NY marijuana banking directory; MD gov touts cannabis pardons; GOP congressman presses RFK on marijuana; Colombian president: legalize cocaine
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) told Marijuana Moment he wants to “definitely have a talk” with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about how “marijuana is harmful” as the nominee to become President Donald Trump’s health and human services secretary heads toward a confirmation vote.
Pennsylvania Senate and House Republican leaders said it will be up to Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) to bring stakeholders together on marijuana legalization in order to craft a plan that can pass this session.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) touted his mass marijuana pardons in his State of the State address, pushing lawmakers to build on that clemency by passing legislation to expand expungement eligibility.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) touted the result of a poll showing support for his push to ban intoxicating hemp products—while ignoring the survey’s separate finding that a bipartisan majority of Texans also back legalizing marijuana, which he opposes.
The Arkansas Senate Education Committee approved a bill to set aside revenue from medical marijuana taxes to pay for free breakfast for students—a plan that Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) endorsed during her State of the State address.
The New York Office of Cannabis Management launched a directory to connect marijuana businesses with banks that are willing to service the industry.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro said “cocaine is not worse than whiskey,” arguing that cartels could be “easily dismantled” if the drug was legalized and “sold like wine.”
/ FEDERAL
The Drug Enforcement Administration is being accused in a new court filing of improperly excluding documents from the marijuana rescheduling hearing record.
/ STATES
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced that a task force seized and destroyed more than $254 million worth of unlicensed cannabis products in 2024.
Tennessee lawmakers filed legislation to legalize marijuana.
Colorado regulators issued a health and safety advisory about potentially contaminated marijuana products.
Michigan regulators sent a reminder about temporary marijuana event requirements.
Missouri regulators transferred another $3.25 million in marijuana revenue to veterans programs.
Minnesota regulators sent a newsletter with updates on various marijuana issues.
Virginia regulators tweeted, “The Super Bowl is almost here! Whether you’re in it for the touchdowns or the tasty snacks, remember: driving high is always a fumble. Make the winning play.”
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/ LOCAL
A New York City mayoral candidate said the state’s licensing of marijuana businesses has been “way too slow.”
The Denver, Colorado City Council Business, Arts, Workforce, Climate, & Aviation Services Committee approved a psychedelic business licensing proposal.
/ INTERNATIONAL
UK lawmakers debated medical cannabis access.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “evidence suggests that CBD’s ability to modulate multiple signaling pathways may benefit neuropsychiatric disorders.”
A case report suggested that “cannabis oil may offer a valuable and effective therapeutic option for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
The U.S. Hemp Roundtable is prioritizing protection of direct-to-consumer online sales as “a non-negotiable cornerstone of the hemp industry’s success.”
/ BUSINESS
Illinois retailers sold $153.2 million worth of legal recreational marijuana products in December, for a total of more than $2 billion in adult-use and medical cannabis sold in 2024.
Arkansas dispensaries sold $275.9 million worth of medical cannabis products in 2024.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
The post Pennsylvania GOP calls on governor to lead cannabis conversation (Newsletter: February 7, 2025) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.
