Reason Foundation’s Drug Policy Newsletter, July 2018
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Drug Policy Newsletter

Reason Foundation’s Drug Policy Newsletter, July 2018

News & Opinion

President Trump suggested he would support ending the federal opposition to marijuana, giving states full authority to decide the issue for themselves without threat of a federal crackdown.

An ex-police chief from San Diego cited misleading statistics about dispensaries as part of larger anti-cannabis movement, falsely suggesting they were centers of violent and dangerous crime.

The future of cannabis delivery is uncertain as a maze of state and local regulations are creating uncertainty and unfairness in the industry.  

Banks are putting pressure on the federal government to allow cannabis businesses to bank legally with federally registered and insured banks.  

When cannabis becomes legal in Massachusetts in several weeks, cash purchases will be the only option.  

Florida topped its 100,000 patient mark to unlock more cannabis cultivation licenses, but the state refuses to issue them.  

A national coalition of mayors is starting a unique push to lobby the federal government for sensible legalization policies.  

Legislation, Regulation, and Markets

Maine Governor Paul LePage vetoed a bill that would have let citizens use cannabis for any medical reason.

California readopted onerous emergency regulations starting last month, sending cannabis businesses around the state into a frenzy of fire sales to unload product before regulations kick in.  

The New York state assembly voted to allow the use of medical marijuana to treat opioid addiction.  

A new Michigan law prevents doctors from prescribing any more than 7 days worth of opioids for patients with acute pain.   

Canada officially legalized recreational marijuana and will allow for delivery, mail order, and a legal buying age of 18.  

New York City further decriminalized marijuana by allowing officers to issue summonses and a $100 fine instead of arresting citizens caught with marijuana.

A Florida judge ridiculed the state administration, calling on them to produce more cannabis cultivation licenses.   

Vermont employers still retain the right to test their employees for marijuana after legalization.

Evidence

Chris Snowdon estimates that the illicit marijuana market in the United Kingdom was roughly £2.6 billion, and that a 10% tax would generate annual revenues of £495 million.

The Governors Highway Safety Association released a new report highlighting the dangers of drugged driving and the difficulties in enforcing laws.     

A new study suggests that men who take LSD are less likely to commit domestic abuse.