Talking Joints Memo’s Post

Some folks are excited about Biden's 'historic' nod to the cannabis community during the SOTU, and others about the SIII conversations and HHS recommendation. However, this all seems to be typical political maneuvering. Here are a few thoughts to consider: ❗Biden can and will make whatever campaign promises he wants until election day—and possibly beyond. Yet, he still may not move cannabis out of Schedule I. He has made grand symbolic gestures before with pardons; however, those lacked an expungement pathway, which would have made them more significant than mere lip service. ❗Rescheduling cannabis as Schedule III is an inaccurate designation, and we are setting ourselves up for disappointment if we compromise on accuracy. Otherwise, what is the meaning of the CSA but continued arbitrary designations? (I mean...right! That’s a different conversation. 😉) ❗The intoxicating semi-synthetic hemp market is more aligned with an FDA approach as they utilize isolates and single-compound therapy approaches.(not that 'marijuana' market doesnt) Rescheduling to Schedule III may not be necessary, as hemp is already legal. They need to pursue the pathway for approval, and I'm sure studies are underway. What are your thoughts on this? Is it a different perspective than mine? More positive or cynical? (FWIW I do have some political campaigning background that leads me to some of this considerations. Running for office myself and being part of several campaigns.)

Understanding Federal and State Laws in the Cannabis Industry

More Supreme Court Controversy in the News!!! The recent Supreme Court ruling in the Chevron case significantly impacts cannabis rescheduling efforts. This decision curtails the Chevron deference, a principle that previously allowed federal agencies like the DEA considerable latitude in interpreting laws relevant to their regulations. Now, the burden shifts squarely to Congress to update these laws. This ruling accentuates the critical need for direct legislative action to recognize the cannabis market’s potential and to ensure laws reflect the overwhelming public support for cannabis reform. We must champion legislative changes that align with scientific evidence and public sentiment, continuing the fight to shift perceptions and update outdated statutes. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gC4rKB5c #SupremeCourt #CannabisRescheduling #ChevronRuling #DEA #CannabisReform

Shocking, though I don't know why I'm shocked, news from Scott Van Voorhis about the Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General reaching out urgently to the Massachusetts Legislature to place the Cannabis Control Commission in receivership. From the IG's letter: "The OIG urges the legislative leadership to take immediate action to statutorily authorize the appointment of, and appoint, a receiver with the authority to manage the day-to-day operations of the CCC. The receiver should be expressly authorized (1) to carry out the daily administrative functions of the CCC and (2) to carry out said functions notwithstanding any assertion of authority by the chair, acting chair, or commissioners under Chapter 76." The #cannabisindustry in Massachusetts is out of its infancy and as such it needs a regulatory agency with the bandwidth, infrastructure, and expertise to oversee it. As personalities and intra-agency power struggles suck all the oxygen out of the air, critical issues are left unaddressed. (product testing, delivery regulations, synthetic cannabis) The cannabis industry is complex, hypercompetitive, and volatile. Creating a stable industry and surpassing the unregulated market requires clear leadership, institutional transparency, and reliable, consistent regulatory practices. We haven't seen that of late from the CCC. Receivership might not be the only fix, but it's clear that something drastic needs to change soon. #cannabispolicy #regulatorypolicy #drugreform #cannabis https://lnkd.in/epH5BTBy

Indiana - The Hoosier State 🏀 State Motto: The crossroads of America 🛣️ ⚕️Medical Cannabis Status: Prohibited🚫 🌱Adult Use Cannabis Status: Prohibited🚫 📜Latest Legislation: House Bill 1349 🗞️Legislation Status: Died in House, March 2024 HB1349, which never made it out of committee and died as of March 14th, sought to decriminalize small amounts of cannabis up to 2 ounces. Possessing two to four ounces would have been a Class B misdemeanor, and more than four ounces a felony. Currently, possession of less than 30 grams (1.1 oz) of cannabis is a Class B misdemeanor, and any more than that is a lower-level felony. While Governor Eric Holcomb and state Attorney General Todd Rokita have publicly opposed legalizing cannabis, both the Democratic and Republican candidates for governor, Jennifer McCormick and Senator Mike Braun respectively, have publicly supported cannabis legalization (though Sen. Braun has not made cannabis legalization a part of his election campaign). Meanwhile McCormick has created a comprehensive plan for adult use cannabis in Indiana called the Commonsense Cannabis Legalization Plan. 🖥️ Visit https://lnkd.in/e_6waFew to read more about the McCormick-Goodin plan. 🗳️And don’t forget to vote! #freetheplant #indiana #hoosierstate #indianalaw #indianacannabislaw #cannabislaw #cannabislegislation #cannabisdecriminalization #patientaccess #patientadvocacy #commonsensecannabislegalizationplan

🌿 Breaking News: Senate Leaders Lead Reintroduction of Historic Cannabis Legislation 🌿 Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, along with Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden and Senator Cory Booker, announced the reintroduction of the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA) today in Washington, D.C. The CAOA aims to: 🔹 End federal cannabis prohibition 🔹 Empower states to shape their own cannabis laws 🔹 Prioritize public health, safety, and restorative justice This landmark legislation reflects the growing momentum to reform outdated policies and address the injustices of the War on Drugs. With 70% of Americans supporting cannabis legalization, the CAOA represents a significant step forward. Join the movement toward a fairer, safer cannabis industry. Learn more about the CAOA and its potential impact: https://bit.ly/4bnCk0J. #CannabisReform #CAOA #LegalizeIt #NCIALobbyDays

Upcoming Webinar: 10 April | 12 - 1 PM ET Together with the EMC, our speakers will explore the latest developments and evolving landscape in federal cannabis policy. Register here: https://ow.ly/uQhr50R1cm4 #Cannabis #Policy #Regulatory

Upcoming Webinar: 10 April | 12 - 1 PM ET Together with the EMC, our speakers will explore the latest developments and evolving landscape in federal cannabis policy. Register here: https://ow.ly/uQhr50R1cm4 #Cannabis #Policy #Regulatory

Freshly home from MJ Unpacked (will post later), in time for the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission meeting. They are currently in Executive Session, slated to return shortly before noon. 1. Roll call 2. Executive Session 3. Approval of prior meeting minutes 4. Chair's report 5. Executive Director's report 6. Committee reports 7. Consideration of Rule waivers and advisory notices on regulatory policy a. N.J.A.C. 17:30-7.14: Annual cannabis business license acceptance; inspection; issuance; commencement of operations 8. Consideration of Revisions to 2019 Request for Applications for ATCs 9. Consideration of applications for permit or license changes a. Name changes b. Ownership changes 10. Consideration of adult-use (recreational) cannabis business applications a. Conditional licenses b. Conditional-to-annual conversions c. Annual licenses d. ATC expansions e. Annual license renewals (REMOVED FROM AGENDA) (11. Cases, Claims, and Petitions a. ATC employee ID cards) 12. Consideration of enforcement actions a. NOV-45-24 13. Public comment 14. Adjournment #cannabis #cannabislaw #regulations #licenses #publicmeetings #enforcement #conditionals #annuals #conversions #cultivation #manufacturing #dispensaries #legalizeit

Indiana - The Hoosier State 🏀 State Motto: The crossroads of America 🛣️ ⚕️Medical Cannabis Status: Prohibited🚫 🌱Adult Use Cannabis Status: Prohibited🚫 📜Latest Legislation: House Bill 1349 🗞️Legislation Status: Died in House, March 2024 HB1349, which never made it out of committee and died as of March 14th, sought to decriminalize small amounts of cannabis up to 2 ounces. Possessing two to four ounces would have been a Class B misdemeanor, and more than four ounces a felony. Currently, possession of less than 30 grams (1.1 oz) of cannabis is a Class B misdemeanor, and any more than that is a lower-level felony. While Governor Eric Holcomb and state Attorney General Todd Rokita have publicly opposed legalizing cannabis, both the Democratic and Republican candidates for governor, Jennifer McCormick and Senator Mike Braun respectively, have publicly supported cannabis legalization (though Sen. Braun has not made cannabis legalization a part of his election campaign). Meanwhile McCormick has created a comprehensive plan for adult use cannabis in Indiana called the Commonsense Cannabis Legalization Plan. 🖥️ Visit https://lnkd.in/e_6waFew to read more about the McCormick-Goodin plan. 🗳️And don’t forget to vote! #freetheplant #indiana #hoosierstate #indianalaw #indianacannabislaw #cannabislaw #cannabislegislation #cannabisdecriminalization #patientaccess #patientadvocacy #commonsensecannabislegalizationplan