CO gov talks marijuana with South Park creators; GOP congressman: psychedelic therapy “sounds amazing”; Record MI cannabis sales
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) gave the South Park creators license plates honoring the show’s fake cannabis brand Tegridy (which may soon become real) and said stoner character Towelie would be a good official mascot for the state in light of its strong marijuana industry.
Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX)—who has repeatedly voted against marijuana and psychedelics legislation in Congress—recently said that MDMA therapy “sounds amazing” after hearing from fellow military veterans who have benefited from it. Four days later, however, he cast a vote opposing a measure to remove roadblocks to psychedelic research.
A Nevada judge ruled that the Las Vegas Police Department must reinstate and grant backpay to an officer who faced being fired for using marijuana.
Michigan’s Marijuana Regulatory Agency reported that cannabis retailers set another monthly sales record in July. The same thing also happened recently in Illinois next door.
/ FEDERAL
Customs and Border Protection is asking a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a hemp company that says its products were improperly seized.
The Drug EnforcementAdministration sent a memo instructing agents to stop using the term “Mexican cartel.”
Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) tweeted, “Let’s find solutions for cannabis small businesses across Colorado!”
Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) tweeted, “Any effort to legalize marijuana must also help those who suffered due to its prohibition. That means expunging records and investing in communities that have been harmed by our failed drug war.”
Rep. Bob Good (R-VA) wrote in a constituent letter about his belief that marijuana is a “‘gateway’ drug.”
The House bill to allow small marijuana businesses to access services got one new cosponsor for a total of one.
/ STATES
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) and the lieutenant governor announced support for legislation to let state officials operate syringe access programs and to block municipalities from shuttering those services.
Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Cranley, currently Cincinnati’s mayor, said putting marijuana legalization on the ballot could be a motivator for more people to vote.
Nevada regulators are seeking public input on proposed changes to marijuana rules.
Maine regulators released new applications for medical cannabis businesses.
Advocates have concerns about nearly complete Arizona marijuana equity business rules.
Pennsylvania regulators are resisting calls to reveal how many medical cannabis patients are registered with opioid use disorder as a qualifying condition.
Montana regulators posted an updated list of medical cannabis dispensaries.
The Virginia legislature’s Joint Commission on Cannabis Oversight will meet on Tuesday.
The Vermont Cannabis Control Board Advisory Committee will hold its first meeting on Wednesday.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,200 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.
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/ LOCAL
A former Adelanto, California mayor was arrested and charged with accepting bribes and kickbacks from marijuana business operators.
Paterson, New Jersey’s mayor said he may veto a City Council-approved ordinance to ban marijuana businesses.
Birmingham, Alabama mayoral candidates discussed marijuana during a debate. (About 28:18 into the video.)
The Cook County, Illinois Public Defender’s Office is no longer requiring drug tests for employees.
Costa Mesa, California officials are being sued over the city’s marijuana business permitting process.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Argentina’s minister of productive development spoke about the progress of cannabis legislation in the country.
A UK government drug policy advisor said there is “no evidence” to support safe consumption sites for illegal drugs.
German police seized hemp products from a supermarket.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “there is biological plausibility in clinical and preclinical studies that suggest the effectiveness of the use of pure pharmaceutical-grade CBD, as adjunctive therapy, for the control of symptoms associated with mental disorders such as schizophrenia and disorders related to the abuse of psychotropic substances.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll found that 57 percent of U.S. voters support decriminalizing marijuana.
/ BUSINESS
Cresco Labs Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $210 million and also closed an agreement to upsize a senior secured term loan to $400 million.
HEXO Corp is transferring its listing from the New York Stock Exchange to the Nasdaq.
The husband of Trulieve’s CEO was convicted of several public corruption charges.
Terrapin Investment Fund III LLC and Renaissance Solutions Inc. are being sued for allegedly wrongfully firing a Michigan Army National Guard member after his unit was activated to protect the U.S. Capitol following the January 6 insurrection.
Gravity Payments CEO Dan Price tweeted, “When republicans say you shouldn’t force people to get the vaccine or wear a mask because people need to decide for themselves, can we finally end the war on drugs? Release drug related offenders, decriminalize all drugs, and legalize marijuana and psychedelics. I’ll wait.”
/ CULTURE
Billy Crystal spoke about getting high on marijuana edibles before undergoing an MRI.
Rapper Tee Girzzley is launching a new line of cannabis products called Grizzley Gas.
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