Poll: Voters in states rejecting marijuana ballot measures do back legalization; IL psychedelics bill; PA’s legal cannabis chances boosted
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A new poll from Fox News Voter Analysis found that a majority of voters in two states that rejected marijuana ballot initiatives last week actually support legalization—raising questions about whether voters just didn’t like the specific provisions of those measures.
Missouri regulators have already issued proposed rules for the adult-use marijuana market, just two days after voters approved legalization at the ballot. They say recreational cannabis sales can begin as early as February.
Pennsylvania has its best chance to legalize marijuana yet, with Democrats claiming a majority in the House of Representatives, a new pro-reform governor being elected and at least two GOP senators on record for ending cannabis prohibition.
An Evanston, Illinois city councilmember filed a bill to decriminalize psychedelics.
/ FEDERAL
A National Labor Relations Board member addressed questions about labor law protections in the cannabis industry.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration published an interim strategic plan.
/ STATES
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) spoke about plans to legalize marijuana in 2023. Separately, the House speaker also said she believes a cannabis legalization bill will pass. Meanwhile, the incoming Senate minority leader declined to comment on whether Republicans would shift away from past opposition to reform.
Massachusetts Gov.-elect Maura Healey (D), currently the attorney general, is encouraging people to apply to serve on the Cannabis Social Equity Advisory Board.
Kentucky’s agriculture commissioner is calling on the federal Food and Drug Administration to issue CBD regulations.
A Kansas representative said that even opponents of marijuana reform understand that “eventually this is going to happen.”
California regulators adopted a consolidated marijuana rules package.
Colorado regulators adopted new marijuana rules.
Oklahoma regulators posted proposed changes to medical cannabis rules.
Illinois officials announced the availability of $8.75 million in forgivable loans for social equity marijuana businesses.
New Jersey regulators are accepting comments and holding hearings about how to allocate marijuana revenue.
Maine regulators sent a reminder about mandatory marijuana pesticide testing rules.
The New York Department of Labor hosted a cannabis career summit.
Michigan regulators will host an education session on public relations for cannabis businesses on Thursday.
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/ LOCAL
A Killeen, Texas city councilmember suggested that local lawmakers may overturn the voter-approved marijuana decriminalization ballot initiative.
A newly elected incoming Charleston, West Virginia city councilmember spoke about plans to introduce marijuana decriminalization legislation.
The Kansas City, Missouri City Council voted to place a measure on the April ballot to add a three percent local tax on recreational marijuana sales.
Sonoma County, California included cannabis in its crop report for the first time.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Colombian President Gustavo Petro reiterated his concerns about the war on drugs.
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health issued a directive tightening controls on cannabis. Meanwhile, opposition parties are asking the Administrative Court to issue an injunction against the government’s cannabis and hemp rules.
Malta’s Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis has a new director after its former leader was ousted.
The Philippine justice secretary is being accused of being a marijuana user by the suspended Bureau of Corrections director general.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that a “1:1 ratio of cannabidiol: tetrahydrocannabinol attenuates methamphetamine conditioned place preference in mice.”
A study found that “three years since legalization, Canadian cannabis consumers generally had increasingly favourable perceptions of legal vs. illegal products – except for price – with variation across the provinces and frequency of cannabis use.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Minnesota Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis Party lost its major party status.
The National Immigrant Law Center tweeted, “Countless families have been separated because of the war on drugs. For immigrants, a drug conviction can lead to automatic detention and deportation.”
The Marijuana Justice Coalition and Cannabis Freedom Alliance cohosted a briefing for congressional staffers.
/ BUSINESS
Ben & Jerry’s celebrated cannabis legalization ballot wins in a Twitter thread about election results.
/ CULTURE
Trevor Noah joked about Colorado’s vote to legalize psychedelics.
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