TG Branfalt

A campaign to change medical cannabis laws in Arkansas is pushing forward with additional signatures to expand medical cannabis access, aiming to ease patient certification and allow home cultivation.

A lawsuit filed this week in New York on behalf of three licensed hemp retailers is accusing the state’s cannabis officials of “trampling” on their constitutional rights by conducting “military-style raids” as part of their crackdown on the sale of illegal cannabis products.

Maine individuals can apply to have their criminal histories for some cannabis crimes sealed under a law that took effect this month; the law applies to crimes that are now legal following the state’s adult-use cannabis reforms.

Cannabis regulators in Rhode Island are considering changes to the state’s cannabis packaging rules, including allowing the use of color. Current regulations require only neutral colors to avoid attracting children.

Cannabis sales in New York have exceeded $260 million during the first half of 2024 and third-quarter sales are on track to surpass the previous quarters, according to the Office of Cannabis Management.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) has no immediate plans to grant mass pardons for Ohioans with low-level cannabis offenses, which can negatively impact employment, housing, and higher education opportunities.

North Dakota Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus estimates the state could generate $7.281 million every two years in adult-use cannabis taxes based on a 5% sales tax rate.

The latest Gallup poll found that Americans view cannabis as the least harmful legal drug while cigarettes are seen as the most harmful legal drug.

South Dakota lawmakers this week voted to raise the price of a medical cannabis business license by nearly 70%. Officials say the change will cover the program’s administrative costs.

Mike Tyson’s cannabis brand Tyson 2.0 has started selling boxing glove-shaped gummies in Colorado after the state banned people-shaped edibles, which includes the company’s ear-shaped chews that memorialize the boxer’s infamous 1997 match against Evander Holyfield.

A federal judge in Wyoming recently dismissed the lawsuit challenging a state-wide ban on intoxicating hemp products. The suit was dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be brought back to the court.

Minnesota cannabis officials have received 1,817 applications for cannabis industry licenses. The first licenses will go to social equity applicants, and regulators have verified social equity status for 2,307 individuals, mostly veterans and people with cannabis-related convictions.

The Cannabis Marketing Association is partnering with GetCannaFacts to equip cannabis operators with the resources needed to educate, inform, engage, and attract new customers.

Tilray Brands, Inc., announced this week it has agreed to acquire four craft breweries including Hop Valley Brewing Company, Terrapin Beer Co., Revolver Brewing, and Atwater Brewery.

Two organizations linked to North Dakota medical cannabis companies have provided the vast majority of the funds behind New Economic Frontier, the campaign pushing the state’s current adult-use legalization initiative.

The Maine Public Utilities Commission has rejected a proposal to proactively report high electricity consumption to police; the proposal was meant to detect the unlawful cultivation of cannabis.

A Minnesota law that bans cannabis smoking in multifamily homes has taken effect however the law provides some exceptions for medical cannabis patients.

Delaware officials will begin accepting adult-use cannabis license applications next week for the licensing lottery set to take place in October.

California music festival Outside Lands is being criticized for partnering with Stiiizy, which released cannabis products branded with the festival’s logo during the event, despite accusations the brand is connected to numerous illegal dispensaries and sold products containing high levels of pesticides.

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris this week tabbed Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate. Having supported and signed into law his home state’s adult-use cannabis reforms, Walz has earned an A rating for cannabis policy from NORML.

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) recently signed into law two bills expanding medical cannabis access for patients in the state.

Voters in Lockhart, Texas will decide this November whether police will de-prioritize cannabis enforcement; Lockhart voters will be joining Bastrop and Dallas in considering the reforms.

Florida billionaire Ken Griffin announced he donated $20 million to support candidates who oppose the state’s proposed adult-use cannabis constitutional amendment.