CA blames feds for marijuana market issues; PA AG on legal cannabis “risks”; AZ & MO psychedelics; Poll: Inflation cuts marijuana purchases
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
President Donald Trump hosted Marc Fogel, who until recently was incarcerated in Russia for possessing medical cannabis that he used to treat pain, as a guest for his speech before a joint session of Congress—but he made no mention of marijuana while introducing the newly freed American.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday (R) said he wants to be a “voice for potential public safety risks” of legalizing marijuana—and House and Senate GOP leaders are casting doubt that the reform has enough support to pass this session.
The Nebraska legislature’s General Affairs Committee held a hearing on bills to amend the state’s voter-approved medical cannabis initiatives—including one measure to recriminalize all forms of marijuana except pills and tinctures. Meanwhile, the attorney general is threatening a lawsuit claiming that federal law blocks the state from licensing cannabis businesses.
A report commissioned by the California Department of Cannabis Control concludes that the ongoing federal ban on interstate marijuana commerce is a key factor aiding the illicit market and hurting licensed cannabis businesses.
The Arizona Senate passed a bill to create a Psilocybin Advisory Board charged with studying the science of the psychedelic, as well as state and federal policies concerning it—and the House of Representatives passed legislation to set aside money for clinical trials on ibogaine.
The Missouri House Veterans and Armed Forces Committee approved a bill to legalize the medical use of psilocybin by military veterans who meet certain conditions and to fund studies on the therapeutic potential of the psychedelic.
A new report from the Transform Drug Policy Foundation projects that legalizing marijuana in the United Kingdom would earn the country up to £1.5 billion in annual tax revenue and government savings while creating as many as 15,500 full-time jobs.
A new poll from NuggMD finds that two out of three marijuana consumers say they have decided to spend less on cannabis due to broader inflation in the economy.
Georgia lawmakers are considering legislation to expand access to medical cannabis under the state’s current low-THC oil program by adding new qualifying conditions, allowing vaping and allowing all parts and derivatives of the marijuana plant to be used.
/ FEDERAL
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said President Donald Trump’s new tariffs are part of a “drug war,” not a “trade war.”
Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Nebraska’s attorney general coauthored an op-ed urging state lawmakers not to pass medical cannabis legislation this session.
/ STATES
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced that officials seized $534 million worth of illegal cannabis in 2024.
The Washington, D.C. Council chairman filed legislation to give regulators expanded authority to take action against unlicensed cannabis businesses.
Alabama’s Senate minority leader said he supports restarting the medical cannabis business licensing process.
The Texas Senate State Affairs Committee held a hearing on legislation to ban consumable hemp products that contain any form of THC.
The Ohio Senate General Government Committee held a hearing on a bill to restrict sales of most ingestible and intoxicating hemp products.
The chair of the New York Senate Finance Committee is criticizing a proposal from Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) to use marijuana revenue to repay the state’s contributions to the Cannabis Social Equity Investment Fund.
Kansas senators filed a marijuana decriminalization bill.
Vermont regulators published guidance on marijuana product labeling, registration and pesticide use.
North Carolina Poison Control officials issued an alert about an increase in children under 12 being exposed to products containing cannabis.
Montana regulators sent a newsletter about various marijuana issues.
Washington State marijuana regulators are expanding their online portal on March 31.
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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.
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/ LOCAL
Albuquerque, New Mexico appropriated marijuana revenue to support efforts to “correct for historic inequity and help create economic stability for those trying to build a better future for their families.”
/ INTERNATIONAL
Malaysia’s health minister is inviting people with scientific evidence supporting the medical use of cannabis-based products to submit registration applications to the Drug Control Authority.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study concluded that “CBD is a promising antibacterial agent for Gram-positive bacteria.”
A study suggested that “while acute prescribed cannabis consumption may reduce appraisals of selected skills, overall hazard perception ability and driving-related risk-taking behavior may remain unchanged.”
/ BUSINESS
Vireo Growth Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $25 million and a net loss of $15.7 million.
MariMed Inc. completed its acquisition of First State Compassion Center in Delaware.
MediPharm Labs Corp. is selling its facility in Hope, British Columbia, Canada to Rubicon Organics Inc.
Trulieve is being sued over allegations that its use of cashless ATMs triggered nearly $1 million in fines.
/ CULTURE
Oscars attendees received cannabis products from brands like Dogwalkers, Beboe, Señorita and RYTHM in their gift bags.
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The post Trump invites former cannabis prisoner to speech, but doesn’t mention cannabis (Newsletter: February 5, 2025) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.
