Walz finally discusses cannabis on campaign trail (Newsletter: September 27, 2024)

Report: Feds must be more active on marijuana; Senator on Trump’s SAFE Banking support; Clinton HHS head: no to FL legalization; PA poll; Dog on LSD

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz said legalizing marijuana is “an issue for the states”—adding that the prospects for reforms like cannabis banking legislation will be boosted “when we have the Democrats in charge of the House and the Senate.”

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine published a government-commissioned marijuana report criticizing federal agencies for being “noticeably missing” from the debate on shaping legalization laws to best protect health and safety.

Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), the lead sponsor of a cannabis banking bill, told Marijuana Moment that former President Donald Trump’s support for the reform is “helpful” and “great”—but referred questions about whether it’ll generate more GOP votes and clear the path for passage to Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), whose staff did not reply to a query.

Former Clinton administration Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala is urging Florida voters to reject the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot.

A new poll shows that Pennsylvania likely voters in key tossup districts support legalizing marijuana and want lawmakers to enact the reform by the end of this year.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced that the state has awarded its first medical cannabis business license to a testing lab and that regulators will hold a lottery next month to grant the first batch of cultivator and processor licenses.

A new case study of a dog given LSD to treat separation anxiety found that it “proved to be safe and exerted the desired effect on the animal’s behavior”—though the dog “did not show signs of having a psychedelic experience.”

A Minnesota judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by people who say the state constitution’s “peddler provision” gives them the right to sell marijuana that they grow at home.

A Nebraska judge is weighing new briefs in a lawsuit challenging two medical cannabis initiatives on the November ballot. If the suit is successful, it could prevent votes from being counted after Election Day.

/ FEDERAL

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) blamed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) for blocking marijuana banking legislation from getting a vote.

House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson (R-PA) expressed doubt that an amendment to ban most hemp products would make it into the final Farm Bill.

/ STATES

The Iowa House Democratic Caucus included legalizing marijuana in its 2025 agenda.

Massachusetts lawmakers discussed their support for the psychedelics legalization initiative on the November ballot.

The Florida marijuana legalization campaign got additional contributions from Trulieve and Curaleaf.

Washington State regulators approved cannabis business payment flexibility rules.

New Mexico regulators gave a presentation to lawmakers about psilocybin.

California regulators are urging cannabis businesses to request disaster relief if they are impacted by wildfires.

Michigan regulators sent a reminder about a new marijuana vape testing requirement for MCT that takes effect on Tuesday.

The New York Cannabis Advisory Board discussed social equity efforts.

The Colorado Retail Marijuana Public Health Advisory Committee is seeking a new member with expertise in pulmonary medicine.

New Jersey regulators sent an update on cannabis legislation and other issues.

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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

Burleigh County, North Dakota’s sheriff expressed concerns about the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot.

New York City officials published guidance for cannabis microbusinesses.

/ INTERNATIONAL

A German lawmaker criticized the health minister’s “absolute silence” on the expected second pillar of the country’s marijuana legalization plan.

Manitoba, Canada’s justice minister said marijuana home cultivation is expected to become legal in the province early next year.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that psychedelic-assisted therapy “reduced depressive symptoms in this heterogeneous patient group.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture hosted a session on hemp products at its annual meeting.

Prohibitionist organization Smart Approaches to Marijuana published a report about federal policy.

/ BUSINESS

WM Technology, Inc. agreed to pay a $1.5 million fine to the Securities and Exchange Commission over allegations it made “negligent misrepresentations” about its amount of monthly active users.

Canopy Growth Corporation shareholders elected members of the board of directors.

4Front Ventures Corp. retained Canaccord Genuity Corp. to lead efforts to consolidate and streamline its capital structure.

MedMen is the subject of a new documentary.

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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.