State AGs & Former DEA heads want cannabis scheduling hearing (Newsletter: June 21, 2024)

NC medical marijuana; PA legalization economic impact; Biden backs MD marijuana pardons; Hemp “confusion”; Study: Cannabis benefits for seniors

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Nine former administrators of the Drug Enforcement Administration and 18 state attorneys general are formally requesting that the agency hold a public hearing on the Biden administration’s marijuana rescheduling proposal—with the former DEA leaders saying it “could impact the ongoing and devastating drug abuse crisis.”

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said President Joe Biden “commends and welcomes” Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s (D) mass marijuana pardon, pointing out that the president called on governors to “to do their part and to take action” following his federal cannabis clemency moves.

The North Carolina Senate gave initial approval to legislation to legalize medical cannabis as an amendment to a House-passed hemp and kratom bill. The other chamber has been reluctant to take up medical marijuana and this is senators’ way of forcing their hand.

A new report projects that if Pennsylvania legalized marijuana it would see up to $2.8 billion in recreational sales in the first year of implementation, generate as much as $720 million in state and local tax revenue and create upwards of 45,000 jobs.

The California Assembly Labor and Employment Committee rejected a Senate-passed bill to roll back existing employment protections for law enforcement workers who legally use marijuana while off the job—though the sponsor asked for reconsideration.

The Congressional Research Service said provisions to ban many consumable hemp-derived cannabinoids in a House agricultural funding bill could “cause confusion” because, unlike separate language in the Farm Bill, the appropriations legislation omits a definition of “industrial hemp.”

A study found that “older aged individuals experience considerable improvement in health and well-being when prescribed cannabis-based medicinal products.”

• There were “significant reductions in depressed mood and in sleep difficulties” and “sizable reductions in pain severity and pain interference.”

Minnesota lawmakers codified a state Supreme Court ruling preventing police from using the smell of marijuana as the sole reason to justify vehicle searches—guarding against a potential reversal of the decision by future justices.

/ FEDERAL

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit accusing the Department of Housing and Urban Development of unlawfully discriminating against medical cannabis patients.

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) tweeted that Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s (D) mass marijuana pardon “is great news! More states should follow suit.”

Former Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC) said the leader of a prohibitionist organization is correct that the “experiment with legalizing marijuana” is “not working.”

/ STATES

Oklahoma’s attorney general expressed concerns about illegal marijuana cultivation operations in his state in a letter he sent U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland pushing back against the Department of Justice’s lawsuit over an Oklahoma immigration law.

Pennsylvania lawmakers discussed the prospects of legalizing marijuana this session.

Iowa regulators filed proposed hemp product rules.

Maryland regulators posted guidance about marijuana business ownership issues, advertising, dispensaries, licensed growers and the medical cannabis program.

Minnesota regulators posted an enforcement notice sent to businesses selling hemp-derived products.

The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority Board of Directors will meet on Wednesday.

The New York Cannabis Advisory Board will meet on Wednesday.

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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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/ INTERNATIONAL

Belize’s minister of home affairs and new growth industries said U.S. marijuana rescheduling could boost legalization efforts in that country.

The Canadian government’s move to recriminalize public drug possession in British Columbia is being challenged in court.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study concluded that “combining cold brew coffee with CBD in a beverage can enhance antioxidant activity and potentially contribute to individuals’ health.”

A study found “reductions in larceny, vehicle burglary, and motor vehicle theft following the opening of high-volume dispensaries” but failed to find “evidence of similar deterrent effects near low-volume dispensaries, and instead, find larceny increases when low-volume dispensaries open in low foot traffic areas,” suggesting that “foot traffic is a significant factor impacting crime near dispensaries.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Democratic Governors Association tweeted, “With the stroke of his pen, Gov. @IAmWesMoore just pardoned 175,000 low-level marijuana convictions in Maryland. This is the most sweeping state-level pardon in American history.”

The Philadelphia Inquirer editorial board is calling on Pennsylvania and New Jersey officials to issue mass pardons for marijuana convictions.

/ BUSINESS

Aurora Cannabis Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of C$67.4 million and a net loss from continuing operations of C$20.8 million.

MediPharm Labs Corp. acquired a medical cannabis delivery method from Remidose Aerosols Inc.

Numinus Wellness Inc. is acquiring MedBright AI Investments Inc.

Verano Holdings Corp. filed a court response in its ongoing litigation with Goodness Growth Holdings, Inc.

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