Feds threaten medical cannabis patient gun rights (Newsletter: October 6, 2023)

Congressional turmoil & marijuana; Air Force cannabis waivers; HI 1st inter-island transport; IL marijuana report; NJ grants

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Marijuana Moment compiled an analysis of what Reps. Jim Jordan (R-OH) or Steve Scalise (R-LA) would mean for marijuana reform—including SAFER Banking—if elected to serve as speaker of the House. They’ve opposed virtually every cannabis measure that’s gone before them since they entered federal office.

• We also examine the cannabis records of candidates for majority leader and whip.

Just 13 percent of top Capitol Hill staffers believe a marijuana banking bill will be enacted during the current session of Congress, according to a survey conducted by Punchbowl News.

The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives sent a letter threatening Arkansas officials over the state’s new law that allows medical cannabis patients to obtain concealed carry gun licenses.

The U.S. Air Force is granting three times as many enlistment waivers to recruits who test positive for marijuana than it anticipated when it first launched an effort to give people who have consumed cannabis another shot to join the service.

Hawaii recently saw its first legal inter-island transfer of medical cannabis, which became possible after officials repealed a state ban on such activity as concerns about federal jurisdiction over airspace and water around the islands diminished.

A new annual report from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation points to “unprecedented growth” in the state’s legal marijuana market as data shows cannabis revenue outpacing that generated by alcohol sales.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority awarded $12 million in grant money to 48 licensed marijuana operators to help them start and expand their businesses—with a focus on aiding entrepreneurs from communities harmed by the war on drugs.

/ FEDERAL

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other officials visited Mexico to discuss drugs and other issues.

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) said, “We were promised that industrial hemp couldn’t be used to mimic the effects of marijuana. I was skeptical at the time and voiced my concerns. It turns out my skepticism was well-placed.”

Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) and Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) led a letter urging President Joe Biden to enact a “national fentanyl harm reduction strategy specifically focused on enhancing our public health infrastructure and addressing the collateral consequences that stem from drug arrests and convictions.”

Former Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) spoke about the prospects for the latest version of marijuana banking legislation he used to sponsor.

The Senate marijuana banking bill got three new cosponsors for a total of 30.

The House bill to federally legalize marijuana got one new cosponsor for a total of 66.

/ STATES

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) tweeted, “Today marks a critical milestone in our work to build the most equitable adult-use cannabis industry and we’re going to continue working to get the job done right.”

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) tweeted, “Progress isn’t possible without accountability. We’ve worked hard to build the most accessible cannabis industry in the nation. And we’ve done that by putting equity first. Our efforts continue to repair past harm and create a more prosperous future.”

A California senator said he is “excited and also nervous” about his psychedelics legalization bill that’s on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) desk. Separately, the state’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce seized more than $101 million worth of illegal marijuana during the third quarter of this year.

Massachusetts’s suspended top marijuana regulator is pausing a lawsuit she filed against the state’s treasurer over the sanction.

A Minnesota regulatory spokesperson said that “next steps are being evaluated” in picking a new top marijuana regulator for the state.

Vermont regulators posted guidance on new marijuana lab testing requirements.

Missouri regulators are investigating a company that allegedly sold moldy marijuana.

Alaska’s Advisory Task Force on Recreational Marijuana will meet on Tuesday.

Colorado regulators will hold several hearings on marijuana rulemaking this month.

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Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,000 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.

Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
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/ LOCAL

Multnomah County, Oregon’s district attorney is asking state lawmakers to criminalize public drug use.

The Chicago, Illinois City Council is considering a proposal to give local alderpersons a say in where marijuana businesses can open.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Brazil’s Superior Court of Justice ruled that the smell of marijuana on a person does not justify an unwarranted home search.

The Canadian government’s cannabis “strategy table” held a preliminary meeting.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A Canadian study found that “rates of cannabis-related hospitalizations declined immediately after legalization during a period of legal market immaturity and later increased during a period of legal market expansion and the COVID-19 pandemic.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

First Wednesdays published a report on cannabis reform opportunities in Europe.

/ BUSINESS

Trulieve is asking a federal court to dismiss a whistleblower lawsuit that claims the company engaged in gender and racial discrimination.

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