Feds change marijuana terminology; CBP moves to dismiss cannabis biz lawsuit; Warren presses RFK on marijuana; MO psychedelics
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Former Drug Enforcement Administration official Jack Riley, who says he’s been asked by President Donald Trump’s allies to run the agency, has called marijuana a “gateway drug” and seems to misunderstand DEA’s role in the ongoing rescheduling process.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is changing marijuana-related terminology it uses in federal drug testing programs to reflect a more nuanced understanding of cannabinoids like delta-8 THC and THCA, which it says is “an important precursor integral to the growth, definition, and production of legal hemp.”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection are urging a court to dismiss New Mexico marijuana businesses’ lawsuit challenging the seizure of their state-legal products because, the agencies say, “federal law prevails.”
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) sent a letter asking Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to explain his position on marijuana legalization and other drug policy issues as his nomination to serve as President Donald Trump’s health and human services secretary is pending.
The Virginia State Crime Commission is recommending that lawmakers pass legislation to seal all criminal records for marijuana possession and revise the record-sealing process for cannabis paraphernalia offenses.
Missouri lawmakers are considering several bills to legalize and regulate psilocybin therapy for people with mental health conditions, with some measures proposing to limit access to military veterans and another taking a broader approach.
/ FEDERAL
President Donald Trump said during his inaugural address that he will take action to designate drug cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations.”
President Joe Biden issued additional pardons for people convicted of drug offenses, including the speaker of Virginia’s House of Delegates.
The Drug Enforcement Administration has a new acting administrator.
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) tweeted, “I’m thrilled to join Rep. Dina Titus as Co-Chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus. It’s time to bring common sense to our cannabis laws, address the harm done by the war on drugs, and create real opportunities in this growing industry.”
/ STATES
Kentucky’s Senate minority whip filed legislation to legalize marijuana.
Massachusetts lawmakers introduced 12 psychedelics-related bills.
California regulators posted resources about how marijuana businesses impacted by wildfires can request disaster relief.
Washington State regulators sent a newsletter with updates on various cannabis issues.
Vermont regulators will hold a hearing on marijuana rules on February 20.
The New Hampshire Therapeutic Cannabis Medical Oversight Board will meet on March 5.
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/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study found that “CBG and CBN exhibited suppressive, cell death-inducing effects on leukemia cells.”
A study found that “psychedelic-assisted therapy enhances spiritual well-being in terminal patients.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll found that UK adults support legalizing cannabis, 45 percent to 42 percent, but that lawmakers in the country oppose it, 50 percent to 39 percent.
/ BUSINESS
Hemp-derived THC drink sales are projected to reach $750 million by 2029.
/ CULTURE
Justin Bieber posted photos of himself smoking a bong on Instagram.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
The post Former DEA official who calls cannabis a “gateway drug” could be Trump’s pick (Newsletter: January 21, 2025) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.
