Biden Admin Official Denies Cannabis Shift Rumors, Gen-Zers Say They Can Drive Stoned, FLA Caps Weed Strength & More Updates

Biden Administration Official Denies Rumor That DEA Is Rescheduling Cannabis Anytime Soon 

Adrian Snead, a partner in the Washington, D.C. office and member of the firm’s Government & Regulatory Affairs and Litigation Practice Groups, who also worked with SAFER Banking sponsor Sen. Jeff Merkley speculated that the big marijuana news is coming this week from the White House. 

Shortly after the wave of optimism embraced the industry, Marijuana Moment reached out to a Biden administration official who said they'd "wave off" the speculation of cannabis rescheduling. 

Illinois: General Assembly Committee Adopts New Craft Cannabis Grow Rules 

The Illinois General Assembly Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) recently adopted an amendment to the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, effective Jan. 22, reported Illinois New Joint. The adopted change would enable the creation of "a process through which craft cannabis growers may apply to DOA (Illinois Department of Agriculture) to increase canopy space in increments of 3,000 square feet up to the maximum allowed under the Act for craft growers (changed since 1st Notice from a maximum of 14,000 square feet)."

Furthermore, Illinois lawmakers tried for the third time to amend the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act by removing requirements for a physical medical marijuana examination for those applying for a medical card and registered cardholders in the Medical Cannabis Program. Senate Bill 3099 was introduced by Senator Laura Fine (D) on Feb. 2, and the bill was referred to Assignments that same day.

Florida: Senate Committee Approves Bill Capping THC In Recreational Weed Products 

The Senate Health Policy Committee approved the legislation, SB 7050, which would cap THC in smokable marijuana at 30%, place caps of 60% on other products like pre-filled vape cartridges, and limit marijuana edibles to 15mg of THC per single-serving portion, reported NBC Miami. 

Committee Chair Colleen Burton (R) said the proposed rules would only apply to recreational cannabis products and not medical marijuana, should the legalization initiative reach the ballot in November 2024, and pass. 

"This is setting the stage and recognizing that should the amendment pass … that we will continue to have a medical-marijuana market and we will have a personal-use (recreational) market," Burton said before the Republican-controlled committee approved the bill.

The House Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee last week approved a similar measure (HB 1269), sponsored by Ralph Massullo (R) that does not contain the potency variance for edibles.

Colorado: 37% Of Gen Zs Say They Can Drive Safely While High 

Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) recently researched how the attitudes and behaviors of the Gen Z generation differ from others when it comes to driving under the influence of marijuana. Gen-Z is the first generation of Coloradans who have grown up in a state with legal weed for adults.

The survey of nearly 1,000 Colorado drivers revealed 18–24-year-olds consume cannabis more than twice as often as the average driver (seven times per month vs. three times per month), and Gen Z was also more than twice as likely to report driving high in the last 30 days, writes CDOT. 

37% of Gen Zers who took part in the survey said they can safely drive high, compared to 17% of those ages 25-34 who also agree with this statement. 

"Reaching our most at-risk Coloradans can be difficult," said Sam Cole, CDOT safety communications manager. "Young consumers are cord-cutters, they consume news and information differently than before — but they're not the only people we need to reach. There are many people across all demographics, age groups, socioeconomic statuses, and locations that we still need to convince that driving high is dangerous and illegal."

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