Judge calls out DEA for “blunder” in cannabis rescheduling filing (Newsletter: December 18, 2024)
From toxifillers.com with love
Study: Teen marijuana use stable amid legalization; Americans see cannabis & psychedelics as safer; Get paid to smoke weed; Federal drug testing rules
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
A Drug Enforcement Administration judge chastised the agency for making a “blunder” in its request to force Food and Drug Administration officials to testify at upcoming marijuana rescheduling hearings—but he granted the subpoenas anyway after the error was addressed.
A new study funded by the federal National Institute on Drug Abuse study shows that youth marijuana use is now lower than when states started legalizing it for adults, and that students say cannabis is harder to obtain—contrary to claims from prohibitionists who feared the policy change would lead to increased teen consumption.
More than a year after the U.S. Department of Transportation adopted rules allowing use of saliva as an alternative to urine drug testing—which advocates say could result in fewer positive tests for transit workers who used marijuana days prior and aren’t high on the job—the Department of Health and Human Services still hasn’t certified any testing labs that can carry out the change.
A new analysis of federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration data shows that Americans now believe marijuana and LSD are much safer than they did about a decade ago, with perceptions of harm sharply declining as the legalization movement spreads.
Toker’s Guide is hiring a team of “cannabis connoisseurs” who will get paid to smoke marijuana and write “amazing reviews”—with positions available in Florida, Maryland, New York, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
The Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis held a lottery to award additional medical marijuana dispensary licenses, and Gov. Andy Beshear (D) said he hopes additional qualifying conditions will be approved to further expand patient access.
A Tennessee judge said she will issue a ruling in a lawsuit seeking to block rules banning intoxicating hemp products from taking effect by no later than Christmas Eve.
Missouri lawmakers are considering several pieces of legislation to regulate or restrict intoxicating hemp products—including an industry-backed bill to establish business licenses and rules.
/ FEDERAL
The Drug Enforcement Administration published a report on preventing marijuana use by youth and young adults.
The Congressional Black Caucus sent a letter urging President Joe Biden to prioritize his use of clemency powers before leaving office, saying that his “recent clemency grants—including recent pardons for individuals convicted of marijuana possession—have advanced the promise of equal justice.”
Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) dodged questions about marijuana rescheduling and cannabis banking legislation.
Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) listed people incarcerated for cannabis convictions as among those she would like to see President Joe Biden grant clemency to before he leaves office.
/ STATES
Maryland’s comptroller reported that the state collected more than $18 million in adult-use cannabis sales tax revenue in the third quarter of the year.
A Kentucky senator criticized the state’s medical marijuana business licensing lottery process.
California regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to the presence of aspergillus and inaccurate labeling.
Ohio regulators are accepting public comments on proposed changes to marijuana rules.
The New York Cannabis Advisory Board is recommending that regulators issue 1,600 dispensary licenses.
Minnesota regulators published cannabis-related guidance for local governments.
Arkansas’s top medical cannabis regulator is stepping down at the end of the year.
Vermont regulators issued a statement about the closure of a cannabis business’s operations in the state.
Oregon regulators will consider marijuana rules changes on Thursday.
Nevada regulators will consider cannabis business issues on Thursday.
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Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,500 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.
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/ INTERNATIONAL
German political parties are addressing cannabis in various ways in their election manifestos.
The Canadian government is exploring using a single, harmonized federal excise tax stamp for cannabis.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “oral CBD was safe and resulted in significantly lower anxiety levels, suggesting a possible anxiolytic effect.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
Americans for Cannabinoid Freedom is a new political action committee.
The Boston Herald editorial board criticized President Joe Biden for granting clemency to people with drug trafficking convictions.
/ BUSINESS
Elon Musk and SpaceX reportedly failed to report his use of ketamine and other drugs, publicly discussed elsewhere, to the Defense Department, as is required under security rules for contractors.
Numinus Wellness Inc. closed the sale of clinics to Stella.
Michigan retailers sold $276.4 million worth of legal marijuana products in November.
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