House Bills 360 and 211 Approved: Legalizing Cannabis Use for Persons 21 and Over
Today, February 14th 2023, the bill to legalize cannabis for adults ages 21 and up has been approved by House committees. This bill, Senate Bill 211, legalizes the adult use of cannabis by removing marijuana as a Schedule I drug from the state’s criminal code, and provides oversight regulating its cultivation, sale, and product labeling.
House Bill 360, approved by another Minnesota House committee, also legalizes the possession and use of cannabis for persons over the age of 21 by striking most references to cannabis (marijuana) in the state’s Controlled Drugs Act.
These measures come nearly a year after the state legalized marijuana for adults 21 and older, and the opening of the first cannabis dispensary in New York City. Those interested in keeping up with the latest cannabis news can subscribe to Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch in their inbox every weekday morning.[0]
Though these bills legalize marijuana in the state, regulations still exist. Employers would still be able to maintain their drug-free workplace policies and certain jobs are excluded from the bill, including those in the airline and aerospace industries or requiring a federal background investigation or security clearance.[1]
Additionally, a study presented at The Pregnancy Meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine found a link between early pregnancy use of exogenous cannabis and placentally mediated adverse pregnancy outcomes.[2]
Vermont cannabis regulators are also currently investigating links between Curaleaf, a multi-state cannabis operator, and Roman Abramovich, a Russian oligarch, who allegedly invested $130 million and provided $194 million in loans to US cannabis firms between 2016 and 2018.[3]
It is important to stay informed of the changing regulations and news in the cannabis industry. With these updates, we can ensure that cannabis is being used responsibly and safely.
0. “New Biden exec order touts cannabis actions (Newsletter: February …” www.marijuanamoment.net, 23 Feb. 2023, https://www.marijuanamoment.net/new-biden-exec-order-touts-cannabis-actions-newsletter-february-20-2023/
1. “State senate passes bill that would ban pre-employment cannabis …” mynorthwest.com, 23 Feb. 2023, https://mynorthwest.com/3838085/state-senate-bill-ban-pre-employment-cannabis-tests/
2. “Early Pregnancy Cannabis Exposure Tied to Adverse Pregnancy …” www.channel3000.com, 23 Feb. 2023, https://www.channel3000.com/news/health/early-pregnancy-cannabis-exposure-tied-to-adverse-pregnancy-outcomes/article_529be2a0-82ae-5254-97a7-13cd85f74f2a.html
3. “Vermont Cannabis Regulators Investigating Curaleaf's Ties to …” www.ganjapreneur.com, 23 Feb. 2023, https://www.ganjapreneur.com/vermont-cannabis-regulators-investigating-curaleafs-ties-to-russian-oligarch/
