TOP HIGHLIGHTS
- Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) Urges DEA Administrator Anne Milgram for Federal Marijuana Scheduling Review Update: Rep. Matt Gaetz has issued a letter to Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator Anne Milgram, pressing for an update on the timeline of the federal marijuana scheduling review. He also requests a copy of a letter that President Joe Biden had previously sent to initiate the process.
- Ohio Ballot Language Finalized for November Marijuana Legalization Initiative: The Ohio Ballot Board has concluded the formulation of ballot language for a marijuana legalization initiative, slated for voter consideration in November.
- Congressional Research Service Examines Hemp Industry Challenges and CBD Regulations: A recent report from the Congressional Research Service delves into the challenges faced by the hemp industry as legislators strive to create a regulatory framework for CBD. The report comes amid continued inaction by the Food and Drug Administration.
- First Member of North Carolina Medical Cannabis Production Commission Appointed: North Carolina legislators have passed legislation to appoint the inaugural member of the Medical Cannabis Production Commission. However, the commission’s establishment is pending the cessation of the House of Representatives’ delay in considering a Senate-passed legalization bill.
- NYC’s Independent Budget Office Projects Significant Marijuana Sales and Tax Revenue: The Independent Budget Office of New York City has published a report forecasting potential annual marijuana sales of up to $1.2 billion. The projections indicate that this could generate around $47 million in local tax revenue, contingent on increased dispensary availability and a reduction in illicit sales.
- New Jersey Administrative Judge Orders Reinstatement of Officer Fired for Positive Marijuana Test: A judge in New Jersey has ruled that the Jersey City Police Department must reinstate a second officer who was terminated due to testing positive for marijuana.
- Study by NuggMD Suggests Effectiveness of High-THC Cannabis for Neuropathy Patients: A recent study conducted by NuggMD has indicated that medical marijuana, particularly high-THC cannabis, offers significant pain relief for neuropathy patients. This finding raises questions about previous research utilizing lower-potency government-supplied marijuana.
- Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency Advised to Expedite Disciplinary Action: The Michigan Office of the Auditor General has highlighted the need for the Cannabis Regulatory Agency to enhance its processes to ensure prompt disciplinary measures against licensees for identified violations.
FEDERAL DEVELOPMENTS
- A federal jury has commenced proceedings in the case of an individual captured on video smoking marijuana in the office of Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) on January 6, 2021.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has published an update regarding the establishment of the initial conventional pesticide tolerance for hemp.
- Sens. Angus King (I-ME) and Susan Collins (R-ME), along with Reps. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Jared Golden (D-ME), have collectively written to Attorney General Merrick Garland, seeking elucidation on the Department of Justice’s approach toward reports of Chinese-backed illegal marijuana operations in Maine.
- Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) has released a statement celebrating the legalization of marijuana in Minnesota.
STATE-BY-STATE UPDATES
- A New York judge is slated to convene a further hearing in an ongoing lawsuit challenging the state’s processes for licensing marijuana businesses.
- Regulatory authorities in Colorado have issued a revised advisory pertaining to health and safety concerns surrounding marijuana products containing potentially unsafe levels of yeast and mold.
- The top medical cannabis regulator in Alabama has acknowledged the difficulty of predicting the timeline for the opening of dispensaries.
- California regulators are revising proposed rules concerning track and trace requirements for the delivery of cannabis products.
- Washington State regulators are currently accepting public feedback on proposed regulations governing the accreditation of cannabis testing laboratories, with the comment period concluding on Friday.
- Regulators in New Jersey are inviting public comments on proposed rules related to cannabis clinical registrants.
