Mormon Church Says Lawmakers, Not Voters, Should Legalize MMJ

9/18/2018

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Mormon Church leaders have continued to campaign against Proposition 2, Utah’s medical cannabis ballot measure, but have issued statements indicating they might support medical cannabis legislation created in a special session, according to the Associated Press.

The Church of Latter-Day Saints has been funding the campaign against Proposition 2 since well before they announced their opposition to the measure.

Drug Safe Utah, an umbrella organization for the various opponents of Prop. 2, has taken funds from the Mormon Church. The organization filed suit on behalf of Mormon attorney Walter J. Plumb in an attempt to remove Prop. 2 from the ballot by arguing it infringed on Plumb’s religious freedoms. That case is still pending but cannabis advocates in the state are optimistic.

Following that case, however, the Mormon Church announced its formal opposition to Prop 2. The Church urged parishioners to vote against the measure, saying that it was against the Mormon “Word of Wisdom.” Meanwhile, Drug Safe Utah began running inaccurate radio ads which incurred a formal complaint from the measure’s proponents.

The Mormon Church’s campaign against Proposition 2 does not seem to have swayed voters much, however. A poll released in September showed that public support for the medical cannabis initiative remained largely unchanged with 64 percent of respondents in support of the measure.

Now, the Mormon Church is attempting to re-frame its opposition to Prop. 2 in terms specific to the ballot measure. The Church claims that it is not opposed to medical cannabis prescribed by a doctor, but that it is only concerned about the language of Proposition 2.

“There is urgency. This isn’t ‘let’s wait till next year to have a conversation,'” said Elder Jack N. Gerard, Executive Director of PR for the Church. “It needs to be dealt with soon. There’s an urgency to accomplish this. … With this coalition, we’re calling on public officials to act and act promptly.”

However, lawmakers are not optimistic about the Legislature’s ability to draft — and much less pass — a workable medical cannabis bill. In fact, Proposition 2 exists in part because of the Utah Legislature’s failure to act on the public support for medical cannabis, which pushed advocates to collect signatures for a legalization initiative. State Rep. Brian King (D-District 28), leader of the House minority party, said that Proposition 2 is the only likely path to medical cannabis reform.

“Proposition 2 is flawed, in some ways very flawed, but I’m voting for it because if we vote it down, I think the likelihood that the state Legislature will come back and put in place meaningful medical marijuana is slim and none.” — Rep. Brian King, via Deseret News

King also said he wondered why the largely Republican Utah legislature would feel pressure to draft and pass a medical cannabis law if voters didn’t show support for one on the ballot. The Office of the Governor has also indicated that a special session would only be likely if there was clear consensus on a bill (and there isn’t even a bill, yet).

Utah voters in November will have to decide whether the Mormon Church is sincere in its desire to see medical cannabis laws passed in the state, or if this is only a delaying tactic aimed at reducing voter support for Proposition 2.

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South Africa Decriminalizes Personal Cannabis Use

9/18/2018

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The South African Constitutional Court has ruled that the personal use of cannabis is no longer a criminal offense, according to a News 24 report.

The rule change follows a Western Cape High Court judgment from last March, which ruled in favor of allowing the personal cultivation and consumption of cannabis for private use. That ruling was appealed by the State, which argued that personal cannabis use was against the values of South Africans, so the issue was sent to the Constitutional Court.

According to statements from Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, the Constitutional Court determined that the personal use of cannabis “does not constitute undue harm” and, therefore, its prohibition infringes upon the privacy rights of South Africans.

“The right to privacy is not confined to a home or private dwelling. It will not be a criminal offence for an adult person to use or be in possession of cannabis in private space. … The judgment does not specify how many grams of cannabis can a person use or have in private.” — Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, in a statement

The decriminalization rules are also extended to personal cannabis cultivation, though the commercial distribution of cannabis remains prohibited. Zondo stated that Parliament, not the Constitutional Court, should determine the limits for when cannabis possession and cultivation extend beyond the term “personal use.”

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Coca-Cola Considering CBD Product Line

9/17/2018

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The Coca-Cola Co. is the latest major beverage company to consider investing in the cannabis space, BNN Bloomberg reports.

Coke, the world’s largest beverage company, is reportedly in “serious talks” with Canadian marijuana producer Aurora Cannabis about developing a CBD-infused product line. The groundbreaking partnership would signal the cannabis industry’s acceptance by one of the world’s most established and iconic consumer brands.

Coke’s planned beverage would be a “recovery” themed CBD drink without any psychoactive effects, which differs from the several cannabis and alcohol company partnerships that have been announced recently.

Several sources told BNN Bloomberg under the condition of anonymity that the talks are getting “serious” and are “pretty advanced down the path.”

When asked, however, a Coca-Cola spokesperson would not confirm or deny the potential partnership.

“Along with many others in the beverage industry, we are closely watching the growth of non-psychoactive CBD as an ingredient in functional wellness beverages around the world. The space is evolving quickly. No decisions have been made at this time.” — Kent Landers, spokesperson for The Coca-Cola Co., in an email to BNN Bloomberg

Aurora similarly would not confirm or deny the talks when asked. “As a rule, we do not discuss business development initiatives until they are finalized, however we have a responsibility to our shareholders to give proper consideration to all relevant opportunities that are presented,” said Aurora spokesperson Heather MacGregor.

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New Mexico

New Mexico Health Sec. Refuses to Allow MMJ for Opioid Addiction

9/17/2018

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Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Health Lynn Gallagher has again declined to add Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) to the state’s list of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis, according to a Drug Policy Alliance press release.

New Mexico’s Medical Advisory Board is made up of board-certified physicians appointed by the Governor, who advise the state on medical matters. The Advisory Board has recommended adding OUD to the list of qualifying conditions once before, in 2017.

Secretary Gallagher vetoed the addition then, as well.

“We lose one or two New Mexicans to overdose every single day. The Secretary’s failure to add this condition is discriminatory and stigmatizing for people suffering from opioid and other substance use disorders. It’s well known that New Mexico needs more options to support people suffering from problematic opioid use. This decision means that medical cannabis, a legitimate option to support symptoms related to OUD and withdrawal from opioids continues to be out of reach. I am hopeful that under a new administration science and compassion will prevail.” — Jessica Gelay, Policy Manager for the Drug Policy Alliance

Proponents of treating OUD with cannabis point out that, beyond specific effects on opioid addiction, cannabis has also been clearly shown to treat withdrawal symptoms like nausea and insomnia as well as reduce the intensity of cravings.

In 2017, 500 people in New Mexico died from opioid overdoses. Even the New Mexico legislature — both the House and the Senate — has instructed the Department of Health to add OUD to the list of qualifying conditions.

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Tbilisi, Georgia

Georgia Wants to Grow & Export Cannabis But Not Allow Consumption

9/17/2018

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A bill introduced in the Georgia Parliament is seeking to legalize the cultivation of cannabis for export but not legalize domestic consumption, according to a story by Radio Free Europe.

The language of the bill allows cultivation for export only, specifically for cosmetic and pharmaceutical use. Georgia decriminalized possession and consumption in November 2017; however, the growing or distribution of cannabis remains illegal.

Opponents of the bill decry the hypocrisy of allowing commercial cultivation for export while still not allowing sales inside the country. A leading Parliament Deputy for the European Georgia party, Giga Bokeria said, “[The government] wants to produce it while punishing others for [using] it? This is absurd.”

Government profiteering and individual corruption are suspected in the equation, which is why the Georgian Orthodox Church, among others, opposes the bill. Bishop Iacob Iakobashvili commented:

“It’s a big mistake — maybe the authorities think about the [country’s] budget in this way, but they do not think about national security at all. None of our law enforcement agencies enjoys such confidence that they can be safely entrusted with the protection of these [marijuana] plantations — we risk becoming another Afghanistan or Colombia.” — Iacob Iakobashvili, via RadioFreeEurope

Georgia is in the process of reforming its drug laws. A nation that has historically had some of the strictest drug laws in Europe, Georgian lawmakers have pledged further reforms since the 2017 decriminalization law — this bill, however, is the only one that has been written so far.

Meanwhile, approximately one-third of all prisoners in Georgia are incarcerated on drug charges.

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U.S. Capital

MMJ Research Expansion Bill Passes House Committee

9/14/2018

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A bill requiring the expansion of medical cannabis research by the U.S. federal government has passed committee and moved to the full House floor, according to a Tom Angell Forbes report.

It is the first bill of its kind to pass that committee.

The most contentious part of the bill was language that bans anyone from working in the expanded cannabis research program who has been convicted of a felony or drug-related misdemeanor. Cannabis advocates strongly opposed the provision, which could cause the bill to stall on the House floor.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Virginia), who co-sponsored the bill, would not remove the language without forcing a vote on the matter, which others declined.

“There is no legitimate health or public safety justification for the inclusion of this language and we urge you to strike this unnecessary, punitive ban on individuals with previous drug law violations.” — American Civil Liberties Union, in a letter to the committee, via Forbes

The primary sponsor of the bill, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida), claimed that the restrictions on drug convicts weren’t included in initial drafts of the bill but  were suggested by people in the cannabis industry who, said Gaetz, “wanted to raise the bar” and keep out “people who wandered out of their drug circle or hacky sack endeavor.”

It’s unclear who exactly in the cannabis industry made the suggestion to “raise the bar.” Director of Communications for the National Cannabis Industry Association Morgan Fox said his organization “absolutely did not suggest that and does not support that restriction.”

Meanwhile, advocates say this bill is a “drop in the bucket” for cannabis policy and that many studies already contradict cannabis’ Schedule I classification, indicating that this bill is too little, too late.

At the very least, the bill’s Republican sponsorship and historic movement out of committee is yet another sign of the prohibition era’s diminishing reach.

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Border Patrol Official Confirms Lifetime Bans for Cannabis Employees

9/14/2018

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A senior U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Official has confirmed that Canadians who work in that country’s legal cannabis industry — or who admit to working in the stateside cannabis industry — will be given lifetime bans upon attempting to enter the United States, Politico reports.

In June, reports surfaced of Canadians receiving lifetime bans at the U.S. border for admitting to working in ancillary cannabis industries like machinery manufacturing. However, only reports from those banned were received and the U.S. Border Patrol had not provided clarification.

Politico spoke to Todd Owen, executive assistant commissioner for the Office of Field Operations for the Border Patrol, who confirmed that lifetime bans will indeed be given out to anyone who works in any facet of either country’s cannabis industry. Even investors in the cannabis industry should be careful with their disclosures.

“Our officers are not going to be asking everyone whether they have used marijuana, but if other questions lead there — or if there is a smell coming from the car, they might ask. If you lie about it, that’s fraud and misrepresentation, which carries a lifetime ban. … Facilitating the proliferation of the legal marijuana industry in U.S. states where it is deemed legal or Canada may affect an individual’s admissibility to the U.S.” — Todd Owen, via Politico

Owen pointed out the fact that Israeli cannabis industry investors had also been denied entry in the past, making it clear that it was not any special change in policy regarding Canada’s federal legalization.

Changes to this policy will most likely not occur until the U.S. passes cannabis law reform on a federal level, which some lawmakers expect as early as next year.

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Michigan Judge Blocks the Shutdown of 98 Dispensaries

9/14/2018

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A judge in Michigan has blocked an effort by state officials to shutter 98 medical cannabis dispensaries, the Associated Press reports.

Court of Claims Judge Stephen Borrello, at the request of one dispensary’s lawyer, issued an injunction on Thursday to allow all dispensaries in the state to remain open during this period of extended licensing delays.

Regulators previously announced that medical cannabis businesses who were late in submitting parts of their application would receive cease-and-desist letters telling them to shut down sometime next week. By their count, officials had aimed to shutter 98 — nearly half — of the state’s dispensaries, putting hundreds if not thousands of cannabis industry employees out of work.

December 15 is the new target date for regulators to fully license medical cannabis businesses. This is the third time a deadline for Michigan‘s medical cannabis licensing process has been softened or delayed.

Michigan’s medical cannabis landscape has been marred this year with delays and controversies as regulators work to properly license the state’s retailers, including a trend of dispensaries receiving fake cease and desist letters and a Governor-ordered investigation into bribery accusations in the industry.

Voters in the state will decide whether to legalize adult-use cannabis at the ballot boxes this November.

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CBD Coffee

Analysts Expect CBD Market to Reach $22 Billion by 2022

9/13/2018

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An analysis completed by The Brightfield Group has determined that the non-psychoactive, hemp-based CBD market will hit $22 billion by 2022, according to a Rolling Stone report.

The CBD market is already expected to top $591 million in 2018. While the early CBD market was often written off as businesses trying to capitalize on the cannabis hype, an uptick of states with required cannabis testing and other regulations have caused a boom in veritably potent and effective CBD products.

CBD is one of the most medicinal compounds in the cannabis plant, helping with everything from arthritis and bug bites to epilepsy and cancer.

The Brightfield Group sees the most opportunity for growth in Sen. Mitch McConnell’s 2018 Farm Bill, which includes a provision to remove hemp from cannabis’ Schedule I categorization — effectively legalizing it for farmers across the country. It would also remove the only remaining roadblock for CBD investments from major corporations, as well as provide a plentiful domestic supply of the hemp plant for use in CBD extracts. It would also allow and encourage mainstream, big-box stores to start selling CBD products.

“This industry has grown out of nowhere, based on word of mouth marketing. There’s no real mass market retailers that are covering it.” — Bethany Gomez, Director of Research for The Brightfield Group, via Rolling Stone

CBD is seen by many as a natural remedy instead of a pharmaceutical or narcotic drug, which gives the compound an additional perception of safety and medical effectiveness that traditional, THC-heavy cannabis doesn’t achieve as easily through its many decades of propaganda. This may make consumers more likely to try CBD products, especially when it starts showing up on the shelves of neighborhood groceries.

Both the House and Senate have passed the 2018 Farm Bill. The bill is currently in committee to reconcile the two versions into one bill that will go to President Trump for his signature. The current Farm Bill, established in 2014, is set to expire on September 30 — lawmakers hope to have the new version completed and passed by that deadline.

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Bipartisan Group Aims to Clear Cannabis Convictions

9/13/2018

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A bipartisan group of U.S. Representatives that call themselves “strange bedfellows” is working together to clear federal cannabis-related convictions off the records of nonviolent offenders, CBS News reports.

Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Delaware) and 20 of her fellow Congressional Black Caucus members have teamed up with Rep. Rod Blum (R-Iowa) to introduce the Clean Slate Act, a bill that would seal the records of non-violent cannabis convicts who remain crime-free for at least a year following their release from prison.

Rep. Blunt Rochester, who first coined the term “strange bedfellows” to describe the group, said, “we would work with anyone who is willing to get it done.”

“We have people who are at the extremes almost of the continuum, and I think that’s an unusual thing especially in today’s (political) climate.” — Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Delaware), in an interview with CBS News

The Clean Slate Act also enjoys the support of two other unlikely political allies: the Koch Brothers-aligned FreedomWorks, an organization that fights for “lower taxes, less government, and more freedom,” and the Center for American Progress, a progressive public policy research and advocacy organization. Normally, the two groups would find themselves on the opposite sides of nearly any other political issue.

“Folks want bipartisanship,” said Rep. Blum, who called the bill “common-sense” legislation.

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NYPD Cop

Manhattan DA Dismisses 3,000 Cannabis Cases

9/13/2018

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Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. dismissed more than 3,000 cases of cannabis possession and consumption in New York on Wednesday, CNN reports.

The 3,042 cases dismissed dated back as far as 1978. No violent crimes involving cannabis were dismissed, said the DA. Public defender agencies were given the list of names of those with dismissed cases so the public can inquire about their legal status.

“Outstanding warrants for these low-level cases drive law enforcement and our communities apart. New Yorkers with warrants face unnecessary loss of employment, housing and immigration consequences, and because many of them fear they will be arrested for an open warrant, they don’t collaborate with the (New York Police Department) and district attorneys to keep our communities safe.” — Cyrus Vance Jr., via Fox 6

The cases will be sealed and formally dismissed in 90 days, the period of time necessary for paperwork to be filed by state agencies.

Wednesday’s dismissals are a continuation of New York’s increasingly open-minded stance on cannabis.

Earlier this month, Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez proposed erasing tens of thousands of low-level cannabis convictions. In June, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and the NYPD announced that they would no longer arrest people for public cannabis consumption and would issue tickets instead. In July, a study commissioned by Gov. Andrew Cuomo reported that New York should legalize adult-use cannabis. That study was quickly embraced by Gov. Cuomo, who organized listening sessions for public comment on the matter.

New York is expected to consider legalization legislation later this year.

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City skyline of Detroit, Michigan.

Michigan Regulators to Shutter 98 Dispensaries

9/13/2018

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98 of Michigan’s medical cannabis dispensaries will need to close down until at least December after state regulators on Tuesday adopted new emergency rules, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Under the new rules, some 108 dispensaries will get to remain open until December 15 — these were the businesses whose owners submitted their initial licensing applications prior to the February 15 deadline, got approval from their host communities, and submitted the second step of the application by its June 15 deadline.

The 98 dispensaries who must close finished the first step of the process on time, but did not make the second deadline. If they remain open, they will forfeit their ability to receive a full license. With their closure, hundreds if not thousands of cannabis industry workers will be out of work for the immediate future. The dispensaries in question will receive cease-and-desist letters from the state next week; the full list of businesses who must close will be made public at that time.

However, the businesses who have had their licenses approved are not yet fully in the clear: dispensaries who have been given the go-ahead must — after a second emergency rule adoption — pay a $48,000 regulatory assessment fee within 10 days or shut down until they have the necessary funds.

December 15 is the state’s third extended deadline for medical cannabis dispensaries to either be fully licensed or shut down.

“We’re trying to move the process along. … This extension focuses on ensuring access.” — Andrew Brisbo, executive director of the Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation, via the Detroit Free Press

Meanwhile, voters in Michigan will consider an adult-use legalization ballot initiative this November. According to the latest poll results, voters favor legalization by a margin of about 56 percent, with 38 percent opposed and 6 percent undecided.

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marijuana vaporizer

The Best Marijuana Vaporizer Settings For Terpenes

9/12/2018

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Terpenes are compounds produced by a variety of plants, as well as some insects. They have strong odors and are often used by plants for protection, as well as to attract predators of pests. Terpenes and Terpenoids are produced from resin in plants, including cannabis. Terpenes are used by nearly every living creature to form new cells and create new chemicals.

Terpenes are found in many essential oils and are theorized to be a large part of the beneficial effects of aromatherapy. Cannabis contains many terpenes that through the “entourage effect” modify the effects of THC in the mind and body, as well as have therapeutic effects of their own.

Cannabis users with marijuana vaporizers have an opportunity to use their temperature settings to create vapor that is focused on specific terpenes. Vaping cannabis plant matter at the boiling point of the terpene desired will maximize the amount of therapeutic terpenes in the vapor. Below is a list of many of the primary terpenes in cannabis, their effects and the temperature at which to set your vaporizer.

ß-Myrcene

  • Boiling point: 166-168C / 330.8-334.4 degree Fahrenheit
  • Properties: Analgesic. Anti-inflammatory, Antibiotic, Antimutagenic

Myrcene is known as the “couch-lock” terpene and is the most common terpene in most cannabis strains. Myrcene is found in many other plants in nature aside from cannabis, including Bay, ylang-ylang, wild thyme, parsley, cardamom and hops. Its effect is primarily sedative and pain-relieving. Set your marijuana vaporizer to 330 degrees Fahrenheit to maximize Myrcene extraction.

d-Limonene

  • Boiling point: 177C / 350.6 degree Fahrenheit
  • Properties: Immune potentiator, Antidepressant, Antimutagenic

Limonene is the second most common terpene in cannabis. Limonene occurs in many plants, including mint, juniper, rosemary, pine, and all citrus rinds. Limonene is responsible for some cannabis strain’s grapefruit, lemon or tangerine smell. Limonene is energizing and antidepressant, as well as anti-cancer To help maximize Limonene terpenes in your vapor, set your vaporizer to around 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Citrus FruitLinalool

  • Boiling point: 198C / 388.4 degree Fahrenheit
  • Properties: Sedative, Antidepressant, Anxiolytic, Immune potentiator

Linalool smells floral with a touch of spice. It is the major terpene responsible for Lavender’s scent. It is contained in many other plants as well, over 200 in fact. It is sedative and antidepressant, as well as anti-anxiety. Studies have shown at the opioid needs of people inhaling lavender oil, rich in Linalool, were greatly reduced compared to controls. To maximize Linalool extraction with your vaporizer, set your temperature to 388 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pulegone

  • Boiling point: 224C / 435.2 degree Fahrenheit
  • Properties: Memory booster, AChE inhibitor (anti Alzheimer’s, anti-parkinson’s, anti-schizophrenic), Sedative, Antipyretic

Pulegone is a minority terpene found in cannabis, as well as peppermint, catnip, pennyroyal and camphor. Pulegone can be sedative and fever-reducing as well as reducing some negative side-effects of cannabis such as short term memory loss. Pulegone is best consumed at high temperatures, so set your marijuana vaporizer to 435 degrees Fahrenheit to maximize the Pulegone content of your vapor.

1,8-Cineole (Eucalyptol)

  • Boiling point: 176C / 348.8 degree Fahrenheit
  • Properties: AChE inhibitor (anti Alzheimer’s, anti-parkinson’s, anti-schizophrenic), Increases cerebral blood flow, Stimulant, Antibiotic, Antiviral, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-nociceptive

Eucalyptol has a cool minty and mildly spicy taste. It’s found predominantly in its namesake tree, the Eucalyptus, as well as camphor laurel, bay leaves, tea tree, rosemary, sage and sweet basil. Eucalyptol is used in mouthwash, some cough suppressants and body powders. Eucalyptol has also been shown to be effective at fighting leukemia and colon cancer cells, as well as asthma. To properly vaporize Eucalyptol, set your vaporizer to 348 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pine Treesa-Pinene

  • Boiling point: 156C / 312.8 degree Fahrenheit
  • Properties: Anti-inflammatory, Bronchodilator, Stimulant, Antibiotic, AChE inhibitor (anti Alzheimer’s, anti-parkinson’s, anti-schizophrenic)

Pinene is one of the most common terpenes found in nature. Most common in conifers, it also occurs in camphorweed, sage and cannabis. Pinene, as the name may lead you to believe, smells like pine, or a bit like rosemary. Pinene is an excellent bronchodilator, helping your lungs take in more oxygen, as well as an expectorant, helping clear sinuses and other mucus membranes. In Chinese medicine it is used to combat cancer. To get the most pinene in your vapor, set your temperature a little lower to 312 degrees Fahrenheit.

a-Terpineol

  • Boiling point: 217-218C / 422.6-424.4 degree Fahrenheit
  • Properties: Sedative, Antibiotic, AChE inhibitor (anti Alzheimer’s, anti-parkinson’s, anti-schizophrenic), Antioxidant, Antimalarial

Terpineol has a pleasing odor reminiscent of lilacs and is a common perfume and cosmetic ingredient. It is thought to be relaxing and sedative. Terpineol has been shown to have the highest antioxidant activity of any terpene tested and has been shown to inhibit tumor growth as well. To get the most Terpineol in your vapor, heat your vaporizer on the hotter side to 422 degrees Fahrenheit.Lilacs

p-cymene

  • Boiling point: 177C / 350.6 degree Fahrenheit
  • Properties: Antibiotic, Anticandidal, AChE inhibitor (anti Alzheimer’s, anti-parkinson’s, anti-schizophrenic)

Cymene is a part of several essential oils, including Cumin and Thyme and smells a little of both. Cymene is anti-inflammatory and reduces pain sensation. Studies by the National Institute of Health showed that cymene significantly increased the time it took mice to notice pain caused by heat or inflammation. To extract the most Cymene into your vapor, set your temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit while vaping cannabis.

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American Flag

Congress to Consider MMJ Research Expansions

9/12/2018

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The Medical Cannabis Research Act, a bipartisan bill to expand medical cannabis research, is scheduled to receive a vote by the House Judiciary Committee this week, Tom Angell reports for Forbes.

Primarily, the bill would require the federal government to issue more licenses to grow research-grade cannabis. Should it make it to the House floor from the Judiciary Committee, it would be the first piece of cannabis law reform to do so during a Republican-controlled Congress. The bill, however, has several flaws that were added as part of the campaign for bipartisan support.

Most importantly, the bill bars any individual with a “conviction for a felony or drug-related misdemeanor” from participating in any cannabis research program. It also requires participants to produce “letters of good standing” from local law enforcement agencies — law enforcement agencies often come out strongly against such reforms.

Most cannabis activists take issue with continuing to shortchange those who were most affected by the Drug War, most often minorities and other already-disadvantaged groups.

Those pushing for the passage of the bill said that setting a precedent of Republican support for cannabis law reform is the most important task at hand. Cannabis advocates disagree, however, saying that creating a precedent of banning certain people on a federal level from participating in the cannabis industry is a risk not worth taking.

“For many of my Republican colleagues, the most difficult marijuana reform vote to take is the first one. I’m trying to create the most comfortable setting for marijuana skeptics to do something right by their constituents, and that process can yield imperfect legislation that is directionally correct.” — Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida), sponsor of the bill, via Forbes

The Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on the bill on Thursday.

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Michigan House of Representatives

Poll: Michigan Voters Strongly Favor Adult-Use Legalization

9/12/2018

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A new poll of expected general election voters in Michigan shows that 56.2 percent support Michigan’s upcoming ballot measure to legalize adult-use cannabis, ClickOnDetroit reports.

The poll, conducted by Glengariff Group, Inc., surveyed 600 likely general election voters in the state by live telephone operators during September 5-7. The poll found that 56.2 percent of those surveyed were in favor of cannabis legalization, 38 percent were opposed, and only 5.8 percent of voters were undecided.

In an interesting turn, the poll did not find that opposition was tied to any specific political party. While those that lean strongly or slightly towards the Democratic party were the strongest supporters of the measure, it was a nearly even split between proponents and opponents across the Republican party spectrum and for independents.

The only demographic that showed strong opposition to the measure, in fact, was an age-based demographic: those 65 and older. Even the 65+ category, however, showed only 55.7 percent opposing while 37.1 percent supported the measure. The strongest supporters, unsurprisingly, were the 18-29 demographic. That demographic showed 71.1 percent supporting with just 24.3 percent opposing.

The measure in question was formally added to the ballot after lawmakers in June missed the deadline to act on the proposal, causing an automatic approval. Voters will now decide whether or not Michigan will be the next state to legalize adult-use cannabis on November 6th.

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Racks of curing cannabis nugs hanging from the ceiling at a commercial grow operation.

Massachusetts Growers Could Sue the State’s Cannabis Control Commission

9/12/2018

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Cannabis cultivators in Massachusetts are considering a lawsuit to make the state’s Cannabis Control Commission review the statutorily-required agreements between cannabis businesses and the towns where they exist, according to the State House News Service.

In order to operate in any jurisdiction, a cannabis company must enter a host community agreement with that host town and/or city. The Commission has maintained that it does not have the authority to review the agreements, but cannabis companies are worried that municipalities will take advantage of the situation to extract more money via taxes and other fees than allowed under state law (local governments can only legally take up to three percent of a cannabis business’ gross sales).

“We just want them to review these going forward and strike down offending contractual clauses going backwards.” — Peter Bernard, president of the Massachusetts Grower Advocacy Council, via the State House News Service

Bernard said that his group was meeting with its lawyer on Wednesday to discuss options and that they were leaning towards taking the issue to court.

The Commission had hoped to launch the state’s adult-use cannabis industry by July 1, but that goal fell through and the Commission has yet to give an updated timeline for when consumers can expect to be able to purchase cannabis products.

Some advocates and entrepreneurs argue that the delay has been in part caused by the Commission’s attempts to reconcile the host community agreements.

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Charlo Greene Accepts Plea Deal, Will Not Face Jail

9/12/2018

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Cannabis activist and entrepreneur Charlo Greene has accepted a plea deal tied to felony drug charges from a 2015 police raid on the Alaska Cannabis Club, KTVA reports.

The deal will result in zero jail time for Greene, whose legal name is Charlene Egbe, but it could carry a hefty fine of up to $10,000. Greene pled guilty to a single felony count of misconduct and will not face charges for the 13 other drug-related crimes she was accused of; she will return to court for her sentencing in November.

If she had gone to trial, Greene would have faced a maximum of a 54-year sentence for the charges brought against her.

Greene made national headlines in 2014 when she quit her job as a broadcast journalist for KTVA on live television while giving a report on the Alaska Cannabis Club. During the broadcast, Greene admitted that she was, in fact, the owner of the club and she was quitting her job to fight “for freedom and fairness” by working to legalize marijuana throughout the state.

“Fuck it, I quit,” Greene said then, right before walking off camera.

Alaska voted to legalize adult-use cannabis later that year. The Alaska Cannabis Club was raided after just six months for allegedly illegal cannabis sales.

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Leaf Logix Expands to 27th U.S. Market, Experiences Explosive Growth

9/12/2018

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Seed-to-sale enterprise resource planning solution covers all operational needs for cannabis businesses

September 6, 2018 (New York, NY) — Leaf Logix, a seed-to-sale enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution covering the full vertical of operational needs for cannabis businesses, has expanded to 27 U.S. markets, including 25 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Leaf Logix software solutions range from point-of-sale, business-to-business wholesale distribution, e-commerce, cultivation, processing & manufacturing, reporting, and more.

Oklahoma is the latest U.S. market for Leaf Logix on the heels of the company’s recent global expansion into Africa and South America. The company has expanded rapidly since the start of 2018 as evidenced by continuous double-digit, month-over-month revenue growth.

In addition to integrating with many of the main tech providers in the cannabis space as well as state regulatory compliance software providers, such as Metrc and BioTrack, Leaf Logix has experienced zero platform service disruptions since its inception in 2015. All Leaf Logix products are designed to accommodate multi-license enterprises serving recreational & medical cannabis, hemp, and CBD businesses, and can be run on Apple or Android devices. Leaf Logix cloud-based software is housed on the Microsoft Azure Cloud, offering unparalleled security and convenience.

Leaf Logix founder and CEO, James Minutello, has worked in supply chain logistics for more than 25 years and has a successful track record of building high growth tech and logistics companies which were then purchased in high profile acquisitions by existing public companies such as Priceline and Li & Fung.

“Cannabis facilities face extraordinary challenges when running their businesses, and it is our goal to make compliance and business management needs as seamless as possible,” explains James Minutello, CEO of Leaf Logix. “Our team has been hard at work and we are grateful for the opportunity to help cannabis businesses as they prosper and grow, often into multi-license and multi-state operations.”

To learn more about Leaf Logix, visit www.leaflogix.com.

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About Leaf Logix
Leaf Logix is a seed-to-sale enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution supporting growers, distributors, processors, and retailers in recreational cannabis, medical cannabis, hemp and CBD. Leaf Logix has experienced zero service disruptions and integrates with all regulatory compliance software providers, allowing clients to grow intelligent and compliant operations. With a service footprint spanning three continents and 25 states as well as D.C. and Puerto Rico, Leaf Logix products cover the full vertical of operational needs ranging from POS, B2B wholesale distribution, e-commerce, cultivation, processing, reporting, and more. Leaf Logix cloud-based software is housed on the Microsoft Azure Cloud, offering unparalleled security and convenience. Leaf Logix has offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Denver. To learn more about Leaf Logix, visit www.leaflogix.com, call 800-771-1984 or email sales@leaflogix.com.

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What is CBD?

What is CBD?

9/11/2018

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Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a chemical compound in the same family as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Both of these two major compounds are members of the Cannabinoid family. Derived from the Cannabis or Marijuana plant, “phytocannabinoids” (phyto meaning plant in Greek) are a diverse group of neurotransmitters that interact with related chemical pathways in animals called the “Endocannabinoid system.”

Unlike THC however, CBD does not produce the classic psychoactive marijuana high. CBD instead enhances and balances THC’s effect and helps control things like anxiety, epilepsy, inflammation, pain, depression and addiction. During the prohibition of Cannabis, most strains were bred to be high-THC and low-CBD for the recreational user looking for the “high.” Since the medical marijuana movement began to gain steam, many producers are now producing high-CBD medical strains once again.

Cannabidiol Molecule

Is CBD Legal?

 

This cannabinoid’s legal status is in a confusing gray area. The DEA has issued statements effectively clarifying that CBD is one of the illegal substances banned under the heading of the marijuana plant. However, state-level medical or recreational marijuana laws in 44 states protect and allow for the distribution of the cannabinoid. A federal court in California has even ordered the DEA to stop harassing medical marijuana providers who were operating legally under state law. The clash between federal and state laws is an ongoing issue with the movement to end the prohibition of cannabis in the United States, and increased awareness of this cannabinoid as a non-psychoactive substance with numerous medical applications seems to be a catalyst for change.

Just recently, the DEA officially moved some CBD-derived medicines to Schedule 5 from Schedule 1 on the Controlled Substances Act, however this ruling only applies to FDA-approved medicines. Currently, the GW Pharmaceuticals drug Epidiolex is the only CBD medicine approved by the FDA.

CBD and the FDA

Its medicinal legal status in many states and the current climate of changing opinions about Cannabis’s medicinal powers has resulted in a rush of products to market that are capitalizing on the hype. Under its mission statement of “protecting the public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy and security of human and veterinary drugs” the FDA has become involved in the struggle.

Since 2015 the FDA has sent 44 warning letters to various producers of CBD medicines, ordering them to stop marketing and advertising unapproved uses of cannabinoid medicine and in some cases revealing the products did not even include the advertised levels of CBD, occasionally none at all. As a federal agency, the involvement of the FDA further confuses the legal space of medicinal cannabis, especially after they argued for the de-scheduling of CBD in October 2018.

Currently there are numerous commercial brands selling CBD products ranging from tinctures, to topicals, to soda throughout the United States. The states where the cannabinoid can be most easily found by consumers, however, are California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado and Alaska — in other words, the states have legalized recreational cannabis. These states have testing requirements of licensed producers and processors.

CBD is often derived from Hemp

CBD and the Future

Its non-psychoactive nature and proven therapeutic benefits indicate further potential, alongside other cannabinoids. In the weakening climate of prohibition, it’s important to begin to spread information and understanding about the difference between the broad use of “medical marijuana” and the specific medicinal cannabinoids like CBD and possible derivative drugs.

Early studies and anecdotal reports reveal massive potential, but there have been concerns over the quality of the original research. Large, double-blind studies by major research institutions have finally begun in the last few years and soon our understanding of the exact benefits and side effects of the non-psychoactive cannabinoid will explode.

CBD in the News

Follow Ganjapreneur to keep tabs on the latest CBD news headlines, medical studies, and industry announcements. We are committed to providing useful insights and reliable coverage of the issues that matter to cannabis entrepreneurs: click here to view our most recent articles or subscribe to our newsletter for daily updates.

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Legislators Expect Federal Legalization in 2019

9/11/2018

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Reps. David Joyce (R-Ohio) and Earl Blumenauer (D-Oregon) said at the Cannabis Law Institute in Washington, D.C. that public support backs the legalization of cannabis across the country and they expect the bill that makes it happen will be introduced in the 2019 Congress, according to a report by Leafly.

Both Congressmen said that many congressional races across the country will have cannabis as a core issue, and that may determine what happens with legislation next year. The Representatives both said that the recently-introduced Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States (STATES) Act and other cannabis legislation are likely to pass no matter who controls Congress next year.

Rep. Joyce said he considers cannabis legalization a state’s rights issue. “States have made it available medically,” he said. “People should be able to receive it, and we should do more studies on it.”

“Most people want legalization, at least for medical purposes. That’s why I think we will see successes on the fall ballot. There is no downside for a candidate who embraces it.” — Rep. Earl Blumenauer, via Leafly

Rep. Blumenauer said he thought a Democratic takeover of the House of Representatives in November would accelerate the process of cannabis law reform.

“If we take back the House, I guarantee there will be committee hearings,” Blumenauer said. “Once we get hearings, I think the dominoes will fall very quickly.”

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LAPD car

LA Cracks Down On Unlicensed Cannabis Businesses

9/11/2018

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The City Attorney of Los Angeles has cracked down on 105 unlicensed cannabis businesses since May, charging over 500 people with misdemeanors, reports KTLA Los Angeles.

City officials say that cracking down on unlicensed cannabis businesses those that play by the system’s rules. Los Angeles has passed ordinances requiring not just a California state cannabis license, but also a city license. Anyone charged with violating the city’s cannabis industry ordinances may be penalized with up to six months and jail and $1,000 in fines.

“Los Angeles voters wanted common-sense rules to regulate recreational marijuana so public safety is protected in our neighborhoods. Our message is clear: If you are operating an illegal cannabis business, you will be held accountable.” — City Attorney Mike Fauer, via KTLA

Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michael Moore said city prosecutors will also work to seize properties used by unlicensed cannabis businesses via civil action. This puts pressure on landlords to help with enforcement.

“We know there are still hundreds of these locations out there, and we will continue to identify and take action,” said Chief Moore.

 

 

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Alaska Growers Threatened by Craze for High-Potency Cannabis

9/11/2018

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The price of cannabis in Alaska appears to be tied directly to a product’s THC potency and that could be bad news for some growers, according to an Anchorage Daily News report.

As cannabis farmers around the country begin to experiment with expanded terpene profiles and alternative cannabinoids like CBD, CBN, THCA, and others, Alaskan growers are being funneled into producing potent, THC-rich cannabis crops in order to compete on the marketplace.

“Alaskans have an obsession with marijuana that tests over 20 percent (THC).” — Brandon Emmett, Marijuana Control Board member and cannabis manufacturer, via ADN.com

On average, the price of THC-rich cannabis (20% or more) in Alaska can reach as high as $18 per gram; in contrast, a 14% potency strain would likely cost about $10 per gram. That sort of price difference isn’t unheard of in other markets — but, when the reason for that discrepancy is tied to a crop’s potency, churning out a lower-potency strain can become a major economic blow to one of the state’s startup cultivators.

Like other states, cannabis products in Alaska must go through rigorous testing before they can hit store shelves. However, there are just two labs currently operating in the space and their testing procedures are not standardized.

Jessica Alexander, lab director for New Frontier Research, one of Alaska’s two testing labs, told Anchorage Daily News that the there is an “overwhelming” amount of growers who are “heartbroken” when their products test at less than 20 percent THC.

“It’s real nonsense, but it’s driving the cost, and it’s going to drive people out of business,” Alexander said.

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Canadian Dollar

Cannabis ETF Breaks $1 Billion in Assets

9/10/2018

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Ballooning cannabis stocks have caused Canadian-based Horizons Marijuana Life Sciences Index ETF (HMMJ) to break $1 Billion CAD in assets for the first time, reports Investopedia.

Shares of the Exchange-Traded Fund, or ETF, have surged more than 43% in the past month and 124% since the start of trading in April 2017. Cannabis stocks across all North American markets have been booming this year, especially in Canada — where federal legalization is set to deploy in October.

“One of the key drivers of HMMJ’s rapid asset growth speaks to the investor demand and desire for a diversified portfolio of cannabis companies versus buying individual stocks. While there are clearly leaders in the marijuana equity sector, nobody knows for sure which companies will truly be successful over the long term or even be swallowed-up.” — Steve Hawkins, CEO of Horizons ETFs, via press release

Some market analysts claim that cannabis stocks are currently overvalued. However, despite media focus on the shares’ potential overvaluation, cannabis stocks have continued to grow into September. Even in August, the fund saw a total inflow of funds of more than $12 million CAD.

Beer manufacturers and holding companies have also invested heavily in the space, which is partly responsible for the current valuation of the market. In August, Corona-manufacturer Constellation Brands and Canadian cannabis producer Canopy Growth partnered on a $4 billion deal to expand their collective reach and develop cannabis-based beverages. Canopy Growth stock is the largest single holding by the HMMJ fund. Other beer companies, including Molson-Coors, have also invested in the market this year.

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Industrial Hemp Looks Secure in 2018 Farm Bill

9/10/2018

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Language in the 2018 Farm Bill that would establish a national, comprehensive industrial hemp marketplace appears to be safe and untouched as lawmakers work to reconcile small differences between the Senate and House versions of the bill, Benzinga reports.

The hemp legalization language was added to the annual mega-bill and has been consistently championed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky).

“It’s time to remove the federal hurdles and give [farmers] the opportunity to seize its full potential and once again become the national leader for hemp production. That is why I strongly advocated for this measure to be included in the Farm Bill.” — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), in June

Specifically, the bill removes hemp from the federal definition of “marihuana” in the Controlled Substances Act. Under the new rules, hemp would be defined as “the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.”

The 2017 Farm Bill expires on September 30, which gives lawmakers just two weeks for further deliberation to establish the next Farm Bill. If they do not reconcile the 2018 Farm Bill in time, experts expect that lawmakers would instead pass a continuing resolution, which would postpone a government shutdown and give Congress an extra month for deliberations.

“I suspect that it may happen before midterms, but we are confident about the hemp provisions,” said Garrett Graf of Denver-based Hoban Law Group in an interview with Benzinga. “Our understanding and optimism are that the Senate provisions will remain intact. We are not hearing any suggestions to the contrary.”

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