OK cannabis ballot challenges finalized for court (Newsletter: September 16, 2022)

Lawmakers slam FDA’s CBD stance; Poll: GOP voters back marijuana reform; MI city declares psychedelics awareness month

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

The deadline to file challenges to an Oklahoma marijuana legalization ballot initiative passed on Thursday—and with two new protests being made over the last two days, the state Supreme Court will get to work dealing with all four before deciding in a separate legal dispute whether the measure can appear on the November ballot.

Reps. Kathleen Rice (D-NY), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Angie Craig (D-MN) and Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) sent a scathing letter to Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert Califf over the agency’s failure to enact CBD regulations and its “completely insufficient” reply to an earlier request for input on their bill to allow the cannabinoid in foods and beverages.

A new poll funded by the National Cannabis Roundtable shows that Republican voters support reforms like  medical marijuana, expungements and letting states set their own legalization laws. Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) spoke to Marijuana Moment about why it’s foolish for politicians to attack opponents over supporting such popular cannabis policies.

About six months after voting to decriminalize psychedelics, the Hazel Park, Michigan City Council passed a separate resolution declaring September as Entheogenic Plant and Fungi Awareness Month.

/ FEDERAL

President Joe Biden will meet on Friday with the wife of American basketball player Brittney Griner, who was convicted in Russia of possessing cannabis vapes at an airport.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Director Helene Langevin tweeted, “If you’re involved in research on the therapeutic uses of #cannabis or its constituents or you want to pursue research in this area, I hope you’ll respond to our Request for Information on barriers and scientific needs in this field.”

Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) spoke about the way forward for passing cannabis banking legislation this year.

Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA) discussed his legislation to let marijuana businesses list on stock exchanges.

Tennessee Democratic congressional candidate Heidi Campbell, currently a state senator, tweeted, “The district attorney, who now represents every prosecutor in the state, says marijuana testing at the crime lab is holding up rape kit testing and sexual assault investigations. This is ridiculous. Free the plant. Prosecute rapists.”

/ STATES

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) appointed a former police official as acting executive director of the Cannabis Regulatory Agency.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a bill that reform advocates say would force people who are experiencing substance use disorders to undergo an involuntary court process and treatment plan.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) touted his Marijuana Pardon Project as part of his criminal justice reform legacy. Meanwhile, the Board of Pardons secretary and state lawmakers will host a town hall meeting about the cannabis clemency effort on Friday.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) said he would again put marijuana legalization in his budget proposal if he is reelected in November. Republican challenger Tim Michels opposes legalizing cannabis. A senator cheered the governor’s commitment.

South Carolina Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joe Cunningham, a former congressman, spoke about marijuana legalization being part of his “freedom agenda.”

Kansas House Democrats tweeted, “⚕️😙💨🍃 You can’t spell healthcare without THC. Help us legalize medical marijuana by sending us $4.20 today.”

A Missouri representative spoke about his marijuana legalization bill he wants lawmakers to pass in a special session.

Maine regulators published guidance on marijuana product labeling rules.

Oklahoma regulators posted an update on medical cannabis tax revenue.

Colorado regulators published average market rates for retail marijuana.

Massachusetts regulators noted the fifth anniversary of the Cannabis Control Commission being formed.

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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

The St. Cloud, Minnesota Planning Commission is considering recommendations on where cannabinoid products can be sold in the city.

The Jersey City, New Jersey Cannabis Control Board processed marijuana retail business applications.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Thailand’s House of Representatives voted to reject a cannabis and hemp regulation bill.

The Colombian House of Representatives First Committee approved a marijuana legalization bill.

German lawmakers discussed plans for marijuana legalization legislation.

A Costa Rican lawmaker filed legislation to remove restrictions on medical cannabis and hemp.

The Bahamian attorney general said that the success of the cannabis industry depends on banks’ willingness to do business with it.

An audit by Veterans Affairs Canada suggested potential mismanagement of the program that reimburses military veterans for medical cannabis.

The University of Sydney is launching a study where people who grow marijuana at home under the Australian Capital Territory’s local legalization law can submit their cannabis for testing.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that “a low dose of non-psychoactive CBD is sufficient to stimulate the cytotoxic function of [cytokine-induced killer] cells primarily in pancreatic and myeloma cells and may help to increase the therapeutic response.”

A study found that “cannabidiol ameliorates the anxiogenic and compulsive-like behaviors induced by chronic consumption of a high-carbohydrate diet in male mice.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Florida Medical Association published guidance about new state medical cannabis dosage limits.

The Bronx Defenders has been assisting social equity entrepreneurs in navigating New York’s marijuana dispensary licensing process.

/ BUSINESS

Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. declared a quarterly dividend of $1.80 per share.

A California judge upheld an order for Green Sage, LLC to stop using diesel generators.

Michigan retailers sold $207.9 million worth of legal marijuana products in August.

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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.