DC mayor signs marijuana worker protections; Lawmakers decry cannabis amendment block; Feds seek new marijuana supplier; MN gov tours hemp biz
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Justice and Counterterrorism, chaired by Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), has scheduled a hearing on federal marijuana reform next Tuesday—likely to closely coincide with the introduction of a much-anticipated federal legalization bill he’s sponsoring with Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR).
Bipartisan members of Congress are pushing back on the failure of marijuana amendments on military veterans’ medical access and public housing eviction protections in the House Rules Committee this week.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) signed a bill that bans most workplaces from firing or otherwise punishing employees for marijuana use.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse announced it plans to finally award a contract to a second supplier of marijuana to be used in research. For half a century, the single source has been the University of Mississippi, whose products scientists have complained about.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) helped cut the ribbon at a new hemp processing facility days after a state law allowing THC-infused edibles and drinks took effect.
Montana marijuana businesses are facing a seemingly endless cycle of local votes on whether or not they can operate in certain jurisdictions.
/ FEDERAL
The Department of Justice agreed to pay $150,000 in legal fees to a law firm that had been in a legal battle over records related to Customs and Border Protection’s policy on foreigners who work in the marijuana industry.
Sens. Roger Marshall (R-KS), John Barrasso (R-WY), John Boozman (R-AR), Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Rand Paul (R-KY) released a public service announcement about fentanyl, including claims that it is being laced into marijuana and other drugs.
Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) said a marijuana bill that centers on, and perhaps expands beyond, banking “might be where the action is.”
Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) gave a House floor speech about environmental harms associated with illegal marijuana cultivation.
Wisconsin Democratic congressional candidate Mark Neumann tweeted, “There is no denying there is large public support for the legalization of recreational marijuana. It’s time we move to full legalization, push to expunge & vacate all marijuana convictions & reinvest that $ into communities hardest hit by the War on Drugs.”
/ STATES
Florida’s attorney general is calling on President Joe Biden to declare fentanyl “a weapon of mass destruction.”
Arkansas activists defended their marijuana legalization initiative from criticism by other advocates who say it would favor big business.
The South Dakota Legislature’s Rules Review Committee approved changes to medical cannabis regulations.
Massachusetts’s former top marijuana regulator deflected questions about his reasons for stepping down early.
Connecticut regulators announced the names of 16 marijuana business license applicants who were approved to be social equity cultivators.
Minnesota regulators announced that medical cannabis gummies and chews will go on sale August 1.
Kentucky’s Medical Cannabis Advisory Committee held another town hall meeting.
Colorado’s Legislative Council Staff published an overview of cannabis legislation that was considered this session.
Vermont regulators will review recommendations for marijuana social equity approval and full licensure, as well as compliant packaging options, on Wednesday.
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/ LOCAL
Denver, Colorado regulators are proposing to reserve all marijuana delivery licenses for social equity businesses.
Portland, Oregon officials are hosting a “Cannabis Empowerment Day” on August 12.
/ INTERNATIONAL
A former Uruguayan president said drugs should be legalized in order to hurt cartel profits.
A Kenyan presidential candidate is touring U.S. marijuana cultivation facilities. Meanwhile, deputy presidential candidates discussed cannabis at a debate.
Thailand’s public health minister is facing a censure motion from opposition lawmakers over the cannabis reform policy he led.
Brussels, Belgium’s mayor is calling for the legalization of marijuana.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study of female athletes found that “cannabis users produced significantly less power in the first 2 stages of the Wingate assessment, but CU experienced significantly less anaerobic fatigue.”
A study found that “legalization of the recreational use of marijuana was associated with a 6.5% increase in injury crash rates and a 2.3% increase in fatal crash rates, but the subsequent onset of retail marijuana sales did not elicit additional substantial changes.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll found that British Columbia, Canada adults support decriminalizing drugs, 49 percent to 39 percent, but they oppose legalizing drugs, 53 percent to 35 percent.
The Kentucky Democratic Party tweeted, “Not ONE single person spoke out against legalizing medical marijuana at the hearing. But several spoke about the need to legalize medical marijuana so their loved ones could live with less pain and suffering. Polling shows that 90% of Kentuckians support the legalization of medical marijuana. While GOP legislators ignore the voices of Kentuckians, @GovAndyBeshear is working hard to make sure we’re heard.”
/ BUSINESS
COMPASS Pathways plc has a new CEO.
Canopy Growth Corporation retired C$263 million worth of debt.
Tilray Brands, Inc. launched a new cannabis education platform.
Here’s a look at the Russian ties of Curaleaf’s leadership and investors.
/ CULTURE
Berner is opening a Cookies dispensary in Thailand.
Travel writer Rick Steves is raising money for NORML.
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