Former cannabis prisoners rally at White House (Newsletter: April 21, 2025)
From toxifillers.com with love
Federal cannabis commission; NC medical marijuana; Slovenia cannabis bill; AZ loosens marijuana rules for police recruits; Psychedelics & creativity
Subscribe to receive Marijuana Moment’s newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. It’s the best way to make sure you know which cannabis stories are shaping the day.
(function() {
window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || {
listeners: [],
forms: {
on: function(evt, cb) {
window.mc4wp.listeners.push(
{
event : evt,
callback: cb
}
);
}
}
}
})();
Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible…
Hold on, just one second before you read today’s news. Have you thought about giving some financial support to Marijuana Moment? If so, today would be a great day to contribute. We’re planning our reporting for the coming months and it would really help to know what kind of support we can count on.
Check us out on Patreon and sign up to give $25/month today:
https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment
/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) introduced a marijuana bill to direct the attorney general to form a commission to prepare for federal legalization by recommending cannabis regulations modeled after those for alcohol.
Former federal marijuana prisoners who were granted clemency by President Donald Trump during his first term staged a “Cannabis Prisoners Unity” rally outside the White House to call on the new administration to give the same kind of help to others who are still behind bars.
North Carolina representatives introduced a new bill to legalize medical cannabis for patients with debilitating conditions.
The Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board adopted rules further reducing limitations on past marijuana use by police recruits, shortening the restriction period for illegal cannabis use or possession from two years to six months.
Slovenian lawmakers filed a bill to legalize and regulate marijuana for medical and scientific uses following voters’ approval of cannabis ballot measures last year.
A new study shows that “people who use psychedelic drugs feel more connected (to the self, others, and the world)” and “produced more creative ideas (in terms of originality and fluency).”
For 4/20, Ben & Jerry’s teamed up with marijuana justice group Last Prisoner Project on a campaign to push state governors to free people who are still incarcerated for cannabis.
A Colorado Department of Transportation official authored a Marijuana Moment op-ed asking people who work in the cannabis industry to help educate consumers about the dangers of impaired driving.
- “Consumers may not listen to CDOT, but you are seen as a highly trusted source of information. It’s time for the industry to speak for itself to help keep its customers safe.”
The Nebraska legislature’s General Affairs Committee failed to advance a bill to implement and regulate the state’s voter-approved medical cannabis program after members could not agree on a path forward.
Kentucky Auditor Allison Ball (R) launched an investigation into the Office of Medical Cannabis, saying she has “continued to receive complaints” about how regulators conducted a business licensing lottery.
A report published by the UK Home Office concluded that there is an “association between drug-related law enforcement activities and increased violence.”
Texas farmers are warning lawmakers that a total ban on consumable hemp products that contain any amount of THC, as was passed by the state Senate, would devastate a growing industry.
A review by the Institute for Public Service Reporting raises concerns that Memphis, Tennessee police may be overly aggressively applying felony intent to sell charges on motorists caught with marijuana in their vehicles, only to see those charges later dropped in court without sufficient evidence.
/ FEDERAL
A federal judge sentenced two men who posed as Drug Enforcement Administration agents while robbing marijuana growers in Oregon.
/ STATES
Nebraska’s attorney general sent cease and desist letters to retailers that are allegedly selling illegal THC products.
The Tennessee Senate passed a bill to restrict hemp products.
The Oregon House of Representatives passed a bill to clear fines for possessing small amounts of marijuana.
Georgia’s House speaker formed a study committee on medical cannabis and hemp policies.
Connecticut lawmakers discussed legislation to allow police to pull over drivers for smoking marijuana.
A New Hampshire Republican spoke about his support for marijuana reform but said he won’t lead the charge on the issue this session.
A former Florida Republican senator authored an op-ed in support of federal marijuana rescheduling.
California regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to compliance testing that was not representative of the batch. Separately, regulators posted a series of videos of people describing what 4/20 means to them.
Missouri regulators announced recalls of marijuana products.
Minnesota regulators sent guidance about cannabis consumption at events.
Oklahoma officials published guidance on sales of medical cannabis clones.
Ohio regulators raised concerns about a marijuana event that allowed on-site consumption.
Massachusetts regulators released new cannabis educational materials pegged to 4/20.
—
Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of 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.
—
/ LOCAL
Warwick, Rhode Island police acknowledged that their prior claim that a woman died after consuming marijuana that was laced with fentanyl is not supported by a toxicology report.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves said it is not possible for the country to legalize marijuana under international law.
An Italian court upheld the classification of CBD as a narcotic.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study “did not detect statistically significant impacts of legalization on the car accident fatality rate, insurance claim frequency, or average cost per claim” and that “the estimated seasonality and pre-legalization dynamics in Canadian vehicle insurance statistics continued after legalization without a significant change,” while “in the U.S., temporal patterns of human activity (such as yearly, weekly, and daily cycles) and inclement weather are much better predictors of the vehicle accident experience than marijuana legalization.”
Findings from a study of mice “underscore the potential of [cannabis] extract as a therapeutic candidate for managing neuroinflammation and its associated neurodegenerative consequences, warranting further clinical exploration.”
/ BUSINESS
Major brands including Popeyes, Carl’s Jr., Buffalo Wild Wings, Red Lobster, Smashburger, Insomnia Cookies and others announced deals and promotions pegged to 4/20.
Green Market Report is closing down.
Rise launched a new ad campaign featuring people discussing cannabis with various sexual innuendos.
Make sure to subscribe to get Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in your inbox.
(function() {
window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || {
listeners: [],
forms: {
on: function(evt, cb) {
window.mc4wp.listeners.push(
{
event : evt,
callback: cb
}
);
}
}
}
})();
The post Former cannabis prisoners rally at White House (Newsletter: April 21, 2025) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.