Study: Legal medical marijuana tied to safer roads; DEA cannabis seizures skyrocket; VT gov vetoes safe drug consumption site bill
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
House Appropriations Committee leaders are including provisions in a spending bill to protect Indian tribes that legalize marijuana from federal interference—but there are some restrictions that have not been included in prior measures aimed at protecting state-based cannabis programs.
The Drug Enforcement Administration reported its marijuana enforcement activity increased significantly last year—chopping down 22 percent more plants (5.5 million), making 32 percent more arrests and seizing nearly three times as much bulk processed cannabis compared to 2020.
A new study concluded that legalizing medical cannabis is tied to reduced auto insurance premiums—probably due to a substitution effect from reduced drunk driving, the researchers say. The effect is stronger in areas near dispensaries, and national legalization would lead to $2.4 billion in savings.
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott (R) vetoed a bill that would have created a working group to craft a plan for opening safe consumption sites for illegal drugs in the state.
/ FEDERAL
The U.S. attorney for Rhode Island said going after low-level marijuana offenses is not a priority.
Oklahoma Democratic Senate candidate Madison Horn tweeted, “As I meet folks across the state, I continue to hear about the need for the federal decriminalization of marijuana and re-examination of the scrutiny of existing marijuana-related sentences. For far too long, we have treated marijuana as a criminal justice problem instead of a matter of personal choice and public health.”
Illinois Democratic congressional candidate Jackie McGowan, who has worked as a cannabis consultant, took a hit from a “Jackie for Congress” bong at the end of a town hall meeting.
/ STATES
Kansas Republican attorney general candidate Tony Mattivi claimed there is a “direct relationship between the school shooters and marijuana use.”
North Dakota activists said they believe they have already collected enough signatures to put a marijuana legalization measure on the November ballot but will keep petitioning to ensure a buffer.
The Rhode Island House of Representatives passed a bill to regulate kratom.
A Nebraska senator tweeted about strong demand from voters to sign petitions to put medical cannabis initiatives on the ballot.
Arizona regulators filed amended medical cannabis rules.
Mississippi regulators posted medical cannabis rules on wholesale sales, business establishments and excise taxes.
Kentucky’s Medical Cannabis Advisory Committee held its first meeting.
Vermont regulators published guidance on recently enacted legislation to regulate small cannabis cultivation as farming.
California regulators posted a video commemorating Black cannabis entrepreneurs in conjunction with Juneteenth.
South Dakota regulators will hold a hearing on proposed medical cannabis rules changes on Tuesday.
Oregon regulators will hold public listening sessions about the psilocybin services program next month.
West Virginia regulators will hold a medical cannabis patient signup event on June 30.
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/ LOCAL
Washington County, Oregon’s district attorney said the state’s voter-approved drug decriminalization law is causing crime.
The East Greenwich, Rhode Island Town Council voted to put a measure on the November ballot to allow voters to decide whether to allow recreational marijuana retailers.
Los Angeles, California’s interim top marijuana regulator sent an update on social equity efforts.
New York City’s Commission on Human Rights promoted guidance on employment protections for cannabis consumers.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said he expects lawmakers to pass a bill to penalize recreational marijuana use soon.
Colombian President-elect Gustavo Petro is a critic of the war on drugs who says he favors some form of legalization.
Germany lawmakers are reportedly setting aside funding to create ten government staff positions to oversee the implementation of marijuana legalization.
A New Zealand member of Parliament is calling for an end to aerial cannabis raids.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study suggested that “the majority of patients experience decreased fatigue from consumption of Cannabis flower consumed in vivo, although the magnitude of the effect and extent of side effects experienced likely vary with individuals’ metabolic states and the synergistic chemotypic properties of the plant.”
A review concluded that “combination psychedelic treatment and psychotherapy facilitate more enduring and profound antidepressant effects than produced by ketamine or psilocybin alone.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll found that Thailand residents support removing cannabis from the drug list, 59 percent to 41 percent.
Fox News hosts Jesse Watters and Greg Gutfeld debated drug legalization.
The Orange County Register editorial board is calling for an end to the war on drugs.
/ BUSINESS
Trulieve acknowledged posting a “culturally incentive” promotion of watermelon, banana and grape-flavored cannabis products on Juneteenth.
/ CULTURE
Adam Carolla spoke about his support for legalizing marijuana and other drugs on Bill Maher’s podcast.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
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