DEA cannabis rescheduling hearings begin (Newsletter: December 3, 2024)

Biden’s pardon of son spurs marijuana clemency calls; PA legalization; Medicare clarifies: Cannabis & CBD not covered; RFK good for psychedelics?

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Hold on, just one second before you read today’s news. Have you thought about giving some financial support to Marijuana Moment? If so, today would be a great day to contribute. We’re planning our reporting for the coming months and it would really help to know what kind of support we can count on. Check us out on Patreon and sign up to give $25/month today: https://www.patreon.com/marijuanamoment / TOP THINGS TO KNOW A Drug Enforcement Administration judge held the first hearing on the Biden administration’s cannabis rescheduling proposal, setting out next steps and saying that the proceedings are not meant to determine “whether marijuana is good or marijuana is bad.” President Joe Biden’s pardon of his son Hunter for crimes including lying about drug use on a gun purchase form is drawing pushback from marijuana reformers who say the president can do more to free cannabis prisoners serving time behind federal bars. The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is moving to clarify that marijuana products are not eligible for coverage because “they are illegal substances under Federal law.” The agency is also including CBD on a separate list of items that cannot be covered as a supplemental benefit. Two Pennsylvania lawmakers are seeking support for a marijuana legalization bill they plan to file after they hosted a series of hearings on the issue to study how other states have structured their legal cannabis markets. Author Michael Pollan is concerned that psychedelics reform supporter Robert F. Kennedy Jr. might actually harm the issue as health and human services secretary by making it look “kooky” if it gets “tangled up with the anti-science agenda around vaccines or fluoride.” One Missouri marijuana microbusiness “mentor” is connected to several licenses that are under investigation or facing revocation by the state’s Division of Cannabis Regulation. / FEDERAL The National Institutes of Health hosted a webinar about funding that’s available to support research to “examine new or adapted policies pertaining to tobacco, alcohol, and/or cannabis in the U.S., with a particular focus on how the policy or policies influence tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use or secondhand exposure among populations experiencing disparities.”. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) discussed his opposition to rescheduling marijuana and cannabis banking legislation. Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) said he’s optimistic for marijuana reform under President-elect Donald Trump’s forthcoming administration. / STATES Hawaii’s House majority leader said it’s “hard to say” if marijuana legalization legislation will pass in 2025. Alaska regulators filed changes to rules on labelling requirements for marijuana test results. Oregon regulators published guidance about data reporting requirements for psilocybin services businesses. Kentucky regulators launched a directory of doctors authorized to recommend medical cannabis. Massachusetts regulators discussed plans to allow marijuana social consumption areas. — Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,500 cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments. Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access. — / INTERNATIONAL Brazil’s Superior Court of Justice approved the planting, cultivation, industrialization and sale of hemp for medical and pharmaceutical purposes. Health Canada’s cannabis program will undergo budget cuts. / SCIENCE & HEALTH A study found “an increase in cannabis cultivation activity following COVID restrictions” and concluded that “increased home cultivation was not only driven by higher use as a result of home isolation, but also by disruptions of wider illegal cannabis supply.” A study of medical cannabis patients found that “that adult use laws decreased stress and legal concerns, and that patient perceptions of cannabis product quality and availability were higher, but prices were also higher.” / ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS The chair of the Florida Democratic Party tweeted, “I can’t count the amount of stories I have heard over the years of cannabis saving people’s lives including my mother’s.” / BUSINESS Cansortium Inc. reported quarterly net revenue of $26.1 million and a net loss of $11.8 million. / CULTURE Actor Jason Alexander co-hosted a podcast about marijuana.

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