South Dakota lawmakers on Wednesday recommended changes to the state’s voter-approved medical cannabis law including prohibiting home cultivation and allowing local governments to bar dispensaries, the Associated Press reports. The changes were recommended by a legislative subcommittee as the state government faces a deadline to issue patient identification cards and industry licenses.
The recommendations move next to the Marijuana Interim Study Committee which must approve them before they can move to the full Legislature for consideration.
Republican state Rep. Fred Deutsch argued that allowing medical cannabis patients to cultivate their own plants would lead to an influx of illegal cannabis and that when voters approved the law last year, they were voting on a general medical cannabis program.
“I want medical marijuana to be accessible to anyone who qualifies for it. But I do want to put up guardrails and gutters to provide safety for South Dakotans that don’t need it and don’t need to be exposed to it, especially our children.”—Deutsch to the AP
Democratic state Rep. Linda Duba disagreed, contending that the subcommittee recommendations would gut key provisions of the program and that the ballot initiative was “carefully crafted” and reflected the will of voters.
“I’m tired of people saying they are following the will of the people, then they turn right around and say we know better what you meant,” she told the AP, “so we’re going to restrict here, here and here.”
Last year, South Dakotans voted to legalize cannabis for both medical and adult use but a circuit court judge ruled that the adult-use law violated the state’s single-issue rule for ballot initiatives. The state Supreme Court is expected to make the final ruling on that lower court decision.
TerrAscend Corp. is set to acquire Michigan-based Gage Growth Corp. in a $545 million all-stock deal. Upon completion of the deal, the combined business will have operations in five states and Canada, including seven cultivation and processing facilities and 23 medical and adult-use dispensaries.
The agreement will give TerrAscend access to Gage’s brands and genetics library, as well as its licensing partnerships with Cookies, Slang Worldwide, Blue River, Pure Beauty, and Khalifa Kush.
Jason Wild, TerrAscend executive chairman, said the acquisition extends the company’s footprint into Michigan, which is the third-largest legal cannabis market in the U.S with an annualized market size of $2.1 billion.
“Combining our market-leading share in our existing states with Gage’s proven cultivation, retail, and marketing capabilities, creates one of the largest and most dynamic companies in the industry. We look forward to leveraging Gage’s profound connection with Michigan’s consumers, in addition to its established partnerships with award-winning brands like COOKIES, to provide our patients and customers with best-in-class product offerings and retail experiences.”—Wild in a press release
The companies noted the strength of Gage’s balance sheet—a $28 million cash position with minimal debt.
Gage CEO Fabian Monaco said that the two companies’ “strategic and corporate values make [the] combination a strong fit.”
“We also recognize the incredible success that TerrAscend has enjoyed in recent years,” Monaco said in a statement. “We could think of no better company to partner with as we execute on our shared strategy of deep vertical integration and scale in our core markets, with a vision of creating the most consumer-centric cannabis company in the world.”
The deal still requires final approval from Canadian regulators and Gage shareholders.
The chairman of the dispensary subcommittee of the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission is recommending that dispensaries “resemble a pharmacy,” according to WSFA TV. Dr. Sam Blakemore, who has a pharmacy background, suggested that retailers must be certified and can have up to three locations.
“We’re going to have to be able to train certified dispensers to be able to pull the correct medicinal cannabis products that have been recommended by a physician. Fill that order correctly, make sure it’s verified appropriately against the patient registry, and then ensure that the physicians have been checked out.” — Blakemore via WSFA TV
Blakemore warned that potential dispensers should not go into the endeavor to make money, rather for “a passion for helping people.”
The Medical Cannabis Commission will meet next week and is expected to elect a new executive director, WSFA reports. The commission was set up earlier this year after Alabama lawmakers approved a medical cannabis bill. In addition to setting up the commission, the law outlines qualifying conditions and what medical cannabis products can be sold in dispensaries.
Usable flower or cannabis vaping products will not be available in Alabama, nor will patients be allowed to cultivate cannabis in their homes. However other products like “tablets, capsules, tinctures, or gel cubes for oral use; gels, oils or creams for topical use, or suppositories, transdermal patches, nebulizers, or liquids or oils for use in an inhaler” will be offered to patients who are registered in the state database.
New York lawmakers approved two officials for the state’s adult-use cannabis program in a special session this week, WHAM reports.
Former Democratic Assemblywoman Termaine Wright was approved as chair of the Cannabis Control Board and criminal justice reform advocate Christopher Alexander will become the Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management, which will set the rules and regulations for growers and retailers in the cannabis space.
Both appointees were nominated by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), who recently ascended to the office following the resignation of disgraced former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
New York state Sen. Jeremy Cooney—who is a member of the Marijuana Task Force—said in the report that the confirmations are an important step towards licensing growers and other entrepreneurs to spearhead the new industry.
“They’re anxious. They want a license. They want to find out the timetable and all of that can start as soon as we have leadership at the state level. We have to get this right. We are committed to getting it right. We believe that Chris Alexander and Tremaine Wright are the people to move us in that direction.” — Sen. Cooney, via WHAM
With the appointments, New York’s cannabis industry is on track to begin its licensing process sometime next year.
Uruguay, which legalized adult-use cannabis in 2013, will increase the THC content of cannabis sold in pharmacies and will consider allowing tourists to purchase cannabis products, according to an EFE report.
Since 2017, Uruguayan adults aged 18 or older have been able to enter a government registry to purchase recreational cannabis from state-licensed pharmacies. But while pharmacies have only been dispensing cannabis products since 2017, personal cultivation and cannabis cultivation clubs—where up to 45 registered adults can share a space to cultivate and consume cannabis—have been available since 2014.
Pharmacies currently dispense two strains of cannabis called ALFA and BETA which respectively contain about 9% THC and 3% CBD. Officials hope that by increasing the THC content of commercially available cannabis, the products will better compete with those grown in the cannabis clubs—which average a THC content of about 20%—according to the report.
Concerning tourist sales, Daniel Radío, the general secretary for Uruguay’s National Drug Board, said on Monday that any change was unlikely to take effect this tourist season but that he will study the possible effects of letting international visitors to the country buy cannabis products, including how it may boost Uruguay’s overall tourism attraction.
Uruguay became the first country in the world to legalize adult-use cannabis in 2013 under the leadership of former President José Mujica.
Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried (D) released a financial report this week as part of her gubernatorial election bid, the Miami Herald reports. Fried, who is the state’s only Democrat elected official, filed the disclosure form on Tuesday but the report’s deadline was July 1. As Agriculture Commissioner, Fried helps manage Florida’s medical cannabis program and she previously worked as an industry consultant through a firm called Igniting Florida.
She announced her candidacy for the governor’s office in June but faced early scrutiny after issuing some adjustments to a 2018 financial report, which showed that her consulting earnings from that year were about five times what was first reported. Fried also owns an approximately $130,000 stake in the licensed medical cannabis company Harvest Health & Recreation, Inc.
Harvest, however, is set to be acquired by Florida’s largest cannabis brand Trulieve in a massive $2 billion deal—and just yesterday, Harvest announced the $55-million-sale of its own license to Planet 13, a multi-state operator with dispensaries in Nevada and California.
Following the latest report, she has faced many GOP criticisms over a perceived lack of transparency but Fried said on Wednesday that the delay was for opposite reasons.
“We were just trying to be as transparent and they were just not used to that. We make sure when we found an error that we’re correcting it; we want to be as transparent and open with the public as possible.” — Fried, in a statement
Fried, who initially tried to hide her Harvest connections as Ag Commissioner, has promised to sell her cannabis industry assets if she is elected to be Florida‘s governor.
A family of products including concentrate and dry herb vaporizers grows a little bigger today with the introduction of the Vexil. It’s a reinventive herbal vape that features a unique Zirconia cooling mouthpiece that utilizes a magnetic connection. The spiral mouthpiece not only cools the vapor but extends the airpath length for larger draws. And the body of the vaporizer is constructed from a durable metal casing for years of daily use. The Vexil is available for $119.99 on https://bndlstech.com/ and begins shipping September 15th.
“The unit was kind of designed for someone who is transitioning to vapes from joints or glass,” said Mathias Nastos, Director of Marketing at Boundless. “It was also designed by us here in California. Designed and tested here. Our team tests them a lot… a lot.”
The Vexil was designed with the future of vaporization in mind. The USB-C charger can provide significantly more juice to the unit, which offers a much faster charging time. A 1800mAh (3.7V) battery powers the Vexil for up to six full sessions per charge. Simply take it on the go and enjoy consistent vapor throughout the day. And with the strong metal casing protecting the vape, peace of mind is always there.
Veil Vaporizer Features:
Zirconia Cooling Magnetic Mouthpiece
Metal Casing with Durable Construction
Portability for Convenient Utilization
Conduction Heating Technology
USB-C Charging
Compatible with most Dry Herbs
Four Preset Temperatures
360F/182C (Green)
380F/193C (Purple)
400F/204C (Blue)
420F/215C (Red)
The four preset temperatures have been carefully selected for optimal performance during every session. It’s easy to dial in the perfect temperature, no matter the moisture content of the herbal material. While the conduction heating technology ensures the dry herb is fully vaporized for complete satisfaction. Plus, it includes everything needed to start vaping right out of the box. Consider the Vexil an complete vaporization package, designed for users not only in Washington or California, but anywhere in the world.
About Boundless Technology
Boundless Technology is a leader in the vaporizing industry, continually seeking ways to expand beyond what’s currently available on the market, and striving to create innovative technology that keeps portability, subtlety, and effectiveness at the forefront. Offering an affordable, efficient, and elevated experience is the focal point when it comes to Boundless.
Cannabis has always been about community. Some people assume that consuming cannabis makes one a loner, but the foundation of a smoke “sesh” is communal: a gathering of cannabis lovers, consuming lady cannabis together. In fact, many great bonds are made from cannabis smoke sessions including business talks and industry collaboration. For a magnificent example, see three Massachusetts cannabis business owners who became friends because of their shared admiration for cannabis and each other.
Meet Seun Adedeji, Ulysses Youngblood, and Reginald Stanfield
The journey into cannabis entrepreneurship isn’t easy, especially for the BIPOC community; however, Seun Adedeji, Ulysses Youngblood, and Reginald Stanfield all launched their cannabis businesses despite the industry’s murky waters. Seun and Reginald relocated and lived on-site to make their businesses launch. Ulysses leaned on his network to launch his business. Their journey, their struggle, their hustle is one that any aspiring cannabis entrepreneur can learn from.
NBC News recently covered black entrepreneurs struggling to enter the cannabis industry, reporting that “the numbers are disturbing. Less than a fifth of the people involved at an ownership or stake-holder level were people of color.”
And so, when black people in cannabis are accomplishing what seems to be the impossible, noise must be made and we must give these business owners recognition, especially when their mission in the cannabis industry is centered around community, passion for the plant, and passion for the people.
Seun Adedeji is the Founder and CEO of Elev8, a black-owned multi-state cannabis dispensary with locations in Oregon and Massachusetts. Seun is the youngest black man in America to own a cannabis dispensary. He says the mission at Elev8 is, “to elevate our community.”
Ulysses Youngblood is the Co-Founder and President of Major Bloom, the first black-owned manufacturing operator coupled with a retail and delivery license, located in Worcester, Massachusetts. When it comes to their company mission, Ulysses says, “innovation is at the core of Major Bloom.”
Reginald Stanfield is the CEO and Head Horticulturist of JustinCredible Cultivation, the first black-owned and licensed cultivation on the East Coast, located in Cummington, Massachusetts. Reginald says that the mission at JustinCredible Cultivation is, “to be a positive example to bigger commercial cultivators; keeping the integrity of the cultivation process while scaling.”
A fateful meeting
In a recent trip to Massachusetts, sponsored by JustinCredible Cultivation, I had the pleasure of visiting JustinCredible Cultivation in Cummington, Elev8 Cannabis Dispensary in Athol, and Major Bloom Cannabis Dispensary in Worcester; and the pleasure of spending time and space with cannabis business owners Seun, Ulysses, and Reginald. I was and still am so intrigued by their individual journeys, their businesses, and their friendship. I was intrigued by their individual journeys, their businesses, their friendship, and the way they collaborate and show up for each other, so I asked about how they first met.
Reginald: “I met Ulysses Youngblood through a newly formed organization that focuses on developing black- and brown-owned businesses in the cannabis space, The Block. Someone gave me Seun’s contact information. We had a great conversation then later met face to face, from there a brotherhood bond developed. Now he’s one of the only people I allow to call me at 9 am (LOL).”
Seun: “Reginald reached out and I’m glad I picked up. Our conversation was not forced and I could hear his sincerity and hustle; nothing was given to him and I connected with that right away. I heard of Ulysses in 2018 while lobbying for a license in the state of Massachusetts. His business partner was one of my attorneys/advisors (Lori, aka Big Mama). I finally met Young at the Block meeting, respect was mutual.”
Cannabis entrepreneurs Reginald Stanfield, Ulysses Youngblood, and Seun Adedeji pose together for a group photo.
Embracing unity and collaboration
A beautiful “no man left behind” sentiment has developed between these three cannabis business owners:
Ulysses: “Our relationships became solid after a local trade association attempted to repel equity provisions, by suing the state over the exclusive delivery license period. We all agreed not to join that trade association when they wanted to do damage control. Additionally, because we are not cultivators, our job is to narrate and share the story and power of creating products with the first black cultivator on the East Coast.”
Seun: “JustinCredible played a role in Elev8’s grand opening. There was a shortage of flower in the state of Massachusetts when we opened and JustinCredible came out, showed love, and made sure we were the first dispensary they sold their flower to. I also had the honor of going out and supporting Major Bloom for their grand opening which was amazing!”
15 tips for aspiring ganjapreneurs
Seun, Ulysses, and Reginald speak from a place of experience and sacrifice—there aren’t many cannabis business owners or CEOs that can talk about the building and launching of a cannabis brand from the same place as this trio. Seun made his dispensary his residence to save money and gave everything he could to the launch of Elev8. Reginald shared an RV with three other people to live onsite while working to build JustinCredible with the rest of the team.
The following 15 business tips come from their blood, sweat, tears, and passion:
Making a decision is better than procrastinating.
Be optimistic and it’s ok to have a subtle naiveté.
Get around those who inspire.
Understand your company values and hire people that meet them.
Motivate your team.
Find your strength and surround yourself with people that can complement your weaknesses.
Even with a small-scale cultivation, you need help to stay compliant.
Test for terpenes.
Be willing to become the COE (Chief of Everything) when you first start. As your company grows, be ready to take on the CEO position.
Win-win collaborations are the best.
Have a pirate mentality; get involved!
It’s ok to revise and update your business plan; even when you are operational, keep reviewing and updating.
Hoarding equity does not increase your overall company.
Raise money when you don’t need it.
It’s not a race, it’s a marathon.
Conclusion
The trio reports some great things coming up. Reginald states that JustinCredible is launching their lifetime strains next harvest. Ulysses says that Major Bloom will continue to carry JustinCredible flower, and bring unique products to the market like slow-burning blunts and infused pre-rolls. They are also working on an edibles chocolate line and a beverage line. Seun says that Elev8 has two additional dispensary openings in Massachusetts, making Elev8 Cannabis Dispensary the first minority-owned company to own and operate three dispensaries in the state.
Michigan’s Marijuana Regulatory Authority has released proposals to expand the number of adult-use cannabis license types by two and lower application fees and license renewal costs, M-Live reports.
The marijuana educational research license would allow schools to purchase cannabis for educational and research purposes from licensed Michigan cannabis producers. However, schools are often hesitant to work with cannabis due to federal restrictions, the report notes. Things like student loans and grants may be affected if schools have large amounts of cannabis on campus, said Northern Michigan University (NMU) cannabis educator Derek Hall.
According to Hall, NMU’s program uses plants other than cannabis to conduct classes. “Currently, we follow the federal guidelines related to cannabis,” he said in the report M-Live. “We do have trace amounts for laboratory use. Those amounts are very, very small.”
The second new license type would expand an existing license category called the Class A micro-business license. The new license would expand the number of allowable plants for micro-business licensees from 150 to 300. Unlike the existing micro-business license, the new Class A license does not allow in-house cannabis processing. Instead, Class A micro-businesses can purchase edibles and concentrates from other Michigan processors.
According to Michigan NORML executive director Rick Thompson:
“[The] class A micro business can double the cultivation output while also selling any other regulated supplier’s non-flower products. This is huge. It makes the existing micro business license undesirable and obsolete.” — Thompson, via M-Live
Under the proposals, application fees are reduced from $6,000 to $3,000. Other license type fees are cut with Class C growing licenses dropping from $40,000 to $24,000. Similarly, processor licenses are reduced from $40,000 to $24,000 and retail, transportation, and lab licenses drop from $21,000 to $15,000.
The agency is accepting public comment on the new rules until September 27. There will be a public hearing on September 27 for those wanting to testify in person on the new rule changes, according to the report.
Thailand on Tuesday legalized the possession and sale of Kratom, which is often used as a painkiller and mild stimulant, the Associated Press reports. The reforms will see thousands of pending criminal cases in Thailand dropped and 121 inmates convicted of kratom possession released from prison.
Ramdin Areeabdulsorma, a politician in Pattani province, told the AP that kratom has historically been a part of the daily lives of Thai people.
“To decriminalize kratom is the right thing to do. Local people or patients who need it will be able to access it more easily. However, I am concerned that teenagers will use it in a wrong way, for example, mixing kratom with other narcotics. We have to control this strictly, otherwise, it can cause damage.” — Areeabdulsorma to the AP
Nimu Makaje, a Muslim community leader in Yala province, said that the nation needs “to have proper controlling measures” of kratom now that it has been decriminalized.
“Currently, a lot of people have lost their jobs and they may use it to reduce their stress,” Makaje said to the AP. “This is very dangerous.”
In the U.S., kratom is considered a “drug of concern” by the Drug Enforcement Administration but it is not federally outlawed. Kratom is banned in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin, according to Kraoma, which notes there is pending legislation on kratom in Hawaii, Louisiana, Michigan, New Hampshire, and New Jersey.
Mississippi Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson said in a letter to the State’s Attorney General he did not feel his agency could help facilitate the state’s medical cannabis program due to cannabis’ federal Schedule I status, according to Mississippi Today. In the letter to Attorney General Lynn Fitch, Gipson said that “elected officials took an oath of office to ‘faithfully support the Constitution of the United States … and obey the laws thereof.’”
Currently, Mississippi‘s medical cannabis system is in limbo after the state Supreme Court struck it down on the grounds that signatures for the 2020 ballot measure were incorrectly gathered. Despite continued negotiations, the legislature has been unable to pass a replacement measure. One proposal puts the Mississippi Department of Agriculture in charge of licensing medical cannabis producers—but in a radio interview with Supertalk, Gipson said that if the legislature does pass such a bill, he has a draft legal challenge ready to go, according to the report.
“If the Mississippi Legislature were to enact and the governor were to sign into state law a medical marijuana program, how would it be legal under the federal act to truck, ship, deliver, manufacture, distribute or dispense any part of the cannabis seed or plant as a Schedule 1 substance into the state of Mississippi?” — Gipson, in the letter, via Mississippi Today
State Sen. Kevin Blackwell (R) pointed out in the report that many of the 38 states with medical cannabis programs allow agriculture department-licensed farms to produce the federally prohibited crop.
Mississippi voters overwhelmingly passed the medical cannabis initiative during the 2020 election. However, the measure was quickly challenged by a Mississippi mayor who said the law did not give local government enough control over cannabis businesses. And earlier this year, the Mississippi Supreme Court threw out the law on the grounds that signatures were incorrectly gathered due to the legislature’s failure to redistrict the state as ordered by a federal court.
In a last-minute scramble, the Mississippi legislature attempted to pass replacement legislation but they have been unable to get the measure to the governor’s desk, leaving Mississippians without a medical cannabis system.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court on Monday ruled in favor of a cannabis business that it can operate as a for-profit business, Courthouse News reports. In the ruling, the justices determined that the state’s cannabis legalization law preempted the town of Mansfield’s bylaws which required cannabis dispensaries to operate as not-for-profits.
The dispensary owner, Ellen Rosenfield, started the medical cannabis dispensary prior to the state’s passage of the broad legalization law and in 2017 the state began allowing dispensaries to operate as for-profit ventures. The following year, Rosenfield converted her business to for-profit status, but neighboring businesses filed a lawsuit arguing that while state law had changed, the town’s bylaws had not.
“The Legislature evinced its clear intent to allow for-profit entities to distribute medical marijuana. This legislative purpose cannot be achieved in the face of [Mansfield’s] by-law on the same subject.” — Massachusetts Judicial Supreme Court Ruling via Courthouse News
The court also rejected the town’s argument that under the state law medical cannabis dispensaries could only convert to for-profit status if their facilities were actively “engaged” in cannabis sales and that since Rosenfield’s business was in start-up mode at the time the state law was passed, she wasn’t “engaged” in sales.
The court ruled “engaged” means simply involved or occupied with and that “it hardly can be said that the plaintiffs were not ‘involved in’ and ‘occupied’ by the sale of marijuana, even though the dispensary is not yet operational.”
Rosenfield’s attorney, Jason Talerman of Mead, Talerman & Costa in Millis, told Courthouse News that, in the ruling, “the court is saying, ‘Let’s not throw up artificial barriers; let’s figure out how to manage it instead of just saying no.’”
All seven of the court’s justices were appointed by Republican Gov. Charlie Baker who opposed the ballot initiative to legalize cannabis in dispensaries.
Panama on Monday legalized medical cannabis becoming the seventh Latin American country—but the first in Central America—to approve the reforms, according to a Jurist report. The bill passed the national assembly unanimously after five years of attempts.
Home cultivation of cannabis remains illegal under the law and the illegal production and sale of cannabis is still punishable by up to 10-15 years in prison. Advertising cannabis products will also remain prohibited.
The measure allows very limited commercial cultivation in Panama while relying on imports in pill and liquid forms, the report says. The Ministry of Health is tasked with distributing medical cannabis products to licensed pharmacies. Under the law, pharmacies must apply for a permit to sell medical cannabis and pass a site inspection.
The bill also requires the creation of a registry for medical cannabis patients and allows research on the plant, Reuters reports. The measure includes language allowing medical cannabis for pets, according to Canex.
Assembly President Crispiano Adames described the legislation—which still requires the signature of President Laurentino Cortizo—as “innovative.”
Another Central American nation, Costa Rica, is also considering a measure to legalize medical cannabis and hemp in the nation, according to Canex. That bill is expected to be taken up by lawmakers this month.
U.S. Navy veteran Howard Bailey, who was deported to Jamaica over a cannabis conviction, was allowed to return home after more than 10 years thanks to mounting pressure on the Biden Administration, Marijuana Moment reports.
Bailey, who served four years with the U.S. Navy, was arrested more than 20 years ago after a package containing cannabis meant for someone else was delivered to his home. Based on his lawyer’s advice, he ultimately pled guilty in the case but when he later applied for U.S. citizenship, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement used the offense to justify denying his application and ultimately arrested and deported him.
Sens. Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Mark Warner (D-VA) delivered a letter last month to the Head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requesting the reopening of Bailey’s case, while 30 members of the Congressional Black Caucus had previously each called on Biden to reopen similar deportation cases. But the Congressional pressure was preceded by advocacy from the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) and the Immigrant Defense Project (IDP).
Welcome home, U.S. Navy veteran Howard Bailey! Howard reunited with his family yesterday evening in Virginia after a decade of living in exile in Jamaica following his unjust deportation. Read more here: https://t.co/gaz30ot1vYpic.twitter.com/ehpnnhWtYS
“I’m relieved that our calls to bring U.S. Navy veteran Howard Bailey home were heard by [Biden] and that he is now reunited with his family. We must continue to undo the harmful immigration policies that are hurting our veterans, service members, and their families.” — Sen. Alex Padilla, in a tweet
Bailey was already pardoned for the cannabis incident by Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) in 2017, according to the report.
Bring-your-own cannabis smoking lounges in Illinois are off to a slow but successful start, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Illinois state law prohibits the public use of cannabis so the licensed consumption sites are a welcome addition for tourists—but before a new lounge can open, local regulators must first approve the business model. Lounges are currently open in DeKalb and downstate Sesser, according to the report, with plans for additional businesses in West Peoria and Carbondale.
For now, the lounges are not allowed to dispense their own cannabis products so consumers have to bring their own. One Carbondale dispensary called Consume Cannabis, however, is seeking to become the state’s first retailer with an attached consumption site after local regulators approved the business model.
“The City Council is in full support of cannabis business,” said Carbondale’s Economic Development Director Steven Mitchell.
“Cannabis has been here since cannabis has been around. Southern Illinois University got a reputation in the 1960s and ‘70s as sort of a hippie town. Lots of folks came from the Chicago area and introduced a new culture to the region, and it has remained.” — Mitchell, via the Tribune
Cannabis lounges remain off-limits in Chicago after Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s proposal stalled in the City Council. Additionally, statewide expansions to cannabis consumption lounges and business tours failed to pass the legislature this year but will likely be reconsidered next year.
Alaska was the first state to approve cannabis social use sites statewide although cannabis cafes/consumption lounges have also been operating in parts of California, Nevada, and Colorado.
Washington state will transition from Leaf Data Systems (LDS), the state’s problematic seed-to-sale tracking system operated by MJ Freeway, to an “in house” data collection system, according to a Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) announcement.
Named the “Cannabis Central Reporting System” (CCRS), the new database will be a “revamped, simplified, data-reporting platform.” WSLCB expects CCRS to be simpler, more flexible, and less costly for licensees. The WSLCB will begin testing the new system in September, with a complete transition and end to the LDS contract expected by June 2022. The agency has launched a website for CCRS and a webinar explaining the transition process is scheduled for September 8, the announcement says.
Although the state has spent millions on LDS and is now moving to a new reporting regime, the Director of Washington NORML Kevin Oliver told Ganjapreneur that there is no actual law requiring cannabis to be tracked so closely.
“There is no law requiring traceability as we know it. It simply isn’t necessary to maintain compliance with I-502 as written and passed by voters, nor is there federal guidance demanding it.” — Kevin Oliver, via an online communication
Things started going wrong with Washington‘s traceability system in late 2017 when the state changed vendors from Biotrack THC to MJ Freeway’s Leaf Data System. The system was targeted by a cyber attack in 2018. Then, when MJ Freeway missed numerous 2018 launch dates, the WSLCB moved to a “Contingency Reporting System” (CRS), which eventually was maintained at an operational level due to continued problems with LDS. The CRS remains in place as the WSLCB begins to transition to the new system, according to the Cannabis Observer.
Georgia Jablon, a representative for Leaf Data Systems’ parent company Akerna, told Ganjapreneur in a statement, “Four years ago, in partnership with WSLCB, we built a unique cannabis tracking system that answered the state’s complex regulatory needs and business requirements.
“Since then, Washington’s enforcement and regulatory requirements have evolved into a simplified model that they can support in-house, which we consulted with them to create. At the same time, we have developed other government cannabis models by bringing both robust and simple solutions to states and countries depending on their needs to ensure ongoing success. We wish the WSLCB the best and look forward to witnessing their accomplishments while rolling out their new state track and trace system.”
The Ohio Ballot Board approved the language of the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol’s latest cannabis legalization ballot initiative effort, News 5 Cleveland reports. Following this approval, the legalization statute will be formally recognized as a single issue moving forward, clearing another hurdle in the push for cannabis reforms.
The proposal would legalize cannabis for Ohio adults aged 21 or older and would allow for the possession and purchase of up to two and a half ounces of cannabis flower and the home growing of up to six plants.
Advocates can now begin the process of gathering enough signatures—nearly 133,000—to send the issue to lawmakers for their consideration. If officials fail to adopt the plan after four months, however, the group can then collect an additional 133,000 signatures to put their initiative on the 2022 ballot.
“We’re happy with today’s outcome and believe the ballot board made the right call on this one. We look forward to beginning the signature collection process and working with our state legislators to create a safe, legal, and highly regulated cannabis market in Ohio.” — Tom Haren, spokesperson for the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol
The legalization proposal includes tax earmarks for social equity considerations, funding for dispensary host communities, and addiction treatment and education services, according to the group’s website.
Ohio voters rejected a legalization proposal in 2015 which had been heavily criticized by cannabis opponents and proponents alike for attempting to reserve cannabis business licenses for a group of anonymous, wealthy investors.
Richard Wershe Jr., aka “White Boy Rick,” the Michigan man who was sentenced to prison in 1987 for cocaine possession after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had used him as an informant to gain access to drug gangs since he was 14-years-old, is launching his own cannabis brand, the Detroit Metro Times reports. He is calling the brand “The 8th” referring to the unit of measurement for cannabis and also the U.S. Constitution’s Eighth Amendment which prohibits “cruel and unusual punishment.”
Wershe was released from prison last year for good behavior. His sentence—which was initially life—is the longest for a nonviolent juvenile in Michigan history.
“I had run into people in prison that were doing life sentences for marijuana, and now it’s legal. So doesn’t that tell you how crazy our drug laws are?”—Wershe to the Metro Times
Wershe is currently suing the FBI and Detroit Police Department for $100 million arguing that he would have never ended up in the drug trade—or involved with drugs—if not for his recruitment by law enforcement.
Wershe is partnering with the Michigan-based Pleasantrees Cannabis Company to provide the flower. The 8th will also sell concentrates, vape batteries, and clothing. Wershe said he decided to partner with Pleasantrees due, in part, to their commitment to social justice.
Jerome Crawford, the director of legal operations and social equity at Pleasantrees, said that Wershe “has become the poster child for what it means to be over-criminalized and prosecuted for drugs.”
“The War on Drugs is really a war on people in impoverished communities, especially Black and brown communities,” Crawford said in an interview with the Metro Times.
Crawford added the company’s social equity plans include creating opportunities for previously incarcerated people by hiring them and helping them obtain an education, working on legislation, and funding charity initiatives in the communities it works in.
The adult-use cannabis ordinance approved in May by all six of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Tribal Council took effect yesterday, allowing the tribes to engage in all aspects of legal cannabis sales, the Record-Eagle reports. The tribes said the reforms will help diversify its businesses beyond “primarily tourism-based business” because cannabis “is an economic commodity in an emerging market that is not based on tourism.”
Under the ordinance, the tribes will regulate commercial cultivation, processing, distribution, and sale of cannabis and cannabis products for adults 21-and-older within the tribe’s jurisdiction, the report says.
In a statement, Tribal Chairman David Arroyo said that the coronavirus pandemic led to a significant decline in the tribes’ revenue and that cannabis revenues can help offset that decline. He added it would help fund tribal law enforcement, education, health care, and social services.
“All benefits obtained from the endeavor will be used to enhance tribal programs for tribal members.”—Arroyo, in a statement, via the Record-Eagle
Under state, federal, and tribal laws, the businesses must be on the tribe’s trust land, including their reservation lands in Peshawbestown and trust lands in Acme and Whitewater townships, the report says.
Other Michigan tribes legalized cannabis for adults, following the passage of the reforms by Michigan voters in 2019. The Bay Mills Indian Community opened their first tribal-owned dispensary in November 2020. The Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians partnered with Lume Cannabis Co. last year and opened their first cannabis dispensary on tribal lands earlier this year with plans to open five more through 2022.
Advocates in Missouri have filed a ballot initiative to legalize cannabis for adults in the state and now must collect 175,000 signatures to put the issue to voters during next year’s midterm elections. The proposed constitutional amendment includes a 6% retail tax and the option for local governments to collect their own 3% tax on sales.
The initiative was filed last week by Legal Missouri 2022. The organization’s Campaign Manager, John Payne, said there is “widespread support among Missouri voters to regulate, tax and legalize marijuana.”
“The status quo has allowed an unsafe, illegal market to thrive in Missouri, while preventing law enforcement from truly prioritizing the fight against violent crime. Now is the time for Missouri to join the 19 other states to have successfully regulated and taxed adult use marijuana, bringing millions in new funding for vital state services.”—Payne in a press release
Funds derived from cannabis taxes would be used for veterans’ healthcare, drug addiction treatment, and the state’s public defender system.
The proposal also includes a provision to automatically expunge low-level cannabis crimes, not including violent offenders or those whose offenses involved distribution to a minor or operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of cannabis, which would be required to be adjudicated through a petition to the court.
From 2010 through 2018, cannabis possession arrests accounted for 50% of all drug arrests in Missouri, the campaign said in the press release, placing the state just outside the nation’s top 10 for the highest cannabis possession arrest rates.
Medical cannabis sales in Missouri only began last October and have reached more than $91.36 million, according to a Center Square report.
Kind Idaho is collecting signatures for a 2022 medical cannabis ballot initiative, the Cannabis Business Times reports. The activists have collected 5,000 of the 65,000 signatures needed to place the Idaho Medical Marijuana Act (IMMA) on 2022 ballots, according to Jackee Winters, an Idaho mom whose daughter suffers from a brain tumor.
Winters told the Cannabis Business Times that Idaho needs to “grow up” and is “behind the times.” She believes the state needs “medical advancements” to help Idahoans, like her daughter, who “suffer.”
“I don’t want to have to relocate my entire family. … It’s not fair that she’s got to suffer, and they basically try to turn us all into criminals by not letting us have our own choice.”—Winters to the Cannabis Business Times
If passed, the act would legalize the possession of up to 4 ounces of cannabis for patients, who could grow six plants at home upon acquiring a “hardship waiver.” Additionally, IMMA would set up a network of dispensaries across the rural state.
Winters said the group has had a slow start finding volunteers but says they just finished a signature-gathering campaign at Idaho Hemp Fest, a pro-cannabis event held annually in Boise, and plan on collecting more signatures at other fairs around Idaho.
“People may not know of us because it’s our first time doing this, or [word] hasn’t gotten out there,” Winters said in the report. “We just keep trucking along, wishing for the best.”
In addition to Kind Idaho’s efforts to pass medical cannabis, another organization, The Idaho Way, is working to pass a measure that would decriminalize up to 3 ounces of cannabis for adults in a “private setting.” Similar to Kind Idaho, they must collect roughly 65,000 signatures to appear on the next year’s ballots.
In this episode of Fresh Cut, host Cara Wietstock meets with Rebecca Colett, CEO of Detroit, Michigan-based cannabis brand Calyxeum, and Founder of the social equity incubator The Detroit Cannabis Project. Her mission is to forge a path for more minority-owned cannabis businesses while simultaneously enriching the Detroit metro community.
Cara and Rebecca discuss lessons learned when embarking on a career in cannabis, how to become a cannabis brand that empowers and engages with the surrounding community, the negative impacts of corporate weed on the industry, and more!
To learn more about Rebeccas’s brand Calyxeum: https://calyxeum.com
Calyxeum’s intention is to expand their growing and processing brand throughout Michigan, adding a female touch to a female plant.
To learn more about the Detroit Cannabis Project: https://www.detroitcannabisproject.com
The Detroit Cannabis Project is an all-inclusive incubator program to give folks the knowledge, tools, network, and access to capital to create successful, sustainable cannabis businesses in Detroit and beyond!
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating whether illegal influence played a role in how the state’s cannabis licenses were awarded, according to a Las Vegas Review-Journal report. Federal authorities have been conducting interviews over the past year to determine whether businesses or individuals attempted to sway politicians or bureaucrats with gifts, money, job offers, or campaign contributions in exchange for industry licenses.
More the 750 cannabis licenses have been awarded in the state and, of those, 335 are dual licenses for medical and recreational cannabis sales, the report says. Applicants who were not awarded licenses have, since the licenses were issued in 2019, accused successful applicants of corruption, the report says. There also have been concerns about whether cannabis companies with state lawmakers and businessmen as partners had an advantage in getting licensing or zoning for their cannabis companies.
Tyler Klimas, executive director of the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board, told the Review-Journal that he was unaware of any official investigation but wouldn’t be surprised if there was one.
“It’s all about public trust and confidence. As regulators of the state’s cannabis industry, it’s imperative that we work with our federal partners to ensure that trust and confidence extends outside of our borders and prevents any actions that could damage the state’s reputation or harm the industry.”—Klimas to the Review-Journal
Public records show the state Attorney General’s Office was notified on Feb. 18, 2020, of a joint investigation by the Nevada Department of Public Safety and FBI.
Neither an FBI spokeswomen nor agent who reportedly conducted the interviews offered to comment on the investigation to the Review-Journal.
Aurora Cannabis Inc. and partner Ethypharm have successfully delivered a shipment of dried cannabis flower to France’s medical cannabis pilot program, the companies said in a press release. Selected by the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health (ANSM), the two firms agreed to the exclusive contract in October 2020. Aurora says they will provide three different cultivars of medical cannabis to the program, a high THC strain, a 1:1 THC:CBD variety, and a high CBD offering.
Aurora CEO Miguel Martin said “the first prescriptions of dried medical cannabis as part of the French pilot program are a significant step toward providing access to patients and will support the destigmatization of medical cannabis in France.
“This accomplishment is another example of Aurora’s leadership in global cannabis, with a proven track record of supporting the advancement of international medical cannabis markets alongside government bodies.”—Martin in a statement
Aurora Nordic, the company’s European arm, will grow the cannabis in Odense, Denmark while Ethypharm is responsible for delivering medicine to patients. Dried cannabis flower will be administered to patients via a STORZ & BICKEL vaporizer. The two-year French pilot program will serve 3,000 patients.
Ethypharm Chief Commercial Operations Officer Jean Monin believes the joint venture is the right approach to build trust and confidence in medical cannabis for the long term in France. Monin said the company wants to be a “driving force” to help French patients “suffering from chronic pain when there is no other therapeutic option than medical cannabis.”
