Navy bans use of CBD and hemp products for sailors and marines (Newsletter: August 9, 2019)

Former FDA head cites “valid reasons” for marijuana decrim; Sanders would not legalize other drugs; SXSW weighs 150+ cannabis panels

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), a presidential candidate, told podcaster Joe Rogan he wouldn’t legalize drugs other than marijuana but will look into ending cannabis prohibition by executive order.

Former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said there are “valid reasons” to decriminalize marijuana, although he opposes broader legalization.

• “I think we ought to look at decriminalizing it. People are arrested for possession of marijuana and face sentences that are oftentimes in excess of what they would receive for offenses that I think are far more significant and serious. You do see too many people I think developing significant criminal records for small possession charges of marijuana.”

A Gallup poll found that one-in-seven Americans use CBD, with the vast majority of those consuming it to help with pain, anxiety or sleeplessness.

SXSW is asking people to vote on more than 150 different marijuana-focused panels that have been proposed for next year’s festival.

/ FEDERAL

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock (D), a presidential candidate, spoke about racial disparities in marijuana enforcement.

The U.S. attorney for Nevada, asked about marijuana enforcement, said the state is “not a safer place with just drugs generally available on every street corner” but that “when it comes to my priorities, I’m focused on drugs that are killing people.”

The House bill to require the Department of Veterans Affairs to study medical cannabis got one new cosponsor, for a total of 76.

/ STATES

New Jersey’s Senate president said lawmakers may take “one more run at” trying to pass marijuana legalization legislation later this year.

Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) tweeted, “It’s time to legalize marijuana. For years, marijuana possession has been a pipeline to prison for people of color. We must replace that pipeline with jobs, equity, and pathways to prosperity.”

Alabama’s deputy agriculture commissioner said that law enforcement has “some apprehension” about the state’s hemp program.

A Pennsylvania judge ruled that the smell of marijuana is no longer necessarily the indication of a crime for the purposes of police searches.

Florida regulators negotiated a settlement with Surterra Wellness that allows the company to open more medical cannabis dispensaries than the state’s cap allows.

The Texas Forensic Science Commission issued an analysis of the implications of hemp legislation on forensic analysis of seized drugs.

Michigan regulators sent an advisory about inaccurate marijuana potency testing results.

Massachusetts officials blocked the attempted use of EBT cards at marijuana dispensaries on at least 34 occasions.

Concerns are being raised about provisions in Rhode Island medical cannabis dispensary expansion legislation that require future regulations changes be approved by lawmakers.

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/ LOCAL

The Columbus, Ohio city attorney is dropping all misdemeanor marijuana possession cases in light of the state’s new hemp law.

Deschutes County, Oregon commissioners are considering placing a measure to ban marijuana businesses on the ballot.

The Fall River, Massachusetts mayor is under fire for granting a host community agreement for marijuana stores owned by his girlfriend’s brother.

/ INTERNATIONAL

New Zealand’s Parliament approved legislation to take a more health-focused approach to drugs.

St. Lucia’s government established a commission to study the creation of a regulatory framework for cannabis.

Luxembourg’s health minister spoke about his support for legalizing marijuna.

Thailand’s health ministry received the first batch of medical cannabis for distribution to hospitals.

Cyprus regulators are working to remove what they see as “loopholes” in the country’s medical cannabis program.

A Colombian company announced its CBD products will soon be available in the UK.

Senators in Paraguay held a hearing on letting patients grow their own medical cannabis.

/ ADVOCACY

The Marijuana Policy Project launched an online petition calling for the resignation of the Ohio representative who blamed recent shootings in part on marijuana legalization.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study of mice found that THC “inhibits the development of endometrial cysts.”

A study of Colorado high school students found that “smoking was the most common usual mode of marijuana consumption” but that “the prevalence of smoking as the usual mode decreased…whereas ingesting and dabbing increased.”

A study found that “cannabis is an effective mid-level analgesic, and THC is an important chemical contributor to the plant’s therapeutic potential.”

/ BUSINESS

Thrive Capital Management, founded by the brother of President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, led a $35 million fundraising round for LeafLink.

Expedia is blocking organizers of Seattle Hempfest from accessing a road need to bring supply vehicles, vendors, and staff into the event.

Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck is starting a cannabis and hemp practice group.

PRWeek looks at the collapse of an account a PR firm thought they’d won with MedMen.

/ CULTURE

The Outside Lands festival was issued permits by San Francisco and California officials for on-site marijuana sales and consumption.

Actor Woody Harrelson spoke about his decision to consume cannabis again after abstaining for two years.

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