OH lawmakers could be forced to consider legalization; NY marijuana could come in hemp packaging; St. Louis cannabis decrim advances

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Ohio activists say that by the end of this month they’ll have collected enough signatures to force the legislature to consider a marijuana legalization proposal in early 2022. And if lawmakers don’t act, they’ll put it on the ballot for voters to pass.

A New York senator filed a bill to encourage marijuana companies to make the packaging for their products out of hemp as a more sustainable alternative to plastic.

The St. Louis, Missouri Board of Aldermen preliminarily approved a measure to repeal local penalties against using, possessing or growing small amounts of marijuana.

A new poll found that 67 percent of Texas voters—including a majority of Republicans—support legalizing marijuana. The survey also asked about views on the legalization of other drugs such as cocaine and heroin.

/ FEDERAL

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is urging people not to drive under the influence of marijuana or other drugs this Thanksgiving.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) tweeted, “Our cannabis laws have disproportionately impacted Black & Brown people. It’s time to fix this and give people a second shot at jobs, applying for college, voting & much more. That’s why I joined my colleagues in asking @POTUS to pardon nonviolent cannabis convictions.”

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) described her marijuana legalization bill as “the art of the possible and passable.”

Rep. Mike Garcia (R-CA) tweeted, “Significant progress has been made to eradicate the illegal marijuana grows in #CA25, but there’s still more work to do. That is why I continue to remain engaged with local and federal officials involved, ensuring they are held accountable for their role in combating the problem.”

Mississippi Republican congressional candidate Brice Wiggins said he is open to federally decriminalizing marijuana.

/ STATES

A spokesperson for Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) said reports of fentanyl-laced marijuana reinforce his reasoning for enacting legalization.

Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried, currently the agriculture minister, reacted to a mock anti-marijuana ad about cannabis causing murderous crazes by tweeting, “​​This doesn’t bode well for my Thanksgiving. 💀 🌱”

Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Cranley, currently Cincinnati’s mayor, tweeted, “I’m running on real ideas to turn around our state. We’re in a rut and my comeback plan will get us out. It will: – Legalize Marijuana and invest the revenue back in communities…”

New Mexico’s new top marijuana regulator is a former Columbia Care lobbyist.

Pennsylvania regulators are ordering medical cannabis companies to resubmit vaping products that contain additives for reapproval.

California regulators are increasing marijuana tax rates as of January 1.

Indiana regulators filed an emergency hemp rule.

Louisiana regulators filed amended hemp and CBD rules.

Oregon officials gave an update on projected marijuana revenue.

New Hampshire regulators will hold a listening session about the medical cannabis program on December 1.

The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission will meet on December 2.

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/ LOCAL

Oakland, California marijuana dispensaries were victimized in a series of robberies.

Princeton, New Jersey’s Cannabis Task Force will meet on Tuesday.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Malta Prime Minister Robert Abela spoke in support of the government’s marijuana legalization bill, while the opposition leader continued to criticize it.

Canada’s minister of mental health and addictions said the federal government will make a decision quickly on British Columbia’s request to decriminalize drugs.

A Mexican Senate working group is reportedly 80 percent done drafting a new marijuana legalization bill that lawmakers want to pass next month.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study concluded that “although the legal environment is becoming more restrictive for delta-8-THC in comparison to delta-9-THC, results suggest that delta-8-THC may be equally effective for desired purposes of cannabis use and lower in undesirable or adverse effects.”

A study of factors surrounding consumers transitioning from illegal to legal marijuana markets found that “perceived facilitators for switching included: safety (63.1%); price (42.7%); legal, no risk of convictions (35.3%); increased accessibility (32.3%); product diversity (14.2%)” and that “perceived barriers included: price (66.4%); judgement (36%); regulation (28.9%); loyalty to current supplier (27.2%); reduced accessibility (13.2%).”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Alabama Democratic Party tweeted, “‘Marijuana is a wolf in sheep’s clothing’ -Alabama District Attorneys in 2021 🙄 Tired of the 1950’s scare tactics and lies around cannabis legislation? Shop our legALize merch and help us de-stigmatize recreational cannabis legalization in Alabama.”

/ BUSINESS

Uber Eats announced it will process marijuana orders from Tokyo Smoke in Ontario, Canada.

Ayr Wellness Inc. reported quarterly revenue of $96.2 million and a net loss of $3.4 million. The company is also acquiring Gentle Ventures, LLC and unveiling a new corporate brand identity.

Auxly Cannabis Group Inc. acquired Sunens Farms Inc.

MedMen Enterprises Inc. has a new chairman and interim CEO.

/ CULTURE

Jennifer Lawrence smoked marijuana on the set of the film “Don’t Look Up” to get into character as a researcher who uses cannabis to calm her nerves.

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