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Missouri News
Revenue from Missouri Marijuana Sales and License Fees: Where Does It Go?
Missouri has collected nearly $100 million in revenue from taxes and program fees since marijuana sales began in 2019. After covering operational costs, the revenue supports veterans, funds drug addiction treatment programs, and contributes to the Missouri Public Defenders System’s budget. As of April 30, there was $22.7 million in the state’s medical marijuana fund and $10.9 million in the recreational marijuana fund. The medical marijuana program has brought in $85.2 million in total since 2019, with $27 million going to support veterans.
St. Louis NAACP Calls for Correction of Missouri Marijuana Microbusiness License Map
The St. Louis City NAACP has demanded an "immediate correction" to the list of ZIP codes deemed as qualifying for historic high rates of incarceration for marijuana-related offenses in the requirements for the microbusiness license application. The current list includes nine ZIP codes in the St. Louis region, but none are in North St. Louis, where about half of the state’s Black population resides. The NAACP argues that the list does not accurately represent the communities most impacted by marijuana criminalization.
New Missouri Bill Proposes Expanded Background Checks for Cannabis Industry
The Missouri Senate has passed legislation that would require all workers in the cannabis industry, including employees, contractors, and volunteers, to submit fingerprint background checks. This new requirement is part of Senate Bill 40, which also revises the background check process for facilities that care for children. The bill, which has received support from the state’s Department of Health and Senior Services and Missouri’s Cannabis Trade Association, awaits the governor’s signature.
US National News
Researchers Aim to Combine Psilocybin and Cannabis into Single Medical Treatment
Researchers from the University of California, San Diego, are exploring the potential of combining psilocybin and cannabis into a single medical treatment. The study, funded by the Usona Institute, aims to understand the synergistic effects of these two substances when used together. The research team believes that the combination could potentially offer a more effective treatment for various mental health conditions, including depression and PTSD.
New York to Launch Cannabis Farmers Markets Within a Month
New York regulators are preparing to launch cannabis farmers markets within the next month. The move is part of the state's efforts to support small-scale growers and ensure that they have a place in the emerging legal cannabis market. The farmers markets will provide a platform for growers to sell their products directly to consumers, fostering a sense of community and promoting local businesses.
https://hightimes.com/news/new-york-regulators-will-launch-cannabis-farmers-markets-within-a-month/
Minnesota Becomes 23rd State to Legalize Recreational Cannabis
Minnesota has become the 23rd state in the U.S. to legalize recreational cannabis. The new law, which came into effect on June 1, allows adults aged 21 and over to possess up to two ounces of cannabis. The law also permits the home cultivation of up to eight cannabis plants, with a maximum of four mature plants at any one time. Commercial sales are expected to begin within the next 12 to 18 months.
https://hightimes.com/news/minnesota-becomes-23rd-state-to-legalize-recreational-cannabis/
Louisiana House of Representatives Passes Cannabis Expungement Bill
The Louisiana House of Representatives has passed a bill that would allow for the expungement of certain cannabis-related convictions. The bill, known as House Bill 652, reduces the penalty for possession of up to 14 grams of cannabis to a fine of up to $100, without the possibility of jail time. It also includes provisions that would allow those with certain cannabis-related convictions to have their records expunged.
https://hightimes.com/news/louisiana-house-of-representatives-passes-cannabis-expungement-bill/
Biotech Company Seeks FDA Approval for Psilocybin IBS Treatment
A biotech company, Mydecine Innovations Group, has submitted an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the FDA for the use of psilocybin in the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The company has completed a pre-IND meeting with the FDA and is now moving forward with its clinical trials. If approved, this would be the first psilocybin treatment for IBS.
https://hightimes.com/news/biotech-company-seeks-fda-approval-for-psilocybin-ibs-treatment/
Colorado Governor Signs Psychedelics Bill
Colorado Governor Jared Polis has signed a bill that decriminalizes the possession and use of certain amounts of psychedelic substances. The new law, which takes effect on July 1, also establishes a working group to study the effects of psychedelic substances and make recommendations for further legislative action.
https://hightimes.com/news/colorado-governor-signs-psychedelics-bill/
Michigan Considers Dropping Pre-Employment Cannabis Tests
Michigan policymakers are considering changes to the state's drug testing policy, particularly as it pertains to cannabis use. The potential changes come more than four years after voters approved a ballot measure that legalized recreational cannabis use for adults aged 21 and older. The proposed changes would end the pre-employment testing requirement for cannabis for classified employees hired into non-test-designated positions.
https://hightimes.com/news/michigan-considers-dropping-pre-employment-cannabis-tests/
Study: No Correlation Between THC Detection and Driving Impairment
A state-funded study conducted by researchers affiliated with the University of California, San Diego, found no correlation between the detection of THC or its metabolites in subjects' blood, breath, or oral fluid and their psychomotor performance. The study, which is the largest of its kind to date, provides strong evidence against the use of per se laws for cannabis.
https://norml.org/blog/2023/05/26/study-no-correlation-between-thc-detection-and-driving-impairment/
State Policy Weekly Update - 5/31/23
Marijuana reform legislation continues to advance in several states. This week's update highlights legislative developments in California, Louisiana, Maryland, Maine, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Texas. Key developments include Louisiana's consideration of a bill to allow the expungement of certain marijuana-related convictions, and Minnesota's legalization of recreational cannabis.
https://norml.org/blog/2023/05/31/state-policy-weekly-update-5-31-2023/
International News
Pot Smoking Ban Takes Effect In Amsterdam’s Red Light District
A new era has begun in Amsterdam’s Red Light District with a ban on smoking cannabis on the streets officially taking effect. The ban is part of a city-wide effort, led by Mayor Femke Halsema, to make the famous area more hospitable to its residents and workers. Violators of the new law will face a €100 (or about $110) fine. Despite the ban, people will still be allowed to smoke inside and on the terraces of coffee shops selling marijuana and hash in the district and other parts of the city.
https://hightimes.com/news/pot-smoking-ban-takes-effect-in-amsterdams-red-light-district/
Cheech and Chong's Global Holding Company and WEECO Pharma GmbH Partner to Bring Iconic Cannabis Brand to European Medical Market
Cheech and Chong's Global Holding Co., a leading cannabis lifestyle brand, has announced its exclusive partnership with WEECO, a European multi-country operator dedicated to patient safety and responsible dispensing of medical cannabis. This strategic collaboration marks Cheech & Chong's entry into the European medical cannabis market, with WEECO serving as the sole distributor of Cheech & Chong products in Germany. The partnership represents a powerful combination of two industry leaders, united by their commitment to quality and innovation.
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