Former congressional cannabis leader “concerned” about lack of progress (Newsletter: July 8, 2025)

*Fed judge upholds marijuana user gun ban; SEAL who killed bin Laden talks
psychedelics; Study: What gives cannabis strains their smell and flavor?*

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*/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW*

Former Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), who co-founded the Congressional
Cannabis Caucus, told Marijuana Moment he’s “deeply concerned” with the
lack of progress on the issue under the Trump administration.

- “They need to have somebody take control and move, and I don’t see any
evidence for that… It’s not a priority for anybody.”

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit from a Pennsylvania prosecutor who uses
medical cannabis and sought to challenge the ban on gun rights for
marijuana consumers.

Former Navy SEAL Rob O’Neill, who is credited with killing Osama bin Laden,
spoke about how psychedelic therapy helps him deal with PTSD.

- “The alcohol doesn’t help but the psychedelics do. And that’s why
they’re not legal here: because it works… It gets in your brain. It shows
you stuff. And it kind of cleans out the closet.”

A new scientific review examines how the aroma and flavor of marijuana
varieties “arise from a complex interplay of genetic, biochemical, and
environmental factors, with terpenes, flavonoids, and other volatile
compounds playing central roles.”

- “The aroma and flavor of C. sativa L. are defining features that
contribute to its identity, appeal, and potential therapeutic effects.”

A new study shows that more than a third of California adults are current
marijuana consumers—and that “most users obtained cannabis from licensed
dispensaries…and reported mental, emotional, and physical health benefits.”

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) announced a search for a new site for what is
planned to be the nation’s first state-owned cannabis incubator following
community pushback against the initial location selection.

*/ FEDERAL*

The Drug Enforcement Administration Museum posted a video about a copy of a
1977 New York Times Magazine issue with an article about a drug kingpin
known as “Mr. Untouchable” that’s in its collection.

Former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) spoke about her advocacy for psychedelics
policy reform.

*/ STATES*

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) touted seizures of marijuana and other
drugs under the Operation Bold Blue Line initiative.

Kentucky regulators are being sued over the medical cannabis business
licensing process.

Massachusetts regulators are facing a forthcoming lawsuit from a marijuana
testing facility whose license was suspended.

Utah regulators filed changes to hemp product processing rules.

Colorado Legislative Council Staff published an overview of marijuana
legislation considered this session.

Oregon regulators published guidance on medical cannabis cultivation
reporting and tracking requirements.

The New York Office of Cannabis Management has a new chief medical officer
and a new chief equity officer.

New Jersey regulators published tips on understanding cannabis product
certificates of analysis.

California regulators highlighted what they say is “good news” from the
state budget amidst a marijuana tax increase.

The Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency touted the election of its
executive director to the board of the Cannabis Regulators Association.


*— Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug
policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon
supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps,
charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.*


*Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on
Patreon to get access. —*

*/ LOCAL*

The Phoenix, Arizona City Council is recommending that a cannabis company’s
application for a liquor license be denied.

*/ INTERNATIONAL*

A member of a London, England drugs commission that recommended
decriminalizing cannabis said that cocaine should also be decriminalized.

*/ SCIENCE & HEALTH*

A study indicated “possible anxiolytic effects of CBD on feline fear
responses to a fear response test.”

A review concluded that “given the staggering economic toll of the opioid
epidemic and the limitations of existing treatments, psilocybin represents
a high-impact, cost-effective alternative worthy of rigorous investment and
policy support.”

*/ BUSINESS*

Filament Health Corp. announced that the Food and Drug Administration
authorized a phase 2 clinical trial studying its psilocybin drug candidate
for the treatment of alcohol use disorder and post-traumatic stress
disorder in military veterans and first responders.

*/ CULTURE*

Football player KaVonte Turpin was arrested in Allen, Texas on marijuana
and gun charges.

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The post Former congressional cannabis leader “concerned” about lack of
progress (Newsletter: July 8, 2025) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.