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Recent Report Says States with Legal Markets Have Collected More Than $20 Billion in Cannabis Tax Revenue

A new report from the cannabis advocacy group the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) found that states have collected over $20 billion in recreational marijuana tax revenue since the first legal markets opened over a decade ago. In 2023 alone, states with legal recreational cannabis collected more than $4 billion in adult-use tax revenue. While many have pointed to declines in marijuana revenue in states such as Nevada and Colorado last year, more states continue to legalize recreational cannabis and launch their programs – which ultimately makes up for the slight decrease. Karen O’Keefe, the director of state policies with MPP, pointed out how significant these figures are for funding critical programs in many states and the importance of the economic impact of the job growth the legal cannabis industry is providing in these states. 

New Colorado Bill Will Allow Cannabis Stores to Sell Food

New legislation in Colorado will allow legal marijuana stores to sell non-marijuana food items and beverages. The measure stipulates that sales from food and beverage products cannot make up more than 20 percent of a business’s overall revenue. The bill also relaxes some other restrictions that had been in place for some time, as Colorado was one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana. For instance, under the new bill businesses can now renew their licenses every two years instead of annually. Operators that have multiple licenses will also be able to use a unified application process moving forward. As one of the first states to legalize adult-use marijuana Colorado is considered a legacy state, and as with other such states, critics feel strongly that regulations need to be examined and updated to prevent business owners from being overly constrained by outdated policies.

Group of Minnesota Home Growers File a Lawsuit to Sell Their Cannabis Without a License 

A lawsuit filed by four cannabis home growers in Minnesota challenges the state’s marijuana law, which only permits licensed businesses to sell cannabis. However, the four residents are saying that a provision of the Minnesota Constitution that is over 120 years old allows them to sell their cannabis without a license as it supersedes the newly passed state cannabis law. Article 13, Section 7 of the state Constitution says, “Any person may sell or peddle the products of the farm or garden occupied and cultivated by him without obtaining a license.” If the lawsuit is successful, it could potentially allow home growers to compete with licensed retail stores in the newly legal marijuana market.

The post Recent Report Says States with Legal Markets Have Collected More Than $20 Billion in Cannabis Tax Revenue, New Colorado Bill Will Allow Cannabis Stores to Sell Food, and Group of Minnesota Home Growers File a Lawsuit to Sell Their Cannabis Without a License first appeared on The Marijuana Times.

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States with Legal Marijuana Have Lower Deportation Rates

A recent study published in BMC Public Health indicates that states that legalize cannabis see a “moderate relative decrease” in rates of immigration deportation versus states where marijuana remains illegal. Researchers from Columbia University reviewed arrest data and while they did not come to a specific conclusion regarding marijuana legalization and immigrant deportation rates, the authors did see an apparent connection between states that have recreational cannabis laws and a decreased number of immigrant arrests and deportations. It is also important to note that all 11 sanctuary states for immigrants also have legal recreational cannabis, which likely also contributed to the decrease in deportations in those states. However, researchers also pointed out that cannabis remains illegal at a federal level, and any cannabis-related charges or convictions can still lead to deportation regardless of whether marijuana is legal in a specific state. Members of Congress have worked in recent years to remedy this issue and make it safer for immigrants who admit to using or possessing small amounts of cannabis.

NY’s Lastest Fiscal Budget Expands Resources for Cracking Down on Unlicensed Cannabis Stores

New York’s newly approved annual budget vastly increases the resources that can be utilized to help mitigate the continued issue in the state with unlicensed marijuana stores. Several months ago, Governor Kathy Hochul referred to the launch of New York’s retail cannabis program as a “disaster.” Now, she announced a new series of measures that give the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and individual municipalities power to combat the issue of illegal retail marijuana locations. For instance, regulators are now able to immediately padlock a business once an inspection is performed if the retailer is illegally selling marijuana and poses a risk to the health and safety of the public. Municipalities are also now permitted to enact their own regulations and laws and take emergency action against illegal marijuana businesses.  

Hawaii’s Governor Suggests Opening Up Access for MMJ After Recreational Legalization Plan Fails

Hawaii’s latest attempt to legalize recreational marijuana died earlier in April in the state’s House of Representatives. When Governor Josh Green learned of the legislation’s failure, he told a local television news outlet that altering the current laws for the state’s medical marijuana program to allow for any health condition while still requiring an approved registration card could be a “possible solution.” Governor Green is supportive of cannabis legalization for Hawaii and stated that making medical marijuana available for any health condition would make it more available for those who would like to utilize it while still keeping children safe, which – Governor Green said – “is everyone’s priority.” While launching a new initiative to legalize recreational cannabis would be quite time-consuming, the process of changing the rules for accessibility to medical cannabis could still take several months. 

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PA Lawmakers Discuss Cannabis Social Justice at Latest Hearing

Lawmakers in Pennsylvania held the latest hearing on marijuana reform in a series of discussions that has spanned the last few months. The hearing on Thursday occurred just days after Representative Amen Brown introduced new legislation to legalize cannabis. He describes the bill as “grounded in safety and social equity.” The House Health Subcommittee on Health Care listened to testimony from representatives of the cannabis industry and advocates as they focused on social justice and equity issues that surround legalizing marijuana. Representative Dan Frankel, chair of the House Health Committee, said, “The reality is, we can either continue to have an illicit marketplace that doesn’t promote public health and that ignores the social justice issues or we can try and be prepared to put together a framework that promotes public safety, promotes social justice and promotes a revenue arrangement that benefits the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and its taxpayers.”

Ohio Marijuana Sales Could Start in Mid-June

In November of 2023, Ohio voters passed Issue 2, the measure to legalize recreational cannabis for the state. Original estimates from regulators put the launch of sales sometime in the fall or winter of 2024. However, state Representative Jamie Callender told a local news outlet that they hope to have retail licenses awarded to businesses by mid-June and sales could begin before July 4th. Ohio’s Department of Cannabis Control continues to move forward through the process of enacting specific rules and regulations to govern the industry. Lawmakers have been unable to agree on whether Issue 2 needs to be changed, so it seems that the bill will go into effect as it was originally passed by voters now.  

Oregon Governor Signs Bill to Extend Moratorium on Cannabis Business Licenses

Oregon has a current moratorium on new marijuana business licenses set to expire this month. But Governor Tina Kotek signed House Bill 4121, which will extend the existing pause. Many in the industry support the bill becoming law, including the Cannabis Industry Alliance of Oregon, because of the high saturation of marijuana businesses in the state. HB4121 prevents the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission from accepting new licenses until specific thresholds are met, which are based on the number of licenses per state residents aged 21 and older. For example, for marijuana business licenses for retail and production, there can be no more than one active license per 7,500 residents age 21 and older. 

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Dry January is a health trend that encourages participants to abstain from alcohol for January. Alcohol Change UK coined the term in 2013 with its first Dry January campaign and registered the name in 2014. Thousands of people the world over participate every year, and many tout the physical and mental benefits of giving up alcohol for the first month of the year. Many claim to sleep better, have improved mood, and some even lost some weight. But for many, breaking the habit of a nightly cocktail can be difficult. Switching to a cannabis-infused mocktail may be a helpful way to stick with your Dry January goal. Three infused mocktails you can try are Infused Lemonade, a Cannabis Colada, and Sparkling Cannabis and Cranberry.

Infused Lemonade

Lemonade is a refreshing beverage for any time of the year. While not typically thought of as a cocktail, it is a beverage that can be infused with CBD or THC to make it a delicious drink to unwind and relax. It can replace the glass of wine you typically drink in the evening, or you can enjoy it in the afternoon with lunch.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups of water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3 or 4 doses doses of CBD or THC tincture

Pour the water in a saucepan and add the sugar. Warm over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Allow the mixture to cool, and add the lemon juice and CBD or THC tincture. Put it in the fridge to cool, for approximately two hours. Serve over ice and enjoy! The recipe makes about one full pitcher. 

Cannabis Colada

Pina coladas are a delicious and popular cocktail, typically made with rum. They are usually thought of as a summer drink, but you can whip up this infused mocktail version to help you make it through Dry January. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of frozen pineapple chunks
• ⅓ cup of coconut cream
• ½ cup of pineapple juice
• 1 dose of CBD or THC tincture

Add the frozen pineapple, coconut cream, and pineapple juice and add to a blender. Blend until smooth. Add the CBD or THC and blend again for a few seconds until it is incorporated. Garnish with a slice of pineapple or sprig of fresh mint and enjoy. 

Sparkling Cannabis and Cranberry

Cranberry cocktails are a staple during the holidays. Even though the holiday season is over, a sparkling and infused cannabis mocktail will still leave you feeling merry and bright. 

Ingredients: 

• 5 or 6 frozen cranberries
• ½ cup of cranberry juice, chilled
• ½ cup of raspberry cranberry flavored sparkling water, chilled
• 1 dose of CBD or THC tincture 
• Ice
• Sugar to rim glass

Rim the edge of your glass with water and sugar. Add in ice, sparkling flavored water and cranberry juice. Add the CBD or THC tincture, and stir to mix. Enjoy!

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As 2023 comes to a close, everyone has a different way of celebrating the milestone. For some, it’s a relaxing evening with friends and family to reflect on the year. Others enjoy a New Year’s Eve party with food and music. However you plan to end 2023, there is a cannabis strain that can help make the evening more enjoyable. Three strains to try as you say goodbye to this year are: Laughing Buddha, Magnum Opus, and Apples and Bananas. 

Laughing Buddha

Laughing Buddha is a sativa strain that is a great addition to an evening with friends reminiscing and enjoying the last days of the year. It is a cross between Jamaican and Thai sativas and has THC levels that are typically between 19-22%. It often leaves users feeling uplifted, energized, giggly, and talkative. Laughing Buddha also tends to take effect quickly, and many users say they feel a tight sensation around their temples and eyes. The fragrance is a mix of earthy and sweet citrus, and the flavor is also sweet with a bit of spice.

Magnum Opus

Magnum Opus is a popular hybrid strain that would help make any New Year’s Eve celebration even more relaxing and fun, whether it’s an evening spent chilling with friends or at a party. It is a cross between Highland Afghani, Sour Diesel, and Purple Kush. Magnum Opus has THC levels that are typically around 20%, but it is known for being a potent strain so it is likely better for more experienced cannabis users. It leaves users feeling euphoric, relaxed, and often quite social and creative. Both the flavor and aroma are an interesting mix of grape, diesel, and earthy lavender.  

Apples and Bananas

Apples and Bananas is a powerful indica-dominant hybrid. It is a great choice for saying sayonara to 2023 on a pleasant and happy note, as it tends to leave users feeling aroused, happy, and very calm. Its parentage is somewhat complex but is primarily thought to come from a cross between Gelatti and Blue Power. Many individuals who suffer from anxiety and depression choose to medicate with Apples and Bananas as it leaves users feeling happy and uplifted with a sense of calm. The aroma is a strong mix of sweet fruit with undertones of spice and black pepper. The flavor is sweet and what you might expect from a strain named ‘Apples and Bananas’, as it takes like ripe bananas, pears, and slightly sour apples.

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You can add THC or CBD to an alcoholic beverage and make a great tasting cocktail with a little boost. However, many people find that adding cannabis to their alcohol intensifies the effect, which isn’t for everyone. You can make a delicious virgin mocktail, and infuse it with THC or CBD for a relaxing drink to enjoy this holiday season – without any alcohol. Infused beverages and mocktails allow you to enjoy the effects of cannabis without having to inhale any smoke. You can also control exactly how much THC or CBD you want in your beverage by using a tincture and measuring the dosage according to your preference. Three mocktails you can experiment with to ring in the new year are a Marijuana Mojito, Mary Jane Moscow Mule, and Cannabis-Infused Grasshopper.

Marijuana Mojito

Typically thought of as a summer drink, mojitos are a refreshing blend of mint, lime, rum, and fizz. The drink also calls for a simple syrup, which is a sugary drink case to sweeten the cocktail. For this non-alcoholic and cannabis-infused version, we are going to omit the rum and add a bit of CBD Or THC tincture. 

Ingredients:

• 5 to 10 mint leaves
• 1 ounce fresh lime juice 
• ½ ounce of simple syrup
• Club soda (or any sparkling water)
• Ice
• Slices of lime
• 10 mg of CBD or THC tincture

To make the drink, muddle the mint leaves in the bottom of a glass. Add the ice on top. Next, add the lime juice, simple syrup, tincture, and club soda to fill the glass. Stir, and garnish with the lime slices. 

Mary Jane Moscow Mule

There are many variations of the traditional Moscow Mule, and this infused version is a brand-new twist that will give you the same relaxation as the alcoholic version. The Moscow Mule is a delicious drink made primarily of ginger beer and lime juice. Usually, the drink contains vodka, and there are now zero-proof spirits on the market that you can use instead. In this case, we will leave the alcohol out to make the drink a virgin, cannabis-infused mocktail.  

Ingredients:

• 4 to 6 ounces of ginger beer
• ½ ounce of fresh lime juice
• 2 ounces of club soda, simple syrup, or carbonated beverage or juice of your choice
• 10 mg of CBD or THC tincture
• Ice

To make the mocktail, simply add the ice to a mule mug. Next, add the ginger beer, lime juice, tincture, and carbonated beverage (or zero proof spirits). Stir and enjoy. 

Cannabis-Infused Grasshopper 

The Grasshopper is a classic drink for the holiday season, as the flavor profile is mint and chocolate. The primary ingredients for the traditional Grasshopper are creme de menthe and creme de cacao. But, with a little creativity, you can create delicious chocolate and mint flavors and utilize a dose of CBD or THC tincture to make the drink perfect for unwinding after a New Year’s Eve gathering or party. 

Ingredients: 

• 3 tablespoons of hot chocolate mix
• 3 tablespoons of very hot water
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup half and half (or heavy whipping cream, for a thicker consistency)
• A few drops of peppermint extract
• A few drops of almond extract
• A few drops of green food coloring
• Ice
• 10mg CBD or THC tincture 

To make the Grasshopper, dissolve the hot chocolate in the hot water. Next add the milk, half and half, peppermint extract, almond extract, and tincture. Stir to combine. Add the food coloring until you reach your desired color, and then add the ice. Stir again, and enjoy.  

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DEA Warns Traditional Pharmacies in Georgia to Stop Selling Cannabis Oil

In June, the Georgia Board of Pharmacy approved a new rule that would allow traditional, independent pharmacies in the state to sell low-THC medical marijuana oil. Governor Brian Kemp signed off on the new rule. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), which has mostly refrained from interfering in any individual state’s marijuana regulations, issued a warning to DEA-registered pharmacies in Georgia reminding them that marijuana sale and possession is federally illegal. The notice came from the DEA’s Diversion Control Division and was officially dated November 27, which is approximately one month after at least three independent pharmacies in the state began selling low-THC marijuana oil. The timing of the warning is interesting as the DEA is currently deciding whether to reschedule cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. 

Bipartisan Congressional Legislation to Deschedule Cannabis Introduced

A bipartisan congressional bill that would permit individual cannabis markets to govern their cannabis regulations and remove state-legal marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) was reintroduced this week. The bill was originally introduced in 2019 in both chambers and was called the Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States (STATES) Act. The 2019 version of the STATES Act did not receive a hearing in Congress. If the legislation were to pass and be signed into law by President Biden, it would remove cannabis that is produced and sold in accordance with state and tribal regulations from the CSA. It would also legalize interstate commerce. While there is currently a federal review to reschedule cannabis, the STATES Act goes a bit further in terms of protecting the will of individual states. 

Marijuana MSOs Will Be Allowed to Enter NY Market at the End of December

Marijuana multi-state operators with current medical cannabis licenses are officially allowed to enter New York’s legal market beginning December 29. The Cannabis Control Board’s decision to allow MSOs to enter the market comes on the heels of the December 1st ruling by the State Supreme Court to lift an injunction that kept officials from issuing any more recreational cannabis business licenses. The CCB approved six MSOs to begin sales at the end of the year, ending the three-year waiting period that was originally in place for vertically integrated MMJ companies, also known as registered organizations (ROs). (ROs are New York’s version of multi-state operators.) The waiting period was proposed to give social equity licensees and smaller businesses a leg up, but the Office of Cannabis Management moved to allow ROs to enter the market sooner to help expand retail cannabis access throughout the state. 

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Governor of Wisconsin Grants Another Round of Pardons

Democratic legislators in Wisconsin have been consistently pushing for marijuana legalization for the state while GOP lawmakers continue to oppose this step forward. In the meantime, Governor Tony Evers announced that he will grant another round of pardons for 82 individuals in Wisconsin, which raises the total number of pardons issued under Gov. Evers’ administration to 1,111.  Approximately one-third of the most recent pardons are for people with prior cannabis-related convictions. Another third of the pardons issued were for individuals with other drug-related crimes on their records. Gov. Evers set a clemency record for most pardons granted by a Wisconsin governor in December 2021, and he has said it is a “privilege to hear about individuals’ lives” as they work to move forward from past mistakes. Unfortunately, under Wisconsin law, a pardon does not automatically expunge a criminal record. Instead, it is a formal type of forgiveness that restores rights lost to those with a criminal record, so they do things like serve on a jury or be able to have certain professional licenses. 

Ukrainian MMJ Bill Blocked

A bill to legalize medical marijuana in Ukraine has been blocked, even though it was supposed to pass easily in a final reading. The measure advanced through committee last month and President Volodymyr Zelensky openly supported the medical cannabis bill. However, members of one party filed hundreds of “spam” amendments in an attempt to delay the passage of the MMJ measure. According to MP Olga Stefanyshina, the 226 amendments filed by the Motherland party are intended to “exhaust” the legislative process and “deprive the law of votes”. She further described the amendments as “spam”. Stefanyshina said that supporters of medical cannabis reform are looking into other avenues to overcome this delay so patients in Ukraine can gain access to medical cannabis products for relief. 

Colombian Senate Committee Passes Cannabis Legalization Bill

A Colombian Senate committee officially advanced legislation to legalize cannabis. The First Committee of the Senate approved the bill, which marks the third of eight debates the bill needs to go through before it can be sent to the country’s president, likely sometime next year. Earlier this year, Colombian lawmakers were very close to enacting a similar bill into law, but it stalled in the last stage of the Senate. Now, the entire two-year legislation process must start over again for the measure to pass. The bill will now move to the full chamber for review and consideration. Colombian President Gustavo Petro supports drug policy reform for his country and has openly advocated for an end to drug criminalization on an international level.

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Two Legal Cannabis Stores to Open In Switzerland as Part of Pilot Program

Switzerland is launching a pilot study that will open two recreational cannabis stores to research the impact of dispensing legal marijuana. The groups behind the study are the Germany-based Sanity Group and the Swiss Institute for Addiction and Health Research (ISGF). While the Sanity Group-ISGF project is the sixth of a similar group of studies launched in Switzerland, it is the first to use retail stores instead of pharmacies or clubs. The study will go on for five years, and participants will be subject to surveys to monitor their cannabis consumption habits. A medical aptitude test will be required for admission into the project. The Swiss government hopes to gain information to help guide future decisions about cannabis legalization and regulation in the country. An amendment to Switzerland’s Federal Narcotics Act that went into effect in May 2021 allows these recreational cannabis trials to take place.

Cannabis Operator in New Mexico Loses License Over BioTrack Fraud

Cannabis officials in New Mexico fined a marijuana operator and revoked its license after discovering the company had been falsifying information in the state’s track-and-trace system. The New Mexico Cannabis Control Division (CCD) accused Golden Roots, a licensed cannabis retailer and manufacturer, of 11 violations. Most of the violations pertain to the company’s improper use of BioTrack, the state’s track-and-trace software. According to the CCD, it became suspicious when Golden Roots reported marijuana production only two months after receiving its license – which raised alarms for officials as cannabis plants took longer than two months to grow. The CCD inspected the facility and Golden Roots was not able to provide officers with evidence to support the information in BioTrack. The company was fined nearly $300,000 as that is the amount officials estimate the company made from selling cannabis products that were not tracked properly. 

Alabama Cannabis Officials Hope to Award Licenses on December 1st

After Alabama cannabis regulators had to scrap their first two attempts at awarding medical marijuana licenses to businesses, they are now aiming for December 1st of this year to award the first official batch of licenses. The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) plans to award the first licenses to testing labs, cultivators, processors, dispensaries, and delivery providers. After that, the AMCC will award licenses for vertically integrated operations to multi-state operators. The goal is to get the licenses to businesses approximately 28 days after they are officially awarded so that businesses can begin medical marijuana production as early as January of next year. 

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Cannabis-Infused Beverages Don’t Appear to Be A Hit with Consumers

A recent study from the Brightfield Group, a market research company based in Chicago, cannabis-infused beverages have not been as successful as many executives in the industry had hoped. According to Bethany Gomes, the managing director at the Brightfield Group, beverage consumers are not a large part of the overall market. She also added that much of the strategy behind beverage marketing does not come from consumer data but rather from assumptions that are simply proving to be false. Those who work in the retail cannabis space say beverage sales are a struggle. Sales for cannabis-infused drinks were stronger a few years ago when the individual beverages contained more THC. However, many companies have capped the THC limit to 10 mg per can, and sales have suffered as a result. 

Study Shows States with Legal Cannabis Access Are Associated with Lower Risk of Vape-Related Lung Injury

Advocates have long argued that marijuana legalization is safer for consumers because of the protection that a regulated market provides. During the 2019 outbreak of lung illness from contaminated cannabis vaping products, research indicated that those purchasing from a legal market were safer and less likely to get sick. A new study from researchers at Johns Hopkins, New York University, and the American Heart Association reached the same conclusion. Their study was published in the journal PLoS ONE and looked at data regarding cannabis vaping, the number of lung injury cases, and marijuana legalization laws in 13 states. The research showed that more individuals report using cannabis vaping products in states with recreational or medical marijuana programs. But, the increased usage didn’t show an increase in the number of cases of vaping-related lung injuries. 

California’s Governor Wants His State’s Cannabis Farmers Be Able to “Legally Supply the Rest of the Nation”

California Governor Gavin Newsom has said that he supports federal cannabis legalization in part because he would like to see his state’s marijuana farmers “legally supply the rest of the nation.” Newsom made the comment in a video that was shown at the Oakland International Film Festival in September. The governor is featured in a documentary on the local history of cannabis reform, and activists were given a preview of the film. Newsom acknowledges that the fight for cannabis reform is not over, not only for the state but at the federal level. To prepare for federal cannabis legalization and potential interstate cannabis commerce, Newsom signed legislation that would allow him to enter into agreements with other states that have legal cannabis programs. Interstate commerce could boost California’s legal marijuana market, as its climate is ideal for outdoor cultivation. The governor emphasized that he wants farmers in his state to be able to export cannabis “legally” as, under current law, such activity would be considered illegal drug trafficking. 

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New Rule Requires Cannabis Operators in Oregon to Report Suspected Human Trafficking

The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) created a new rule for cannabis operators in the state. The measure requires licensed cannabis businesses in the state to report any suspected human trafficking occurring while on the premises. The rule also mandates employees to report if there is a reasonable suspicion of a minor working at the business. There is an amnesty provision included in the mandate that grants immunity to any employees that report such activity. The amnesty would protect employees from civil and criminal prosecution for reporting.

Doubt Looms about the Launch of New York’s Marijuana Market

Despite steps forward and assurances from Governor Kathy Hochul, cannabis industry experts in New York have expressed concern that the state’s legal marijuana market will not launch before the end of 2022. The looming doubt and stagnant progress have left applicants and newly licensed businesses in a state of uncertainty. David Pejovic, a cannabis attorney in New York, said, “A lot of the excitement died down actually because of how long it’s taken. People are losing their initiative for what’s going on.” Numerous issues are causing delays, including the fact that officials are still reviewing over 900 applicants for the conditional adult-use retail dispensary program and many regulatory policies have not been finalized. 

German Government Makes Changes to Cannabis Legalization Proposal

New information about the German government’s plan to legalize cannabis has been released. Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach plans to present the regulatory framework for legalization to the Cabinet tomorrow. The initial version of the government’s legalization proposal was leaked last week. There was some criticism about regulations regarding things like THC limits that legalization advocates and lawmakers alike were concerned would hinder the transition for consumers from the black market to the legal one.

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Pre-rolls Infused with Concentrates Gain Traction in Canadian Cannabis Market

Canada’s recreational cannabis market has seen a recent boom in infused pre-rolls sales. The specialty pre-rolls are infused with cannabis concentrates, making them more potent. Consumers appear to be embracing the product according to recent sales figures. From September 2021 to September 2022, the monthly sales of infused pre-rolls grew by over 1,000 percent to approximately $12.1 million. The data comes from Headset, a cannabis analytics firm based in Seattle. According to Cooper Ashley, an analytics manager with the company, the pre-roll sales boom represents “the most significant growth of any segment within the cannabis industry over the last year or two, given that it is growing very quickly and it is also very large.”

Curaleaf Settles a Class Action Lawsuit in Oregon

Curaleaf, a multistate cannabis operator, has officially settled a class action suit in Oregon from 2021. The company agreed to settle for $100,000, which means that the approximately 500 people involved in the lawsuit will each receive about $150 to $200 depending on how many individuals file claims. The settlement does not prevent individuals from filing their own personal injury lawsuits against Curaleaf. The class action lawsuit came about after an employee at the company’s manufacturing facility mixed up two labels for products with similar identification numbers. However, one product contained THC while the other did not. Consumers purchased what they thought was a CBD wellness product, but many reported feeling unusual after ingesting drops that contained high amounts of THC. 

Critics of Missouri’s Legalization Measure Say it Would Create a Monopoly

Voters in Missouri will get the opportunity to decide whether or not their state legalizes adult-use cannabis next month. However, the ballot measure is not without its critics. The state’s Democratic Party has declined to endorse the amendment. There is also expected opposition from Missouri’s Republican Governor Mike Parsons. Critics of the measure claim that the way Amendment 3 is written, it would exclude minorities and give an unfair advantage to current medical marijuana operators in the state, making it more difficult for smaller business owners and those trying to enter the market to gain access. Many fear this would create a monopoly within the state’s recreational cannabis market. 

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MMJ Dispensary in Detroit Facing Fines for Improper Tracking

Detroit medical marijuana dispensary House of Mary Jane will be temporarily closing its doors. The dispensary faces fines from Michigan’s cannabis regulators for improperly tracking its cannabis products. The state’s Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) fined House of Mary Jane $75,000 and suspended the dispensary’s medical marijuana license for 30 days as a result of an incident from May 2021. At that time, the CRA made a surprise visit to the dispensary and witnessed numerous bags, duffels, and backpacks with suspected cannabis products that were missing the required tracking and identification numbers that Michigan requires. The dispensary’s license suspension will commence on October 20. 

Cannabis Sales in New Mexico Surpass $39 Million for September

In September, the state of New Mexico saw cannabis sales surpass $39 million. Adult-use cannabis accounted for $24 million of that figure. Since New Mexico launched its adult-use sales program in April, the best month they have seen for cannabis sales was August, with sales topping $40.6 million in marijuana products. Several urban areas, including Santa Fe and Albuquerque, reported the highest sales numbers, according to local news. When the program first launched, cannabis retailers voiced concerns about supply. However, that concern has dissipated as cultivators have scaled production.  

Recent Poll Suggests Most Americans Support President Biden’s Latest Move Toward Cannabis Reform

Recent polling from Politico and Morning Consult shows that most Americans support President Joe Biden’s decision to reconsider marijuana’s classification under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Biden has recently taken steps to evaluate the plant’s current status as a Schedule 1 drug, which is the classification reserved for the most dangerous and addictive substances. The president also pardoned those individuals with federal cannabis possession convictions. According to the poll, 70% of voters support potentially changing the way cannabis is classified under the CSA. Approximately two-thirds of those surveyed are supportive of pardons for people with non-violent federal cannabis convictions.

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Tilray Reports Significant First Quarter Losses

Tilray Brands, a cannabis and alcohol company headquartered in New York and Ontario, has reported a first-quarter loss of $65.8 million. The company’s CEO Irwin Simon reportedly said the company’s revenue was impacted by the wholesale disruption in two of Canada’s largest markets. The quarter also saw unstable currencies, which similarly impacted Tilray’s bottom line. The company’s legal marijuana sales for the quarter totaled $58.6 million – a figure that is 17 percent lower than what was reported during the same period last year. Despite the loss, Tilray’s executives were optimistic that revenue would pick up in the next quarter. 

New York’s Adult-Use Industry Still Expected to Launch this Year

According to New York’s Governor Kathy Hochul, the state is still “on track” to launch adult-use sales this year. In an interview with the Advance Media New York editorial board, Gov. Hochul said she expects 20 retail cannabis dispensaries to open before the end of the year. In addition, the governor said approximately 20 dispensaries will open every month therafter. Many have questioned whether it is feasible to see New York’s retail dispensaries open before the end of 2022 because of delays. For one, the state’s complete regulations have not yet been published. In addition, the first 150 retail dispensaries are to be social equity businesses. To date, there have not been any updates regarding the Social Equity Cannabis Investment Fund, which will finance those 150 businesses. New York’s Office of Cannabis Management is currently processing over 900 applications that were received for the 150 available licenses. 

Alaska’s Cannabis Industry is a Driving Factor for Agricultural Job Growth

A recent report in “Trends” magazine from Alaska’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development said that the state’s legal cannabis industry is a driving force in the growth of the agricultural sector for Alaska. The report also predicts that the growth will continue over the next decade. During the pandemic, the agriculture industry was the only sector in the state that did not see any job loss. The primary factor for the stability was the marijuana industry. Notably, from 2019 to 2020, when most sectors saw substantial job loss, the state’s cannabis industry added 73 jobs. While this may seem inconsequential, the report’s authors noted that any growth during this period of the Covid-19 pandemic is important. The report also predicts that marijuana cultivation will create the most jobs in the next few years. 

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Vermont’s First Day of Legal Recreational Sales Sees Strong Demand

Vermont’s first adult-use cannabis dispensaries opened their doors on Saturday. The first three dispensaries that received approval to transition their sales from medical to recreational are Mountain Girl Cannabis in Rutland, Ceres Collaborative in South Burlington, and Flora Cannabis in Middlebury. All three dispensaries shared similar stories of successful sales, long lines, and a general sense of celebration for the first day of legal marijuana sales in Vermont. Despite an enthusiastic start to the state’s legal cannabis industry, retailers did express concerns about the limited supply and lack of product selection. The hope is this issue is resolved as growers increase production. 

Former Southern California Politician Sentenced in Marijuana Licensing Scheme

Jermaine Wright is a former city councilor and mayor pro tem from Adelanto, California. He was arrested and subsequently charged in 2017 for soliciting and accepting a bribe from an undercover FBI agent who was posing as a business owner attempting to obtain help to get a license to start a cannabis transportation company. Wright was also charged in a separate incident where he bribed a different undercover FBI agent to burn down his restaurant so he could collect the insurance money. He pleaded not guilty to the charges but was convicted and sentenced to a minimum of five years in federal prison. 

Japanese Lawmakers Urged to Consider the Import of Medical Cannabinoids

A panel established by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare is recommending that the country make it legal to import medical cannabinoids. The recommendation is for Japan to revise its current drug policy to allow for legal access to specific cannabinoids whose medical efficacy has been proven. The panel stopped short of suggesting that the country legalize dried cannabis flower containing THC. This approach is similar to the one South Korea took in 2018 when they approved an amendment to the Narcotics Control Act to permit patients to access prescriptions for medical cannabinoids.

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Recreational Sales Officially Started in Vermont

On Saturday, adult-use cannabis retailers in Vermont began sales to consumers. On September 14th, the state’s Cannabis Control Board awarded two recreational cannabis licenses and approved one dispensary’s transition from medical to adult-use sales. While sales have officially launched, regulators anticipate supply challenges due to the delay in licensing outdoor growers. Approximately 50 marijuana retailers have been pre-approved for licenses. 

Detroit’s Adult-Use Cannabis Licensing Ordinance Faces Another Lawsuit

The city of Detroit’s current adult-use marijuana licensing ordinance was passed in April of this year, and the measure faces yet another lawsuit. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit are an aspiring cannabis business owner and the subsidiary of a multistate operator that owns several medical marijuana dispensaries throughout the city. The lawsuit requests that the court stop Detroit’s application process for limited cannabis licenses for retail businesses, social consumption lounges, and microbusinesses. The plaintiffs are alleging that the licenses are being awarded unjustly to long-time city residents and they want Detroit officials to develop a new ordinance. If the plaintiffs win the lawsuit, this would be the third cannabis licensing ordinance for the city. 

Study Finds Federal Cannabis Prohibition is a Barrier Between Patients and Safe Products

A year-long review into contaminants in cannabis products determined that federal prohibition may be an obstacle between cannabis consumers and safe products. A team of researchers led by Dr. Maxwell C.K. Leung at Arizona State University examined the differences in the way states with legal cannabis programs handle issues with contaminants. The research team also looked at samples from California. Becasue cannabis remains a schedule 1 controlled substance, individual states are left to develop their own way of regulating cannabis products and making sure they are safe for consumers and patients. The study found there is a real need for regulations at the federal level to reduce the exposure to contaminants that marijuana consumers face.  

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Over 900 Applicants Are Seeking Entry into NY’s Retail Cannabis Market

Those applying for adult-use cannabis retail licenses in New York state face a lot of competition. According to the most recent information from the Office of Cannabis Management, 903 applicants have completed the process for the 150 available adult-use marijuana retail licenses. Officials have not specified when they plan to announce the license winners. Priority for licensing will go to those with a prior cannabis-related conviction and those with demonstrated business acuity. Sales are expected to officially launch later this year or early next year.   

Economic Analysis Finds Arkansas Cannabis Legalization Could Result in Nearly $1 Billion in Annual Sales

The group behind Arkansas’ legalization initiative, Responsible Growth Arkansas, has commissioned an economic analysis report on the impact legalizing cannabis would have on the state. The analysis was conducted by the Arkansas Economic Development Institute (AEDI). The report showed that if voters pass the initiative this November, it could result in almost $1 billion in sales every year and over $460 million in tax revenue over five years. Micheal Pakko, the chief economist with AEDI, said in a press release that cannabis legalization would add roughly 6,400 jobs to Arkansas’ economy by 2027. Recent polling suggests that legalization stands a good chance in the state, with approximately 59 percent of voters likely to approve the initiative. 

Yet Another Study Finds that Legal Access to MMJ Reduces Opioid Use

A recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal Substance Use and Misuse found that patients with legal access to medical marijuana were able to reduce their reliance on opioids. The study was conducted by researchers with the Florida State University College of Medicine and Emerald Coast Research firm. They surveyed 2,183 patients from medical marijuana dispensaries around Florida to ask them about the effect medical marijuana has had on their quality of life. According to the results, just over 90 percent of those surveyed said that medical cannabis was “very or extremely helpful in treating their medical condition”. In addition, 85.9 percent of survey respondents said that medical marijuana aided in pain reduction. This finding was linked to the fact that 79 percent of individuals surveyed who were taking opioid painkillers said they were able to reduce or even stop their use of opioids once they started using cannabis. 

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Mississippi Has Already Collected Millions in MMJ Fees

Medical marijuana sales have not yet launched in Mississippi, but the state’s government has already collected millions in fees. According to The Center Square, Mississippi has collected approximately $5.8 million in application and licensing fees from cannabis businesses as of September 19th. Medical cannabis dispensaries have contributed $4.5 million to that total amount, of which there are currently 119 total that were awarded licenses thus far. Medical marijuana dispensary licensing includes a nonrefundable $15,000 application fee as well as a $25,000 annual license fee. Licensing began this past summer, but sales aren’t expected to start until later this year. 

Canopy Growth Leaves Canada’s Retail Cannabis Market

Canopy Growth Corp., a Canadian marijuana company, is exiting the brick-and-mortar retail cannabis market in Canada. The company sold 28 of its corporate retail stores that were operating under the Tweed and Tokyo Smoke brands. They also closed five locations and ended licensing and franchising agreements. According to MJBizDaily, a spokesperson for Canopy Growth confirmed that they will no longer have any physical stores remaining operational in Canada. Several of the stores will be purchased by Canopy’s retail partner OEG Retail Cannabis, a company that already owns a number of franchised Tokyo Smoke locations in Ontario.

New Study Finds Cannabis Legalization is Associated with Lower Obesity Rates

A recent study published in the Journal of Health Economics flies in the face of a common “stoner stereotype”. Despite  being known to induce “the munchies”, researchers found that recreational cannabis legalization is actually tied to lower obesity rates. The study reviewed statistics and data on obesity rates for Washington state from 2002 to 2018. The researchers behind the study hoped to delve into what happened with obesity rates in Washington once adult-use cannabis sales began in 2014. The results showed that Washington’s obesity rates decreased after recreational marijuana dispensaries opened. 

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Georgia Awards Two Licenses for Low-THC Cannabis Oil Production

Cannabis regulators in Georgia officially awarded two licenses for the growth, manufacture, and sale of low-THC medical cannabis oil. The recipients were a local company known as Botanical Sciences and Trulieve Georgia. The latter is a subsidiary of Trulieve Cannabis, a multistate cannabis operator based in Florida. The licenses will permit the two companies to cultivate marijuana in indoor facilities and produce cannabis oil with a THC limit of five percent. Each business will also be allowed to open up to five medical marijuana dispensary locations. Georgia law requires the newly licensed companies to begin growing cannabis within one year. 

Kentucky’s Governor Plans to Take Executive Action to Authorize Medical Cannabis

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear suggested that he will take executive action to legalize medical marijuana in the state. Legislation to legalize medical cannabis cleared the state’s House of Representatives but stalled in the Senate in March of this year. In June, Gov. Beshear appointed a committee of 17 members to come up with a framework for medical cannabis policy. The committee members had backgrounds in addiction treatment, law enforcement, and healthcare, among others. In his comments regarding his plan to take executive action, the governor cited the advisory committee’s report on the benefits of medical marijuana. He also indicated that he needs to make a “final determination” on what action his office can take. 

Florida Officials Crack Down on MMJ Testing Labs

Inflated THC potency reports are currently a controversial topic in the cannabis industry. The situation has created additional industry issues, like consumer mistrust and a trend among cannabis companies to “shop” for the labs most likely to give the highest THC potency results. Many marijuana testing facilities are voicing concerns that they are losing business as competitors continue the unethical testing inflation practice. In Florida, medical cannabis officials fined two testing labs $20,000 each for reportedly using testing methodology that was not compliant with state rules and regulations. Additional testing facilities were fined thousands of dollars for false reporting on their analysis certificates.  

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Government-Owned Marijuana Businesses are the Most Profitable in Canada

According to research conducted by MJBizDaily, government-owned cannabis businesses in Canada are the most profitable. Various levels of the Canadian government own the companies. Simultaneously, cannabis companies in the private sector have seen cumulative losses of over $12.5 billion. This data shows that even larger marijuana companies in Canada have yet to become profitable. The company showing the highest profits thus far is the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS). According to Ontario’s fiscal projection, OCS is expected to see earnings around roughly $200 million for three years ending in March 2022. OCS is owned by the province and is the cannabis wholesaler for the 1,600 marijuana retail locations throughout Ontario. 

Missouri Democrats Won’t Support a Recreational Cannabis Measure

While the majority of Democrats in Missouri support cannabis legalization, the same cannot be said for the ballot initiative that is to appear on the state’s ballot in November. The state’s Democratic Party Committee expressed their concerns about the wording of Amendment 3 in a news release. They said the wording of the legalization measure “may negatively impact minorities, people of color, and low-income earning Missourians”. According to a local newspaper, the party is divided on two key areas of the initiative. First, businesses with current medical marijuana licenses would be the first to receive adult-use licensing, and the limited licensing is an issue for some key Democrats. Second, the language of Amendment 3 does not clearly outline the process for criminal record expungement for those with low-level cannabis offenses. The concern is the lack of clarity will cause confusion and lead to issues for those that need this expungement. 

NY Recreational Cannabis Supplier Licenses Will Be Delayed

New York cannabis regulators have anticipated getting their state’s legal market online later this year or early next year. However, the program launch will likely not happen until well into 2023. The state’s Office of Cannabis Management will not accept new applications for adult-use marijuana businesses until the middle of 2023. Those hoping to gain access to the nascent industry were hopeful that the cultivation and processing application window for marijuana businesses would open this fall. New York is expected to be one of the largest state-legal cannabis markets in the U.S., and this delay is a significant setback.

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