VETERAN ACCESS
More cannabis reform amendments to the NDAA filed by bipartisan lawmakers
Congressional lawmakers filed amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act that would both protect veterans who use cannabis who seek employment with federal bodies and would allow Veterans Affairs (VA) doctors to authorize medical cannabis use, per Marijuana Moment.
They follow two amendments that were already filed:
- That the Military Justice Review Panel develop guidelines around sentencing for cannabis possession and consumption offenses under the military code
- And that the Department of Defense research medical cannabis as an alternative to opioids
The Rules Committee will have to approve individual amendments before they’re considered by the House.
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BIDEN RESPONDS
Biden lends support for Brittney Griner
A day after Brittney Griner’s wife Cherelle expressed concern that the President’s office wasn’t “doing anything” to help free the WNBA player from Russia, Biden contacted the Griner family and read the letter response he was sending to the basketball star, per CBC.
“The President called Cherelle to reassure her that he is working to secure Brittney’s release as soon as possible, as well as the release of Paul Whelan and other U.S. nationals who are wrongfully detained or held hostage in Russia and around the world,” said the White House said in a statement.
Biden said the family would receive “all possible assistance” while his administration works for Griner’s release, whose trial for cannabis possession continues Thursday.
SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY?
Trulieve’s visit and donation to Pennsylvania local police station raises eyebrows
A screenshot of a now-deleted Instagram post by Trulieve Pennsylvania is making the rounds on Twitter, which shows representatives of Trulieve and PurePenn visiting the McKeesport Police Department to meet its narcotics-sniffing dog, Tru.
“Trulieve and our leadership team donated funds to bring Tru to McKeesport,” reads the caption. Many tweeted disappointment, outrage and wonder at why a cannabis company would support narcotics officers, particularly when cannabis is still federally prohibited.
“Boycott @TrulievePA,” tweeted one account. “I won’t support a company that supports the ENEMY! Responsible for years of trauma and senseless drug arrests! How many cannabis arrests will @TrulievePA be responsible for now!?!”
CANNABIS ON CAMPUS
Burb’s UBC store could be the first approved by a major university
Vancouver-based Burb has received approval to open the first cannabis store on campus at a major university, per a press release.
There was significant pushback to the store proposal.
“This was a big victory for us after a contentious debate around public safety and community fit,” said CEO and co-founder John Kaye in a statement. “Despite concerns grounded in age-old stigma from nearby residents, many of whom were off-shore residential owners, the Board made an informed decision that aligned with the overwhelming voice of the student body as well as the tenets of legalization in our country. We’re beyond excited to bring Burb to campus and provide safe access to students and residents this fall.”
