[author: Susan Ryan]

Welcome back to The Week in Weed, your Friday look at what’s happening in the world of legalized marijuana. This week, North Carolina considers a medical marijuana bill. Pennsylvania makes noises about legalizing adult-use. Several Attorneys General and former DEA heads request an administrative hearing on rescheduling. And finally, the Portland Pickles are selling THC seltzer.

NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina currently does not allow the use of marijuana, whether for medical or recreational reasons. It does allow the use of low THC cannabis extracts when a physician has recommended them. As we’ve reported, the Eastern Band of Cherokee are selling medical marijuana now, and are discussing selling adult-use cannabis. The North Carolina Senate passed a bill earlier this week that would legalize medical marijuana in the state. If that seems like earth-shattering news, keep in mind this is the third time they’ve done so. The hold-up has been in the House, where Speaker Tim Moore (R) has refused to bring up the measure, due to lack of Republican support. So this is yet another case of “three strikes and you’re out” or “third time’s the charm.” Further bulletins as events warrant.

PENNSYLVANIA

As we’ve reported before, Pennsylvania is largely surrounded by jurisdictions that have legalized cannabis for adult-use. Supporters of legalization in the state legislature would like to join their neighbors, especially as a retail market in Ohio is on the verge of opening. And legalization could come quickly, as a bi-partisan group of lawmakers from both chambers sees only minor differences in the Senate and House versions of a legalization bill. One idea that seems to be off the table is a state-run market. Stay tuned!

RESCHEDULING HEARING

Several Attorneys General have sent a letter to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), asking for an administrative hearing on rescheduling. Several former DEA heads have sent a similar letter. And Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), an anti-legalization group, would like to extend the comment period beyond the original 60-day window. Note: as of this blogging, almost 26,000 comments have been received, and the deadline for comments isn’t until July 22.

AND FINALLY

If you’d like some seltzer with an extra kick while watching minor league baseball, head out to Portland, OR. The Portland Pickles, a collegiate summer league team, has announced that they will be selling hemp-derived THC seltzer at their games. BTW, their mascot is a giant pickle in a baseball uniform, so what’s not to like?

We’ll be off next week – have a great Fourth of July and we’ll see you again on July 12.