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FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb to Resign Next Month, Georgia House Passes Bill Allowing Medical Cannabis Oil Sales: Week in Review

An administration official said Gottlieb’s departure has been in the works for several months.

Cannabis Adobe Stock Credit Stephen Canino Resized
Top photo: © Stephen Canino | Adobe Stock

This week, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) official confirmed that Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb will resign next month, which leaves uncertainty around the agency’s planned CBD policy hearings. Elsewhere, in Georgia, the House approved a bill that would allow medical marijuana oil to be sold to registered patients, giving them a legal way to obtain a drug that they’re already allowed to use.

Here, we’ve rounded up the 10 headlines you need to know before this week is over.

  • Federal: Dr. Scott Gottlieb, commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is leaving the agency next month, an administration official familiar with the situation confirmed March 5. The official said this has been in the works for several months. Read more
  • Hawaii: A legalization bill that made it farther in the legislative process than previous efforts died March 1 when lawmakers failed to consider it in time for a deadline. Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English has introduced marijuana legalization bills for the past 15 years—but Hawaii has a track record of moving slowly on social issues. Read more
  • Although adult-use legalization did not become a reality this year, Hawaii’s medical program expanded when the Department of Health unveiled the process by which out-of-state medical marijuana patients will be able to register for medical cannabis while visiting Hawaii. Qualifying medical marijuana patients from the mainland are now able to register online for a temporary card allowing them to purchase medical cannabis products while visiting the state. Read more
  • Virginia: A spokesperson says Gov. Ralph Northam is in the process of reviewing a series of medical cannabis bills that advocates say expand access for Virginians. One measure would allow school nurses to give medical cannabis to students with doctor’s approval. Read more
  • New Mexico: The New Mexico Department of Health filed an emergency rule on March 1, temporarily raising the medical cannabis plant count limit to 2,500 plants per producer. The temporary limit will expire in 180 days on Aug. 28, 2019, and the state and the cannabis industry will collaborate to determine a proper regulation that will provide an adequate supply for current and future medical cannabis patients statewide. Read more
  • Oklahoma: Medical marijuana sales are continuing to climb in Oklahoma, topping more than $7.2 million in the month of February. State law requires that revenue from the tax on medical marijuana be used to fund the state regulatory office, and any surplus is to be divided with 75 percent going to the state's general fund and 25 percent for drug and alcohol treatment. Read more
  • Florida: With Gov. Ron DeSantis wanting lawmakers to act by March 15, the Senate has taken up a bill that would allow patients to smoke medical marijuana in Florida. SB 182, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) was to be among the first bills the Senate considered during its first full floor session March 7. Read more
  • Colorado: A bill that opens the door for out-of-state investors and private equity firms to wade into Colorado’s heavily regulated marijuana business waters passed its first lawmaking hurdle March 4. The Colorado House Finance Committee unanimously approved House Bill 1090, titled “Publicly Traded Marijuana Companies,” with a handful of amendments, referring it to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Read more
  • Arkansas: Arkansas is requiring facilities to test medical marijuana for pesticides, THC and CBD levels, and traces of heavy metal. Steep Hill Arkansas will be responsible for testing the products. Read more
  • Georgia: The Georgia House approved a bill Tuesday that would allow medical marijuana oil to be sold to registered patients, giving them a legal way to obtain a drug that they’re already allowed to use. The legislation, which passed on a 123-40 vote, would permit medical marijuana growing, manufacturing, testing and distribution. Read more
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