Originally posted on Marijuana Moment
November 8, 2021 | Tom Angell

/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Marijuana Moment obtained the draft text of a new Republican-led bill from Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) to federally legalize and tax cannabis that will soon be introduced as an alternative to Democratic leaders’ marijuana legislation.

The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee approved a bill to require the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct clinical trials on the medical benefits of marijuana for military veterans with PTSD and chronic pain—despite opposition testimony from the Biden administration.

Sens. Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT), along with six other lawmakers, filed a National Defense Authorization Act amendment that would federally legalize medical marijuana for military veterans. It would also let Department of Veterans Affairs doctors issue cannabis recommendations and require the department to research marijuana’s therapeutic potential to reduce pain and opioid misuse.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta (D) spoke at an event commemorating the 25th anniversary of the state’s first-in-the-nation medical cannabis law, saying California has the “number one in the world” legal marijuana market.

/ FEDERAL

A federal grand jury issued subpoenas seeking information about payments to public officials and consultants as part of a criminal investigation into marijuana licensing in Baldwin Park, California and other nearby cities.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency tweeted, “Hemp offers new economic opportunities for America’s farmers, and we are pleased to offer coverage to hemp producers.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) tweeted “It’s long past time to end the federal prohibition on marijuana, enact criminal justice reforms, & invest in communities hurt by the War on Drugs. That’s why @SenBooker, @RonWyden, & I are working to pass our Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act.”

Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) said he supports the right of Washington, D.C. to legalize marijuana without congressional interference.

Indiana Democratic Senate candidate Thomas McDermott, currently Hammond’s mayor, discussed his support for marijuana legalization and acknowledged his cannabis use at recent concerts.

/ STATES

Mississippi’s lieutenant governor said he thinks lawmakers will pass a medical cannabis bill in next year’s regular legislative session.

Massachusetts’s Senate president said lawmakers will be considering marijuana-related issues such as local host community agreements, social equity and automatic expungements.

New York’s top marijuana regulator spoke about efforts to roll out legalization in a way that centers equity and justice.

California regulators ordered the destruction of a hemp field after the farmer allegedly applied pesticide that is not approved for use on the crop.

A Michigan appeals court upheld a two-year suspension for a doctor who approved nearly 22,000 medical cannabis recommendations within a one-year period.

Nevada regulators issued a health and safety bulletin about an inability to verify that ​​Kindibles, LLC created and tested certain marijuana edibles products. They also issued a summary suspension of the company’s license.

Arizona regulators filed revised  marijuana rules.

The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority’s Board of Directors will meet on Tuesday.

Ohio regulators will consider medical cannabis rules changes on Tuesday.

The Washington State Social Equity in Cannabis Task Force’s Technical Assistance and Mentorship Workgroup will meet on Tuesday.

Florida regulators will hold several meetings about medical cannabis and hemp this month.

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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,200 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.