Two competing House amendments to either delay or accelerate the scheduled federal recriminalization of hemp THC products will not receive floor votes this week — one was withdrawn and the House Rules Committee blocked the other.
FEDERAL
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, during oral arguments on law enforcement use of geofence warrants, said phone data can "follow you to a cannabis shop." Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) visited Pharm CBD in Bedford, Kentucky to discuss Paul's bipartisan Hemp Safety Enforcement Act with industry leaders and community members. Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) called rescheduling a "win for veterans," saying medical cannabis should be an option for combat veterans with PTSD. The House bill to allow marijuana businesses to list on stock exchanges gained one cosponsor, bringing the total to two.
STATES
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) signed a bill protecting firefighters and rescue workers from punishment for off-duty medical cannabis use. North Carolina Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R) said his caucus will discuss advancing medical cannabis legislation given federal rescheduling. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen (R) and U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) sidestepped questions about rescheduling's state impact; Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) said "I support this move by the administration." Virginia's recreational marijuana sales bill sponsor said he hopes the governor won't veto after the legislature rejected her amendments, and that lawmakers will address her concerns next year. An Oklahoma judge lifted a medical cannabis business suspension. Colorado regulators issued guidance on cryptocurrency ATM scams targeting cannabis businesses. A Delaware marijuana appeals official resigned. New York regulators are pursuing unlicensed cannabis operators. Minnesota legislators promoted their psilocybin bill.
SCIENCE, OPINION & BUSINESS
A new archaeological study determined that "by the Late Neolithic, cannabis became a core crop in northern China," with "Cannabis processing and consumption were deeply integrated into the daily lives of the inhabitants, making it an indispensable component of their agricultural subsistence." A case report identified cannabis oil as a potential therapy for drug-resistant migraine; a review found DMT shows "potentially substantial post-treatment efficacy for substance misuse, particularly with psychotherapy." Leah Kollross of 23rd State argued most cannabis beverage companies "cannot prove their products do what they claim" for lack of independent validation: "The industry cannot ask for nuanced, evidence-informed regulation while simultaneously declining to produce the evidence that would make that possible." Rubicon Organics Inc. agreed to temporarily increase its line of credit.