Pennsylvania could vote on legalizing cannabis by spring, lawmaker says (Newsletter: December 20, 2024)
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Marijuana’s impact on federal hiring; KY gov on legalization; Poll: Americans back cannabis reform; IL approves medical marijuana for orgasm disorder
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Office of Personnel Management reiterated that marijuana use can still be used as a factor when considering a job applicant’s eligibility for federal government employment “despite changes in state laws.”
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) said the state could legalize recreational marijuana as a next step if officials can “prove” that the new medical cannabis program is effectively regulated and protects public safety.
A Pennsylvania representative expects a vote on marijuana legalization in “early spring”—though questions remain about whether colleagues will support the state-run cannabis sales model he’s proposing.
Indiana’s GOP House speaker and Senate president pro tem discussed their opposition to medical cannabis even as Gov.-elect Mike Braun (R) says “it’s probably time” to legalize patient access to marijuana.
A poll from the conservative Manhattan Institute shows that 73 percent of Americans, including a majority of Republicans, support some form of marijuana legalization for recreational or medical use—with most agreeing that possession and sale of cannabis should be “legal under all circumstances.”
The Illinois Department of Public Health approved adding female orgasm disorder as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana, but the Oregon Health Authority rejected a similar petition.
/ FEDERAL
A Drug Enforcement Administration judge granted a request to add a researcher as a witness in upcoming marijuana rescheduling hearings.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration published a report on drug-related emergency department visits.
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) said that “states and at the federal level are decriminalizing marijuana now, but there are still people who have federal sentences around marijuana convictions.”
/ STATES
Connecticut’s attorney general is scheduled to speak at a conference hosted by prohibitionist organization Smart Approaches to Marijuana in February.
The Kansas Legislative Research Department published an overview of medical cannabis issues.
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board has a new chair, and regulators separately suspended a cannabis business’s license over alleged violations and took rulemaking action concerning social equity and employee stock ownership plans.
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission is offering its executive director position to Holliston’s town manager.
California regulators published a list of pesticides that can be used on cannabis.
Rhode Island regulators published guidance on hemp-derived products.
Minnesota’s top marijuana regulator spoke about plans to launch the recreational market.
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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.
Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
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/ LOCAL
The Mercer County, Kentucky Fiscal Court voted to ban medical cannabis use by government employees.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The Philippine justice undersecretary said officials may question former President Rodrigo Duterte in a probe of the nation’s bloody “war on drugs.”
A Kyrgyzstan lawmaker proposed legalizing some drugs.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study “did not find evidence that the introduction of recreational cannabis outlets was associated with self-harm injuries.”
A review concluded that “psychedelics, especially psilocybin and LSD, showed promising effects on depression and anxiety in people with terminal illnesses.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A project of the Public Health Institute published a scorecard grading California cities’ and counties’ cannabis policies.
/ BUSINESS
Cansortium Inc. completed its acquisition of RIV Capital Inc.
Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. completed the repurchase for cancellation of 11,000,000 shares of its Class A common stock.
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