Virginia cannabis decriminalization bill advances (Newsletter: January 24, 2020)

Feds want help IDing marijuana studies; Lawmakers caution against changing cannabis banking bill; NM gov’s State of the State: ‘high time’ to legalize

Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day.

Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible…

There are now 1,081 cannabis-related bills moving through state legislatures and Congress for 2020 sessions.

Never let a marijuana bill catch you by surprise with exclusive access to Marijuana Moment’s custom-built cannabis legislation tracker for just $25/month.
https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment

/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) included marijuana legalization in the Fiscal Year 2021 budget proposal he submitted to the legislature.

• “I believe the budget is the opportunity, frankly, to make some tough decisions and work through tough issues that without the budget can often languish, and I suggest that we get it done in the budget.”

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) told lawmakers in her State of the State speech that it’s “high time” to legalize marijuana.

• “This is the fact: recreational cannabis can be the next frontier of our economic expansion. We can get in on the ground floor or we can try to play catch up—I know which one I prefer. And I know which one New Mexicans prefer.”

The lead sponsors of a House-passed marijuana banking bill—Reps. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), Steve Stivers (R-OH), Denny Heck (D-WA) and Warren Davidson (R-OH)—sent a letter cautioning Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID) against making broad cannabis policy changes they say are unrelated to the legislation.

A division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is asking for the public’s help in identifying studies on the benefits of medical cannabis for people suffering from migraine headaches and acute pain.

/ FEDERAL

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 9 Regional Tribal Operations Committee is scheduled to discuss tribal cannabis programs on February 13.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), a presidential candidate, reiterated his pledge to end the war on drugs, “legalize marijuana in every state in the union” and expunge past records.

Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) decried barriers to marijuana research in an e-newsletter.

New York Democratic congressional candidate Adam Schleifer tweeted, “In Congress, I’ll support removing marijuana from Schedule I; creating unified federal financial framework, health and safety studies and regulation, and revenue-raising taxation of marijuana.”

/ STATES

Kentucky’s agriculture commissioner said the state will continue to operate its hemp program under the provisions of the prior 2014 Farm Bill instead of newer federal rules. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives approved a hemp testing and transportation bill.

Texas’s agriculture commissioner will hold a public hearing on proposed hemp regulations on Wednesday.

Supporters of a proposed Florida marijuana legalization ballot measure filed briefs urging the state Supreme Court to approve its language.

The New York Senate unanimously passed a hemp and CBD bill.

The Michigan Senate Regulatory Reform Committee approved legislation to prohibit labor peace agreements for marijuana businesses. Separately, regulators sent a memo about marijuana businesses’ access to financial services.

The Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee and House Judiciary Committee held hearings on legislation to amend medical cannabis regulations.

California’s Veterinary Medical Board will discuss medical cannabis use by animals at a meeting later this month.

—
Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,000 cannabis 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.
—

/ LOCAL

The Detroit, Michigan City Council voted to extend a moratorium on recreational marijuana businesses.

Austin, Texas City Council members are working to build support for an expected Thursday vote on a marijuana decriminalization proposal.

/ INTERNATIONAL

New Zealand’s government is moving to repeal a law banning marijuana vaporizers.

The European Food Safety Authority warned that eating hemp foods can cause elevated THC levels.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that “92.3% [of] respondents found that cannabis positively impacted upon their physical and/or mental wellbeing and 56.4% reported that they used less of other substances which are known to be more harmful as a result.”

A study concluded that “individuals with high pain are more likely to consume cannabis multiple times a day, but this use may not be related to better health.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

A poll found that New York voters support legalizing marijuana, 58%-38%.

/ BUSINESS

The Securities and Exchange Commission charged Renewable Technologies Solution, Inc., Green Acres Pharms LLC, SMRB LLC and individuals behind the companies for an alleged scheme to defraud investors.

Akerna completed its acquisition of a majority interest in solo sciences inc.

From The Earth, an American marijuana retailer, is seeking to trade on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.

/ CULTURE

Actor Tom Hanks and Dr. Mehmet Oz decried false claims that they’ve endorsed CBD products.

Musician David Crosby said he still smokes marijuana every night.

Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox.