GOP Congressional Committee Tries To Block Cannabis Rescheduling, Louisiana Gov. Drops Jail For Weed Paraphernalia, Hawai'i Gov's Expungement

Congressional Committee Wants To Prevent Cannabis Rescheduling

A Republican-controlled congressional committee presented a spending bill containing a provision to block cannabis rescheduling, writes Marijuana Moment.

The section in question would prevent the Department of Justice (DOJ) from using its funds to reschedule or deschedule cannabis. This comes about six weeks after President Biden announced cannabis is to be removed from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) followed by the DOJ's announcement that Attorney General Merrick Garland has formally initiated the rescheduling process with the submission of a legal review.

"SEC. 623. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to reschedule marijuana (as such term is defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802)) or to remove marijuana from the schedules established under section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812)," reads the section.

The provision would also amend a rider protecting medical marijuana states from federal interference, with new language allowing higher penalties for sales close to schools and parks.

USDA Funds Hemp Group Under Regional Ag Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)funded The National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC) with $740,000 under its Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced the funding that aims to boost American food and farm exports in promising international markets.

“We extend our gratitude to the USDA for recognizing the vital role of industrial hemp in global export markets,” stated NIHC president and CEO Patrick Atagi. “This funding is crucial for advancing the industry through NIHC's efforts to promote US hemp as a safe, high-quality and sustainable commodity used in various products, from clothing to building materials to fuels.”

Launched in October, the USDA's $1.2 billion RAPP program is designed to help U.S. exporters expand their reach beyond traditional markets. The focus is on regions with growing consumer demand and purchasing power, such as Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and South and Southeast Asia. NIHC is among 66 organizations receiving a share of the first $300 million allotment.

Louisiana Gov Nixes Jail Time For Cannabis Paraphernalia

Governor Jeff Landry (R) signed House Bill 165 into law this week eliminating jail time for the possession of cannabis-related paraphernalia, writes NORML.

Possession of marijuana paraphernalia is punishable by up to 15 days in jail and a $300 fine. Under the new law, first-time offenders face a $100 fine and second-time offenders are facing $500. The new law takes effect on August 1, 2024.

The bill comes on the heels of Landry's veto of a bill that would pardon individuals previously convicted of first-time marijuana possession offenses. Among other issues with the legislation, Gov. Landry thought of it as President Biden's invitation for a "no-consequences-for-criminals agenda."

Minnesota: 700 People Apply For Social Equity Cannabis Business License In 24 Hours  

In the first 24 hours of the social equity cannabis licensing program, more than 700 Minnesotans applied for pre-approval for adult-use cannabis business licenses, reported MPR News.

Minnesota regulators recently made dozens of changes to the state cannabis law, including adding all military veterans to its social equity program. Other individuals who are considered to be social equity applicants include people previously convicted of marijuana-related offenses or their family members and those who live in disadvantaged areas. Social equity licenses provide a head start.

Interim director of the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management, Charlene Briner, told the outlet that so many applicants suggest a "significant level of interest" in the industry. However, verification doesn't necessarily mean a license; it’s just the first step.

"And it doesn’t necessarily mean that all of the people who have entered the system and applied for that status will actually follow through and submit a full license. So that remains to be seen," Briner said. "But I think we’re excited about the high level of activity."

See Also: Cannabis Cultivation Could Begin This Year As Minnesota Governor Signs Numerous Changes To Current Law

Hawai’i Gov Signs Cannabis Expungements Legislation Into Law

Governor Josh Green (D) signed into law a cannabis expungement legislation, House Bill 1595, reported Marijuana Moment. The cannabis legislation would launch a single-county pilot program to expunge non-conviction cannabis arrest records in Hawaii County.

Another measure to establish a task force in charge of creating a broader expungement-focused bill is also expected to become law.

See Also: Hawaii Cannabis Decriminalization Bill Fails Amid Unified Legislative Opposition

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