Pence PAC slams RFK marijuana stance; OH GOP pushes to scale back legalization; HI medical cannabis protections; WA homegrow; NHL players & marijuana
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Advancing American Freedom, a PAC founded by former Vice President Mike Pence, says Senate Republicans should reject Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as health and human services secretary due to his support for marijuana and psychedelics reform.
A Florida Republican senator claimed that President Donald Trump was “tricked” into supporting a marijuana legalization initiative on the state’s ballot last year by an industry-funded campaign that “screwed up” and wrote a “massive loophole” on public smoking into the measure.
Ohio Republican lawmakers are pushing to significantly alter the voter-approved marijuana legalization law—by raising the tax on cannabis products, halving the number of plants adults can grow and eliminating certain social equity provisions.
Virginia House and Senate Committees approved bills to legalize marijuana sales, seal cannabis possession records and create an advisory council to begin planning access to psychedelic-assisted therapy for military veterans.
The Hawaii House Labor Committee unanimously approved a bill to protect medical cannabis patients from employment discrimination, with the state Department of Health testifying in favor.
South Dakota Republican representatives filed a bill to repeal the state’s voter-approved medical cannabis law, legislation that comes after the lead sponsor failed to qualify an initiative to do so for last year’s ballot.
Washington State House and Senate committees held hearings on bills to legalize marijuana home cultivation and to allow direct-to-consumer sales by licensed cannabis producers.
More than a third of National Hockey League players surveyed by the New York Times said they consume edible cannabis products during the season—part of a cultural shift where players are increasingly opting for marijuana and video games over alcohol and partying for leisure.
New Jersey companies that are suing over the state’s law restricting sales of hemp products said in a new court filing that they are in “ongoing discussions” with officials that could resolve the dispute.
/ FEDERAL
The Drug Enforcement Administration sent an email titled, “Cannabis Now 15 TIMES More Potent Than at the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival.”
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) tweeted about his viewpoint that “using letters of marque could be a novel, but effective response to unique threats posed by drug cartels.”
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) sent a press release about his being selected to serve as chair of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control.
/ STATES
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) said the state is “losing out to every other state around us that’s legalized” marijuana.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) defended her proposal to increase cannabis taxes from criticism by Republican lawmakers.
The South Dakota House Health and Human Services Committee rejected a bill to tighten medical cannabis restrictions.
Utah lawmakers are considering legislation to streamline medical cannabis regulations.
The Vermont House Government Operations and Military Affairs Committee heard testimony on cannabis issues.
Colorado regulators issued a health and safety advisory about marijuana products found to have yeast and mold levels above acceptable limits.
New York regulators celebrated the state’s recreational cannabis market surpassing $1 billion in sales.
Washington State regulators are encouraging cannabis businesses to take advantage of free on-site security assessments.
Oregon regulators sent a newsletter with various updates about the psilocybin services program.
The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission will meet on Wednesday.
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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.
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/ LOCAL
The Colorado Springs, Colorado City Council voted to place a question on the April ballot to repeal the legalization of recreational marijuana sales.
The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County, North Carolina Board of Education rejected a proposal to loosen marijuana drug testing rules for job applicants.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The Colombian Foreign Ministry is hosting an event about the World Health Organization’s review of the status of the coca leaf on Friday.
A Nigerian lawmaker is pushing to make drug testing a mandatory part of the recruitment process for prospective government employees.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “cannabis shows promise as a therapeutic option for [Crohn’s disease], demonstrating higher remission rates and potential benefits for disease management.”
A study of mice suggested that “CBG effectively alleviates [atopic dermatitis]-like symptoms and suggest the potential of CBG as a therapeutic agent.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
Vapor Room owner Martin Olive was shot outside the dispensary.
/ BUSINESS
SHF Holdings, Inc., d/b/a Safe Harbor Financial’s CEO is stepping down.
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company’s cannabis-focused Hawthorne unit reported $52.1 million in quarterly sales.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
The post Trump “tricked” into backing cannabis legalization, GOP senator says (Newsletter: January 30, 2025) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.
