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Missouri News
Missouri Advocates Concerned About Marijuana 'Microbusiness' Eligibility Rules
Advocates in Missouri are expressing concern that the state's new cannabis regulations could exclude many victims of the War on Drugs from obtaining microbusiness licenses. The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) recently released a list of ZIP codes considered to have high incarceration rates for marijuana-related offenses, but none are in North St. Louis, where about half of the state's Black population resides. Critics argue that the state's data, which only goes back 20 years, does not accurately reflect the impact of marijuana criminalization on Black communities. In response to these concerns, the DHSS has issued an eligibility variance, allowing applicants to provide other documentation to show eligibility.
US National News
Significant Legislative Developments in Several States
Marijuana-related reform legislation continues to advance in several states, including Louisiana, Maine, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. In Louisiana, HB 460 and HB 286 have been signed into law, allowing for the expansion of medical marijuana pharmacies and expungement of records for first-time offenders with marijuana possession misdemeanor offense charges, respectively. Nevada's SB 277 permits dispensaries to obtain dual licenses, serving both medical patients and adult-use customers. Vermont's HB 270 increases the number of plants allowed for patients to cultivate at home and expands the list of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis treatment. Pennsylvania's SB 538 seeks to expand the state's medical cannabis program to include edible cannabis medications. Maine's LD 555 aims to increase the permissible number of mature plants and immature seedlings that adults may home-cultivate. However, New Jersey's SB 3973, which seeks to reinstate harsher penalties for minors found in possession of cannabis, is opposed by NORML.
https://norml.org/blog/2023/06/21/state-policy-weekly-update-6-21-2023/
280E Tax Code Harming Legal Cannabis Businesses
Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) is causing financial strain on state-legal cannabis businesses by prohibiting them from deducting expenses on their federal taxes. Due to marijuana's classification as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, these businesses are considered drug traffickers by the IRS. This has resulted in cannabis operators paying over $1.8 billion in additional taxes in 2022. To alleviate this burden, several states, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, and Oregon, have enacted legislation addressing 280E. New York and Pennsylvania are also considering similar legislation.
Prenatal Cannabis Exposure Not Linked to Neurodevelopmental Deficits
According to a study published in the journal Pediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, children exposed to cannabis in utero do not exhibit clinical neurodevelopmental deficits later in life. The study, conducted by Columbia University researchers, found that children exposed to cannabis in utero performed no differently on neuropsychological assessments than unexposed children. This finding is consistent with several previous studies evaluating the long-term health outcomes associated with in utero cannabis exposure.
Cannabis Proven Effective in TreatingGeneralized Anxiety Disorder
A study published in the journal Psychopharmacology has found that patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) exhibit sustained improvements in their symptoms following the use of cannabis products. The study, conducted by British investigators, assessed over 300 patients enrolled in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. The researchers reported improvements in patients’ anxiety, sleep quality, and overall quality of life at each time point assessed. The findings are consistent with other studies documenting both short-term and sustained reductions in anxiety following patients’ use of either cannabis or CBD products.
Maryland's Adult-Use Marijuana Legalization Laws to Take Effect
Starting July 1st, adults in Maryland will be legally allowed to possess, home-cultivate, and purchase personal-use quantities of cannabis. Those aged 21 or older may legally possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower and/or 12 grams of cannabis concentrates. Adults may also home-cultivate up to two mature plants in a private residence. Existing, state-licensed medical operators will be allowed to serve non-patients, with up to 300 total cannabis retailers operating in the state. Penalties for public use of cannabis will be reduced to a civil fine of either $50 (for a first offense) or $150 (for a subsequent offense).
Oklahoma Growers Producing Excessive Cannabis
A recent study commissioned by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority reveals that the state's licensed cannabis growers may be producing 64 times more cannabis than the medical cannabis patient population's current demand. This oversupply is likely contributing to an illicit market at both the cultivation and retail sale points. The study suggests that Oklahoma extend the moratorium on cannabis cultivation licenses through 2026 and authorize the authority to seize and destroy cannabis products not logged in the seed-to-sale systems.
California Assembly Committee Approves Bill to Legalize Marijuana Cafes
A California Assembly committee has approved a Senate-passed bill to legalize marijuana cafes, allowing dispensaries to offer non-cannabis food and drinks at their location if they receive local approval. The proposal would allow adults 21 and older to smoke, vaporize, and ingest cannabis products on the premises, where visitors could also prepare and sell noncannabis food or beverage products. The measure now heads to the Governmental Organization Committee before potentially moving to the floor.
Nevada Approves First Marijuana Consumption Lounge Conditional Licenses
Nevada regulators have approved the state's first conditional licenses for marijuana consumption lounges, bringing three operators one step closer to opening the cannabis social use spaces for adults. The Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board has granted authorization to Planet 13, The Venue at Sol Cannabis, and Thrive Cannabis Marketplace to continue building out the lounges, which could then open pending a final inspection and local approval.
FDA Releases First-Ever Draft Guidance for Psychedelics Research
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released its first-ever draft guidance for psychedelics research, as reported by Marijuana Moment. The move comes shortly after congressional lawmakers filed a bill requesting such guidance. The document provides researchers with a roadmap for conducting studies on Schedule I controlled substances, including psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA. It covers topics such as obtaining research-grade substances, security measures, and the process for applying for FDA and DEA approval. The guidance is open for public comment until August 23, 2023.
NFL Invests More in CBD Research as an Opioid Alternative
The National Football League (NFL) and its players union are jointly funding another round of research into the therapeutic benefits of CBD as an alternative to opioids for players with concussions, according to Marijuana Moment. A total of $526,525 is being granted for two studies, including one led by the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN) to explore CBD and non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation as alternative treatments for post-concussion headache pain. This move is part of the NFL's ongoing efforts to explore the benefits and risks of cannabinoids.
NCAA Panel Recommends Removing Marijuana from Banned Substances List
The National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) committee, focused on promoting health and wellness for student athletes, is proposing to remove marijuana from the organization’s banned substances list, as reported by Marijuana Moment. The NCAA’s Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports (CSMAS) will be soliciting input from members over the summer before potentially taking action in the fall. The committee argues that marijuana is not a performance-enhancing substance and that the reform would allow the organization to focus on addressing problematic cannabis use.
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/ncaa-panel-recommends-removing-marijuana-from-banned-substances-list-for-college-athletes/ https://hightimes.com/sports/ncaa-committee-shows-support-for-removing-cannabis-from-list-of-banned-substances/
Alabama Judge Halts Medical Marijuana Licensing Amid Ongoing Litigation
In Alabama, the process of appealing the decision by the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) for applicants denied a medical cannabis license has been put onhold, according to a report by Marijuana Moment. The Montgomery Circuit Court has issued a stay order on the appeals process following a motion filed by one of the companies, Alabama Always, requesting a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction on AMCC’s decision to delay the award of licenses. The court has allowed the AMCC an indefinite amount of time to evaluate scores and award the licenses. The court has also given denied applicants 14 days from the day the licenses are awarded to begin the appeals process and discovery.
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/alabama-judge-halts-medical-marijuana-licensing-amid-ongoing-litigation/ https://hightimes.com/news/alabama-pauses-medical-cannabis-licenses-citing-problems-with-application-process/
International News
Three States in Australia Push for Adult-Use Cannabis
In Australia, the states of Victoria, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory are making strides towards the legalization of adult-use cannabis, as reported by High Times. The Victorian government has announced a plan to establish a Cannabis Business Office to support the industry's growth. In Tasmania, the Greens party has proposed a bill to legalize cannabis for adults over 18, while in the Australian Capital Territory, where cannabis possession has been decriminalized since 2020, the government is considering a proposal to establish a regulated cannabis market.
https://hightimes.com/news/three-states-in-australia-push-for-adult-use-cannabis/
Colombia Senate Rejects Cannabis Legalization Bill
The Colombian Senate has rejected a bill that would have legalized recreational cannabis sales, according to High Times. The bill, which needed 54 votes to pass, was defeated with a 43 to 47 vote. Despite the setback, Senator Juan Carlos Losada, a supporter of the bill, stated that the discussions for adult-use legalization are not over and that they have taken a significant step forward by placing such a controversial issue at the top of the public agenda.
https://hightimes.com/news/colombia-senate-rejects-cannabis-legalization-bill/ https://www.marijuanamoment.net/colombian-bill-to-legalize-marijuana-stalls-out-in-final-senate-vote-despite-getting-majority-support/
Evidence Shows Ancient Egyptian Cult Tripped on Hallucinogens
A recent study has found evidence that the Ancient Egyptian cult of the fertility god Bes used a mixture of Syrian rue, Egyptian lotus, and royal jelly for hallucinogenic purposes during religious ceremonies, as reported by High Times. The evidence was found inside a Ptolemaic-era vase from the Tampa Museum of Art in Florida, which contained traces of these plants known for their psychedelic properties.
https://hightimes.com/news/evidence-shows-ancient-egyptian-cult-tripped-on-hallucinogens/
Uruguayan Authorities Find Cocaine Smuggled Inside Surfboards
Uruguayan law enforcement officials have busted an international drug ring that smuggled cocaine inside surfboards, according to High Times. With assistance from counter-narcotics police in Spain, Portugal, and Italy, Uruguayan police arrested three Italians and seized six surfboards containing a total of 50kg (110lb) of cocaine. The discovery highlights the lengths to which organized crime will go in their global drug trafficking operations.
https://hightimes.com/news/surfs-up-uruguayan-authorities-find-cocaine-smuggled-inside-surfboards/
In the coming week, we can anticipate further discussions and developments around these topics. The industry will continue to navigate regulatory challenges, explore new product opportunities, and push for broader financial access. As always, the focus will remain on ensuring safety, promoting equity, and maximizing the therapeutic potential of cannabis and psychedelics.
From the potential legalization of adult-use cannabis in Australia to the innovative smuggling methods of international drug rings, the cannabis landscape continues to evolve and surprise us. The implications of these developments are far-reaching, affecting not just the industry but also society at large.
As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the cannabis industry, stay tuned for more insights, updates, and analysis. Join us next week for the latest edition of Hemp Knightz CannaNews - Weekly Edition, where we'll bring you the most important headlines and developments from the world of cannabis. Until then, stay informed, stay safe, and stay engaged
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