Columbia Care Acquires Project Cannabis for $69M Cash and Stock Deal

9/09/2020

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New York-based Columbia Care has signed a deal to acquire California’s Project Cannabis in a $69 million stock and cash deal. Project Cannabis brands include Triple Seven and Classix.

Under the terms of the deal announced on Tuesday, $57 million will be paid in Columbia Care stock while $12 million will be paid in cash derived from a concurrent sale of some of Project Cannabis’ real estate assets. Project Cannabis operates a 32,000 square foot cultivation facility and three adult-use dispensaries in North Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles, and Studio City. It operates one retail dispensary in San Francisco, which includes one of the city’s only permitted consumption lounges.

Going forward, Columbia Care will manufacture and package all Project Cannabis extracted products and concentrates in its San Diego manufacturing facility.

Nicholas Vita, CEO of Columbia Care, said the deal “perfects” their California operating model by enabling the company “to maintain supply chain continuity [and] optimize profitability.” He estimated the gross margin impact for the company would be an increase of about 10-15 percent.

“Since its founding, the Project Cannabis team has developed the well-earned reputation for cultivating the highest-quality products and award-winning genetics resulting in an extensive distribution network of over 100 dispensaries state-wide. The uniqueness and depth of this distribution channel will enable us to access and serve much of the state’s addressable market.” – Vita in a statement

Project Cannabis Executive Vice President Cameron Wald called the move “a pivotal next step” in the company’s growth trajectory.

“Although we have been approached by virtually every conceivable strategic partner, we believe our culture, focus on producing the highest-quality products through the most effective brand architectures and extensive distribution network aligns perfectly with Columbia Care’s vision to grow its footprint into the market leader in California,” he said in a statement

The deal is expected to be finalized by the fourth quarter of the year.

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Cannabis Research Bill Headed to House Committee This Week

9/08/2020

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The House Energy and Commerce Committee announced it will consider legislation to expand cannabis research opportunities on Wednesday, Marijuana Moment reports.

The bipartisan bill was first proposed last year and would make two important changes: first, the bill would simplify the registration process for researchers who want to study cannabis. Second, the proposal would allow federally certified researchers to acquire cannabis for research purposes from private, state-licensed entities.

Currently, the federal government only allows researchers to use cannabis products provided by the University of Mississippi, which scientists say has more resemblance to hemp than the medical or adult-use cannabis products offered by state-licensed retailers. The bill proposes allowing any number of registered providers of research-grade cannabis.

A recent report suggested that the U.S. spent nearly $1.5 billion on cannabis research from 2000 to 2018; the majority of that spending, however, was focused on understanding the potential harms of cannabis use, not the plant’s medicinal potential.

The bill was proposed last year by a bipartisan group of lawmakers including Oregon Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D), a proponent for legalization and founding member of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, and Maryland Rep. Andy Harris (R), an outspoken cannabis critic who in 2015 blocked Washington DC from establishing a voter-approved cannabis marketplace. Other sponsors include Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-California), Morgan Griffith (R-Virginia), Debbie Dingell (D-Michigan), and Rob Bishop (R-Utah).

House lawmakers are also expected to consider legislation this month that would remove the cannabis plant from the Controlled Substances Act, thereby ending federal prohibition — it will be the first legalization proposal ever heard by a full congressional body. That bill, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, would also require federal courts to expunge cannabis-related convictions and would allot cannabis tax dollars toward establishing an Opportunity Trust Fund to support small business owners who were adversely affected by prohibition.

 

 

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UFC and E-Sports Fans Consume More Cannabis Than Other Sports Fans

9/08/2020

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Ultimate Fighting Championship and E-Sports fans consume more cannabis than those of other sports, according to a Morning Consult poll. Thirty-five percent of fans of both sports surveyed indicated they used cannabis “often or sometimes.”

F1 fans were the third-largest cohort to consume cannabis (31 percent), followed by MotoGP and tennis fans (30 percent each); Major League Soccer fans (29 percent); Women’s National Basketball Association fans (29 percent); NASCAR fans (25 percent); National Basketball Association fans (25 percent); IndyCar and National Hockey League fans (23 percent each); National Football League and golf fans (22 percent each); and Major League Baseball fans (20 percent).

Nearly one in three MotoGP, F1, and E-Sports fans surveyed said they used CBD products, along with 27 percent of both UFC and tennis fans. A quarter of MLS fans said they used CBD products, along with 22 percent of WNBA fans and 20 percent of NASCAR fans. Among the other leagues, nineteen percent or less said they used the products.

Morning Consult also found that only IndyCar and the Pro Golfers Association Tour allow CBD sponsorships, while no professional league allows sponsorships by recreational or medicinal cannabis firms. The UFC also allows its fighters to obtain CBD sponsorships but was not included in the report. According to a Sports Business Daily report, MLS is expected to approved CBD sponsorships by the end of the year.

The survey was conducted from August 13-15 among 252 to 1,269 self-identified fans of each league.

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USDA Approves Hemp Plans for Maine and Missouri

9/08/2020

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture last week approved the hemp plans for Maine and Missouri, bringing the total number of approved state plans to 22. For Missourians, it marks the first year that they can legally grow hemp in the state.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture said it had licensed 197 producers, and 75 Agricultural Hemp Propagule and Seed Permit Holders since opening up the licensing process, and that cultivators have registered 3,696 acres for growing the crop. The agency said federal regulators required no changes to the state’s proposed rules.

Maine has allowed hemp cultivation since 2016 and state agriculture officials said that hemp is grown in every one of Maine’s 16 counties. The 2020 program includes 110 outdoor licensees who have planted 362 acres of planted, and seven indoor cultivation licenses who have planted over 22,700 square feet of the crop. Jurisdiction over hemp in Maine is the responsibility of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

In a statement, DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal called the industry “an important part of Maine’s agricultural sector.” However, the agency said that lawmakers will need to reconcile differences between state hemp law and federal hemp rules during next year’s legislative session. They did not indicate what changes are needed to settle the differences.

The USDA still lists 12 state programs as “under review,” four operating under 2014 programs, two drafting plans for review, four plans are pending resubmission, while 5 states are operating under USDA hemp producer licenses which are given to hemp farmers in states or tribes that have not developed plans. For tribes, the USDA has approved 34 of 42 hemp plans.

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Oklahoma Activists Launch Bid for Expungement, Decriminalization

9/07/2020

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Oklahoma activists are collecting petition signatures to add a cannabis expungement and decriminalization question to November ballots, according to a 102.3 KRMG report. The group – We Are 788 – needs to collect 180,000 signatures in order to put the issue to voters.

The measure would decriminalize the following offenses:

– Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Marijuana)
– Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Marijuana) with the Intent to Distribute
– Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Marijuana) within 2,000 Feet of a School or Public Park
– Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Marijuana) in the Presence of a Minor Child
– Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Marijuana) without a Tax Stamp
– Possession of Proceeds Derived from a Violation of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act

The measure would not only expunge criminal records and prevent people from going to jail for cannabis in the future but also includes language to let people out of jail if they were convicted of charges included in the petition question.

Under the measure’s proposed rules, the state would be responsible for any costs associated with the expungement.

The campaign comes after broad legalization activists withdrew their petition due to signature-gathering risks associated with the coronavirus pandemic. It was the third failed attempt to put a legalization question to Oklahoma voters in as many years. In 2018, activists were unable to collect enough signatures by the deadline. Last year, the campaign withdrew its petition due to concerns that broad legalization would have a negative impact on the medical cannabis program.

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Ardent Nova Decarboxylator and Infuser Review

9/07/2020

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In the past, making cannabis-infused butter and oil was always somewhat of an undertaking. First, finding an ounce of pesticide-free flower at a price and quality that is better for cooking than inhaling is a challenge in just about any legal recreational market. Second, using cookie sheets to decarboxylate the flower then throwing it in the crockpot before squeezing the oily compounds through a cheesecloth takes a lot of hands-on time and can create a big mess in your kitchen. The Ardent Nova Decarboxylator and Infuser takes all of these issues right out of the equation, allowing you to decarb and infuse small quantities of flower and oils — and that’s just the beginning.

The Ardent Nova is a small, purple appliance that would fit right into the kitchen without a second thought. Aside from the main component, it is comprised of a stainless steel insert cup, silicone cap, and plastic lid. With this setup alone you can decarboxylate cannabis flower and also infuse all types of oil, butter, and chocolate. You can even bake a cloud cake right inside the stainless steel heating chamber.

We had the opportunity to test out the Olive Oil Infusion, Coconut Oil Infusion, and Magic Shell Infusion Sets. Each kit contains everything that you’ll need to infuse and strain oil, butter, and chocolate. There is a small stainless steel funnel and screen that fit perfectly into the mouth of a 2 oz bottle, as well as a bottle to put finished infusions into. Each component came in handy as we put the Ardent Nova to the test.

Decarboxylating

First, we decarboxylated 3.5 grams of dried, cured cannabis flower before infusing it into 2 ounces of black truffle oil. The decarb process was so easy, just throw the flower directly into the main chamber, close the lid, and push the power button until it is red. This will begin the decarboxylation process which lasts approximately 90 minutes. It will still work if you don’t break up the bud, but out of habit, I took the large stems out for the decarb process.

When this process is complete, the power light will shine green to indicate that the THC and other cannabis compounds are fully expressed and ready to infuse. In an attempt to test all features we also decarboxylated 1.5 grams of kief in the stainless steel cup provided in the olive oil infusion kit. Both processes were simple, resulting in nicely decarbed weed products. And decarboxylating for both kief and flower truly took just the push of a button.

Infusion

The Nova was designed to decarboxylate but it also works as a great way to infuse almost anything composed of enough fat to absorb the cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. To infuse the black truffle oil we used the supplied stainless steel cup insert and put the decarboxylated cannabis and oil in the cup together, closed each lid, and pushed the start button. After 90 minutes and a couple of strains through the funnel, the black truffle oil had been infused with a potent amount of cannabis.

The coconut oil infusion process is a little different — for that, you put the lidless jar of coconut oil directly into the main heating chamber with cannabis (in this case kief) right on top of the coconut oil in the jar. The oil will heat, melt, and the cannabis kief incorporated. Once the infusion cycle was complete, we just poured the oil through the provided screened funnel into the provided jar.

What’s It Like to Use the Ardent Nova?

Overall the Nova was an awesome machine to use and I definitely plan to keep one in my kitchen. It doesn’t take up too much space and can easily be stored in the cabinet or on the counter. The ease of use and flexibility in how much cannabis can be decarbed make for wonderful attributes. It is important to mention that the unit gets quite hot while it’s working, so its best to keep it separate from other items on the counter while it’s plugged in.

Also, although it is advertised on some e-commerce platforms as an odor-proof decarboxylation process, that isn’t the case. Decarbing an eighth didn’t stink up the entire condo that we were staying in, but it definitely smelled like pot. For someone in a zero-tolerance situation, this probably wouldn’t be a good fit without being paired with other air filtration methods. Lastly, it’s important to keep an eye on the screen as you pour the infused oil. The screen tends to move with the introduction of the oil so a few times in the straining process you may need to push it back into the middle of the funnel.

Conclusion

Almost too easy to use, great infusion abilities, and versatility make this a great piece of cannabis technology for cannabis patients and recreational users. Pair that with the extensive tutorials and research into absorption rates of decarboxylated cannabis into various oils and butters, and the Ardent Nova is worth the price tag.

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Kanye West Campaign Drives Signatures with Fake Legalization Petition

9/04/2020

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Some petition circulators seeking to add rapper Kanye West to Arizona general election ballots are saying they are collecting signatures for cannabis legalization – among other things – in an effort to dupe people into signing the petitions, Tucson.com reports.

Arizona’s actual legalization campaign had its signatures and question approved in August.

Some of the circulators are registered from out-of-state and are paid $8 per signature with bonuses for getting valid signatures over certain thresholds. Andrew Chavez, owner of Petition Partners, called the campaign “huge” and “well-funded” with “easily over 200 people.”

The campaign is also telling citizens that they are trying to get independent candidates on the ballot, but some have refused to divulge that the candidate they are petitioning for is West.

Edee Baggett, co-president of National Ballot Access, who is running the signature-gathering campaign in the state, said circulators are “not allowed” to lie to citizens about the petition.

West announced his candidacy for president of the U.S. on July 4 but has missed certain filing deadlines and was unable to collect enough valid signatures to appear on Illinois ballots, according to TMZ reports. During his first rally in July, West admitted to smoking “a little bit” the previous night.

He has also promised that, if elected, he would legalize cannabis, make it free, and release “every black man on trial for marijuana,” according to a Marijuana Moment report.

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Washington Cannabis Retailers Targeted by Ongoing Scam

9/04/2020

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The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) has issued a warning to retail cannabis stores in the state about an ongoing scam strategy that has been happening for more than a year, according to the alert. Called the “fire extinguisher scam,” the perpetrators contact store employees via VOIP, a technology that allows users to make calls over the internet rather than regular phones, and impersonate the store’s owner or their attorney.

“Because the cannabis store employees truly believe they are communicating directly with the owner of the shop or their attorney, they have fallen for the scam.” — Excerpt, LCB alert 

Once in the suspect’s snare, the employee is told that a government inspector is coming to the store to inspect fire extinguishers. They are then asked to take pictures of the fire extinguishers at the business, exit signs, business licenses, and other regulatory documents. Eventually, the scammer pushes the victim to meet up and bring large sums of cash from the business. In some instances, victims have been told the money is for an owner’s kid’s surgery, a license fee, and other falsehoods.

The LCB is advising cannabis stores to share this info with their employees and are asking any others who have experienced the scam to come forward. Law enforcement is involved in the cases identified. 

The scam is only the latest crime spree to target the cannabis industry. There has been a recent surge of dispensary break-ins in Portland and dozens of cannabis dispensaries in Oregon, Colorado, and California were robbed during civil unrest related to the May 25 police killing of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement.

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Pakistan Approves Government-Controlled Hemp Plan

9/04/2020

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Pakistan has approved the legalization of hemp for industrial and medical purposes, the Hindustan Times reports. In a tweet, Science and Technology Minister Fawad Chaudhry called the reforms a “landmark decision” which will “place Pakistan in the billions of USD CBD market.”

The nation’s first ever hemp and cannabis licenses were approved for the Ministry of Science and Technology and Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. The plants will be grown at an Herbal Medicine Park in Jhelum. Chaudhry said the government-controlled program will allow the research to include “adequate safeguards” through the Ministry of Narcotics.

The rules define industrial hemp as containing 0.3 percent THC or less, in line with definitions in nations that allow hemp production.

“CBD compound plays an important role in therapeutic medicine. After 2016, a breakthrough research was unveiled which prompted China to set up a cannabis research department and is now cultivating hemp on 40,000 acres, and Canada is cultivating it on 100,000 acres. … Worldwide, this fiber is replacing cotton. Clothes, bags, and other textile products are being made using this plant’s fiber. This is a $25 billion market and Pakistan can take a big share in this market.” – Chaudhry, during a press conference, via Hindustan Times

The plan is part of the science ministry’s broader initiative on niche projects focused on non-traditional agriculture.

Chaudhry anticipates Pakistan can generate $1 billion from the industry over the next three years. All cannabis use remains illegal in Pakistan.

Reports and Data estimated last year that the Asia-Pacific hemp market will grow 14.2 percent through 2026 – a rate higher than the rest of the world.

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Cannabis Licensing Investigation Finds ‘No Evidence of Bias’ In Maryland

9/04/2020

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The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission uncovered “no evidence of bias or undue influence” in last year’s industry application review process and that former Del. Cheryl Glenn did not influence the process, the Baltimore Sun reports. Glen was convicted in July for taking bribes for legislative favors, including from medical cannabis companies seeking a state license.

The report authors, law firm Zuckerman Spaeder LLP, said that while the revelations regarding Glenn “were troubling,” her communications with the commission “were quite limited” and investigators “found no evidence that she improperly influenced the review process.”

Glenn, who had been a staunch supporter for medical cannabis and social equity in the state’s licensing, admitted to accepting $33,750 in five bribes over an 11-month period from 2018 to 2019. The first was a $3,000 payment in exchange for voting favorably to increase the number of medical cannabis cultivation licenses from 15 to 22 and capping processing licenses at 28. She accepted another $20,000 in bribes for requesting a bill be drafted to create new liquor licenses, and another $5,000 bribe for introducing a measure to lower the number of years of experience required for a medical director of opioid clinics.

Glen was sentenced to two years in prison for taking the bribes.

The report did find that several independent application evaluators from Morgan State University – including Shelonda Stokes, a member of the university’s Board of Regents, Joan Carter Conway, a current university employee and former state senator, and Gonna Anyadike, a technical support specialist at the school – did have conflicts of interest due to their relationships with cannabis industry applicants.

“These affiliations arguably violated a provision of the Commission’s implementing legislation designed to avoid conflicts of interest for third-party evaluators; however, we found no evidence that these applications were more, or less, favorably by either the MSU evaluators or Commission staff. Indeed, only one evaluator noticed that an individual affiliated with MSU was referenced in an application.” – “Report on Investigation Into the Potential Bias or Undie Influence in the 2019 Medical Marijuana Grower and Processor License Application Review Process.”

The investigation did exonerate former commission Executive Director Joy Strand over allegations that she was closely related to one of the applicants and that no university staffers had improperly communicated with the commission during the scoring process.

The MCCC is still investigating claims that information included in some submitted medical cannabis license applications was inaccurate.

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Activists Use Drone to Drop Free Cannabis In Tel Aviv

9/03/2020

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Israeli cannabis advocates representing the “Green Drone” Telegram group dropped hundreds of plastic baggies containing two grams of cannabis flower over Tel Aviv, Israel, according to the Jerusalem Post.

Before the event, activists published a statement via Telegram, an online messaging platform, that hinted at their plan:

“It’s time my dear brothers. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s the green drone, handing out free cannabis from the sky… Enjoy my beloved brothers, this is your pilot brother, making sure we all get some free love.” — “Green Drone” cannabis group, via the Jerusalem Post

Passersby were recorded picking up baggies off the streets and sidewalks surrounding Rabin Square in downtown Tel Aviv. Some even stepped through busy traffic to retrieve baggies from the street.

The activists hinted that this was only the first such cannabis airdrop. “We’re launching the ‘rain of cannabis’ project, that will include a weekly delivery to different parts of the country of 1 kilo of cannabis divided into free 2 gram bags,” the Green Drone group said on Telegram.

The group may face legal repercussions, however, and police said shortly after the incident they had arrested two individuals who were suspected of operating the drone.

Medical cannabis is allowed in Israel but adult-use cannabis remains illegal. Lawmakers, however, recently signaled support for proposed federal legalization policies.

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New Jersey Senator Accuses Colleagues of Delaying Cannabis Vote

9/03/2020

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New Jersey State Senator and Legislative Black Caucus Chair Ronald Rice accused Democratic legislative leaders of delaying a cannabis decriminalization measure, asking in a New Jersey Globe interview why it has taken “two years and seven months” to pass a law he called “common sense and compassionate.”

“Could it be a structural bias entrenched in our state systems of government and criminal justice? Could it have something to do with the greed of investors, ‘insiders’ and others who seek to profit by forcing the recreational marijuana industry into New Jersey – the nation’s most densely populated state and most ill-suited to absorb the projected harm?” – Rice to the Globe

In the interview, Rice describes the decriminalization proposal – for which he is a co-sponsor – as “not an earth-shattering pivot that would turn our state on its ear or hurl us into a chaotic upheaval.”

“This is a simple, common sense, compassionate law that protects many residents,” Rice said in the report. “It levels the playing field so that Blacks, people of color, and those unable to afford the same legal representation as affluent offenders do not find themselves arrested, incarcerated and rendered unable to obtain work, housing or even student loans.”

Rice, along with Democratic Sens. Sandra Cunningham and Teresa Ruiz, introduced a bill on June 4, while another decriminalization measure was approved by the Assembly June 18. Rice is also a sponsor of that bill.

The measure would need 21 votes in the Senate, and a Globe vote count found lawmakers who do not support broad legalization would support the decriminalization bill. The Senate is led by Democrat Stephen Sweeney who supports comprehensive legalization but last year indicated he was “very skeptical” of decriminalization plans.

Gov. Phil Murphy supports both decriminalization and legalization – which voters are set to determine in November. Last November, Murphy called for decriminalization in the state “as soon as possible.” Last year Murphy signed a bill allowing New Jersians to expunge low-level cannabis crime charges from criminal records.

Rice said he has requested a meeting with Sweeney and Senate Judiciary Chairman Nicholas Scutari to discuss fast-tracking the bill.

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Canadian Cannabis Brands Ask Police to Investigate Weedmaps

9/03/2020

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Eight Canadian cannabis companies signed a letter urging the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to crack down on Weedmaps, who they say are listing unlicensed operators, Bloomberg News reports.

“In view of Weedmaps’ unwillingness to delist illicit market services in Canada and to stop profiting from the proceeds of crimes committed in Canada, we ask that you direct your appropriate investigative units to immediately look into what enforcement action can be taken against Weedmaps’ Canadian operations.” – Letter to RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki and Deputy Commissioner Michael Duheme, via Bloomberg

A Weedmaps spokesperson ​told Bloomberg that making the transition to regulated cannabis markets is “inherently complex” but didn’t directly address some of the concerns raised in the letter.

“Safe and convenient access to cannabis for patients and consumers is essential for a functioning and thriving legal cannabis economy, and Weedmaps is committed to working with the federal and provincial governments to ensure this is prioritized,” the spokesperson said in the report.

Mimi Lam, CEO of Superette, which owns dispensaries in Ontario and is a signatory of the letter, said “being lumped in the same group as the illicit market is not beneficial for any legal operator.”

In the U.S., Weedmaps had come under fire in 2018 for listing unlicensed companies in California and in August 2019 said they would no longer advertise such businesses and would require a state-issued license number for all listings by January 1, 2020. By January 10, the company said it removed 2,700 California dispensaries that failed to provide a license number.

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Eaze Expands Social Equity-Focused Program to Los Angeles

9/03/2020

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California’s Eaze yesterday launched a menu expansion in Los Angeles featuring brands owned by Black people and people of color. The expansion also includes brands from its Social Equity Partners Program, which already features Cloud 9, KGB Reserve, and SF Roots in Northern California.

The brands featured on LA menus now include Dreamt, Blaqstar Farms – both based in the city – and Bay Area-based James Henry SF, and Oakland Extracts. Social Equity Menu brands must either hold a social equity license or be actively engaged in securing a license from a city or county.

Eaze’s Social Equity Partners Program provides brands with financial and operational support to help them scale and succeed on Eaze and beyond. Social Equity Partners are eligible for a variety of benefits, including, preferred financing and payment structuring; discounted access to Eaze Partner Portal data; incorporation into the company’s supply chain; and marketing and public relations support. To date, social equity brands have sold nearly $1 million worth of products on the platform, the company said.

Blaqstar Farms Founder and CEO Bryant Mitchell, the son of the first Black police officer in Orange, Texas, said that “cannabis is no exception” to the shift toward “thoughtful” consumer behavior.

“Eaze is an exceptional partner for Black-owned cannabis brands, allowing us to step into the spotlight and reach consumers who not only want a fantastic product but want to know their dollars are going towards a new generation of Black cannabis entrepreneurs.” – Mitchell in a press release

Last year, Eaze launched Momentum, a business accelerator “to cultivate the growth and success of underrepresented cannabis business founders.” The inaugural class of that program received a $50,000 grant along with educational tools and other resources.

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Malta Runs Out of Cannabis, Patients Furious

9/02/2020

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The nation of Malta has run out of cannabis – both medical and unregulated – leaving the country’s estimated 40,000 cannabis users with no options, Lovin Malta reports. This is the second medical cannabis shortage in Malta since 2018 – but two years ago the country didn’t face a shortage of illicit products.

Both of the country’s medical cannabis brands – Bedrocan and Pedanois – are out of stock and ReLeaf activist Andrew Bonello told Malta Today that the shortage is due to a delay in renewing medical cannabis import licenses. He told Lovin Malta that Bedrocan has been out of stock for “two or three weeks,” while Pedanois hasn’t been available for “around a month.” He said the illicit market has run dry, too, and Maltese consumers have taken to social media sharing memes poking fun at the desperate situation and calling for government action.

Maltese cannabis consumers took to social media to share memes and other images lamenting the shortage.

Bonello said “people are livid” at the situation as ReLeaf representatives are set to meet with the Medicines Authority today to try and get cannabis in patients’ hands and pass reforms that would prevent future shortages.

“We are calling for more accessible prices and better availability… we can’t have medicine being out of stock in Malta. We also have a lack of diversified products in Malta provided by only two companies, and this makes it more evident than ever than cannabis users need to be given the right to grow their own plant, or be allowed to find a compassionate grower.” – Bonello to Lovin Malta

On average, medical cannabis products in Malta cost €16 per gram (about $19). A 2 gram per day prescription runs €960 (~$1,138) per month, and €11,000 (~$13,044) per year. Bonello said many patients want to grow their own because of the cost.

In Malta, a medical cannabis prescription requires physician approval, a control card, and direct approval from the superintendent of public health.

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Oklahoma Activists Withdraw Legalization Petition Amid Pandemic

9/02/2020

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Cannabis activists in Oklahoma have withdrawn their legalization petition citing risks associated with signature-gathering during the coronavirus pandemic, the Oklahoman reports. Secretary of State Michael Rogers had paused signature collecting in March after the governor declared a stay-at-home order and the organizers said that action slowed the process and ultimately made it unfeasible to collect the 177,958 required signatures to get the issue on November ballots.

Campaign backer Ryan Kiesel said the earliest activists could make another push for a statewide referendum would be 2022.

“We have been put in a position of choosing between attempting to give Oklahomans an opportunity to adopt critical marijuana and criminal justice law reforms or protecting the health of ourselves and our fellow Oklahomans. As necessary as these reforms are for Oklahoma, we cannot in good conscience embark on a campaign that would require hundreds of thousands of interactions in the midst of a global pandemic.” – Kiesel to the Oklahoman

Kiesel, a former Democratic state lawmaker and current executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma, called on lawmakers to enact the reforms but warned against “half-steps that do not address the damage caused by decades of broken marijuana policy.”

This is the third failed attempt to put a legalization question to Oklahoma voters in as many years. In 2018, activists were unable to collect enough signatures by the deadline. Last year, the campaign withdrew its petition due to concerns that broad legalization would have a negative impact on the medical cannabis program.

During the state’s stay-at-home order, medical cannabis sales boomed, setting a sales record of $61.4 million in April.

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Maryland University of Integrative Health Launches Cannabis Science Program

9/02/2020

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The Maryland University of Integrative Health has launched its Cannabis Science program becoming the second university in the state to offer a graduate-level cannabis program, the Baltimore Business Journal reports. The 15-credit certificate program is approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission and will focus on the plant’s holistic uses.

James Snow, dean of academic affairs at MUIH, said the program fits into a broader spectrum of the university’s herbal and alternative medicine programs. He added that it would be a good fit for individuals interested in a job in the industry or those with clinical or industry backgrounds who want to expand their knowledge on the potential medical uses of cannabis.

“We want our students to leave this program understanding cannabis, in itself, is not a fix-all product. We want them to have critical thinking about the use of this plant, and a balanced perspective of what we currently know about cannabis, what we don’t know, what it’s limitations are and how we can have informed conversations about it with the general public.” – Snow to the Business Journal

The first class includes 20 students who can complete the coursework entirely online in about one year. Program tuition is about $13,000. Snow said in addition to learning about medicinal cannabis uses, the program will also feature classes on quality control. He expects a second class to begin the program in the spring semester.

Last year, the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy launched the nation’s first master’s degree program in medical cannabis.

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These Six Women Are Cannabis Pioneers In Nebraska

9/01/2020

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They are physicians, researchers, scientists, senators, professors, directors, vice presidents, deans, cultivators, entrepreneurs, and business owners from Nebraska — their backgrounds and training are varied. They are six inspired and mission-driven women who are leading the way and pushing the innovative frontiers of cannabis-related industry and education, not only in Nebraska but worldwide. Coincidentally, they also all have first names that start with the letter A!

Let’s take a closer look at the careers of these half-dozen cannabis entrepreneurs, educators, and innovators that are helping pioneer the Nebraska cannabis industry.

Dr. Andrea Holmes, Professor of Chemistry and the Director of Cannabis Studies at Doane University, is one of the co-founders and the Chief Growth Officer of Precision Plant Molecules (PPM) in Denver Colorado. PPM is a premier hemp extraction company that is focused on minor cannabinoids that are now being rapidly embraced by CBD companies in the emerging cannabis health-related market. Dr. Holmes is a national and international expert in cannabis chemistry, testing, processing, and in the cannabis industry in general. She has given local, national and international lectures, and appeared on radio and television broadcasts, podcasts, and webinars on these subjects. She has published articles on cannabis education, terpenes, the endocannabinoid system, major and minor cannabinoids, extraction methods, niche markets (including using CBD for the pet industry), personalized and bespoke cannabis-based applications, and other unique topics involving the rapidly emerging cannabis industry. In collaboration with Dr. Amanda McKinney, Dr. Holmes has developed and signed worldwide contracts with hemp companies interested in merging cannabis-related science with medicine.

Andrea has had an extremely distinguished overall career as an organic chemist. Besides her two positions at Doane, she holds courtesy associate professor appointments at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). Her pre-cannabis work with a variety of multi-application chemical detection methods won her millions of dollars in grants, contracts from (amongst other organizations) the United States Department of Defense (specifically the United States Army), and prestigious awards and recognitions from the Nebraska American Chemical Society, the National Institutes of Health, and the National Science Foundation.

Dr. Amanda McKinney is the Associate Dean of the School of Integrative Learning and the Division of Health Sciences at Doane University. Amanda is a triple board-certified physician in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, and Lifestyle Medicine. She also holds certifications in Herbal and Cannabis Medicine. Amanda teaches courses and gives lectures on medicinal cannabis as well as on Lifestyle Medicine– which concentrates, in large part, on promoting plant-based diets for prevention and reversal of the chronic disease. She was one of the main developers of Doane University’s online Prerequisites for the Health Professions (PHP) program that was the foundation of the university’s current keystone multi-million dollar OLA (Open Learning Academy) programs.

Amanda also founded and is the Executive Director of the innovative and highly interdisciplinary Institute for Human and Planetary Health (IHPH). IHPH’s research and educational mission is very broad and ranges from sustainable agribusiness planning and practices to Lifestyle Medicine certifications. IHPH also studies existential threats to humanity and our planet from disease, global warming, and other sources (ranging from historical to modern times). But the central confluence of the Institute’s mission is to present the evidence that the dietary pattern that best preserves both human and planetary health (particularly in relation to chronic disease, climate change, and resource depletion) is based on minimally-processed whole plant foods grown using sustainable and restorative agricultural practices. Amanda also co-owns the company A&A Apothecary where she and Dr. Andrea Holmes currently utilize their expertise in medicine and chemistry to create herbal and cannabis-based products that promote health and wellness. The company also provides sound, evidence-based lifestyle, and health information on which individuals can base their personal health and wellness decisions.

Dr. Arin Sutlief, Director of Cannabis Testing Laboratories (CTL), is an expert in cannabis testing methods. Arin built the testing laboratory for cannabinoid analysis and pushed the first hemp-testing lab in Nebraska through the rigorous ISO certification process in a short period of time with the help of a consultant, Kimberly Ross, and colleague and newly appointed quality manager Jennifer Lytle. Arin is also the course builder and teaching professor of the new online course Cannabis Testing & Instrumentation In Doane’s School of Integrated Learning (SIL). She is a public speaker traveling throughout Nebraska to help with cannabis education, understanding applicable laws and regulations, and cannabinoid analysis. Together with her colleagues, her research and peer-reviewed publications work towards advancing testing methods and the cannabis industry more broadly.

Andrea Butler is Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs (Online Operations) and Dean of the School of Integrated Learning. Andrea has a proven track record of success with program development and explosive enrollment growth. Andrea is spearheading Doane’s advancement in digital learning and has achieved stellar results as the guiding force behind online programs such as Doane University’s multi-million dollar and highly regarded Open Learning Academy (OLA). With programs such as DoaneX and the Cannabis Studies program, Andrea is continuing to create a digital learning ecosystem that is culturally responsive and equity-based.

Andrea, in a relatively short time and in response to the growing need in Nebraska, has successfully established and implemented a cannabis curricular architecture (in partnership with Dr. Andrea Holmes) for multi-modality, credit, and non-credit bearing cannabis courses, certificates, future minors, and degrees. Through the university’s School of Integrative Learning (SIL) Doane is creating partnerships to address the needs of learners across Nebraska, throughout the nation, and around the world, interested in understanding more about cannabis and hemp.

Senator Anna Wishart, is one of the leaders, in the Nebraska Unicameral, of the movement for the legalization of medical marijuana in Nebraska. She is also co-chair of the organization Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana. It submitted over 180K signatures in July to get the issue of medical marijuana on the state’s ballot. Anna has always attested that medical marijuana legalization is critical for many sick Nebraskans. She believes that along with child welfare and other important issues that she passionately believes in and works on, medical marijuana “just makes sense.” She has collected thousands of signatures, recruited hundreds of volunteers, and solicited millions of dollars in funding to run a campaign to put medical marijuana on the ballot for Nebraskans to vote on in November. The Senator states that “What we’ve seen with polling is resoundingly over 70 percent of Nebraskans across the state, across demographics, across age groups, rural and urban, support legalizing access to medical marijuana.”

Annette Wiles is the owner of Midwest Hop Producers. She was one of 10 growers in 2019 who were randomly selected by the Nebraska Department Of Agriculture to participate in the first year of the state’s Hemp Cultivation/Processing Research Program. Annette and her husband had been growing corn, beans, and hops, but there’s not a lot of money in those crops currently. That’s why they looked into alternative, specialty crops, such as hemp.

Federally-funded research in collaboration with UNL allowed Annette to conduct experiments on the family’s farm. These have included trials on the optimal spacing of plants, pruning techniques, ideal lighting and temperature conditions, and cannabinoid profiling during the growing cycle. Annette is spearheading educational efforts in cannabis, collaborating with universities, and was an instrumental partner in achieving enough signatures for the Nebraska for Medical Marijuana Initiative to qualify for this Fall’s ballot in the state.

These female cannabis pioneers haven’t built these foundations in the state alone but have received help, support, and guidance from a number of colleagues. President Jacque Carter at Doane University has been instrumental in creating the School of Integrative Learning, where many innovations like Cannabis Studies were created and where faculty and staff get encouraged to think outside the box to be relevant and modern. President Carter is also the main reason why Cannabis Testing Laboratories was created, an unprecedented move for a small, private, and rural University like Doane University. Julie Schmidt, Vice-President of Finance and Administration at Doane University and Dr. Allan Jenkins, former Professor of Economics at the University Of Nebraska-Kearney (UNK) also played key roles in the establishment of Doane’s CTL.

These half-dozen “As” have all been drawn to this emerging, if still stigmatized, field by their willingness to take risks and their strong shared belief in the multifaceted usefulness and beneficial versatility of the cannabis plant. They are succeeding in a seemingly unlikely socially-conservative Red State environment — in part due to their ability to work collaboratively and build bridges. Mutually, they have also seen and seized opportunities to apply science, as well as brought professionalism, rationality, and understanding to a still mysterious, controversial, and confusing subject. The newness/rebirth of cannabis in this exciting era of legalization has created opportunities for scientific discovery, pioneering education, further legalization, commercial success, and for the promotion and dissemination of broader social and health benefits from cannabis. These women have just started to scratch the surface of what is possible for the cannabis movement in Nebraska. Their skills and energy are great examples of what this emerging industry and educational field needs!

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THC May Mitigate Deadly COVID Symptoms, Study Shows

9/01/2020

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Top researchers at the University of South Carolina say THC may be effective at quelling cytokine storms, a potentially fatal symptom of the coronavirus, The State reports.

The cytokine storm symptoms, known as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), essentially hijack the body’s immune system to use it against itself. Coronavirus patients are most frequently hospitalized due to COVID-19-related ARDS.

“The underlying mechanism is your immune system goes haywire and starts destroying your lungs and all your other organs,” said Prakash Nagarkatti, the study’s co-author.

According to the study, researchers were able to trigger ARDS among lab mice, which they then injected with THC. The researchers conducted dozens of such experiments across three separate studies and reported that 100% of the mice who were given THC survived the frequently fatal symptoms.

There is not currently an FDA-approved treatment for ARDS and Nagarkatti said that, based on the successful results with mice, he has recommended health officials begin human trials with THC. He warned, however, the research does not suggest that smoking cannabis might be beneficial for COVID-19 patients.

“I just want to make sure our research is not interpreted as marijuana is good for COVID 19,” said Nagarkatti. “If you start using THC early on it might worsen the effect because it suppresses the immune system.”

Cannabis advocates have called for more research and warned consumers to watch out for overzealous cannabinoid marketers.

“The data at this point is preliminary at best and the public needs to be vigilant against predatory marketers prematurely hailing certain cannabis or CBD-specific products as supposed COVID treatments or cure-alls.” — NORML spokesperson Paul Armentano, via The State.

Previously, pre-print studies (studies that were published before being peer-reviewed) have suggested that certain cannabinoid extracts and terpene solutions could prove effective at mitigating the COVID-19 cytokine storm symptoms.

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Indonesia Reverses ‘Medicinal Plant’ Designation for Cannabis

9/01/2020

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Indonesia’s Agricultural Ministry is reversing a decree from earlier this year that designated cannabis as a “medicinal plant” under the agency’s supervision the Jakarta Post reports. The February decree had put cannabis production under the supervision of the ministry’s horticulture directorate-general.

The decree reversal comes after the document went viral in an Instagram post by the Nusantara Marijuana Network (LGN), a pro-legalization advocacy group.

Cannabis had been listed as a medicinal plant since 2006 in an effort to help farmers shift to other crops. Vegetable and Medicinal plant Director Tommy Nugraha told the Post that the designation allowed farmers to research the plant but that the agency had no legal cannabis farmers on record. He added that the decree would be rescinded after coordination with the National Narcotics Agency, Health Ministry, and Indonesian Institute of Science.

Cannabis is a type-1 narcotic in Indonesia, listed alongside cocaine and opium, under the nation’s 2009 drug law. Possession of a type-1 drug in Indonesia carries a penalty up to 12 years in prison and an 8 billion rupiah (about $550,000) fine. If convicted of producing, exporting, importing, or distributing cannabis, a person can serve up to 15 years in prison and a Rp 10 billion fine (~$688,000). In 2015, a Bali court sentenced an Indonesian and Australian man to one year in prison for sharing a joint, according to the Post. The men, collectively, possessed less than 1 gram.

In 2017, a West Kalimantan court sentenced a man to eight months in jail and a Rp 1 billion (~69,000) fine for cultivating 39 plants and extracting the oil to treat his wife.

The Agricultural Ministry said the reversal is part of Agricultural Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo’s plan to “eradicate drug abuse.” A 2015 survey by the National Narcotics Agency found 63 percent of the nation’s 3.6 million illegal drug users consumed cannabis.

In 2019, Indonesia police seized 11.2 tons of cannabis in enforcement operations.

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Virginia Senate Passes Bill Preventing Vehicle Searches Based on Cannabis Odor

9/01/2020

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The Virginia Senate on Friday passed a measure that would prevent police from searching drivers and making seizures based on cannabis odor alone, WDVM reports. According to the report, the measure is intended to reduce the number of people of color searched by police during traffic stops.

A 2020 American Civil Liberties Union report found that Black people are three times more likely to be arrested for cannabis possession than a white person in Virginia.

“…No law-enforcement officer may lawfully search or seize any person, place, or thing solely on the basis of the odor of marijuana, and no evidence discovered or obtained as a result of such unlawful search or seizure shall be admissible in any trial, hearing, or other proceeding.” – Virginia Senate Bill 5029 text

Last year, courts in three states – Vermont, Maryland, and Pennsylvania – placed limits on police actions in cases involving cannabis odor. In the Pennsylvania case, it was determined that a search based on odor was illegal because the passenger was a registered medical cannabis patient. In the ruling, Judge Maria Dantos declared that “the smell of marijuana is no longer per se indicative of a crime.”

The Maryland Court of Appeals ruled that officers cannot make an arrest based on cannabis odor alone, but the court did not go so far as to prohibit searches based on odor.

Vermont’s Supreme Court ruling prevents officers from initiating a search based on burned or burning cannabis odor. The state legalized cannabis possession and use for adults in 2018.

Several law enforcement agencies in Florida also said last year that they would no longer detain people simply for cannabis odor because it smells the same as hemp, which is legal under both federal and state law.

The Virginia legislation also includes provisions downgrading some common infractions that can spark a vehicle search in the state, including a burned-out license plate, loud exhaust, and window tint.

The measure still requires approval from the House of Delegates and Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam before becoming law.

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Vibe Acquires Ventura Cannabis’ Cathedral Operations

9/01/2020

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California-based Vibe Bioscience Ltd. is set to acquire Cathedral Asset Holding Corporation and its cannabis distribution and manufacturing assets. Cathedral is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ventura Cannabis and Wellness Corp.

Both companies are currently traded on the Canadian Securities Exchange, but Ventura Chairman Lloyd Kaplan said the firm would soon delist from the market.

“The Board has continually analyzed the current and future cannabis market, VCAN’s current and prospective financial position, and it has determined selling the Company’s assets to another CSE listed cannabis company and delisting is the best path forward for the Company and most importantly its shareholders. I am pleased to be trading our cannabis assets into a better capitalized company with more revenues and a top flight management team and, more importantly, the deal is poised to be done at a premium to our current stock price,” – Kaplan in a statement

Under the terms of the all-share transaction announced on Sunday, Vibe will acquire all the issued and outstanding shares of Cathedral for $333,360, assume the lease obligation for Cathedral’s Santa Rosa facility, and obtain the company’s existing inventory of vape products. Ventura will also receive 12 months at the money warrants to acquire up to 800,000 shares of Vibe.

The deal still requires approval from California regulators, and other closing conditions, but is expected to be finalized on September 15.

Mark Waldron, CEO of Vibe said the deal positions the company to be a “true, vertically integrated cannabis cultivator, distributor, manufacturer and retailer” in the state.

“Vibe is singularly focused on developing cannabis assets that are cash flow positive, and we anticipate the acquisition will be highly accretive to Vibe shareholders within 6 months, Waldron said in a statement. “We could not be more pleased with the strategic and geographic fit of adding Cathedral’s distribution and manufacturing assets to Vibe’s growing, profitable cannabis portfolio.”

During the second quarter, Vibe saw an 85 percent increase in revenues from the same period last year; a 136 percent adjusted EBITDA increase from the first quarter of this year – a 600 percent increase from Q2 2019; and a 39 percent gross margin increase from Q1 2020 to Q2, representing a 58 percent increase from last year.

All monetary figures in Canadian dollars

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US House to Vote on Cannabis Legalization Next Month

8/31/2020

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The House of Representatives is set to hold a vote on the MORE Act next month, marking the first time either chamber of Congress will have voted on whether to remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act.

In an email to House members on Friday, Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC) said the vote would happen “during the September work period” but did not include a date.

In addition to removing cannabis from the CSA, the measure requires federal courts to expunge prior cannabis-related convictions and would authorize a 5 percent tax on sales to create an Opportunity Trust Fund. The fund would be administered by the Department of Justice and Small Business Administration to support those who have been adversely affected by the ‘War on Drugs’ by providing assistance to socially and economically disadvantaged small business owners and minimize barriers to cannabis licensing and employment.

State lawmakers would still have to pass legislation to legalize cannabis – and cannabis sales – in their state.

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Or) told Politico that the bill would “finally align our cannabis laws with what the majority of Americans support, while ensuring restorative justice.”

The bill faces an uphill battle in the Republican-led Senate, where Majority Leader Mitch McConnell remains strongly opposed and could decide not to bring it up for a vote. Last September, the House approved the SAFE Banking Act – which would normalize banking for the cannabis industry – but the bill has not come up for a vote in the Senate, nearly a year later. Moreover, Senate Republicans are, by and large, opposed to cannabis legalization.

The measure’s lead sponsor in the Senate in Democratic vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris.

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Study Finds 90% of Rolling Papers Contain Heavy Metals

8/31/2020

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An analysis by California’s SC Laboratories Inc. of 101 rolling papers found at least one heavy metal in 90 percent of the papers tested with 8 percent containing at least one heavy metal in “concentrations above the allowable limits” in the state for inhalable cannabis products.

Lead was the most commonly detected heavy metal in the products “by a considerable margin,” the report says.

Pesticides were detected in 16 percent of the samples with 5 percent containing levels over the allowable limits. In all, 11 percent of the 118 total rolling papers included in the study “would fail above the action limits for inhalable products” in the state.

The study included 70 rolling papers, 25 pre-rolled cones, 20 wraps, and three cellulose-based papers. Of the rolling papers and cones, just one each exceeded California action limits for heavy metals, while eight of the wraps – 40 percent of those tested – exceeded state limits. All three of the cellulose papers tested exceeded action limits.

For pesticides, none of the rolling papers or cellulose-based papers tested exceeded action limits, and just one of the 20 cones tested exceeded the limits. However, four of the 19 wraps tested 0 21 percent – exceeded state limits.

“Pesticide contamination was less prevalent in general. Just 5 of the samples tested over California action limits for a pesticide, and 18 samples had detectable levels of pesticides. However, at least 4 of the 5 samples that tested over action limits had pesticide concentrations that were significantly over the action limit.” – “Rolling Papers Tested for Heavy Metals and Pesticides”

The researchers conclude that “it is not surprising to find a prevalence of heavy metals detected in the rolling paper products and should not be considered alarming on its own;” the study, however, demonstrated “there is a wide range of concentrations of metals contamination in these products from a relatively low level to grossly contaminated.”

“While 11 percent of the rolling papers in this study would fail above the action limits for inhalable products in California, it should be noted that the paper constitutes only a fraction of the overall mass of a cannabis pre-roll product,” SC Laboratories President and Co-founder Josh Wurzer said in the report, meaning it is safe to assume that rolling papers combined with ‘clean’ cannabis would not cause a compliance failure under California rules.

The products used for the study were purchased from Amazon and various retailers in Santa Cruz.

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