Top cannabis developments of 2021 (Newsletter: December 31, 2021)

CO gov issues mass marijuana pardon; Feds fund drug decrim & safe consumption research; Bizarre federal anti-cannabis PSA with cool cheetah

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Marijuana Moment compiled an analysis of the top marijuana, psychedelics and drug policy reform developments of 2021—including a record number of states legalizing cannabis, psychedelics and drug decriminalization bills advancing in states, sanctioned safe consumption sites opening and debate on banking and legalization heating up in Congress.

The National Institutes of Health announced it is funding research on “new harm reduction policies” such as decriminalizing drugs and safe consumption sites.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) pardoned 1,351 people for past marijuana convictions.

• “Adults can legally possess marijuana in Colorado, just as they can beer or wine. It’s unfair that 1,351 additional Coloradans had permanent blemishes on their record that interfered with employment, credit, and gun ownership, but today we have fixed that by pardoning their possession of small amounts of marijuana that occurred during the failed prohibition era.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is causing confusion with a federally funded ad featuring a surprisingly cool-looking cheetah smoking marijuana behind the wheel as part of an effort to deter impaired driving.

/ FEDERAL

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) tweeted, “Americans across the country are sending a clear message: The vast majority support legalizing marijuana. @RonWyden, @SenBooker, & I are working to pass our Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act to end the federal prohibition and repair the harm done by the War on Drugs.”

Pennsylvania Democratic Senate candidate John Fetterman, currently the lieutenant governor, tweeted, “Every year, 20,000 Pennsylvania residents are hit with a stupid weed charge that generates a criminal record. Meanwhile, *Arizona*  😙 lets you grow a *dozen* marijuana plants at home/ per couple. Legal Weed for PA + USA 🇺🇸”

/ STATES

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee (D) said he’s not privy to the latest negotiations on marijuana legalization legislation but reiterated that he thinks an existing agency should regulate the new market.

Texas Democratic attorney general candidate Lee Merritt tweeted, “The violence of the so-called ‘war on drugs’ has taken countless lives and devastated entire black and brown communities for the past 50 years. It is time to decriminalize marijuana. It is time to rebuild the disproportionately damaged communities.”

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that the smell of marijuana cannot on its own provide probable cause for police to search a car.

A New York senator said 2021 was “a hell of a year, a great year” for marijuana.

Mississippi lawmakers said they think medical cannabis legislation will be a priority in 2022.

Utah regulators filed amended medical cannabis cultivation, processing and testing rules.

Colorado regulators are delaying implementation of a rule requiring that marijuana vaporizer devices be tested for metal contamination.

Washington, D.C. regulators extended a same-day medical cannabis patient and caregiver registration program through April 28.

Oregon regulators published a compliance bulletin about new cannabis rules.

Washington State regulators published an updated list of pesticides allowed to be used in high-THC marijuana production.

New Mexico regulators held a hearing on proposed rules on marijuana marketing, packaging and labeling and on edible and topical product safety.

Ohio regulators received 1,462 applicants for 73 new medical cannabis dispensary licenses.

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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,300 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

San Diego County, California is hiring a contractor to conduct a cannabis social equity assessment.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Members of a Scottish government task force on drug issues resigned over pressure from cabinet ministers.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found an association “between patients with chronic pain prescribed [cannabis-based medicinal products] and improvements in pain-specific and general [health-related quality of life] outcomes.”

A study found that “interest in delta-8-THC increased in 2020 and 2021, particularly in the US” and that “interest in delta-8-THC was greater in US states with stricter cannabis use policies.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The New York Daily News editorial board is urging regulators to quickly implement marijuana rules.

/ BUSINESS

Green Thumb Industries Inc. closed its acquisition of LeafLine Industries.

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