New FBI cannabis arrest data has flaws (Newsletter: September 26, 2024)

Senate hemp regulation bill; Feds offer marijuana biz safety evaluations; FL gov slammed for anti-legalization campaign; MN psychedelics task force

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) filed a new bill to create a federal regulatory regime for hemp-derived consumer products as an alternative to wide-ranging cannabinoid bans that have been proposed by House Republicans.

New FBI data shows that at least 200,000 people were arrested for marijuana in the U.S. last year—the vast majority for possession—even as advocates point out that the report’s methodology likely significantly understates the scope of cannabis and drug enforcement.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration is offering free workplace evaluations to Colorado marijuana businesses as part of a new federal effort focused on cannabis industry worker health and safety.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is under fire over his administration’s alleged use of taxpayer funds to campaign against the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot with a new ad claiming that car crashes go up in states with legal cannabis.

The Minnesota Psychedelic Medicine Task Force has approved recommendations to legalize psilocybin therapy and fund research on MDMA and LSD, while members are still considering signing off on a broader decriminalization proposal for lawmakers.

Maryland’s comptroller announced that marijuana tax revenue surged 52 percent in the second quarter of the year, generating $22.3 million for state coffers.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) and Attorney General Matthew Platkin (D) announced the availability of $14.5 million in violence prevention grants that are largely funded by marijuana revenue.

A new study concludes that while research “suggests a potential overlap in therapeutic benefits between cannabinoids and terpenes as influencers,” the “entourage effect” hypothesis that marijuana’s components are “additive or synergistic remains unproven.”

/ FEDERAL

The Government Accountability Office published a report on Coast Guard efforts to counter illicit maritime drug smuggling.

Rep. John Rutherford (R-FL) gave a House floor speech about his concerns with the marijuana legalization initiative on Florida’s November ballot.

Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) tweeted, “The DEA’s push for increased production of psychedelics for research signals a critical step in understanding their potential benefits to treat combat-related mental health injuries.”

/ STATES

New York’s Assembly speaker appointed a new member of the Cannabis Control Board.

The Kentucky legislature’s Interim Joint Committee on Health Service approved medical cannabis business application and licensing rules.

The Michigan Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case on whether police can use the smell of marijuana to justify vehicle searches.

New Jersey regulators are facing a lawsuit challenging new rules restricting hemp beverages.

Florida regulators are initiating rulemaking on changes to hemp rules.

California regulators published guidance about the state’s new hemp product ban.

A former Massachusetts marijuana regulator coauthored an op-ed expressing concern that rescheduling marijuana will embed it in the “deeply flawed American pharmaceutical system.”

Colorado regulators will hold a hearing on draft marijuana rules on Tuesday.

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Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,500 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.

Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
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/ LOCAL

The Los Angeles County, California Board of Supervisors passed a measure pressing Google, Yelp and other online platforms to stop advertising unlicensed cannabis businesses.

The Colorado Springs, Colorado City Council approved a proposal to restrict where marijuana businesses can operate.

Cook County, Illinois officials awarded $3.6 million in Cannabis Development Grants to 40 entrepreneurs “from communities that have historically faced criminalization, incarceration and exclusion as a result of the War on Drugs.”

/ INTERNATIONAL

Guyana’s attorney general is warning police not to lock up people for possessing less than 30 grams of marijuana.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A case report examined “two patients with advanced [hepatocellular carcinoma] with a high tumor burden who demonstrated durable and complete regression after use of cannabis oil for symptom relief.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

A poll of Minnesota likely voters found that they support national cannabis legalization, 61 percent to 34 percent, and that 14 percent have consumed marijuana or any hemp-derived THC products in the last month.

The Colorado Springs Gazette editorial board touted comments from the first person to legally purchase marijuana in the state now saying he doesn’t think legalization has “gone well.”

/ BUSINESS

Village Farms International, Inc. acquired the remaining equity ownership interest in Leli Holland, B.V.

Green Check launched a new feature enabling access to banking services for licensed cannabis-related businesses operating within indigenous communities.

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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.