NY/NJ/CT govs to talk regional marijuana plans; Nadler promises descheduling vote; Latest on banking; Congressman displays his CBD products in hearing

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There are now 1,199 cannabis-related bills moving through state legislatures and Congress for 2019 sessions.



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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW



The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies approved spending legislation containing a provision continuing to shield state medical cannabis laws from federal interference. It’s unclear if the full panel will consider a broader rider covering recreational laws later this week.



House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) pledged that Wednesday’s floor vote on a marijuana banking bill is only the first step in a broader push to more fundamentally transform federal cannabis policy. He’s committing to a schedule markup of descheduling and equity legislation next.



On the eve of the scheduled House of Representatives floor vote on marijuana banking legislation, drug policy reform groups accused Financial Services Committee Chairwoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) of reneging on a deal she made to support advancing broader cannabis reforms to the floor first.

Meanwhile, a number of outside groups—both those supportive of and those opposed to marijuana banking—weighed in with final advocacy pushes.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced plans to meet with the governors of Connecticut and New Jersey to formulate regional marijuana legalization plans.

“For one state to do it, it makes no sense if the neighboring state has a totally different policy, because you then just incentivize people to drive over the border and buy it there.”

Rep. James Comer (R-KY) displayed hemp-derived CBD products he personally uses at a hearing on Capitol Hill.

“A lot of people in Congress take CBD, millions of Americans take CBD, I take CBD.”

Comedian Seth Rogen and Cook County, Illinois state’s attorney Kim Foxx are helping to publicize National Expungement Week to help people learn how to get marijuana and other low-level convictions cleared from their records.



/ FEDERAL



President Trump reportedly thinks the criminal justice reform bill he signed into law last year is a political loser and doesn’t plan to highlight it during his reelection campaign.



Agriculture Sec. Sonny Perdue tweeted about discussing hemp regulations in a TV interview.



Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), presidential candidates, pledged to deschedule marijuana through executive action if elected.



Former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-TX), a presidential candidate, spoke about legalizing marijuana and expunging records during an Iowa speech.



Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) tweeted, “It’s time to face facts: like it or not, the vast majority of states have legalized some form of cannabis. If a business is legal in a state, shouldn’t it have the same basic financial access and protections as any other business?” He also published an op-ed on the issue.



New York Democratic congressional candidate Michael Hiller is lead counsel in a lawsuit challenging marijuana’s federal Schedule I status.



/ STATES



Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) ordered a four-month ban on vaping products, including those for marijuana. Separately, regulators gave final approval to cannabis delivery services, along with rules requiring that personnel wear body cameras.



Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) said medical cannabis is one of his priorities in the next legislative session and that he wants to work with Republican leaders to make it happen.



Pennsylvania’s lieutenant governor said that people on probation should be able to use medical cannabis.



A Florida marijuana legalization campaign is sending ballot petitions directly to voters via mail.



Arizona activists refiled a proposed marijuana legalization ballot measure with changes from an initial version and plan to launch a signature gathering drive this week.



New Mexico’s marijuana legalization work group will hold its final hearing on Wednesday.



Michigan regulators are reminding hemp farmers to test their plants for THC content prior to harvest. They also sent an advisory bulletin about common inaccuracies observed in the statewide medical cannabis tracking system.



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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,000 cannabis 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.



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/ LOCAL



The Jacksonville, Florida City Council rejected a marijuana decriminalization proposal.



The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene released data tracking marijuana use and associated consequences in the city.



The San Diego, California City Council is considering a proposal to fund expungement, drug prevention and job training programs with marijuana tax revenue and to encourage participation in the legal cannabis industry by people from communities harmed by the war on drugs.



/ INTERNATIONAL



Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said he is considering a referendum to legalize certain drugs for medical use.



Lawmakers in the Australian Capital Territory approved a bill to legalize marijuana possession and cultivation for personal use.



Uruguay made its first commercial marijuana export shipment, to Australia.



/ SCIENCE & HEALTH



A study found that “increased risk of cardiovascular events on a population level was not observed on ‘4/20.’”



A study on using CBD to treat Lennox-Gastaut syndrome found that “approximately 88% of patients/caregivers reported an improvement in overall condition.”



/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS



The New Jersey Cannabis Industry Association hired outside counsel to conduct an investigation into potential insider dealings, inappropriate disclosures and sexual indiscretions by organization personnel.



The Arthritis Foundation issued CBD use guidance.



/ BUSINESS



Eaze launched a business accelerator that it says will help underrepresented marijuana company founders.



Charlotte’s Web Holdings, Inc. announced that its CBD gummies are being sold in 738 The Vitamin Shoppe locations in 45 states.



Martha Stewart said that CBD products she is developing with Canopy Growth Corp. will be available next year.



/ CULTURE



Rapper Killer Mike tweeted, “My mind moves 10 things at a time. Marijuana, especially Very Heavy indica‘s aid me in my ability to focus. Sativa’s not so much so I tend to avoid them as they make my brain even more active. I speak well stoned or sober I think tho.”



Actress Amy Sedaris touted her use of CBD foot cream at the Emmys.

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