GOP-Dem cannabis divide grows (Newsletter: August 10, 2023)

Germany legalization vote next week; MN gov hits GOP on marijuana; 1st NY cannabis farmers market; OH: abortion rights & marijuana; Record sales

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Even as new Gallup polling analysis shows record-high support for marijuana legalization among Republicans, a partisan gap between the major parties has widened on the issue over the past two decades as Democrats have been much more likely to embrace cannabis reform.

Germany’s health minister said he expects the federal cabinet to approve the first part of the government’s marijuana legalization plan next week, with some changes. He also said that officials will be launching a “major” public education campaign on “the risks of cannabis consumption.”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) is demanding that Republican lawmakers stop spreading “misinformation” about the state’s newly enacted marijuana legalization law.

The New York Office of Cannabis Management announced that the state’s first marijuana farmers market has been approved and will open this week. It will operate Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays in New Paltz.

Ohio voters’ defeat of a ballot measure intended to make it harder to enshrine abortion rights into the state constitution bodes well for approval of a marijuana legalization initiative that will likely be up for a vote in November.

Three northeastern states—Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island—all set new monthly marijuana sales records in July.

South by Southwest is asking people to vote on proposed marijuana and psychedelics panels for the 2024 festival. This year is the first time that there are more proposals for sessions focused on psychedelics than on cannabis.

/ FEDERAL

Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis, currently governor of Florida, said he would “use deadly force” against drug cartels.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled that a man violated his supervised release by possessing marijuana even though it is legal under state law in New York.

Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) tweeted, “This Congress, I introduced the Industrial Hemp Act, which allows farms to more easily produce industrial hemp without restrictive regulations. I recently visited one local hemp farm in Avondale, and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about this growing industry!”

/ STATES

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) signed a bill legalizing fentanyl and xylazine testing equipment.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce said it eradicated $68.5 million worth of illegal cannabis and seized a dozen firearms in its largest operation to date last month. The governor’s office tweeted, “This is part of our work to tackle organized criminal cannabis operations and keep our environment safe from toxic chemicals.”

Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura tweeted about an event he attended on the day the state’s marijuana legalization law went into effect, saying, “Such a historic day for Minnesotans. So happy to have celebrated that evening with all the amazing people who helped make this happen.”

A New York senator cheered a group of military veterans who are suing marijuana regulators over their dispensary licensing decisions. Separately, an assemblymember sent a newsletter about bipartisan support for psychedelics reform.

Arizona regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to possible salmonella contamination.

Montana regulators are being sued over the state’s residency requirements for owning or investing in marijuana businesses.

Arkansas officials are asking a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit claiming that a new law regulating hemp-derived products is unconstitutional.

Oregon regulators are seeking applicants to serve on medical cannabis rules advisory committees.

The Illinois Medical Cannabis Advisory Board held its first meeting.

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/ LOCAL

Voters in several Missouri cities and counties approved ballot measures to institute local marijuana taxes.

Prosecutors in several Indiana counties are threatening enforcement action against businesses selling delta-8 THC products.

Tampa, Florida’s mayor found 70 pounds of cocaine while on a fishing trip.

/ INTERNATIONAL

A New South Wales, Australia lawmaker joined activists in displaying a fake cannabis plant in Parliament House.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A case study highlighted the “dramatic efficacy of cannabidiol in an adolescent with [sickle cell disease] suffering from chronic pain refractory to other analgesics, with complete regression of chronic pain and rapid plasma histamine level normalization after treatment.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Heritage Foundation staffers authored an op-ed arguing that a law blocking police from conducting searches based on the smell of marijuana impedes efforts to stop impaired driving.

The New York Daily News editorial board said that a New York judge’s order blocking the issuance of new marijuana licenses represents yet another “stumble” for the rollout of the state’s legalization law.

/ BUSINESS

Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $338.6 million and a net loss of $74.5 million.

Trulieve Cannabis Corp. reported quarterly net revenue of $281.8 million and a net loss of $406.9 million.

Canopy Growth Corporation reported quarterly revenue of C$121.1 million and a net loss of C$41.9 million.

Acreage Holdings, Inc. reduced the size of its board of directors, including with the resignation of its chairman.

Dutchie is being sued by ScanSource for allegedly not paying a $24.7 million bill.

/ CULTURE

Ric Flair said he got so high smoking marijuana with Mike Tyson that “I actually thought I died.”

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