Congress pushes cannabis changes for athletes & fed workers (Newsletter: June 27, 2022)

Military marijuana amendments approved; WH dodges cannabis security clearances question; NJ legal psilocybin bill; IL grants to repair drug war harms

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

The House Appropriations Committee included provisions in new spending bill reports pushing international sports regulators to “change how cannabis is treated” for athletes and calling on the U.S. government to review policies on marijuana use by federal employees.

The House Armed Services Committee added amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act directing the military to review marijuana penalties for service members and to study the benefits of medical cannabis as an opioid alternative.

White House National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby deflected a question about whether the Biden administration supports a proposal advancing in the Senate to stop denying security clearances to people over past marijuana use.

New Jersey’s Senate president filed a bill to legalize possession and home cultivation of psilocybin—even as homegrow for marijuana isn’t legal in the state. The new legislation would also create a system of licensed psychedelic services businesses.

The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority awarded $45 million in grants—funded by legal marijuana tax revenue—to support community reinvestment in areas “hardest hit by the failed war on drugs.”

/ FEDERAL

The Supreme Court, in a decision overturning Americans’ abortion rights, said that the constitutional justification for Roe v. Wade “could license fundamental rights to illicit drug use, prostitution, and the like.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested a Massachusetts attorney for allegedly attempting to bribe the Medford police chief in an attempt to secure approval for a client’s marijuana business.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is increasingly conducting research on the medical benefits of psychedelics.

Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) tweeted, “Disappointed to see reports the SAFE Banking Act will not be included in the innovation and competitiveness package. This bipartisan bill is an opportunity to protect NV jobs, support small cannabis businesses, and increase safety. I’ll keep working to make it law.”

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) inserted remarks into the Congressional Record about his bill to allow Department of Veterans Affairs doctors issue medical cannabis recommendations.

/ STATES

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee (D) included legalizing marijuana in a list of accomplishments.

Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried, currently the agriculture commissioner, tweeted, “Disappointed to see Congress once again fail to act on marijuana banking reform. Marijuana is a serious industry and we need to bring banks into the 21st century. It’s critical for economic growth, community safety, and equitable access to the industry.”

The Arizona House of Representatives rejected a bill to revise rules on marijuana testing and business zoning.

The Texas Supreme Court upheld the state’s ban on manufacturing and processing smokable hemp.

Connecticut’s marijuana Social Equity Council continues to conduct some of its businesses in closed executive session meetings.

Oregon regulators sent a bulletin about changes to cannabis testing rules.

Maryland regulators said they’ve reduced processing times for medical cannabis patient registrations.

Ohio regulators published updated medical cannabis patient and caregiver numbers.

New York’s Cannabis Advisory Board will meet on Thursday.

Michigan regulators will host a marijuana social equity education session focused on testing on Thursday.

Maine regulators will hold a public hearing on proposed marijuana rulemaking on July 13.

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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.

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/ LOCAL

Atlanta, Georgia City Council members are being pressed by activists to pass a psychedelics decriminalization measure.

Organizers are working to qualify ballot measures in California cities to allow marijuana businesses to operate.

An Albany, Oregon City Council member raised the idea of putting a measure on the ballot to ban psilocybin services facilities.

/ INTERNATIONAL

The International Criminal Court’s prosecutor is pushing to resume an investigation into the bloody Philippine “drug war.”

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha banned military personnel from using cannabis. Separately, the country’s embassy in Japan warned people not to bring cannabis to that country.

Here’s a look at where Colombian President-elect Gustavo Petro stands on marijuana and drug policy.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study indicated that “CBD and its derivatives could be promising agents for the prevention of human colorectal cancer.”

A study found that “an increase in the [minimum legal age] from 18 to 21 years in Quebec was associated with a significantly lower increase in cannabis use among youths aged 18 to 20 years but no change in cannabis use among those aged 15 to 17 years.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The R Street Institute is seeking participants for a medical cannabis study it is conducting.

Ann Coulter tweeted, “Pot makes you retarded.”

Americans for Tax Reform’s podcast will  host a discussion about drug policy reform on Monday.

/ BUSINESS

Organigram Holdings Inc. agreed to pay more than C$2.3 million to settle a class action lawsuit over recalled medical cannabis products.

Veritas Fine Cannabis closed one of its growing facilities and laid off nearly a quarter of its workforce.

A federal judge ruled that Curaleaf Arizona must rehire a sales associate who was fired after running a unionization campaign.

Nabis Cannabis workers voted to ratify a union contract with Teamsters Local 630.

Jushi Holdings Inc. is amending and refiling quarterly financial statements.

/ CULTURE

Bill Maher spoke about the tension between working out equity in the cannabis industry and enacting legalization sooner.

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