Guns and cannabis in the US - not so fast

REGULATIONS
Guns and cannabis in the US - not so fast

Driving the news: A growing conflict is emerging in the U.S. between (the few) federal gun laws and (the many) state medical cannabis programs. Federal forms for gun transactions ask about unlawful drug use, including cannabis. This legal discrepancy forces some individuals to choose between their right to bear arms and their need for medical cannabis. The New York Times took a deeper look. 

Why it matters: The clash between federal gun laws and state cannabis programs highlight a significant legal and social issue. The situation raises questions about constitutional rights, as those using medical cannabis for conditions like chronic pain, PTSD, and multiple sclerosis are impeded from exercising their Second Amendment rights due to federal restrictions on drug users owning guns.

What's next: The legal battle over this issue is gaining momentum. Recent court rulings, influenced by a U.S. Supreme Court decision on gun laws, suggest a shift. Federal judges in Oklahoma and Texas, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, have found that blocking cannabis users from possessing firearms violates their Second Amendment rights.

And as any US political observer can tell you, Second Amendment rights generally rule the day.

CHALLENGING BIDEN
Democratic challenger doesn’t really think Biden should smoke out

WTF?: Minnesota Representative Dean Phillips, a 2024 Democratic presidential candidate, recently clarified his earlier suggestion that President Joe Biden should start smoking cannabis. Originally uttered at a New Hampshire campaign event, Phillips’ comment was intended as a tongue-in-cheek remark - apparently. He has now clarified that he did not mean it literally, stating he wouldn't actually recommend Biden start using cannabis.

Does it matter: Phillips' initial comment and subsequent clarification highlight broader issues surrounding the current status of legalization in America. He pointed out the inconsistency in the federal government's approach to cannabis, contrasting it with substances like alcohol. And while the words may have been poorly thought out, the sentiment is solid, even if Phillips’ candidacy is not.

What's next: Phillips is known for supporting broad drug policy reform, including federal cannabis legalization and research into psychedelics.

Maybe his pulling Biden further into the legalization fray is a good thing!

SPEAKING OF GUNS
Senator Booker has some thoughts

Driving the news: New Jersey Senator Cory Booker has highlighted cannabis criminalization as a key factor contributing to environments where gun violence proliferates. In a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Booker emphasized the need for a comprehensive understanding of the root causes of violence, such as poverty, housing insecurity, and the impact of mass incarceration driven by discriminatory cannabis criminalization. Marijuana Moment covered the story.

Consistency: Booker's comments underscore the broader social and economic consequences of criminalization. He pointed out that low-level offenses like cannabis possession lead to cycles of poverty and job insecurity, which can create environments conducive to violence.

Why it matters: Booker has been an outspoken advocate for comprehensive reform legislation to address these issues. While he has previously focused on broader cannabis legalization, his current efforts are centered on pushing for equity-centered provisions in a bipartisan cannabis banking bill.

DATA DATA DATA
Green Wednesday > Black Friday

According to data from Weedmaps, cannabis sales on Green Wednesday surpassed the average cannabis sales on Black Friday.

Green Wednesday accounted for 21% of the weekly gross market value over the holiday week. And the total order volume saw a 42% growth, with the average basket value being 103% higher than the average Wednesday in November.

Overall, it looks like Green Wednesday was great way to send off November 2023.