AZ issues cannabis app forms and draft rules (Newsletter: January 12, 2021)

FDA’s CBD research plan; NY gov pledges legal marijuana in State of the State; KS lawmakers prep medical cannabis push for 2021

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

Top Food and Drug Administration officials announced a new plan to fill gaps in research about CBD’s effects using “real-world data.”

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) stepped up his push to legalize marijuana in 2021 by featuring it in his State of the State address.

Arizona regulators released forms for recreational marijuana business license applications that they will begin accepting next week. They also published a new set of draft rules to implement voter-approved cannabis legalization.

Kansas lawmakers and Gov. Laura Kelly (D) are stepping up the push to legalize medical cannabis in 2021.

• “As our state recovers from COVID-19, legalizing medical marijuana is an innovative solution to increase state revenue and improve Kansas’ overall health and economy,” a spokesperson for the governor said. “We must come up with a Kansas-specific approach that’s well-regulated, controlled, and a collaborative effort with the law enforcement community.”

/ FEDERAL

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) said that “if Trump had made marijuana decriminalization part of his platform, I guarantee you he would have found 20,000 votes in Georgia and 100,000 in Pennsylvania and 100,000 in Wisconsin.”

Former Rep. Trey Radel (R-FL) tweeted, “Legalize it. Rehabilitation not incarceration. War on drugs destroys families and communities. CC:  @NORML”

Ohio Democratic congressional candidate Nina Turner tweeted, “It’s no coincidence the elected leaders who aided in Trump’s violent insurrection expect to face zero consequences. These are the same people who uphold a justice system where a kid arrested for smoking marijuana faces a lifetime criminal record. We must hold them accountable.”

/ STATES

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) tweeted, “It’s a new week, Virginia—and there are brighter days ahead. This week, we launch plans to:…✅Legalize marijuana, equitably…”

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said he is “optimistic” that he and lawmakers can work out differences over provisions in marijuana legalization enabling legislation concerning underage people. The Senate president said, of the governor, that the “ball’s in his court.”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) office is cohosting virtual convenings on  cannabis policy, equity and racial justice this month and next month.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) said she supports federal marijuana legalization (about 38:15 into the video).

Pennsylvania’s lieutenant governor tweeted about Oregon marijuana sales, saying, “Great. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania continues to criminalize you for life if you sip a little weed. Let me be clear:  It’s *not* like we need the cash, freedom, justice, jobs, our farmers, our veterans…”

Connecticut’s Senate president pro tempore said he wants to use marijuana tax revenue to help distressed communities. Meanwhile, the Senate Judiciary Committee chair said he expects the panel will take up legalizing cannabis this session.

Illinois lawmakers are considering legislation to change medical cannabis rules.

Ohio regulators are considering petitions to add new medical cannabis qualifying conditions.

Colorado regulators are moving ahead with plans to award a contract to develop a plan for a state Hemp Center of Excellence to MPG Consulting.

South Dakota lawmakers spoke about upcoming legislation addressing voter-approved marijuana legalization and medical cannabis ballot measures.

Nevada regulators are hosting a cannabis and vaping summit this week.

Vermont regulators issued new labeling standards for hemp seeds.

Rhode Island regulators posted redacted medical cannabis dispensary licenses applications it received.

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/ LOCAL

San Francisco, California regulators sent updates about policies on marijuana tours, events and background reviews.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte received an initial report on the nation’s bloody “war on drugs.”

UK regulators issued the country’s second license to cultivate medical cannabis.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study of the impact of marijuana use on liver transplants found “no statistical differences in post‐operative outcomes, including patient/graft survival and post‐LT complications in pre‐ or post‐LT users.”

A review concluded that “MDMA and/or MDMA-like molecules appear to be an effective pharmacological treatment for the social impairments of autism, at least in animal models.

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

Reverend Al Sharpton is calling on New York lawmakers to ensure equity in marijuana legalization legislation.

The Montana Wilderness Association and Montana Wildlife Federation are criticizing Gov. Greg Gianforte’s (R) budget that proposes moving marijuana tax revenue away from environmental conservation programs.

/ BUSINESS

GW Pharmaceuticals plc  reported $148 million in quarterly revenue.

Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. announced it completed a $50 million, three-year secured revolving credit facility.

KushCo Holdings, Inc. reported $26.8 million in quarterly revenue and a net loss of $4.5 million.

Data stolen from Aurora Cannabis in a hack is being offered for illegal sale.

The Securities and Exchange Commission issued a cease-and-desist order against India Globalization Capital over claims about a cannabis-based product to treat Alzheimer’s disease.

Organigram Holdings Inc. appointed a new board member.

Acreage Holdings, Inc. has a new board member.

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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.