2024 was a big year for cannabis (Newsletter: December 27, 2024)

Retiring rep: Feds “trapped in time” on marijuana; ATF warns KY medical cannabis patients; Study: CBD reduces alcohol cravings

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

2024 was a big year for marijuana reform. Here’s a look at the top federal developments—including the advancement of the rescheduling process, both major party presidential candidates endorsing cannabis reform and actions by agencies across the government.

Retiring Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) said his work on marijuana reform was simultaneously one of the “greatest areas of satisfaction” and “greatest disappointments” of his career as the federal government remains “trapped in time” on the issue.

A Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives special agent is warning would-be medical cannabis patients in Kentucky that they “cannot possess firearms and ammunition and also be a user of marijuana.”

A new study found that CBD “reduces alcohol craving” in people with alcohol use disorder, suggesting that the marijuana component “can modulate central neurobiological mechanisms underlying alcohol craving and alcohol use and alleviate disease symptoms.”

The state of Tennessee and the city of Spring Hill agreed to jointly pay $735,000 to settle a lawsuit that two businesses filed over allegedly illegal seizures of legal hemp products, after which the local district attorney said hemp is “the same damn thing” as marijuana.

/ FEDERAL

Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) said marijuana is “not a matter of liberty and freedom.”

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) tweeted in response to allegations in a House Ethics Committee report that “I have used marijuana, and would occasionally have someone else acquire it for me.”

The House bill to let Department of Veterans Affairs doctors issue medical cannabis recommendations got one new cosponsor for a total of 29.

/ STATES

A Wisconsin representative said he is open to a discussion about medical cannabis.

Louisiana regulators filed changes to medical cannabis rules.

Missouri regulators published a report on marijuana microbusiness licensing activity.

Nevada regulators published a report on demographics in the cannabis industry.

Virginia marijuana regulators tweeted, “Planning to get higher than the Times Square ball drop this New Year’s Eve? As you gear up for the countdown, don’t forget to plan for the ultimate party essential – a sober ride! A safe & sober ride is something we can all toast to!”

The Tennessee Medical Cannabis Commission will meet on January 29.

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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 Glasgow, Kentucky City Council approved a measure to prohibit government employees from using medical cannabis.

/ INTERNATIONAL

The South Africa Human Rights Commission is urging police to stop arresting people for marijuana.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that cannabis-based medicinal products treatment “was associated with improvement in [inflammatory bowel disease]-specific outcomes in patients and general [health-related quality of life] over 18-months.”

A study found that “psilocybin increases emotional empathy in patients with major depression.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Washington Post editorial board criticized asset forfeiture abuses committed by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.