Happy Monday as we come into the last week of April 2022. What a great month it was. There were some amazing events last week, I hope everyone had a great week. Now it is time to start getting ready for 710.

In the News this week:
At least 28 marijuana and drug reform bills are scheduled for committee hearings this week.

Top Thing to Know:

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) made a “promise” to marijuana activists that his federal legalization bill will actually be introduced by his most recently announced deadline.

North Dakota’s secretary of state and attorney general signed off on the language of a proposed marijuana legalization initiative—clearing activists to begin collecting signatures to place it on the November ballot.

A new poll found that a majority of Americans—including Republicans—support decriminalizing drugs. There’s also strong support for opening overdose prevention centers where people can consume controlled substances under medical supervision.

New Jersey mayors and state lawmakers are pushing back against an attorney general memo clarifying that police can use marijuana while off duty. But a federal law generally banning guns for cannabis consumers that the opponents are citing also has a little-known exception for government employees like cops.

A South Carolina representative filed a bill on 4/20 that would require the state to issue pardons for people with marijuana convictions annually on the unofficial cannabis holiday.

Staffers for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) will speak at a Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation event on April 28.

Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) tweeted, “Washington state cannabis businesses shouldn’t have to fear for their safety because of outdated banking laws. Let’s pass the #SAFEBankingAct and make sure these businesses don’t have to operate fully in cash.”

Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) tweeted that Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s (D) call to legalize marijuana and expunge convictions is a “great idea. I have a bill to legalize adult-use cannabis in every state.”

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) discussed the benefits of hemp with a construction contractor.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) declined to directly answer when asked if she still consumes marijuana. Primary challenger Katie Arrington is calling on her to take a drug test.

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) tweeted, “Great to see the growth in regenerative organic cannabis products. @SunAndEarthCert certified products will make a real difference for consumers who care about health + the environment, and help the farmers and manufacturers who are doing it right.”

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) spoke about the injustices of the war on drugs.

Pennsylvania Democratic Senate candidates discussed marijuana legalization at a debate.

Louisiana Democratic Senate candidate Gary Chambers said there aren’t enough black people who own or work for cannabis businesses.

Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) signed a bill allowing reimbursements to municipalities of up to $20,000 to cover the procedural costs of allowing recreational marijuana businesses.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) signed a bill allowing hemp cultivation sites to be larger.

Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) tweeted, “We’re thinking big in Nevada, and finding every way we can to support our students, families and economy through new, innovative revenue sources. There’s also no industry getting higher than cannabis, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon.”

Mississippi’s attorney general issued an opinion on municipalities’ ability to regulate medical cannabis businesses.

Oklahoma lawmakers sent Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) a bill to require medical cannabis cultivation license applicants to file a bond in an amount of no less than $25,000.

Kentucky’s Senate president pushed back on potential medical cannabis executive actions by Gov. Andy Beshear (D). Meanwhile, the representative who is sponsoring a stalled medical marijuana bill said he is worried the governor’s move could give patients false hope.

A New York senator filed a bill to add coverage of medical cannabis to public insurance programs.

Arizona lawmakers are considering legislation to strengthen marijuana testing rules.

Ohio House Democrats tweeted about the introduction of a new marijuana legalization bill based on a citizen-initiated measure.

Alabama regulators are opting not to ask lawmakers to give them more time to craft medical cannabis rules.

Washington State regulators are seeking applicants to serve on a psilocybin services workgroup.

Vermont regulators will discuss marijuana issues at a meeting on Monday.

A poll of U.S. adults found that 69 percent support legalizing marijuana, 58 percent say alcohol is more harmful than cannabis and 91 percent believe the war on drugs has not been successful in reducing drug use.

There is the news for the week to get started we will keep you updated as we go this week.

Thank You for watching this video by My Four Twenty Spot.

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