’s Senate minority leader expressed concerns about advancing marijuana legalization legislation.

Alaska lawmakers are considering a bill to provide tax relief to marijuana cultivators.

A South Carolina judge rejected the State Law Enforcement Division’s request to reconsider a civil penalty she applied in a lawsuit over the destruction of a hemp crop.

Washington State regulators sent a notice about possible pesticide contamination of cannabis products.

Florida regulators are moving to eliminate the “Florida Hemp” designation on products made in the state.

Washington, D.C. is instituting a medical cannabis sales tax holiday from April 15-24.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, located within North Carolina, will begin accepting medical cannabis applications on April 20.

Michigan regulators launched new web resources to identify marijuana social equity businesses.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority will hold a webinar about the Cannabis Equity Grant Program on Tuesday.

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Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,000 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

A marijuana dispensary owned by a Santa Rosa, California City Council member is defying an order to cease operations.

Denver, Colorado officials sent a reminder about marijuana advertising rules ahead of a 4/20 festival.

/ INTERNATIONAL

The Bahamian attorney general said draft medical cannabis legislation will be released for public comment within a month.

The South African National Assembly Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services is accepting proposed amendments to a cannabis bill.

Thailand’s Civil Court revoked an injunction that had prevented a politician from criticizing the Bhumjaithai Party’s cannabis policy.

Argentinian government agencies participated in the first legal hemp harvests in the country in half a century.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study “observed an association between initiation of [cannabis-based medicinal products] treatment and improved outcomes for chronic pain patients.”

A study of fish found that “hemp seed supplementation showed significant improved results against copper toxicity.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Kentucky Democratic Party tweeted, “A year ago, legalization of either medical cannabis or sports betting seemed like distant possibilities. Last week, @AndyBeshearKY signed both into law.”

An Illinois Sheriff’s Association official expressed concerns about a bill to prevent police from using the smell of marijuana as probable cause for vehicle searches.

/ BUSINESS

Akerna Corp. is terminating the agreement for POSaBIT Systems Corporation to acquire it.

Engin Sciences Inc. raised a $2.5 million seed funding round.

Green Thumb Industries Inc.’s deal to sell medical cannabis at Circle K gas stations in Florida is on hold amid litigation.

Verano Zen Leaf and Acreage/The Botanist were fined again by New Jersey regulators for selling marijuana to the public during times that are supposed to be reserved for medical cannabis patients.

Jushi Holdings Inc. closed a secured commercial loan for gross proceeds of $20 million.

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