Medical Cannabis Patient Certification Opens in Kentucky Next Month

11/25/2024

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Kentucky is opening medical cannabis patient certifications on December 1, WLKY reports. During his Team Kentucky update last week, Gov. Andy Beshear said on that day a page will launch on kymedcan.ky.gov to connect patients with more than 150 authorized medical cannabis practitioners. 

Patients certified by a healthcare provider will be able to apply for medical cannabis ID cards on January 1.  

Beshear did indicate that it remains unclear whether medical cannabis will be available for patients by January – the lottery drawing for retail licenses for some sites in the state is not set until December 16, while others are set to be announced this week.  

In 2022, Beshear issued an executive order allowing individuals with certain severe medical conditions and who meet specific requirements to be able to possess and consume small amounts of cannabis purchased from a state with legal access. That order, while providing relief for a small number of patients, also led to a patchwork of medical cannabis hospital policies in the state.   

Beshear signed the Legislature-approved legislation into law on March 31, 2023. The law does not allow patients to access smokable cannabis products but permits edibles and concentrates.  

The bill’s qualifying conditions for the medical cannabis program include any type or form of cancer, regardless of the stage; chronic, severe, intractable, or debilitating pain; epilepsy or any other intractable seizure disorder; multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, or spasticity; chronic nausea or cyclical vomiting syndrome that has proven resistant to other conventional medical treatments; and post-traumatic stress disorder. The measure allows the Kentucky Center for Cannabis Research to add medical conditions to the list.   

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Charges Dropped Against Nebraska Notary for Medical Cannabis Petitions

11/25/2024

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All charges against a Nebraska notary public caught up in a legal challenge against the state’s recent medical cannabis legalization campaign were dropped last week, the Nebraska Examiner reports.

The state had charged Jacy C. Todd with 24 cases of “official misconduct,” accusing the 53-year-old notary public of improperly notarizing pages of medical cannabis petition signatures on 24 occasions. Prosecutors argued in the case that notaries are public officials and that Todd “knowingly” broke the law, and the charges prompted a last-minute legal challenge against the medical cannabis vote.

However, Hall County Judge Alfred Corey on Friday accepted a request by Todd’s attorney to dismiss the charges, writing in his opinion, “While these duties greatly assist others, notary publics are not public servants who are performing governmental functions.”

“We recognize the critical need for a notary’s duties to be carried out correctly and with integrity. But a notary’s duties, important as they are, hardly implicate responsibilities that go to the heart of representative government. Rather, these duties are essentially clerical and ministerial.” — Hall County Judge Alfred Corey, in the opinion

Despite the dismissal of Todd’s charges, the broader legal case continues. Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong is currently reviewing a case brought by the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, which argues that alleged circulator fraud and notarial misconduct invalidate a substantial number of petition signatures. The outcome of this case will determine whether the ballot measures stand as certified by state officials.

Nebraska voters passed both medical cannabis measures that appeared on the ballot this month: one legalizes medical cannabis for qualified patients, and the other establishes a program regulating the cultivation and sale of medical cannabis products. These measures follow a 2020 effort in which a single medical cannabis petition was invalidated by the courts for violating a state law requiring ballot initiatives to be limited to a single issue.

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Michigan Ends Industrial Hemp Program, Leaves Farmer Oversight to USDA

11/25/2024

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Michigan’s industrial hemp program is ending and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will oversee the regulation of hemp farmers in the state moving forward, according to a MITech News report.

The shift suggests big changes are coming for Michigan hemp farmers as they adjust to the USDA’s hemp cultivation rules, which include stricter protocols regarding pre-harvest THC tests, record-keeping, reporting, and compliance. Additionally, any testing must be conducted by a federally approved lab, the report said. The changes will take effect starting in 2025.

Blain Becktold, president of iHemp Michigan, an organization representing Michigan hemp farmers, seed cultivators, processors, manufacturers, and other hemp businesses, told MITech News the change will mean paying fewer fees to get state hemp permits — and that being associated with the USDA might bring more credibility to the versatile hemp crop.

“Now that more uses of industrial hemp products in the building and animal feed sectors are starting to emerge, this move (to USDA) may encourage farmers and processors to look again at the possibilities that industrial hemp could provide to their operations.” Becktold, via MITech News

Michigan first established its industrial hemp program in 2019 and the plan was later approved by the USDA in 2020. The bills establishing the program closely followed the 2018 Farm Bill, which federally legalized hemp.

 

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Hemp Definition Farm Bill Draft

Senate Farm Bill Draft Redefines Hemp But Leaves Loophole Open

11/22/2024

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A new draft of the U.S. Senate’s Farm Bill reflects bipartisan momentum to regulate intoxicating hemp-derived products, including delta-8 THC and THCA. The proposal, introduced by Senator Debbie Stabenow, would redefine hemp by capping total THC at 0.3%, encompassing all psychoactive THC variants. This effort aims to address market confusion and close a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp with a delta-9 THC concentration of 0.3% or less but inadvertently enabled the rise of other intoxicating cannabinoids being sold in various forms, from gummies and beverages to pre-rolls and “THCA flower.”

In absence of any real federal action to address the rise of intoxicating hemp products over the past several years, numerous states have been implementing measures to restrict or control them already. California recently enacted a sweeping ban on intoxicating hemp products, and several other states have also introduced or implemented stricter regulations on hemp-derived THC. These measures are aimed at preventing the unregulated sale of these products over the internet and in brick and mortar shops in order to keep them out of the hands of underage consumers, and to protect state-licensed cannabis businesses from unfair competition.

The House’s version of the Farm Bill, published earlier this year, takes an even harder stance, with an amendment from Representative Mary Miller proposing an outright ban on all hemp-derived THC. The Senate’s approach reflects a regulatory compromise, focusing on clearer definitions and tighter rules rather than outright prohibition.

However, the current Senate draft does not seem to directly address a loophole being exploited by certain hemp products, such as gummies and beverages, which due to their weight/density can include high levels of THC while still adhering to the 0.3% total THC limit. For example, a beverage that weighs 500 grams (roughly 16oz) could contain up to 1500mg THC under this definition. Most state cannabis markets, by comparison, cap total THC per serving at 10mg for infused products.

To mitigate this issue, the Farm Bill would need to explicitly apply the THC percentage threshold to hemp biomass, not finished goods; this solution was proposed by leading cannabinoid research publisher Project CBD over a year ago. Another possibility would be to introduce separate THC caps for consumable hemp products on a per-serving or per-container basis.

While the Farm Bill appears unlikely to pass before the new Congress convenes in January, the fact that the House and Senate both seem to be aligning intentions against the current free-for-all suggests that the hemp-derived cannabinoid industry should prepare for stricter oversight in 2025. Whether or not new regulations will be effective at controlling the myriad of hemp products currently on the market is another question, though.

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FDA Approves Trial Investigating Medical Cannabis as PTSD Treatment for Veterans

11/22/2024

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this week approved a clinical trial to investigate whether smoking or vaping medical cannabis products can help to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among veterans, The Hill reports.

Funded by the Michigan Veteran Marijuana Research Grant Program and sponsored by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), the trial faced delays in 2021 after FDA officials objected to several aspects of the study: that inhaling cannabis smoke might be potentially dangerous for study participants, and that the study would follow a “self-titration” dosing method that would allow participants to use as much medical cannabis as they believe could be of benefit, rather than a prescribed amount. Additionally, the FDA was concerned about letting participants use high-potency products.

However, in a statement released Wednesday, MAPS said that the FDA no longer objected to those aspects of the study.

“After three years of negotiations with the FDA, this decision opens the door to future research into cannabis as a medical treatment, offering hope to millions.” — MAPS statement, via The Hill

MAPS’ director of cannabis research Allison Coker said in the report that the group didn’t want the study to be changed based on the federal agency’s objections because the trial is meant to mimic the actual habits of veterans who are already using medical cannabis.

The trial will be a randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 320 veterans experiencing moderate to severe PTSD. In addition to the placebo products, the trial will utilize high-potency cannabis products sourced from Canada, the report said.

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Texas AG Suing City of Dallas Over Voter-Backed Cannabis Decriminalization Policy

11/22/2024

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) on Thursday filed a lawsuit against the city of Dallas over the cannabis decriminalization policy approved by voters there during the recent election.

The reforms in Dallas make low-level cannabis possession the “lowest enforcement priority” for local law enforcement, effectively decriminalizing cannabis possession within the city limits up to four ounces. Two-thirds of state voters supported the proposal.

“Cities cannot pick and choose which State laws they follow. The City of Dallas has no authority to override Texas drug laws or prohibit the police from enforcing them. This is a backdoor attempt to violate the Texas Constitution, and any city that tries to constrain police in this fashion will be met swiftly with a lawsuit by my office.” — AG Paxton, in a press release

Thursday’s filing marks the second time Paxton has sought to overturn locally approved cannabis reforms. Previously, the attorney general’s office filed a lawsuit against the cities of Austin, Denton, Elgin, Killeen, and San Marcos after the municipalities adopted voter-backed cannabis decriminalization policies — but a judge dismissed the suit in June, saying the attorney general had no legal justification for the complaint.

Two other Texas cities voted alongside Dallas this year to decriminalize low-level cannabis possession: Bastrop and Lockheart, which both passed the reforms with more than two-thirds voter support.

 

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DNA Genetics

Top Shelf DNA Genetics Strains for Indoor Growing Success

11/21/2024

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Creating your ideal indoor grow space is the key to unlocking your plants’ full potential. Whether you’re working with a small closet or a dedicated grow tent, the right environment can make all the difference. Mastering lighting, temperature, humidity, and ventilation will set the foundation for lush growth and bountiful harvests.

At DNA Genetics, we’ve been shaping the future of cannabis cultivation since 2004, winning over 200 awards, including numerous High Times Cannabis Cups. Our focus on innovation and quality has led us to develop strains that thrive in indoor spaces.

Are you ready to take your indoor grow to the next level? With the right tools, techniques, and strains, you can cultivate lush, healthy plants. Let’s lay the groundwork for your indoor growing success!

Creating Your Ideal Indoor Grow Space

Creating the perfect indoor grow space is all about balancing control and creativity. Whether you’re converting a closet or investing in a grow tent, here’s what you’ll need to get started.

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The basic requirements your grow space should include are:

  • A grow tent to keep your plants protected and the environment stable.
  • Sufficient lighting. Choose between energy-efficient LEDs for cooler operation or HPS lights for intent flowering power.
  • Provide proper ventilation with fans and vents to maintain airflow and regulate heat and humidity.
  • Control temperature and humidity. Aim for 70–80°F (21–27°C) and humidity levels adjusted by stage (65–80% for seedlings and 40–50% for flowering).

Choosing the right lighting can make or break your harvest outcomes. LEDs are perfect for growers who want energy efficiency and precise light spectrums, especially in tight spaces. HPS lights are hotter, but excel in producing heavy yields during flowering. The right light setup ensures your plants thrive at every stage.

Remember that cannabis is sensitive to its surroundings. Use oscillating fans to eliminate hot spots, and monitor humidity with sensors to keep mold at bay. Dehumidifiers and HVAC systems are your best friends in this case, especially during flowering.

Are you low on space? A small grow tent or modified closet can work wonders with good ventilation and reflective materials to amplify light. It’s essential to ensure proper plant spacing to maximize airflow and light exposure.

Prioritize safety with correct electrical setups, moisture management, and regular equipment checks. Real-time monitoring tools can help catch issues before they escalate.

With the right preparation, your indoor grow space can thrive, delivering top-tier results every time.

Choosing the Best Indoor Strains: Traits to Prioritize

When selecting cannabis strains for indoor cultivation, there are many aspects to consider. Here are the most vital traits to look at:

Compact Growth Structure

Indoor growers often need plants that can flourish in confined spaces. Compact, bushier strains are perfect for smaller grow tents or closets. They make efficient use of vertical and horizontal space while producing multiple dense colas.

DNA Marijuana Indoor Grow

Flowering Time and Yield

Quick turnarounds are key for indoor operations. Strains with shorter flowering times don’t compromise yield, letting growers enjoy faster harvest cycles with abundant results. High-yielding genetics ensure every harvest is worth the effort, even in limited grow areas.

Mold and Mildew Resistance

Indoor spaces can be prone to humidity issues, but some strains are bred for resilience against mildew and mold. These genetics provide peace of mind, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Goal-driven Selection

Every grower has unique goals. Do you want maximum yields? How about specific effects? Maybe you’re low on space and need a compact plant? Consider your needs to determine your best match.

By focusing on these traits, you’ll set yourself up for a productive and stress-free indoor growing experience.

Strains to Watch: Top Picks for Indoor Cultivation

Indoor cultivation provides a controlled environment for cannabis plants , enabling growers to achieve optimal conditions and consistent results. Certain strains perform exceptionally well indoors due to their growth habits, resilience, and adaptability to techniques like training and pruning.

Here are the top five picks for indoor cannabis strains and why we think they’re perfect for maximizing your grow room’s potential.

Kosher Kush

An indica-dominant strain with roots in the legendary OG lineage, Kosher Kush has become a favorite among indoor cultivators. Its robust genetics make it particularly suited for controlled environments, thriving in compact spaces while naturally resisting mold.

With earthy, pine-like aroma accented by a touch of lemon, this cultivar delivers a sensory experience as rich as its growth characteristics. This strain responds exceptionally well to topping, allowing growers to manage height while boosting yield.

For best results, maintain low humidity levels during the flowering phase and invest in strong lighting to maximize its dense, resinous buds. The flowering phase typically takes around 9–10 weeks, rewarding growers with yields of 15–19 oz./m2. Its ease of cultivation and potent effects make it a reliable choice for beginners and experts alike.

MacNana Auto

When it comes to a robust autoflowering strain, MacNana auto was bred for ease of cultivation and exceptional results. The strain boasts a lineage that marries Strawberry Banana with MAC auto, resulting in a genetic masterpiece. Its aroma blends sweet banana with citrus and earthy undertones, offering a flavorful experience that delights the senses.

The cultivar thrives in a variety of environments but truly excels indoors. Its compact structure and fast flowering time of just 9–10 weeks make it ideal for growers seeking efficiency without compromising quality. Using low-stress training (LST) can help optimize light exposure and boost yields to around 14–19 oz./m² under ideal conditions.

MacNana is celebrated for its balanced effects, offering a relaxing yet uplifting high, making it a versatile choice for day or night use. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned grower, this strain delivers reliability, potency, and exceptional flavor in every harvest.

Watermelon Man Auto

Watermelon Man auto is an indica-dominant hybrid resulting from Watermelon and OG Kush Auto. It boasts a sweet grape-candy smoke with herbal melon and citrus pine notes. The strain’s compact size and bushy structure make it ideal for indoor grows, especially with low-stress training to optimize light distribution.

After around 8–9 weeks of flowering, the cultivar is expected to yield up to 18 oz./m2 under in an ideal environment. For best results, consider using soil enriched with beneficial microbes, regular pruning, and feeding vital nutrients to enhance flavor and terpene production.

The strain’s resilience, stunning purple-hued buds, and uplifting yet soothing effects make it a favorite for growers and consumers alike.

Chocolope

Award-winning Chocolope is a sativa-dominant hybrid resulting from OG Chocolate Thai and Cannalope Haze. It offers a chocolate-coffee flavor profile that sets it apart from other strains.

The cultivar is ideal for indoor growing thanks to its relatively short flowering time of 8–9 weeks. It thrives in stable environments, producing high yields of 18–21 oz./m² when grown with care.

For optimal results, maintain a steady light cycle and ensure sufficient airflow to prevent mold and mildew. Balanced nutrients tailored for sativa strains will further support its vigorous  growth and enhance its flavor.

With its uplifting effects and distinctive flavor, Chocolope is a must-try for those seeking a rewarding indoor cultivation experience.

HG23 AKA MICHAEL JORDAN AUTO

HG23 auto (AKA Michael Jordan) is an indica-dominant hybrid bred from Holy Grail Kush, Kosher Kush, and ruderalis for autoflowering convenience. This strain features a smooth, earthy flavor with hints of citrus, floral undertones, and a roasted coffee finish.

It’s known for its relaxing yet euphoric effects, helping to ease tension and inspire creativity. Many prefer HG23 when needing to unwind or for a spark of creativity.

This beginner-friendly strain thrives in various growing conditions, yielding up to 18 oz./m2 after just 8–9 weeks of flowering. Its robust genetics, compact size, and compatibility with LST techniques ensure an efficient and satisfying grow.

Indoor growers can unlock the full potential of these strains by tailoring their techniques to suit each plant’s characteristics. Whatever your preference, these strains offer versatility, robust growth, and rewarding yields in controlled environments.

Tips for Getting the Best Indoor Results

Indoor cannabis cultivation requires precision and care to maximize yield and quality. From choosing the right lighting to mastering plant training, here’s how to get the best results.

Tailor the lighting spectrum to each growth phase.

  • Seedling: Use soft white light with a blue spectrum to promote healthy leaves.
  • Vegetative: Bright white or blue light encourages robust, leafy growth. LEDs are a great choice for energy efficiency and minimal heat.
  • Flowering: Switch to red-spectrum light for better bud development. HPS (High-pressure sodium) lights excel here due to their intensity, but they may require cooling systems.

DNA Marijuana Indoor Grow

Temperature and humidity precision is key.

  • Seedling: Keep temperatures between 68–77°F (20–25°C) and 65–80% humidity to support delicate roots.
  • Vegetative: Aim for 68–78°F (20–26°C) and 40–70% humidity. Gradually reduce humidity as plants grow.
  • Flowering: Maintain 68–77°F (20–25°C) and humidity levels at 40–50%. This prevents mold and improves trichome production for high-resin strains.

Boost yields in limited space with training methods.

  • Low-stress training (LST): Gently bend the tie branches to maximize light exposure without stressing plants. Perfect for bushy strains like Kosher Kush.
  • Topping: Removing the main stem tip to promote bushier growth. It’s ideal for managing height in compact spaces.
  • Screen of Green (SCROG): Use a mesh screen to evenly distribute the canopy. This method is excellent for strains that benefit from even light exposure.

Wrapping It Up: DNA Genetics and Indoor Growing Success

Indoor cannabis cultivation presents unique challenges, but with the right environment, techniques, and genetics, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. By focusing on creating an optimized grow space, you can achieve impressive results.

At DNA Genetics, we’ve crafted a diverse range of cannabis strains tailored for indoor growing. From compact and mold-resistant varieties to those yielding potent, flavorful buds in limited spaces, we have you covered every step of the way. Browse our store for the highest quality seeds to start your indoor grow today!

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Two-Thirds of Minnesota Social Equity License Applications Denied

11/20/2024

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Two-thirds of Minnesota social equity cannabis license applicants were denied for inadequate documentation with the state Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) claiming that a lot of the rejected applicants are “zone flooders or predatory applicants or who do not meet the letter of the law around ownership requirements and expectations,” according to a MinnPost report. 

The denials affect about 1,200 of the 1,817 social equity applications. OCM had previously verified 2,307 individuals as social equity-qualified applicants, mostly military veterans and people with previous cannabis-related convictions. About 640 of the applicants will be included in the license lottery, which is scheduled for the week of December 2.   

Charlene Briner, the interim director of the Office of Cannabis Management, told MinnPost that the state “gave the answers to the test ahead of time” by detailing license requirements and issuing how-to guides.  

“While the disappointment is understandable, the basic proxy for readiness is your ability to submit a successful application. … We’ve always known this is a highly complex regulated space, and we heard concerns about readiness so the people who get into the lottery are qualified.” — Briner to MinnPost 

Briner added that officials “want to make sure the right universe of fully qualified and vetted applicants are in the mix,” and that applicants included in the lottery will be notified by the agency.  

Attorney Jen Randolph Reise, who represents some of the rejected applicants, told MinnPost that the denials are “a significant misstep by OCM” and that the agency should “allow denials made in error to be challenged and reversed” despite state law prohibiting appeals of decisions to deny access to the pre-approval lottery. 

The state did not receive enough qualified applications for cannabis wholesaler, cannabis transporter, and cannabis testing facility licenses to trigger a lottery and received the most applications for cultivation, manufacturer, and retail licenses.    

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Adult-Use Cannabis Price-Per-Ounce in Michigan Falls to $74 in October

11/20/2024

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The average price of an ounce of cannabis flower in Michigan’s adult-use market has fallen to $73.99, down almost $20 from September, according to data from the state Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA). The price marks a steep decline from four years ago when the average price-per-ounce was $287.92. 

Meanwhile, the average retail price for flower in the medical cannabis market in October was $92.61. 

Adult-use cannabis sales in the state for October topped $267 million led by $116.4 million in flower sales. Vape cartridges were the second most popular products sold in the state ($49.9 million), followed by inhalable concentrate compounds ($39.1 million), edibles ($24 million), shake and trim ($21.3 million), concentrates ($14.7 million), infused liquids ($1.2 million), infused non-edible solids ($630,173), infused non-edible liquids ($128,164), and kief ($28,518), according to the CRA data. 

For October, medical cannabis sales in Michigan neared $1 million, totaling $961,844, with flower sales representing about a third of products sold ($329,189), followed by vape cartridges ($306,977), inhalable compound concentrates ($120,176), edibles ($88,481), concentrates ($56,769), shake and trim ($46,338), infused liquids ($9,518), infused solid non-edibles ($4,186), infused liquid non-edibles ($188), and kief ($24), according to the CRA data. 

As of October 31, adult-use sales in the state have totaled more than $9.6 billion, while medical cannabis sales have exceeded $1.6 billion. 

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Report: Millennials Purchase the Most Pre-Rolls

11/20/2024

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Millennials account for the largest share of pre-roll purchases, with the cohort cornering 45% of the market from 2023 to mid-2024, according to a white paper from Custom Cones USA and cannabis intelligence firm Headset. Pre-rolls represented the third most popular and fastest-growing category with $4.1 billion in sales from 2023 to the middle of this year, the report says. 

Gen Xers were the second-largest cohort to buy pre-rolls (24%), followed by Gen Z (19%) and Boomers (13%). Ninety-four percent of the more than 900 cannabis consumers surveyed for the white paper indicated that joints were their preferred mode of consumption, followed by vape pens (67%), edibles (66%), and bowls (65%). Most pre-roll smokers (80%) consumed cannabis multiple times daily, while 12% smoked once a day, and 5% a few times weekly.

The paper found that full-gram pre-rolls were the most popular (57%), followed by half-grams (28%), and three-quarter grams (9%).

Infused pre-rolls’ market share rose from 34.4% in 2019 to 44.4% in 2024, the report says, with kief the top concentrate preferred in infused pre-roll products (78%) followed by live resin (77%) and rosin (59%). Forty-three percent of those surveyed buy both single-use and multi-pack pre-rolls, with 31% preferring multi-packs, while 59% of smokers buy pre-rolls with premium filter tips – 51.8% for special occasions – 21.4% weekly. Glass-tipped pre-rolls are most popular (80%), followed by wood (70%); while nearly 55% have tried ceramic tips, the report says.

According to the white paper, the average pre-roll price fell to $9.50 in September 2024, down from $10.67 in 2023, and $11.68 in 2022. Washington and Oregon have the lowest per-gram prices at $3.36 and $3.87, respectively, while New York ($13.74) and Illinois ($11.90) are the highest. 

The white paper found Jeeter leading the pre-roll market with 8.8% share, selling 18.6 million units or about $504 million in sales.

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Curaleaf Wins First Massachusetts Cannabis Research License

11/20/2024

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The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) last week awarded Curaleaf Processing, a subsidiary of the multistate operator Curaleaf Holdings, the state’s first Marijuana Research Facility license.

“We are excited to move the state’s first-ever Research Facility license forward in the hopes that it will contribute to a safer regulated cannabis industry, rooted in science. This licensee has worked diligently over the last two years to bring this facility to the Commonwealth, and we look forward to the work their team will accomplish after their receipt of a research permit.” — CCC Acting Chair Bruce Stebbins, in a press release

The state’s research facility licenses were first announced in 2018 and officials said seven hopeful licensees have applied; the licenses are available to academic institutions, nonprofits, or companies licensed to do business in Massachusetts. Additionally, the licensees will need to apply for a Research Permit from the CCC’s Research Department to authorize specific studies and research methods to be performed at the facilities.

“As long as marijuana remains a Schedule I substance, it is important that states like ours continue to innovate and pursue opportunities for research despite the barriers that may exist,” Commissioner Ava Callender Concepcion said in the release. “I’m thrilled to see this licensee moving forward, and we are excited for the day when we can announce that their research efforts have officially begun.”

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Georgia Adding More Dispensaries After Medical Cannabis Patient Count Reaches 25k

11/20/2024

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Georgia medical cannabis operators are opening additional dispensaries after the medical cannabis program’s total patient count recently reached 25,000 patients, the Capitol Beat News Service reports. There are now six medical cannabis cultivators operating 13 dispensary locations in the state.

Georgia first legalized low-potency medical cannabis access in 2015 but lawmakers didn’t pass legislation to license the production and retail of medical cannabis until 2019. Before then, patients were either traveling out-of-state or sourcing their cannabis products from the illicit marketplace.

The Georgia medical cannabis program only allows dispensaries to sell low-potency THC extracts containing no more than 5% THC.

“Patient access continues to be our mission and purpose. Expanding Georgia’s medical cannabis program, especially providing service to patients, is why the commission exists.” — Commission Chairman Sid Johnson, via Capitol Beat News Service

Regulators issued the state’s first five dispensary licenses last April. Per state law, the commission can add additional dispensary licenses for every 10,000 patients.

Commission Executive Director Andrew Turnage said in the report, “We anticipate things are going to pick up in pace quickly from here.”

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Missouri Court Rules ‘Stacking’ Cannabis Taxes is Prohibited

11/18/2024

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The Missouri Court of Appeals Eastern District ruled Tuesday that local governments cannot stack cannabis industry sales taxes, Gannett reports. The ruling reverses a lower court’s decision from May that allowed the city of Florissant and St. Louis County to impose a 3% sales tax on adult-use cannabis sales.

In the decision, the panel of appellate judges said that the state constitution’s “plain, unambiguous” language only allows “one local government…to impose an additional three percent sales tax.”

Due to the stacked taxes, customers at Florissant dispensaries were paying a total of 20.988% in sales taxes on adult-use cannabis products.

The primary question before the panel was: what did voters intend by “local government” when they approved the adult-use cannabis reforms in 2022? The appellate panel determined the answer to that question is in “an incorporated area like Florissant, the village, town, or city is the ‘local government,’ not the county.”

In an interview with Gannett, Andrew Mullins, executive director for the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association, said the ruling “helps put $3 million back into the pockets of Missouri customers each month.”

According to data from the Missouri Department of Revenue, 90 of the state’s 114 counties have enacted a 3% cannabis sales tax with 74 including a municipality that has imposed the tax, meaning both city and county governments have been imposing a 3% tax at dispensaries.

Doug Moore, spokesman for St. Louis County, told Gannett that officials are “reviewing the ruling and determining next steps.”

“It is unclear at this point what the financial impact would be,” he said.

A similar case is pending in Buchanan County.

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Report: Chronic Pain is the Most Common Reason for Medical Cannabis Use

11/18/2024

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Chronic pain is the most common reason for medical cannabis use, according to a new report from virtual cannabis clinic Leafwell, with nearly a third (32%) of patients citing it as their primary condition. Leafwell found more than 58% of patients use medical cannabis to manage two or more medical conditions. 

The report includes data from more than 81,000 medical cannabis patients across 32 states and found while chronic pain topped the list of medical conditions used for medical cannabis, anxiety was the second most cited condition (26.8%), followed by insomnia (18.5%), and post-traumatic stress disorder (11.2%). 

According to the Leafwell report, two-thirds of medical cannabis cardholders were 21- to 49-years-old, with about a quarter (25.4%) older and 8.3% younger. The average age of a patient seen by Leafwell was 40.

Medical cannabis cards are also nearly evenly split among men and women, Leafwell found, at 51.1% and 48.9%, respectively. The vast majority of medical cannabis card holders, according to the data, are white (71.5%), with Black people comprising 10.4% of cardholders, followed by Hispanic people (8.4%), with 7.1% identifying as “other.”

Chronic pain was more frequently reported among white and Black, non-Hispanic patients, the report notes, while anxiety was more prominent among Hispanic patients.

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Cannabis Research Institute Launches in Illinois

11/18/2024

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The Cannabis Research Institute (CRI), a partnership between the University of Illinois and Discovery Partners Institute, officially launched in Illinois last week. In a statement, Gov. JB Pritzker said CRI “will use innovative research and data collection to deepen our understanding of cannabis and help shape the future of the industry, better inform the public, and develop policies for consumer protection, economic and community development, and equity.”  

“At the time I was elected, we were allowing people to be held criminally liable – and inequitably so – for consuming cannabis. Just five years later, we have one of the most orderly and successful cannabis industries, and we are launching a research institute – funded by the legal sale of that same plant – that will accelerate the transformation of that old, unfair, unjust system into a vehicle for community revitalization.” — Pritzker in a press release 

The CRI is a joint effort supported by the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago, housed within DPI, which is part of the University of Illinois system. It was first announced in 2022 and earlier this year was awarded $7 million over three years from the state Department of Human Services, with the express purpose of supporting research, education, and increased understanding of the potential impacts of cannabis on individuals and communities.  

In a statement, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton called the launch “an exciting development that will move us even closer to an equitable cannabis industry and a more just Illinois.” 

“Illinois continues to be at the forefront of cutting-edge practices and programs surrounding cannabis,” she said in the statement. “Holistic reform is part of our administration’s vision for transforming the state’s justice system toward more healing-centered practices.” 

In September, CRI opened a new laboratory in a former COVID-19 testing facility on Chicago’s west side Illinois Medical Center campus. The site will temporarily serve as a research base. 

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USDA Extends Deadline for Mandatory Testing of Hemp Products by DEA-Approved Labs

11/18/2024

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) last week announced another one-year delay in the enforcement of a rule requiring hemp products sold in the country to be tested by a laboratory registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). It’s the third year in a row that officials have delayed enforcing the rule.

Following the temporary suspension of the rules, hemp product makers can utilize any third-party lab not registered with the DEA for product testing until December 31, 2025.

“USDA is delaying enforcement of this requirement based on input received from state and tribal governments and third-party cannabis testing facilities that have experienced delays in completing the DEA laboratory registration process. Because of these setbacks in the completion of the DEA process, USDA is concerned there will be inadequate approved hemp laboratory testing capacity for the 2025 growing season.” — USDA statement, in a press release

Industrial hemp is legal in the U.S. per the 2018 federal Farm Bill but despite witnessing a flourishing hemp products space now for years, the federal government has done little to address the burgeoning industry.

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New Mexico Cannabis Bill Filed

New Mexico Bill Would Give Cannabis Officials New Enforcement Powers

11/18/2024

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New Mexico lawmakers last week discussed creating a new “Compliance Bureau” arm of the state’s Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD) to investigate cannabis operators and take enforcement actions against unlicensed or noncompliant activity, the Sante Fe New Mexican reports. The proposal aims to help officials identify and crack down on any bad actors in the state who might be helping fuel the illicit cannabis market, which competes with and hinders the legal market.

The state’s Cannabis Control Division is not currently authorized to conduct criminal investigations and generally relies instead on local police departments which can have limited time or resources to devote. The possible proposal, however, would extend new law enforcement powers to the state’s cannabis regulatory agency including the ability to conduct searches and seizures of illegal cannabis and to arrest anyone illegally selling cannabis.

“If the Cannabis Control Division is authorized to employ certified law enforcement officers to enforce criminal statutes, those officers could conduct criminal investigations, obtain search warrants, seize evidence of criminal acts, make arrests, and work with the district attorneys to see that criminal offenders violating New Mexico cannabis laws are prosecuted and brought to justice.” — RLD spokesperson Andrea Brown, via the Sante Fe New Mexican

Some lawmakers, however, questioned whether creating new police powers would be a good solution to the challenges presented by unlicensed cannabis activity.

“Why wouldn’t we just provide more funding to law enforcement or create a statute on something law enforcement could do?” Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez (D-Albuquerque) said in the report.

New Mexico legalized cannabis in July 2021 and the state’s first licensed adult-use cannabis sale took place in July 2022.

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Massachusetts Issues Safety Guidelines for ‘Ground Cannabis Dust’

11/15/2024

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Regulators with the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) on Wednesday released new health and safety guidelines for the cannabis industry in an official bulletin dubbing “ground cannabis dust” a hazardous material.

The regulations come nearly three years after the death of Lorna McMurrey, a 27-year-old cannabis worker who suffered a fatal asthma attack while working at a Trulieve cannabis processing facility in Massachusetts. Trulieve, a Florida-based company, later agreed to a $14,502 settlement with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) over McMurrey’s death.

“All Licensees should be aware that ground cannabis dust is a hazardous chemical and that OSHA has issued citations to Licensees who have failed to evaluate and classify accordingly. Licensees should evaluate the workplace safety and health risks including, but not limited to, skin and respiratory sensitization by an allergen associated with ground Cannabis dust generated during the Processing of Marijuana in their workplace.” — Excerpt from the bulletin

Additionally, the CCC noted that state law requires cannabis operators to “follow written workplace safety and health standard operating procedures and take necessary steps to ensure safety for employees.”

“All licensees, like any business, are required to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and are subject to oversight from OSHA,” the CCC said.

Meanwhile, the CCC last month issued fines totaling $165,000 to two of the state’s largest cannabis companies, Curaleaf and Ascend Wellness, for violations including improper pesticide use and failing to follow the state’s seed-to-sale tracking program.

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Colorado CBD Company Agrees to Pay $225k Settlement

11/15/2024

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Pueblo, Colorado-based Bee’s Knees CBDs and its owner Joseph Leyba have agreed to pay the state attorney general’s office a $225,000 settlement after an investigation found the company had misrepresented the source of its products, failed to verify customers’ ages, mischaracterized some products as “organic,” and claimed false partnerships with nonprofit conservation groups.

The fines could increase to $495,000 if the company fails to comply with the settlement’s terms, which include the initial $225,000 over a series of payments and the company’s pledge to “fully comply with state law” moving forward, Colorado AG Phil Weiser’s office said in a press release.

Bee’s Knees sells industrial hemp-derived cannabinoid products both wholesale and on its website directly to consumers. While many of the company’s offerings include non-intoxicating products like CBD gummies and topicals, some of the products are infused with hemp-derived THC — and, while the website lists the products as being restricted to customers aged 21+, the products could previously be purchased without providing proof-of-age, the release said.

“Colorado is committed to maintaining an effective system of overseeing the sale of legal cannabis products — one that keeps it out of the hands of kids, ensures safety standards, requires chain-of-custody tracking, and gives consumers important information about the products they buy. In this case, the company misrepresented to their customers the source and nature of their products and sold intoxicating products without verifying the age of customers. This settlement will hold them accountable for those violations of the law and will ensure compliance in the future.” — Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, in a statement

An attorney for Bee’s Knees told Westword that the company is “happy to have this issue behind us and are 100 percent committed to making safe and compliant products available in Colorado. We look forward to working with the local officials to continue offering great products.”

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New York Regulators Expecting $800M in Revenues from Cannabis Dispensaries

11/13/2024

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New York regulators are expecting $800 million in revenue from state-approved cannabis dispensaries by the end of the year, CNY Central reports. The figures, outlined during a meeting on Tuesday, are short of the $5 billion the state estimated when it legalized cannabis for adult use. 

Currently, the state is pulling in more than $24 million weekly from adult-use cannabis sales – far more than 2023 revenues when the state was battling lawsuits and working to shut down unlicensed operators. So far this year, the number of legal adult-use dispensaries opening in the state has outpaced 2023 openings. 

Comparatively, adult-use cannabis sales in New Jersey totaled $673 million last year. The Garden State launched its adult use market eight months ahead of New York. A report filed with New York lawmakers on October 1 by state cannabis regulators showed the state had reached $654 million, according to a report from Crains.    

According to state data, as of October 15, there are 216 licensed adult-use dispensaries statewide, and through October the state has distributed $22 million in cannabis-derived tax revenues. Most of those funds ($8.8 million) were distributed in the upstate region, while New York City received $7.9 million, and the downstate region received $5.3 million.  

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YouGov: Most Women Would Try Cannabis if it Gave Health Benefits

11/13/2024

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Most women surveyed by YouGov indicated they would try cannabis products if they were to provide health benefits, with 16% saying they were interested in sleep quality improvements and 14% preferring to opt for pain management. Meanwhile, nearly a third (32%) said there is no reason they would try cannabis products, while 15% said they already consumed cannabis. 

Another 12% indicated they would try cannabis to help them relax, while the same share said they would try cannabis as an alternative to over-the-counter medicines, or to help improve their focus. Eleven percent said they would try cannabis if it helped treat their depression or anxiety. 

Seven percent of women said they would try cannabis products if they had more knowledge of the effects; the same percentage said they would try it if a professional or expert helped guide them. 

The poll found 5% of women would try cannabis if it increased their personal enjoyment and another 5% if cannabis were socially acceptable. Four percent of women said they would try cannabis if they heard positive experiences from people they know and respect, and the same share indicated they would try it if it helped improve athletic performance or training, helped enjoy social experiences, or if the products enhanced meditation, spirituality, and mindfulness. 

Among women surveyed who already consume cannabis, price was a primary consideration, with 70% saying that cost heavily influences their choice of products, while detailed descriptions of effects help 49% of women select the right cannabis products for their needs. In addition, 36% value products with premium ingredients. 

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Study: Food Service and Accommodation Workers Have Highest Cannabis Use Rates

11/13/2024

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Workers in the food service and accommodation industry have the highest rates of cannabis consumption, with 20.7% of workers using cannabis within 30 days. according to a study published this month in the American Journal of Public Health. Using data from the U.S. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) from 2016 to 2020, the researchers found cannabis use highest among food preparation and food service workers with 21.9% consuming cannabis within 30 days. 

Individuals employed in the arts, entertainment, and recreation industry had the second-highest cannabis use rates at 17.5%, followed by construction workers at 15.9%.

Overall, the study found about 10.7% of U.S. workers reported using cannabis in the past 30 days – 13% of men reported cannabis use, compared with 8% of women. Individuals with college degrees (10.7%) had the lowest prevalence of cannabis use compared with workers without a high school degree (14.9%).

Nearly 24% of workers 18- to 20-year-old workers reported consuming cannabis in the last 30 days, while that rate was 3.2% among workers aged 65 years and older. The lowest prevalence was seen in workers self-reporting race as “Other, non-Hispanic,” while the highest prevalence was among participants self-reporting as “multi-racial, non-Hispanic.”

Among those reporting cannabis use, the most common method of consumption was smoking (72.3%), followed by edibles, (8.8%) and vaporizing (8.2%). The highest overall prevalence of consumption was in Rhode Island (16.0%), while the lowest was in North Dakota (7.3%). 

The three industry groups with the lowest prevalence of cannabis use were management of companies and enterprises (5.4%); public administration (3.7%); and utilities (3.4%).

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Hemp Company Wins $8.4M in Federal Funding for Sustainable Construction & Automotive Alternatives

11/13/2024

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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded $8.42 million to hemp technology startup Hempitecture to support the creation of an industrial hemp processing and manufacturing facility in Tennessee. The funding was awarded under the Advanced Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Program, offered through DOE’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC), which includes $428 million for 14 projects aimed at accelerating “domestic clean energy manufacturing in 15 coal communities across the United States,” according to an agency press release.

“The transition to America’s clean energy future is being shaped by communities filled with the valuable talent and experience that comes from powering our country for decades,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said in a statement. “By leveraging the know-how and skillset of the former coal workforce, we are strengthening our national security while helping advance forward-facing technologies and revitalize communities across the nation.”

The Hempitecture facility aims to help the country’s national decarbonization efforts by producing more sustainable building materials, packaging, and automotive parts, the company said in a blog post.

Hempitecture co-founder and COO Tommy Gibbons told Oak Ridge National Laboratory that the company’s manufacturing process can be used for building materials, furniture, and insulation, but he was most excited about the company’s expansion to servicing the automotive industry.

“There’s a huge use of recycled and bio-based textiles by European automotive manufacturers. Our plan in Tennessee is to supply American automakers with natural fiber, nonwovens as they seek to reduce their embodied carbon footprint.” — Gibbons, via Oak Ridge National Laboratory

It is not the company’s first time partnering with the DOE — in 2021, Hempitecture won $90,000 in federal funding to produce a highly thermal-resistant hemp wool insulation product boasting a low carbon footprint.

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Italy Planning to Ban Hemp Flower Products

11/13/2024

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Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is pushing legislation through Parliament aimed at banning products made from hemp flower, according to a Reuters report.

Medical cannabis is legal in Italy, although the industry is heavily restricted, and personal cannabis possession and cultivation were decriminalized at the national level in 2016. But Meloni, who currently heads the country’s conservative leading party, argues the country’s so-called “cannabis light” reforms went too far and need to be adjusted to address the advent of hemp consumer products, which closely resemble THC-rich cannabis.

Hemp industry advocates and entrepreneurs, meanwhile, say the legislation is unnecessary because hemp contains mostly CBD, which is non-psychoactive. Additionally, the legislation will end thousands of jobs and jeopardize millions of euros worth of industry investments, the report said.

“It’s absurd that a state which put Italian businesses to work by starting a legitimate supply chain now wants to shut it all down. They are waging a war on a substance that is not a drug.” — Alessio Amicone, founder of Canapando in Rome, Italy

The hemp flower ban is attached to other conservative-leaning security decrees that include crackdowns on certain political demonstrations and new curbs on prison protests. The legislation was already approved by the lower parliamentary body and is now before the Senate.

Voters in Italy passed an initiative in 2021 to reduce the restrictions on home cannabis cultivation and ease penalties for other cannabis-related offenses, but the country’s Constitutional Court threw out the initiative.

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