Pennsylvania Lawmakers Talk Cannabis Legalization (Newsletter: October 9, 2024)

NM Approves Medical Marijuana for Orgasm Disorder; Vance on the smuggling of THC candies; MA psychedelics ad; Study: Cannabinoids for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance said “bags of marijuana” and Nerds-style candies laced with THC and fentanyl are being smuggled into the US by drug cartelsand he blames the Biden-Harris administration’s immigration policies.

Lawmakers in Black Pennsylvania discussed the prospects for legalizing marijuana in the state and the need to shape the cannabis market with a focus on equality and social justice.

The New Mexico Medical Cannabis Advisory Board has voted to recommend adding difficulty with female orgasm as a qualifying condition for the state’s medical marijuana program.

The Heroic Hearts Project launched a new ad promoting the benefits of psychedelic therapy ahead of a vote in Massachusetts on a ballot measure to legalize the treatment option.

A new scientific review concludes that “lesser known” marijuana components such as THCV, CBDV and CBG have “antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuromodulatory effects,” making them “promising agents.” for the treatment of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders.

The sponsors of two ballot measures to legalize medical cannabis in Nebraska say state officials are aggressively challenging signatures threatens to ‘undermine and eliminate the right of initiative completely’.

The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management is examining 1,800 applicants for a marijuana business license to investigate finances, social share ownership and real party of interest status before a lottery can be held, with the agency’s interim director saying she is “confident” this will happen by the end of 2024 .

The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission continues to consider rules for defining social equity applicants for marijuana business licenses.

/ FEDERAL

The Environmental Protection Agency said a public comment on cannabis cultivation is not relevant to a rule on an Oregon Haze plan.

Senator James Lankford (R-OK) tweeted: “I’ve been saying this for years. Marijuana does not make our families stronger, our streets safer, or our workplaces more productive. In fact, it could have dire consequences for the health of millions of Americans. Efforts to make access to marijuana easier are based on public opinion, not science.”

/ STATES

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) appointed another special Supreme Court justice to replace a member who recused herself from considering a signature case for a ballot initiative to expand medical cannabis. Individual, parties filed their final brief in the case.

The New Jersey The General Assembly passed a bill to limit the dissemination of information about criminal records, including about marijuana.

The Massachusetts The Legislature’s Cannabis Policy Committee will hold a hearing on Oct. 30.

A Florida representative wrote an op-ed explaining why he will vote for the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot.

The Michigan The Court of Appeals ruled that the state’s marijuana legalization law does not prevent prosecutors from charging people with illegally possessing large amounts of cannabis under another law.

California regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to possible adulteration.

New York regulators published accompaniment about cannabinoid hemp products.

Minnesota regulators are accepting public comments on new medical cannabis delivery methods.

Vermont regulators sent a reminder about required training for cannabis growers.

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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 who pledge at least $25 per month get access to our interactive maps, charts, and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.

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/ LOCAL

New York City officials are accepting applications for the first phase of the Cannabis NYC Loan Fund.

/ INTERNATIONAL

The Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that Member States cannot ban hemp cultivation in indoor hydroponic systems.

Maltese Officials seize semi-synthetic cannabis products after HHC ban comes into effect.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

One review concluded that “psilocybin may have prophylactic benefits Parkinson’s disease in preclinical and clinical studies.”

/ LAWYERS, ADVICE & ANALYSIS

Former National Republican Senatorial Committee Executive Director Rob Collinswho also served on former President Donald Trump’s transition team, said Democrats worked to put marijuana legalization initiatives on the ballot that “helped their candidates because people would come out because they want to smoke weed and than want to vote for the Democrat.”

/ COMPANY

Dark Horse Cannabis acquires Green Light Dispensary in West Helena, Arkansas.

Licensed Medical Cannabis Businesses in Washington, DC sues unlicensed marijuana shops and landlords.

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