President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing an executive order, possibly as early as this week, to advance research into the safety and benefits of the psychedelic ibogaine—nearly four months after his marijuana rescheduling order, which remains unfulfilled.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) said he and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) are introducing a bipartisan bill letting states opt out of the federal hemp THC recriminalization set to take effect later this year. "It's good for Kentucky farmers. It's a cash crop, kind of like tobacco…and I think we ought to expand it."
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) defended her amendments to a recreational marijuana sales bill, citing talks with governors of states with legal cannabis markets. "Every one of them said some version of make sure you get it right the first time and don't rush it because there will be things that come up." A Virginia senator said she is "exploring all available legislative options."
The Marijuana Policy Project is soliciting cannabis arrest stories for a report on "the true impact of the ongoing scourge of prohibition." Jason Leisey of Emerald Tea Supply Co. argued in an op-ed that hemp and marijuana, as the same plant, should face identical regulatory standards.
Missouri hemp industry leaders delivered thousands of letters to Gov. Mike Kehoe (R) urging a veto of legislation banning intoxicating hemp THC products—even if federal restrictions are delayed or reversed. The U.S. Sentencing Commission adopted amended federal sentencing guidelines covering drug offenses. Former Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) called marijuana seriously dangerous to civilization, citing healthcare providers' view that it is the country's primary driver of the mental health crisis.
An Ohio judge temporarily paused newly enacted cannabis restrictions. Minnesota set an April 30 hemp licensing deadline. Massachusetts released 4/20 cannabis education videos. The Colorado Retail Marijuana Public Health Advisory Committee meets Monday. Oregon will hold psilocybin services listening sessions May 6 and 8. Utah published its annual medical cannabis report. A Western Australia lawmaker criticized the government over medical cannabis driving protections.
The Lancet editorial board called for ending the war on drugs. A review concluded MDMA-assisted therapy produces short-term PTSD symptom reductions, with more trials needed. Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. launched a share repurchase program. TerrAscend Corp. named Eric Jackson as chief financial officer. Sun Extractions workers in Hamilton, New Jersey voted to join United Food and Commercial Workers Local 360.