Jun 05 2023

Rhode Island Bill to Legalize Psilocybin Possession and Cultivation Scheduled for Committee Consideration

Legislation that would legalize the possession of up to an ounce of psilocybin – the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms – has been scheduled for consideration tomorrow in the House Judiciary Committee.

Psilocybin mushrooms.

Psilocybin mushrooms.

House Bill 5923 would allow those 21 and older to possess and grow up to 28.35 grams (one ounce) of psilocybin for personal use.

The bipartisan proposal was filed by State Representative Brandon Potter in March along with eight cosponsors. The measure was assigned to the House Judiciary Committee, with the committee recommending on March 9 that it be “held for further study”. Now, three months later, the committee is scheduled to consider and potentially vote on the measure during tomorrow’s (June 6) meeting.
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Jun 05 2023

New York Senate Passes Bill Allowing Tax Deductions for Marijuana Businesses

Just three days after its introduction a New York bill to allow marijuana businesses to take standard state tax deductions has been passed by the full Senate.

Senate Bill 7508, filed by Senator Luis Sepulveda, has now been sent to the state Assembly. Passage in the Assembly would put the measure before Governor Kathy Hochul.

If passed into law, SB 7508 would alter the state’s existing tax code to allow marijuana businesses to take deductions for an amount equal to the deductions that were disallowed under Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code for the taxable year. Section 280E explicitly disallows businesses that are illegal under federal law, even if they’re legal under state law, from taking standard tax deductions.
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Jun 05 2023

Arkansas: $23.9 Million in Medical Marijuana Sold in April, $94 Million Year-to-Date

Medical marijuana sales in Arkansas were just shy of $24 million in April, according to data released by the Department of Finance and Administration.

The $23.9 million worth of medical marijuana and medical marijuana products sold in April brings the year-to-date total to almost $100 million at $94 million. This is virtually to the same as the $94 million sold at this point in time last year.

“On average, patients are spending $787,000 a day at the state’s 38 dispensaries,” says Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) spokesperson Scott Hardin. “If this continues, 2023 sales will surpass the $276 million spent in 2022.”
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Jun 05 2023

Arkansas Bill Establishing Gun Rights for Medical Marijuana Patients Becomes Law

Arkansas legislation that codifies gun rights for medical marijuana patients has become law.

House Bill 1784 amends Arkansas’ gun laws to explicitly establish legal rights for medical marijuana patients. The measure was passed through the full Senate by a vote of 26 to 3, and was passed by the House of Representatives 82 to 5. The legislation has now been signed into law by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

House Bill 1784 alters Arkansas’ laws related to concealed carry licenses to state that officials “shall not consider a person’s status as a qualifying patient or designated caregiver under the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2016, Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 98, § 2, in determining whether an applicant is eligible to be issued a license to carry a concealed handgun under this subchapter.”
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Jun 05 2023

Louisiana Marijuana Expungement Bill Passed by Legislature, Sent to Governor

Louisiana’s full legislature has passed legislation that would allow for the quick expungement (removal from records) of convictions related to marijuana possession.

Louisiana’s Senate voted yesterday to pass House Bill 286, less than two weeks after it was passed by the House of Representatives in a 69 to 30 vote. Given it was passed by the Senate sans amendments, the proposal will now be sent to Governor John Bel Edwards for consideration.

If signed into law or allowed to become law without a signature, House Bill 286 would allow those with a misdemeanor conviction for marijuana possession to file a motion to expunge the charge 90 days following their conviction. First-time offenders would be exempt from processing fees.
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Jun 05 2023

Illinois: $132 Million in Legal Marijuana Sold in May, Year-to-Date Total Almost $650 Million

According to data released by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, the state sold over $130 million worth of legal marijuana and marijuana products in May

In May, there was $132,777,299.46 in legal marijuana purchased in Illinois. Of this, $100 million was purchased by those living in Illinois, with the remaining $32.7 million sold to out-of-state residents. This brings the year-to-date total to $647,984,773, putting the state on track to top well more than $1 billion for 2023.

The $132 million sold in May is a slight increase from the $131 million sold in April, but a slight decrease from the $134 million sold in March.
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Jun 05 2023

Study: Marijuana Use Associated With Lower Risk of Liver Steatosis (aka Fatty Liver Disease)

According to a new study published by the journal PLOS One, adults with a history of marijuana use are less likely than non-users to be diagnosed with liver steatosis (aka fatty liver disease).

The study “aimed to assess the association between marijuana use and liver steatosis and fibrosis in the general United States population utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

For the study a total of 2622 participants were included. The proportions of never marijuana users, past users, and current users were 45.9%, 35.0%, and 19.1%, respectively.
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Jun 05 2023

Poll: 70% in Louisiana Support Ending Marijuana Prohibition

An overwhelming majority of adults in Louisiana support ending the state’s prohibition on recreational marijuana, according to new polling.

According to the poll, conducted by the Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs at Louisiana State University, 70% of respondents say they support ending the prohibition on possessing “small amounts” of marijuana. This marks an almost 30% increase from the 42% support the move had in 2013.

When it comes to medical marijuana, support is even higher, with 90% of Louisiana adults saying they support legal medical marijuana
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Jun 02 2023

New York Bill Would Allow Marijuana Businesses to Take Tax Deductions

Legislation filed today in the New York Senate would allow marijuana businesses that are legal under state law to take tax deductions that they otherwise would be able to take if they weren’t considered to be federally illegal entities.

New York Senate Bill 7508 would alter the state’s existing tax code to allow marijuana businesses to take deductions for an amount equal to the deductions that were disallowed under Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code for the taxable year. Section 280E explicitly disallows businesses that are illegal under federal law, even if they’re legal under state law, from taking standard tax deductions.

Senate Bill 7508 was filed by Senator Luis Sepulveda, and has been referred to the Senate Rules Committee.
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Jun 01 2023

California Assembly Passes Bill to Allow Marijuana Cafes

California’s full Assembly has voted to pass legislation that allows marijuana consumption lounges/cafes that can serve freshly made food and beverages (including marijuana-infused products) and host live events.

California’s Assembly voted 64 to 9 to pass Assembly Bill 374, filed by Assembly Member Matt Haney. The proposal now goes to the Senate for consideration.

“Cannabis cafes in the Netherlands capitalize on the social experience of cannabis by offering coffee, food, and live music, all of those opportunities are currently illegal under California law,” said Haney in a press release. “AB 374 will allow struggling cannabis businesses to diversity away from the marijuana-only ‘dispensary’ model and bring much needed tourist dollars into empty downtowns.”
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