Welcome back to The Week in Weed, your Friday look at what's happening in the world of legalized marijuana.

Virginia makes progress on legalizing adult-use cannabis. A South Dakota court overturns the legalization ballot measure. New Jersey still has no marijuana legislation. Will Congress treat CBD as a supplement? Will Congress allow cannabis research? And finally, Don Lemon doesn't endorse your CBD product.

VIRGINIA

Legalization moved forward again this week, as both chambers of the state legislature voted in favor of allowing adult-use cannabis. The bills differ significantly, so there's more work to do before legislation can be sent to Governor Northam.

SOUTH DAKOTA

If anyone hasn't been following this saga, here's a quick recap: The Mount Rushmore state's ballot measure allowing marijuana passed with almost 70% approval in November. Governor Kristi Noem (R), long an opponent of any form of legalization, supported a lawsuit seeking to overturn the measure. This week, Circuit Judge Christina Klinger sided with the Governor. She determined that the measure covered more than one topic, and therefore violates the state's Constitution. Next stop – the state's Supreme Court.

NEW JERSEY

So Virginia moves forward; South Dakota moves back. And New Jersey? It's still not moving at all. Penalties for underage possession continue to dominate discussion. The deadline for the governor to act is now set for February 18. Rest assured, we'll have more next week!

CBD

Democrats and Republicans don't agree on much these days, but the need for CBD regulations brings out the bipartisan spirit. A group of 19 Representatives introduced a bill that would legalize hemp (and its derivatives) under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The act also requires the FDA to set up a regulatory framework for these products.

RESEARCH

Aisle-crossing also reigns in the area of marijuana research. Three senators re-introduced the Cannabidiol and Marihuana Research Expansion Act, which passed unanimously last year. The bill would simplify the application process for scientists wishing to study cannabis, as well as encourage the FDA to develop medicines derived from marijuana. 2021 could be a busy year for the Food and Drug Administration!

AND FINALLY

In what is now becoming a regular feature of this blog, we have yet another phony celebrity CBD endorsement. This time, it's CNN anchor Don Lemon.

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