VP pick J.D. Vance’s cannabis stance explained (Newsletter: July 16, 2024)

Senate panel: VA should examine cannabis as opioid alt; FL hemp companies fight legal marijuana; IL has “most diverse” industry; Snoop’s dispensary

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Marijuana Moment compiled a comprehensive look at where Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. J. D. Vance (R-OH) stands on cannabis. He voted against a marijuana banking bill, said marijuana “smells terrible” and suggested it can lead to violence—but doesn’t want people being arrested for small amounts and backs the right of states to implement their own legalization laws.

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved reports calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs to consider medical marijuana as an opioid alternative and pushing the Food and Drug Administration to advance psychedelic research, among other cannabis and hemp directives.

Illinois Gov. J. B. Pritzker’s (D) office released a new study showing that the state has “the most diverse cannabis industry in the nation,” and regulators issued the state’s 100th social equity-owned marijuana dispensary.

As newly leaked messages appear to show Florida’s hemp industry pooling together donations to support Gov. Ron DeSantis’s (R) effort to defeat the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot, one industry executive is speaking out about his $100,000 contribution.

A new Human Rights Watch and Drug Policy Alliance report shows that half a million people whose most serious offense was for drugs were deported from the U.S. between 2002 and 2020—including more than 47,000 for marijuana use or possession alone.

Snoop Dogg opened his first marijuana dispensary—called S.W.E.D., which stands for “Smoke Weed Every Day”—and he’s also launching a line of new cannabis products that pay tribute to 2Pac.

/ FEDERAL

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) said he supports rescheduling marijuana.

Arizona Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake tweeted, “A United States President survived an assassination attempt yesterday and the front page story in Arizona’s newspaper… is about Marijuana. I’d ask ‘What are they smoking?’ but I guess we already have our answer.”

/ STATES

A Pennsylvania senator tweeted, “I won’t stop fighting to end the prohibition of cannabis in PA. We are going to get it done.”

A Maryland senator touted the state’s cannabis equity program.

California regulators are proposing changes to cannabis tax rules.

Washington State regulators published guidance on packaging and labeling for medically compliant cannabis products.

Delaware’s top marijuana regulator spoke about pending legislation that will create a “much faster pathway to get the adult-use market operational.”

Michigan regulators published a monthly report on disciplinary actions taken against marijuana businesses.

Nevada regulators are now accepting applications for a marijuana business license in White Pine County.

The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority Board of Directors will meet on August 22.

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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.

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/ LOCAL

The Bell County, Texas attorney discussed the status of the county’s lawsuit seeking to overturn a voter-approved marijuana decriminalization law in Killeen.

/ INTERNATIONAL

The Czech Republic government is considering legalizing a commercial marijuana market, according to leaked documents.

The mayor of Amsterdam, Netherlands said legalizing drugs is “inevitable.”

Israel’s medical cannabis patient count is decreasing.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that “CBD acts as a protective factor against [necrotizing enterocolitis], resulting in less histological damage and a lower rate of intestinal cell death.”

A case study concluded that “inhalation of THC-predominant cannabis flowers in association with standard medication improved [chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting], anxiety, sleep quality, appetite, overall mood, and quality of life.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

Republican operative Roger Stone tweeted, “Cannabis helped my father in his epic struggle with cancer by both easing his pain and giving him an appetite,  Rescheduling cannabis, which is now legal for medicinal purposes in majority of the states would would imbue rights to patients and would prevent employment discriminations as well as set up a federal regulatory system for medical cannanbis and it would still leave states to make their own decisions.  Republicans who stand in the way of this like James Lankford are fools.”

/ BUSINESS

Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. received commitments for a private placement of $235 million of its 12.75% senior secured notes due 2029.

Several European cannabis companies are reportedly planning to go public in the U.S.

/ CULTURE

Wiz Khalifa said he “didn’t mean any disrespect to the country of Romania by lighting up on stage” prior to being detained and then released by police.

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