Measure Moves Through U.S. House & Senate That Would Change the Way Government Researches Cannabis

Cannabis News Update June 22, 2021 Today in cannabis news: The Maine state House of Representatives passes a measure to decriminalize possession of all existing illegal substances; the U.S. Senators and sponsors of the SAFE Banking Act publicly call on a crucial committee chairperson to bring the measure up for a vote; and a measure moves through the U.S. House and Senate that would allow scientists to analyze cannabis from state-authorized stores rather than cannabis exclusively provided by the federal government. The Morning Buzz presented by TRICHOMES brings you late-breaking news that tells you what's happening within the cannabis industry. Check in with the cannabis community at TRICHOMES.com ** First up: On the 50th anniversary of President Richard Nixon's announcement of the War on Drugs, the Maine state House of Representatives has passed a measure to decriminalize possession of all existing illegal substances, handing a win to reformation activists. The measure, LD 967, was passed by the House by a vote of 77-62. It would render the penalty for individual possession of illicit drugs to a $100 ticket rather than jail time. If an individual finishes a substance abuse evaluation inside 45 days of being fined, the penalty may be remitted. The measure's sponsor, Rep. Anne Perry (D), claims that arresting addicts “only proves to them that they are as bad as they think they are” and reinforces the pattern of drug abuse. “Law enforcement is not the gateway to treatment and recovery. It's a gateway to isolation and suicide.” The measure's passing is in direct opposition to Gov. Janet Mills' (D) office, as well as the Maine attorney general. With Republican lawmakers opposing the measure, it faces several challenges to become law. ** Next up: The architects of a U.S. Senate measure that would safeguard banks that provide service to state-authorized cannabis firms from federal regulatory authorities are openly pressing a crucial committee chairperson to bring the measure up for a vote. Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Steve Daines (R-MT) advocated a review of the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act in a statement to Senate Banking Committee Chairman Sherrod Brown (D-OH), stating that it would assist in solving an immediate public health and safety matter. The statement, which arrives three months following the measure's relaunch, is noteworthy in that the backers felt compelled to make their petition public, perhaps implying that Sen. Brown has been resistant to traditional, private appeals from peers. Brown originally stated that they wish to link cannabis banking policy to imprisonment reforms, although they have subsequently stated that they aren't committed to that strategy. They also revealed that they're in discussions with Senate leaders about possibly incorporating the banking measure into a larger cannabis legalization bill that's currently being prepared. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), who is spearheading the upcoming measure, says the Senate should not move forward with the SAFE Banking Act until enacting a thorough social equity policy. ** Last up: Under a measure currently pending in both the U.S. Senate and House, scientists would be permitted to analyze cannabis purchased from state-authorized stores rather than needing to exclusively use cannabis provided by the federal government. A federal study would have to be delivered with suggestions on constructing a nationwide clearinghouse with specimens of various forms of cannabis that researchers from non-legal states may acquire for analyses under the measure, which is included in a broad Senate proposal that has recently gained committee approval. The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee's action occurred just a week following a House panel passing a transportation proposal with nearly equivalent measures. Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) proposed the amendment including these measures, arguing that they are vital to enhance impaired driving studies and establish a nationwide policy for dealing with such behavior. Hickenlooper's amendment was adopted by the Senate committee as part of a comprehensive series of revisions to a transportation-related measure that received unanimous approval.