NM approves medical marijuana for orgasm disorder; Vance on THC candy smuggling; MA psychedelics ad; Study: Cannabinoids for Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance said “bags of marijuana” and Nerds-like candy laced with THC and fentanyl are being smuggled into the U.S. by drug cartels, and he’s placing the blame on the Biden-Harris administration’s immigration policies.
Black Pennsylvania lawmakers discussed the prospects for legalizing marijuana in the state and the need to shape the cannabis market with a focus on equity and social justice.
The New Mexico Medical Cannabis Advisory Board voted to recommend adding female orgasm difficulty as a qualifying condition for the state’s medical marijuana program.
The Heroic Hearts Project launched a new ad promoting the benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy ahead of a Massachusetts vote on a ballot measure to legalize the treatment option.
A new scientific review concludes that “lesser‐known” marijuana components like THCV, CBDV and CBG have “antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuromodulatory effects” that make them “promising agents” to treat Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders.
The sponsors of two Nebraska medical cannabis legalization ballot measures say that state officials’ aggressive challenge to petition signatures threatens to “undermine and eliminate the initiative right altogether.”
The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management is vetting 1,800 marijuana business license applicants to examine finances, social equity ownership and true party of interest status before a lottery can be held, with the agency’s interim director saying she’s “confident” it will happen by the end of 2024.
The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission is continuing to consider rules for how to define social equity applicants for marijuana business licenses.
/ FEDERAL
The Environmental Protection Agency said a public comment about cannabis cultivation is not germane to a rule on an Oregon haze plan.
Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) tweeted, “I’ve said this for years. Marijuana doesn’t make our families stronger, our streets safer, or our workplaces more productive. In fact, it can have terrible health consequences for millions of Americans. Attempts to make access to marijuana easier are based on popular opinion—not the science.”
/ STATES
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) appointed another special Supreme Court justice to replace a member who recused herself from considering a case on signatures for a medical cannabis expansion ballot initiative. Separately, parties in the case submitted their final briefs.
The New Jersey Assembly passed a bill to restrict the dissemination of information about criminal records, including for marijuana.
The Massachusetts legislature’s Cannabis Policy Committee will hold a hearing on October 30.
A Florida representative authored an op-ed explaining why he will vote for the marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot.
The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled that the state’s marijuana legalization law doesn’t prevent prosecutors from charging people with illegally possessing large amounts of cannabis under another law.
California regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to potential adulteration.
New York regulators published guidance on cannabinoid hemp products.
Minnesota regulators are accepting public comments on new medical cannabis delivery methods.
Vermont regulators sent a reminder about required training for cannabis cultivators.
—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.—
/ LOCAL
New York City officials are accepting applications for the first phase of the Cannabis NYC Loan Fund.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The European Union Court of Justice ruled that member states cannot ban hemp cultivation in indoor hydroponic systems.
Maltese officials are confiscating semi-synthetic cannabis products following the enactment of a prohibition on HHC.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “psilocybin may have prophylactic benefits against Parkinson’s disease in preclinical and clinical studies.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
Former National Republican Senatorial Committee Executive Director Rob Collins, who also served on former President Donald Trump’s transition team, said Democrats have worked to put marijuana legalization initiatives on the ballot that “helped their candidates, because people would come out because they want to smoke weed and then vote for the Democrat.”
/ BUSINESS
Dark Horse Cannabis is acquiring Green Light Dispensary in West Helena, Arkansas.
Licensed Washington, D.C. medical cannabis businesses are suing unlicensed marijuana stores and landlords.
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NM approves medical marijuana for orgasm disorder; Vance on THC candy smuggling; MA psychedelics ad; Study: Cannabinoids for Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s 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. Your support makes Marijuana Moment possible… Free Read More