GOP congressman’s marijuana bill for veterans; NE medical cannabis legislation; Record MI sales; MO psilocybin measure
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https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. (D) signed marijuana legalization and expungements bills into law. He also issued a separate proclamation creating a process for people to apply to have prior cannabis possession convictions pardoned.
Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) filed a bill that would protect military veterans from losing federal Department of Veterans Affairs benefits over their use of medical cannabis in accordance with state law.
A Nebraska senator introduced a medical cannabis legalization bill for the 2023 session as activists consider another push to put marijuana reform on the 2024 ballot.
A Missouri representative filed legislation to allow patients with PTSD, depression and other conditions to use psilocybin for therapeutic purposes without criminal prosecution.
The Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency reported that retailers in the state sold $221.7 million worth of legal marijuana products in December—a new monthly record.
/ FEDERAL
Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) spoke about his support for federally decriminalizing marijuana but also expressed concerns about how “ubiquitous” cannabis has become in Colorado.
Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) tweeted, “A responsible federal framework for #cannabis means prioritizing the safety of our children. Youth misuse of cannabis can be prevented with proper labeling, education campaigns, and childproof packaging to keep #cannabis away from children.”
The House bill on gun rights for medical cannabis patients got two new cosponsors for a total of four.
/ STATES
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) spoke about plans to implement marijuana legalization quickly and equitably.
Illinois’s lieutenant governor tweeted, “#DYK, when Illinois legalized Adult Use Cannabis, we ensured 25% of the tax revenue went back into communities most harmed by the war on drugs? The Restore, Reinvest, and Renew Program (R3) has put $144+ Million back into communities! I’m so proud to serve as R3 Board Chair!”
Oregon House Republicans released a 2023 agenda that includes a push to “reform” the state’s voter-approved drug decriminalization law.
The South Dakota Health and Human Services Committee approved a bill to add new medical cannabis qualifying conditions.
The North Dakota House Human Services Committee held a hearing on legislation to allow medical cannabis edibles.
Connecticut lawmakers filed bills proposing a variety of changes to the state’s marijuana laws.
A Colorado senator introduced a bill to require marijuana business owners to prove they have enough insurance coverage to handle $100,000 in injury claims.
An Ohio representative plans to refile a bill to add autism spectrum disorder as a medical cannabis qualifying condition as regulators are also considering petitions to do so administratively.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Council in North Carolina approved a resolution authorizing the tribe to send proposed medical cannabis legislation to state lawmakers.
Washington State regulators will begin accepting applications for social equity marijuana retailer licenses on March 1.
Michigan regulators published multi-year cannabis strategic plans.
Virginia regulators posted a list of hemp processors under food safety inspection.
Subcommittees of California’s Cannabis Advisory Committee will meet on Thursday and Friday.
Vermont regulators will host a networking event on energy efficiency in the cannabis industry on Thursday and will host a question and answer session about advertising on Tuesday.
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/ LOCAL
New York City City Council committees held a hearing on unlicensed marijuana sales.
Kansas City, Missouri’s mayor tweeted, “I have received questions from a few Jacksonville fans making the sojourn to Kansas City to see an L this weekend. While marijuana is legal here, official sales do not begin until February. Odd, I know. Also, please don’t try to fly with it for your own sake. See you soon.”
The St. Louis County, Missouri Council voted to put a local marijuana sales tax measure on the April ballot.
The Columbia, Missouri City Council voted to place a local marijuana sales tax measure on the April ballot.
The Joplin, Missouri City Council approved a local marijuana sales tax measure to appear on the April ballot.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The Thai House of Representatives again failed to achieve quorum to consider a cannabis and hemp regulation bill.
Canadian regulators posted guidance on service agreements between licensed cannabis producers.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study concluded that “compounds from hemp roots exerted promising anti-inflammatory effects.”
A study of mice found that “both CBD alone and CBD+THC in combination might be useful in the treatment of generalized-onset seizures.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Indiana Democratic Party tweeted, “Legal marijuana is a win-win for the state. It’s time to #LegalizeIt and create a better economic future for ALL Hoosiers.”
The Minority Cannabis Business Association elected new membership for its board of directors.
/ BUSINESS
The Artisan Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada is rebranding as a cannabis-friendly resort.
Connecticut retailers sold more than $2 million worth of legal recreational marijuana products in the first week of sales.
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