FEDERAL
The DEA confirmed in a new filing that the marijuana rescheduling appeal “remains pending”—“No briefing schedule has been set”—despite President Trump ordering the attorney general to complete the reform “in the most expeditious manner” more than three months ago.
A former DEA senior advisor coauthored an analysis calling federal marijuana laws “neither coherent nor evidence based” and said they cause “immense damage”, proposing a “managed market access schedule” using “capitalism controls” for cannabis and psilocybin instead of criminalization.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) said states should be able to legalize cannabis without federal interference, though he personally favors “medical margaritas.” The White House ONDCP held an anti-drug-trafficking awards ceremony. A House bill to designate psychedelic therapy centers of excellence now has 25 cosponsors.
STATES
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) intensified his push for marijuana legalization, arguing it would generate revenue to “make bigger investments in our kids, public safety, and our economy.” “Stop with the excuses. Let’s get this done.”
Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe (R) said restricting intoxicating hemp-derived THC products is “definitely something we need to get done” as a ban bill reached his desk. Idaho’s full legislature passed a resolution urging voters not to sign petitions for a medical cannabis ballot initiative, citing crime, health, and safety concerns. An Ohio judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking new hemp product restrictions, finding they shield the “in-state marijuana industry…from out-of-state competition with respect to federally legal hemp products otherwise sold in interstate commerce.”
Oklahoma GOP gubernatorial candidates raised medical cannabis concerns in a debate. Florida’s agriculture commissioner said the state has prevailed in every court challenge from the hemp industry against its laws restricting high-potency THC hemp products for children. The Massachusetts Senate Ways and Means Committee proposed $1 million for a marijuana public education campaign. The Illinois Medical Cannabis Advisory Board recommended adding sickle cell disease as a qualifying condition. Vermont sent pre-4/20 cannabis guidance; California updated provisional-to-annual license transition rules; Montana issued a cannabis newsletter. Minneapolis, Minnesota is weighing drug paraphernalia decriminalization.
SCIENCE, BUSINESS & CULTURE
A German study found legalization “did not indicate increased cannabis consumption.” Another study found cannabis seeds improved broiler meat’s fatty acid profile without adverse growth effects. Vireo Growth Inc. is partnering with Ace Venture of NY, LLC to build New York’s first minority-owned vertically integrated medical cannabis operation. Jimmy Kimmel is executive producing a cannabis docuseries for Hulu.