Today in the cannabis and psychedelic news:
TOP THINGS TO KNOW.
A group of nine U.S. senators led by Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) sent a letter urging Attorney General Merrick Garland to “respect the inherent sovereignty of Tribal governments” that choose to legalize marijuana.
New Jersey’s Senate president is forming a special committee to conduct oversight of what he says is a “totally unacceptable” delay in launching recreational marijuana sales in the state.
The Georgia House Veterans Affairs Committee unanimously approved a resolution to form a study committee to investigate the therapeutic potential of psychedelics like psilocybin and make recommendations for reforms.
Washington State’s treasurer and cannabis regulators tore into Congress for its failure to pass marijuana banking legislation amid a spate of deadly robberies at dispensaries.
“A decade of congressional dithering is enough.”
Protect Our Kids PAC—a new super PAC run by a leader of the prohibitionist group Smart Approaches to Marijuana—is backing a slate of candidates who oppose cannabis commercialization, and is going after pro-legalization Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) as one of its first targets.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) signed intergovernmental cannabis agreements with two pueblo tribes, days ahead of the state’s launch of recreational marijuana sales.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse published a draft plan to address racism in addiction science.
Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), speaking about a forthcoming marijuana legalization bill, said, “I would love to see it done on 4/20.”
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) said “we’re losing the war on drugs down at the border.”
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) said a marijuana legalization bill scheduled for a House floor vote this week is “good for the economy, good for economic activity, good for public safety, good for social, racial and economic justice.”
Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) is conducting a web poll on support for marijuana legalization ahead of a scheduled House vote this week.
Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-SC) said fellow lawmakers have done cocaine in front of him and invited him to an orgy.
The House resolution calling to reduce incarceration by “decriminalizing addiction,” “legalizing marijuana,” and “expunging the records of individuals for all drug-related offenses” got one new cosponsor for a total of 19.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) tweeted, “Legalizing marijuana boosts the economy. Most importantly, it’s what Pennsylvanians want.”
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) tweeted, “Legalized adult-use cannabis is a critical step forward for a 21st century economy in New Mexico, creating jobs and economic opportunities in communities small and large across the state. After years of effort, we made recreational cannabis a reality – sales start this Friday.” She also tweeted, “Hey New Mexico! There are only 3 days until recreational cannabis sales go live! By legalizing cannabis, we’re New Mexico’s cannabis businesses will help create 11,000 jobs in #NM. We’re using bold strategies to ensure we create opportunities for all New Mexicans.”
Kentucky’s Senate majority floor leader said a House-passed medical cannabis bill has no chance of clearing his chamber.
Some Missouri cannabis activists are staging protests against other activists’ proposed legalization initiative, calling it a “corrupt marijuana monopoly ballot initiative.”
A judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging Georgia regulators’ medical cannabis business licensing process.
An Illinois judge declined to take control over a stay that has put marijuana business licenses on hold, saying it should remain under a separate case.
Vermont regulators published guidance on marijuana business applications and licensing fees.
Massachusetts regulators issued a final order allowing marijuana business license applicants to conduct required community outreach meetings virtually.
The U.S. Virgin Islands’s deputy health commissioner warned about keeping marijuana edibles away from young people.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife accused an unlicensed marijuana operation of multiple environmental violations.
Ohio regulators published updated medical cannabis patient and caregiver numbers.
The Alabama Democratic Party tweeted, “Decriminalizing cannabis is long overdue. We spend upwards of $22M annually locking folks up & ruining people’s lives over a little bit of weed. A decriminalization bill has already passed in committee. It’s time for the Senate to vote on this bill & show us where they stand.”
That’s the news today everyone thank you for watching this video by My Four Twenty Spot.
