[author: Susan Ryan]
Welcome back to the Week in Weed, your Friday look at what’s happening in the world of legalized marijuana.
The Senate passed a marijuana research bill. Weedmaps went public. New Jersey worked on legalization legislation. Mexico stopped working on legalization. Ole Miss retained its cannabis monopoly. Arizona crafted marijuana rules. Lawmakers introduced a medical cannabis bill in South Carolina. CBD goes great with strawberries.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA RESEARCH
Never say never in 2020. Much to our surprise, the Senate passed a medical marijuana research bill this week. This is a different bill than the one the House recently passed. It’s a tight time frame to get legislation to the President’s desk, but who knows?
WEEDMAPS
Weedmaps announced a merger with Silver Spike Acquisition Corporation and a listing on the NASDAQ. The company is valued at $1.5 billion. Silver Spike’s stock price jumped on the news.
NEW JERSEY
The New Jersey Assembly and Senate plan to vote on legalization legislation. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D) is expected to sign the bill. 70% of tax revenues from cannabis sales will go to communities disproportionately affected by marijuana arrests.
MEXICO
Meanwhile, there’s yet another delay in Mexico’s move to legalize. According to Mexico’s President, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, small drafting errors are to blame. The new deadline is April 30, 2021, although one might be well-advised not to hold one’s breath on that.
OLE MISS
Speaking of research, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NDIA) proposed continuing the University of Mississippi’s monopoly on growing marijuana for research purposes. The NDIA believes that Old Miss is the only supplier who can meet their needs. Researchers who have filed suit to expand their supply options believe differently.
ARIZONA
As we all know, successful ballot initiatives are only the first step in legalizing cannabis. After Election Day, the rulemaking starts. Arizona’s Department of Health Services has let no grass grow under their feet! They announced draft rules on December 10, and the comment period ended yesterday.
SOUTH CAROLINA
South Carolina may be the next state to legalize medical marijuana. Senator Tom Davis (R-Beaufort) prefiled the South Carolina Compassionate Care Act earlier this week. Supporters believe the legislation could pass next year.
AND FINALLY
Who among us has not brought home delicious strawberries from the grocery store or farmer’s market, only to see them go bad before we have a chance to eat them? CBD oil to rescue! Put some of that elixir on your fruit and extend its shelf life.
Stay safe and be well everyone – we’ll be off next week, but will return on 1/1 with our Year in Weed post. Happy Holidays!
