Cannabis & psychedelics legalization loses at the ballot (Newsletter: November 6, 2024)

CO gov touts legalization benefits; Study: natural vs synthetic psilocybin; OH marijuana sales; NE medical cannabis court case

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Florida voters rejected a ballot measure to legalize marijuana. It got majority support but did not reach the 60 percent threshold needed to be enacted under state law.

North Dakota voters defeated a marijuana legalization ballot measure, two years after also rejecting a prior initiative to legalize cannabis.

South Dakota voters rejected a marijuana legalization ballot measure. An earlier initiative they approved in 2020 was overturned by the state Supreme Court.

Nebraska voters approved two medical cannabis legalization initiatives on the ballot—but the results of the election could potentially be overturned due to ongoing legal challenges.

Massachusetts voters rejected a psychedelics legalization ballot initiative that would have allowed adults to possess, grow and share certain amounts of substances such as psilocybin, ibogaine and DMT.

Oregon voters approved a ballot measure to require marijuana businesses to enter into labor peace agreements.

Texas voters in Dallas, Bastrop and Lockhart approved marijuana decriminalization measures on their local ballots.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) explained the benefits of marijuana legalization to Florida voters ahead of their decision on a ballot measure to enact the reform, saying it reduces youth cannabis use, shrinks the illegal market and generates revenue for businesses and state services.

Experiences with natural psychedelic mushrooms are “more alive and vibrant” than those with synthetic psilocybin, a new study concludes.

• “The presence of myriad co-occurring chemicals within psychedelic mushrooms likely catalyzes synergistic effects in ways similar to the complex chemical interactions observed with cannabis.”

A Nebraska judge heard final arguments in a case challenging signatures for two medical cannabis legalization ballot initiatives, the results of which could potentially overturn the election.

The Ohio Division of Cannabis Control reported that retailers have sold more than $131 million worth of recreational marijuana products in less than three months of legal sales.

/ FEDERAL

The Environmental Protection Agency said a public comment on emissions from cannabis cultivation is not germane to a rule on a California air quality plan.

/ STATES

Oregon regulators filed changes to marijuana and hemp rules.

Nevada regulators issued an alert about marijuana products that were treated with an unapproved pesticide.

Missouri regulators are accepting public comments on proposed rules to ban psychoactive cannabis sales by liquor licensees.

Vermont regulators sent a reminder that use of the word “organic” on cannabis products is prohibited, with limited exceptions.

California officials touted the results of coordinated enforcement actions to seize illegal intoxicating cannabinoid products.

New Mexico officials destroyed cannabis plants at a licensed business that allegedly exceeded its allotted plant count. The business plans to sue.

Montana regulators sent a newsletter with updates on various cannabis issues.

Colorado officials posted data about driving under the influence of cannabis and other drugs.

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/ LOCAL

Santa Monica, California officials are accepting public feedback to shape a cannabis social equity plan.

New York City officials published a pamphlet on what parents and caregivers need to know about cannabis.

/ INTERNATIONAL

The New South Wales, Australia Legislative Council’s Premier and Finance Committee filed a report calling for an end to “punitive” cannabis laws.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A review suggested that “CBD may reduce anxiety with minimal adverse effects when compared to a placebo.”

A study of mice suggested that “CBD modulates multiple pathways affected in [schizophrenia]-like conditions, offering a promising therapeutic avenue for [schizophrenia] treatment.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Colorado Springs Gazette editorial board is upset that more politicians aren’t discussing what it sees as the harms of marijuana.

/ BUSINESS

Trulieve Cannabis Corp. reported quarterly revenue of $284 million and a net loss of $60 million.

Agrify Corporation approved a $20 million convertible secured note from a wholly-owned subsidiary of Green Thumb Industries Inc.

SLANG Worldwide Inc. finalized a wind-down plan.

Vireo Growth Inc. secured a convertible debt facility providing a financing commitment of up to $10 million in aggregate principal amount of convertible notes.

/ CULTURE

Willie Nelson spoke about his new cannabis cookbook.

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