House Approves Cannabis Banking, Employment & DC Provisions
TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The House of Representatives passed a large-scale spending bill that includes provisions on marijuana banking, letting Washington, D.C. legalize cannabis sales, CBD regulations, employment protections, loosening hemp rules, safe consumption site for illegal drugs and psychedelic research, among other issues.
Idaho’s secretary of state has given activists the go-ahead to start collecting signatures for a proposed 2022 ballot measure to legalize marijuana possession.
The U.S Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit rejected Ohio activists’ case seeking signature gathering relief for marijuana decriminalization measures they had trouble qualifying for local ballots last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Without a time machine, we cannot go back and place plaintiffs’ initiatives on the 2020 ballot.”
The Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board—a state panel created under the voter-approved legal psychedelic therapy initiative—published a research review finding that the substance is “efficacious in reducing depression and anxiety, including in life-threatening conditions.”
FEDERAL
The Environmental Protection Agency avoided acting on marijuana-related portions of a Polk County, Iowa air quality program under federal review.
The House Judiciary Committee tweeted, “The sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine offenses that persists today is a relic from the failed War on Drugs,” along with a thread containing other information about a reform bill the panel recently passed.
Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) tweeted, “Decriminalizing marijuana is not enough. We must also repair the damage done to those communities most harmed by a failed Drug War and expunge records. We should be demanding restorative justice.” He also tweeted, “Veterans should have access to all treatment options—including medical marijuana—which is why for years I’ve been pushing legislation to allow this. It’s long past time we legalize marijuana for our veterans & those who continue to suffer the consequences of our failed drug war.”
Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) sent a press release touting that a House-passed spending bill would allow Washington, D.C. to legalize marijuana sales.
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) tweeted that “on so many issues we should work ‘outside in’” including to “end the drug war.”
STATES
Colorado Senate Republicans criticized Gov. Jared Polis (D) for the creation of a new Cannabis Business Office, saying, “This is getting ridiculous.”
Illinois regulators announced the winners of marijuana retail licenses that were selected in a lottery.
Florida regulators proposed revisions to rules on hemp extracts.
Missouri regulators sent a warning saying that medical cannabis dispensaries cannot advertise sales events or discounts on products.
The Massachusetts Department of Correction is being sued for allegedly using a faulty drug test that falsely indicates the presence of illegal drugs on mail, resulting in improper sanctions on incarcerated people and attorneys.
Oklahoma regulators sent a warning about fraudulent text messages claiming to be from the state’s top medical cannabis regulator.
An Arkansas judge rejected regulators’ motion to dismiss a case challenging their medical cannabis licensing decisions.
Washington State regulators extended the allowance for minors being at licensed marijuana producers and processor premises though October due to daycare challenges related to the coronavirus pandemic.
Pennsylvania regulators posted information about the hemp certification process.
LOCAL
The Westchester County, New York district attorney dismissed all pending marijuana possession cases.
The San Francisco, California Board of Supervisors joined Oakland officials in passing a resolution endorsing state legislation to prohibit employers from discriminating against potential or current workers who test positive for inactive cannabis metabolites in their urine or hair.
The Lincoln County, South Dakota Commission approved medical cannabis rules.
A marijuana business owner pleaded guilty to bribing a San Luis Obispo County, California supervisor.
INTERNATIONAL
Uruguay’s government announced an update to medical cannabis regulations.
UK officials launched five local programs to offer treatment and recovery services, rather than incarceration, to people caught possessing drugs.
SCIENCE & HEALTH
A case study indicated that “medicinal cannabis could be effective in treatment of refractory stuttering.”
ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies board member David Bronner of Dr. Bronner’s published a blog post responding to conspiracy theories circulated about the organization by Decriminalize Nature.
Fox News commentators debated legalizing marijuana.
The RAND Corporation published an overview of marijuana social equity issues.
BUSINESS
Tilray, Inc. held a shareholder meeting to increase the authorized number of shares and make governance changes.
Lantern launched a marijuana delivery service in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Jushi Holdings Inc. contributed $50,000 to the Laundry Project to help lower-income families wash their clothes and linens.
CULTURE
Former basketball player Allen Iverson is partnering with Al Harrington’s Viola company to produce exclusive marijuana strains and merchandise.
Source: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/house-approves-cannabis-banking-employment-dc-provisions-newsletter-july-30-2021/
