Legal Cannabis-User’s Widow Denied Workers’ Comp. Death Benefits

7/17/2018

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A deceased Colorado electrician’s family is being denied half their workers’ comp. death benefit because of THC found in the victim’s system, according to a The Denver Channel report. Electrician Adam Lee died while on the job at Loveland Ski Area. An autopsy revealed the presence of high levels of THC in his body but current tests cannot tell whether or not he was intoxicated at the time of his death.

Erika Lee, Adam Lee’s widow, has been struggling to make ends meet since the accident.

“I’m scared, and I have no idea how we are going to make it. We don’t know if we will get any money, so I’m just looking now at how to survive. I am frustrated with the system that is saying because he smoked a legal substance, we are going to take away your benefits from you and your kids.” — Erika Lee, in the report

If an injured or deceased person tests positive for cannabis or another controlled substance, Colorado state law allows workers’ comp. companies to cut benefits by 50 percent. However, tests will show cannabis in a person’s system for many days or even weeks, even if the person is not currently intoxicated.

Colorado Attorney Brian Vicente, who played a notable role in the campaign to legalize cannabis earlier this decade, said this is a message to Colorado cannabis consumers.

“We voters spoke loudly and said marijuana should not be illegal for adults. Yet we still have some parts of the Colorado revised statutes that appear to penalize people who are using this substance.” — Brian Vicente, via The Denver Channel

Administrative Law Judge John Sandberg, who holds a seat with Colorado’s Department of Labor, said this will need to be a problem solved by the Colorado legislature.

“As it stands now, with a positive test result, an employer has the right to reduce those benefits. The issue that you’re raising […] I think is a good social issue. It’s one that probably needs to be brought to the general assembly in terms of how this impacts workers.” — Judge John Sandberg, in an interview

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IndicaOnline Dispensary Point of Sale Integrates with Metrc Compliance Software

7/17/2018

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Managing cannabis compliance has been a complicated process for many marijuana retailers in medical and recreational markets. While many of the legal states in the U.S. have very similar regulations, each state has their own compliance nuances. IndicaOnline has recently developed comprehensive compliance tools within their dispensary point of sale software that simplifies sales and inventory reporting for California cannabis retailers.

Evolving with the ever-changing cannabis industry is a must for marijuana dispensaries who have so much invested in their business. Human error can easily jeopardize a retailer’s business license, especially if they are operating using an inferior POS system. Using automated tools to prevent your marijuana business from minor mistakes will provide peace of mind to the owners, managers, and staff members.

IndicaOnline has successfully completed full integration with California’s track-and-trace service provider, Franwell’s Metrc. Cannabis dispensaries will now be able to send real-time automated sales and inventory reports without logging into Metrc. Dispensary staff only need to login to Metrc to accept incoming inventory manifests which will then automatically appear in IndicaOnline. Once they appear in your POS system, you can then accept them into your inventory and perform additional actions as needed.

Cannabis retailers can complete most of the inventory actions within IndicaOnline’s customized interface. Dispensary managers can adjust package quantities, split packages, merge packages, and close packages all from the point-of-sale software. Most of the time discrepancies between Metrc and IndicaOnline can be resolved by re-syncing inventory, but if any issues arise, customer support is more than willing to help.

After a California cannabis retailer receives an annual business license and completes the Metrc online training, a Metrc API key is provided allowing IndicaOnline to sync with their software. This will allow the two platforms to communicate with each other and initiate automated sales reports for dispensaries. IndicaOnline sends important traceability information, such as transactions and related package IDs, quantity/inventory changes, price of product, split/merged packages, and closed packages.

It’s imperative for dispensaries who have applied for an annual license to prepare their inventory for integration by scheduling a product migration. This process is time-consuming and could take several days to complete depending on the amount of inventory. IndicaOnline recommends retail owners schedule their product migration once they’ve submitted an annual license application or been issued their Metrc login information.

For more information, visit the IndicaOnline website or email Compliance@IndicaOnline.com.

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Proposal Released for California’s Permanent Cannabis Regulations

7/16/2018

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California’s Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) released a proposal on Friday, July 13 outlining permanent cannabis industry regulations for the state. The 136-page document details every proposed rule for the burgeoning cannabis industry, but the BCC also released a fact sheet summary of industry changes under the proposed regulations.

Industry-wide changes

The proposal’s industry-wide changes include updates to the application process, the licensing process, advertising rules, security measures, and policies for product returns/destruction. Below are listed just some of the changes.

Applications: Temporary licenses will no longer be available after Dec. 31, 2018. Also, the rules outline additional hoops for applicants to jump through, including securing a labor peace agreement and clarification that a company will not “generate significant adverse environmental impact.” Also, new rules will allow for electronic signatures on all documents submitted to the BCC, except for notarized statements.

Licensing: Rule changes here describe which business modifications by a licensee the BCC must be made aware of (such as standard operating procedures, labor peace agreements, the transferring of ownership, etc.). Also clarifies that each licensed premise is required to list a distinct street address, that extra inventory stored at a licensed premise must be locked up in a secure area, that “the bureau may inspect a licensee’s records without prior notice and the licensee must be able to produce records immediately upon request at the licensed premises,” and more.

Advertising: Advertising restrictions have been expanded to ban product giveaways and any marketing material that could be interpreted as appealing to children.

Security: “Limited access area” rules have been extended to all licensees in the industry, not just retailers.

Product returns: Under the proposed changes, cannabis waste cannot be transferred, donated, sold, or given away.

License-specific changes

There are also changes affecting specifically distributors, retailers, testing labs, cannabis-themed events, and cannabis microbusinesses. Some of the more important rules are specified below.

Distributors: Clarifies that distributors cannot carry live plants/clones or package pre-rolls. Also, cannabis batches could only be transported to producers or retailers once it has passed testing and the new rules would require “licensed distributors [to] have a completed sales invoice or receipt before transporting cannabis goods.”

Retailers: Exit packaging must be opaque, resealable, and child-resistant. Also, the proposal would allow a retailer with multiple retailer licenses to transfer goods from one licensed retail premise to another — but a licensed distributor must conduct the transport of the cannabis goods.

Testing labs: Many changes here, including — but not limited to — a new set of rules for the transportation of cannabis samples and modifications to the data package requirement to “require a data package for every sample instead of every batch.” Also, under the proposal, a failed batch could only be retested once it has undergone remediation.

Events: New rules for cannabis events will require organizers to “provide a more detailed premises diagram indicating where each licensed retailer will be located, where cannabis consumption will occur, and where cannabis sales will occur.” The proposal also “limits licensed retailers to selling cannabis goods in their designated area.”

Microbusinesses: Mostly clarifications that industry-wide regulations affect microbusiness applicants, as well, including environmental impacts.

Cannabis became legal for adult use in California on January 1; the latest set of emergency rules took effect on July 1.

California is the world’s largest legal adult-use cannabis marketplace.

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New Jersey MMJ Program to Double In Size; Supply Shortages Ongoing

7/16/2018

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New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, called for a doubling of the state’s medical cannabis producers today, from six to 12, according to an NJ.com report. New Jersey’s medical cannabis program developed supply issues earlier this year after a previous expansion added several qualifying conditions. The governor made the call after the New Jersey State Legislature failed in June to pass a bill expanding the program.

The New Jersey Department of Health said the program is adding 500 patients each week. The program has more than 25,000 participants as of now, almost double the number at the end of 2017. The huge rate of expansion has resulted in long lines and product shortages at dispensaries. The executive director of New Jersey’s Cannabis Industry Association, Hugh O’Beirne, said even doubling the number of providers won’t be enough supply for very long.

“As supply limitations impact patients’ accessibility to medicine, then the body that’s empowered to act on the patient’s behalf should act. If that person is the governor, then the governor should act. We’ve got people suffering. We’ve got children suffering for crying out loud.” — Hugh O’Beirne, via NJ.com

Medical cannabis producers in New Jersey are vertically integrated — the companies grow, process, and sell cannabis. The six new producers will be spread evenly through the state.

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Workers’ Comp Judge Orders New Jersey Town to Pay for MMJ

7/16/2018

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A Workers’ Compensation Judge in New Jersey has ordered Freehold Township to pay for a claimant’s medical cannabis, according to a report by the New Jersey Law Journal. This is the second time a New Jersey judge has ruled in favor of worker’s comp covering medical cannabis for an injured worker, setting a powerful precedent.

A lawyer representing the insurance group opposed the payment claims, arguing that federal law prevents an insurance carrier from funding a patient’s medical cannabis. Judge Lionel Simon ruled against the insurance company despite this reasoning, as well as against a recent Maine ruling that held insurance companies can’t be forced to pay for cannabis that is still illegal federally.

The judge, aware of the Maine ruling and other legal precedents, held that his ruling is still correct. Judge Simon said that state and federal drug laws are crafted to prevent the illicit distribution and use of drugs, adding:

“I don’t think the New Jersey Medical Marijuana Act is in conflict with that. Certainly I don’t understand how a [insurance] carrier who will never possess, never distribute, never intend to distribute these products, who will merely sign a check into an attorney’s trust account, is in any way complicit with the distribution of illegal narcotics. … What else is important to note here is in this, Mr. McNeary’s case, there is a documented medical need and the concern is that Mr. McNeary is going to become addicted to opioids.” — Judge Lionel Simon, in a statement made in court

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New Grow Light Technology Being Tested in Canada

7/13/2018

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A new, broad-spectrum light that mimics sunlight more closely than others is being tested in Canada, the Edmonton Journal reports. The light is manufactured by Edmonton-based G2V Optics and was originally designed to test solar cells at the University of Alberta.

Michael Taschuk, the developer of the light, previously managed a team of researchers at the University of Alberta. The lights have been in use at Endless Sky Canna Corp in British Columbia, Canada.

Endless Sky’s CEO Travis George reports that the lights are twice as effective as other grow lights the company has used.

“It’s an Alberta-manufactured product that exceeds all other lighting on the market … It kicked their asses.” — Travis George, via Edmonton Journal

Taschuk’s business partner, Ryan Tucker, was also on Taschuk’s University of Alberta research team. Tucker says that plants appreciate the complex, variable spectrum light that the G2V lights provide. Unlike many other lights, the G2V lights can have their spectrum tuned to match the sunlight of specific regions of the globe.

“It is a grand piano where you can play songs to your plant. The effect of spectral combinations are those tunes. Different plants like different versions of those, so you can actually locate the one that is going to make your plant the happiest and grow, as compared to what’s basically an air horn that you can turn on, turn off, or make it louder or maybe a bit dimmer and that’s all you can do.” — Ryan Tucker, in the report

Taschuk is hoping to make G2V profitable by focusing on the new Canadian adult-use cannabis market but he hopes the grow lights can help a wide variety of indoor farming.

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New York Gov. Office Report Recommends Legalizing Cannabis

7/13/2018

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A report commissioned by the New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo released today by the New York Department of Health recommends the legalization of cannabis, Syracuse.com reports. The New York Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker told reporters in June that the report would recommend legalization but did not release the full report until today.

“The positive effects of a regulated marijuana market in New York state outweigh the potential negative impacts.” — Excerpt from the Marijuana Legalization Impact Assessment

In the report, officials speculate the first year of a legal adult-use cannabis market would produce up to $340 million in tax revenue for New York. The report also raises concerns about failing to legalize as states surrounding New York embrace legal cannabis, which would result in an increase in arrests for possession in border counties and a loss of revenue.

Other data points in the report include:

  • Legal cannabis might reduce opioid deaths.
  • Legal cannabis allows regulation which reduces consumer risk and allows quality control.
  • Evidence indicates legal cannabis has little to no impact on consumption by minors.
  • The prohibition of cannabis has had little impact on consumption and instead only resulted in higher rates of incarceration for minorities.

The report says that awareness and management of the potential impacts of legal cannabis are important.

“It is imperative that a regulated marijuana program contain all necessary safeguards and measures to limit access for individuals under 21, minimize impaired driving, provide education and tailored messaging to different populations and connect people to treatment if needed.” — Excerpt from the report

Despite a history of being anti-legalization, Gov. Cuomo is expected to support the report’s findings due in large part to competition from gubernatorial candidate Cynthia Nixon in the upcoming elections. Nixon’s primary campaign platform is opposition to cannabis prohibition.

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Oregon Health Authority Admits to Mistakes In MMJ Program

7/13/2018

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The Oregon Health Authority (OHA), the agency tasked with regulating and overseeing the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP), admitted in a report released Thursday that it has not provided adequate oversight of medical cannabis growers and other industry entities, the Associated Press reports.

According to the OHA’s internal review, the program is ripe with the overproduction of cannabis and the illegal diversion of those products to out-of-state illicit markets.

The report — which was ordered by OHA Director Patrick Allen after receiving complaints from both state and federal law enforcement — found there are more than 20,000 grow sites in the state. Due to a severe lack of inspectors, however, OMMP reportedly carried out just 58 grow site inspections in 2017. 

“Potentially erroneous reporting coupled with low reporting compliance makes it difficult to accurately track how much product is in the medical system. This limits OMMP’s ability to successfully identify and address potential diversion.” — The Oregon Health Authority’s internal review

Oregon was an early adopter of both medical and adult-use cannabis reforms. The state’s recreational marketplace, however, carries more stringent rules and is overseen by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission.

“We are taking steps to maintain the integrity of Oregon’s medical marijuana program and make sure medical products reach the patients who need them. The actions we’re taking include better tracking of growers, better enforcement, and making sure product that fails testing has been destroyed.” — Patrick Allen, director of the Oregon Health Authority, via the Associated Press

In January, U.S. Attorney for Oregon Billy Williams announced five priority areas for enforcing federal cannabis laws in the state; overproduction was one of Williams’ key concerns at that time.

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Massachusetts’ U.S. Attorney Announces Limited Cannabis Enforcement Policies

7/12/2018

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Massachusetts‘ top federal prosecutor, U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling, announced on Tuesday that he will focus his cannabis enforcement efforts on the overproduction and diversion of products into other markets, “targeted” distribution to minors, and organized crime, the Boston Globe reports.

Notably, Lelling is not giving the industry a blanket exemption from federal laws but still plans to focus the efforts of his office on combating the opioid epidemic, not state-legal cannabis entrepreneurs.

“I will not effectively immunize the residents of the Commonwealth from federal marijuana enforcement. My office’s resources, however, are primarily focused on combating the opioid epidemic that claims thousands of lives in the Commonwealth each year.” — U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling, in a statement

In January, Lelling announced — much to the dismay of cannabis advocates throughout the state — that he could not “provide assurances that certain categories of participants in the state-level marijuana trade will be immune from federal prosecution.”

Cannabis advocates praised Lelling’s recent announcement.

“I’m thrilled the U.S. attorney put out such a statement. Targeting the opioid epidemic and, when it comes to marijuana, overproduction and distribution to minors are goals we totally support. …What he’s really saying is that he’s going to target the illicit market. Businesses that pay taxes and invest in this industry are not going to jeopardize that investment by selling to minors.” — David Torrisi, Executive Director of the Commonwealth Dispensary Association, in an interview with the Boston Globe

Some advocates hope Lelling’s announcement will ease the concerns of local officials who cite the federal prohibition of cannabis as reason to ban the industry on a local level.

“Hopefully people at the municipal level who were hesitant because of what’s going on federally get the message. [Lelling’s announcement] could absolutely improve access to the product.” — Kamani Jefferson, president of the Massachusetts Recreational Consumers Council, in the report

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Oklahoma Gov. Circumvents Voters, Signs Strict Cannabis Rules Into Effect

7/12/2018

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Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin (R) ratified strict emergency medical cannabis rules on Wednesday, flouting voters’ wishes on the issue, SF Gate reports. The rules were drafted by the governor’s appointees on the state Board of Health at an emergency meeting on Tuesday. The rules ban smokable cannabis and require pharmacists at all dispensaries.

Medical cannabis advocates like Green the Vote, a cannabis advocacy group that helped get the voter initiative on the ballot, say the move is deliberately designed to delay the rollout of a medical cannabis program authorized by 57% of Oklahoma voters.

“People are completely angry. They voted for (State Question) 788 and now you have the health department and our governor pull these shenanigans? It’s a slap in the face to all activists. It’s a slap in the face to all Oklahomans who voted on 788.” — Isaac Caviness, president of Green the Vote, via SF Gate

The general counsel of the state Board of Health was against the rules signed into effect by the governor, stating that the rules were likely beyond the legal authority of the board. Gov. Fallin said the rules were her effort to quickly set up a regulatory framework for medical cannabis.

“I know some citizens are not pleased with these actions, but I encourage everyone to approach this effort in a constructive fashion in order to honor the will of the citizens of Oklahoma who want a balanced and responsible medical marijuana law.” — Gov. Mary Fallin (R), in a statement

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B.C. Partners With 31 Licensed Producers for Looming Adult-Use Marketplace

7/12/2018

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British Columbia, Canada has signed agreements over production rights for the province’s adult-use cannabis market with 31 different licensed producers, the province’s Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) announced on Wednesday. The LDB will be B.C.’s sole wholesale distributor of cannabis.

All 31 of the cannabis cultivators are currently registered with Canada‘s federal government under the nation’s medical cannabis program.

“We are thrilled to be reaching this significant milestone in developing a competitive wholesale assortment for non-medical cannabis. The volume, variety and quality of our product assortment speak to the LDB’s commitment to working towards eliminating the illicit market.” — Blain Lawson, general manager and CEO of the Liquor Distribution Branch

Small craft cannabis growers, however, say they were shut out of the bidding process. Some advocates are now warning that consumers in British Columbia will only have access to products sourced from the large, corporate licensed producers and that small, local growers currently do not have a place in the legal market.

“I have been screaming at the provincial government for a year to do something about these regulations, and we are now about to drive off the cliff and there’s still no bridge.” — Ian Dawkins, president of the Cannabis Commerce Association of Canada, in a Canadian Press report

The LDB also announced on Wednesday that the first B.C. Cannabis Store will be located within Kamloops’ Columbia Place Shopping Centre.

Adult-use cannabis is set to become legal nationwide in Canada on October 17.

See below for an alphabetical list of the licensed producers who have signed up to provide cannabis for B.C.’s non-medical marketplace:

• Acreage Pharms Ltd.
• Agrima Botanicals Corporation
• Aphria Inc.
• Aurora Cannabis Enterprises Inc.
• Bloomera Inc.
• Broken Coast Cannabis Ltd.
• Canna Farms Ltd.
• CannTrust Inc.
• Canopy Growth Corporation
• Cronos Group Inc.
• DOJA Cannabis Ltd.
• Evergreen Medicinal Supply Inc.
• Experion Biotechnologies Inc.
• Hydropothecary
• Maricann Inc.
• MedReleaf Corp.
• Natural Med Company
• Redecan Pharm
• Seven Oaks Inc.
• Solace Health
• Starseed Medicinal Inc.
• THC BioMed Inc.
• The Flowr Corporation
• The Supreme Cannabis Company/7 Acres
• Tilray Canada Ltd.
• United Greeneries Ltd.
• UP Cannabis Inc.
• WeGrow BC Ltd.
• WeedMD RX Inc.
• Whistler Medical Marijuana Corp.
• Zenabis Ltd.

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Israel to Vote On Cannabis Decriminalization

7/12/2018

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Israel’s legislative body, the Knesset, is expected to vote this week on a law that would decriminalize cannabis possession, according to a High Times report. The law would change the penalty for cannabis possession from jail time to a simple fine for the first three offenses.

The fine ranges from 1000 – 2000 shekels, approximately $275 – $550 US Dollars, and possibly community service for repeat offenders. Excluded from the law are soldiers, minors, and previously convicted criminals. The law’s duration is set at 3 years, as this draft is designed to be studied and then possibly changed.

Israel would be the first nation in the Middle East to decriminalize cannabis.

Member of the Knesset Meirav Ben-Ari, who serves on the Knesset’s Labor, Health and Welfare Committee, doesn’t believe people should receive a permanent police record for simple possession. All other members of the Knesset must agree, as the bill that is up for consideration was approved unanimously by legislators earlier this year.

“I definitely hope that the money [collected] from the fines will be allocated for the establishment of a fund for education, information, treatment, and rehabilitation of [drug] addicts, instead of taking the money to the state’s funds.” — MK Meirav Ben-Ari, in a statement

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California Dispensaries Struggle to Find Compliant Products

7/11/2018

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California’s new testing regulations took effect July 1 and dispensaries across the state are fighting against the weight of new restrictions. According to a Desert Sun report, many are struggling to get anything on their shelves at all and no dispensary has enough product to fill their shelves.

“I’m getting pictures every day of retailers that went from 45 strains to 5.” — Jerred Kiloh, President of the United Cannabis Business Association, via The Desert Sun

California‘s new testing requirements and dosage limits have changed the playing field for adult-use cannabis in the state. All cannabis grown and harvested before 2018 has been sold or trashed at this point. Retailers now must wait for cannabis that meets the state’s new standards, which include tests for 66 pesticides, 20 solvents, four heavy metals and three microbes, as well as cannabinoid profiles.

Cannabis testing labs anticipated the rush of business following the July 1 deadline, but are still far behind on testing. The state has essentially made the labs not only a center for testing but also for enforcement, due to their role in verifying label claims. One lab, Infinite Chemical Analysis in San Diego, reports many calls from scared growers, trying to figure out if they passed the testing process and are able to distribute to dispensaries desperate for stock.

“Lots of people are scrambling. They’re calling me every ten minutes saying, ‘Where’s my sample? Where’s my sample?’” — Josh Swider, co-owner of Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs, in the report

Industry observers wonder about the effectiveness of increasing restrictions placed on cannabis. Tom Adams, the Managing Director of BDS Analytics, urged the state to relax.

“This is not heroin, you know? To respond to cannabis’s misguided inclusion in Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act for the past 50 years by over-regulating and over-taxing it is an enormous mistake if the goal is to legalize a largely illicit business.” — Tom Adams of BDS Analytics, via The Desert Sun

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Hawaii Governor Vetoes Bill Allowing MMJ for Opioid Addiction

7/11/2018

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On Tuesday, Hawaii Gov. David Ige, a Democrat, vetoed state Senate Bill 2407, which would have allowed for the treatment of opioid addiction with medical cannabis, according to a Marijuana.com report.

Gov. Ige announced his rationale for the veto on Tuesday.

“The Department of Health already has a formal evidenced-based petition process, made available annually to patients and physicians, so patients and physicians can apply to add qualifying conditions to the list of uses for medical cannabis.” — Hawaii Gov. David Ige, via Hawaii.gov

The process of approval by the Department of Health can take up to a year and requires the submission of a lengthy, evidence-based petition. Some wanted quicker, direct action through SB2407. Lawmakers had apparently agreed with that sentiment, as the bill passed both sections of Hawaii‘s state legislature with just minor amendments by April, after which it sat on the governor’s desk without action for months.

In June, Gov. Ige filed his intent to veto, which culminated in an actual veto on Tuesday despite pleas for the governor to reconsider.

 

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Oklahoma MMJ Program Forges Ahead; Health Officials Tack On New Restrictions

7/11/2018

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Since Oklahoma voters decided to legalize medical cannabis last month, state officials have fast-tracked the creation of regulatory guidelines for the new industry which, under the voter-approved law, are required within 60 days of the election. Pushback from concerned health officials, however, now threatens to stunt the program’s effectiveness from the outset, the Associated Press reports.

Specifically, the state Board of Health voted this week to prohibit the sale of smokeable cannabis products and to establish a rule requiring dispensaries to have a pharmacist on staff. The restrictions were added despite warnings from the board’s own attorney that it could lead to legal issues.

Advocates have already accused the board of defying the will of voters.

“The people were clear. They wanted to be able to smoke medical marijuana. This flies in the face of what the people10 wanted.” — Former state Sen. Connie Johnson, a longtime cannabis advocate, in the report

Oklahoma‘s voter-approved medical cannabis initiative is one of the most progressive successful pieces of cannabis legislation. The program allows doctors to recommend cannabis for any condition they see fit — this is very different from most other states, where regulators establish lists of medical conditions that qualify patients to access the program.

Chip Paul, who helped author the initiative to legalize medical cannabis, said the last-minute changes were unfortunate but not a deal breaker.

“Even with a pharmacist on site, even with no smokable marijuana, we now have a program where patients who are suffering can at least get some relief, and that’s a giant, huge deal.” — Chip Paul, via the Associated Press

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Mother Carrying Epilepsy Medication is First Person to Bring Cannabis Legally Into UK

7/11/2018

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A woman returning from Amsterdam to her home in the United Kingdom this week became the first person to legally carry THC-rich cannabis oils into the country, according to The Independent.

Hannah Deacon was carrying a five-month supply of cannabis oils for her son, Alfie Dingley, who, at six years old, suffers regularly from epilepsy-induced seizures. Holding an emergency license issued on June 19 by the Home Office to access and import the heavily controlled substance, Ms. Deacon touched down yesterday evening at London City Airport.

“Today, for the first time ever in this country, we have bought back THC oil through the airport legally, which is amazing. It is very, very important for him to have a normal, happy life so it’s a momentous occasion for us, his whole family and for him, most importantly.” — Hannah Deacon, after passing through customs, via The Independent

Ms. Deacon arrived back in the UK on the same day that another six-year-old — a girl living in Northern Ireland named Sophia Gibson — was rushed to the hospital and placed in an induced coma because of a severe epileptic seizure. The Gibson family is still awaiting their own emergency license to access the life-saving medical cannabis oils.

Pressure has mounted recently against the government for its heavy-handed treatment of parents with epileptic children seeking the medical cannabis “miracle” drug. Last month, critics railed against the Home Office for confiscating cannabis oils from Charlotte Caldwell, who had declared the substance to customs officials while returning from Canada but did not have an emergency license to bring cannabis oils across the border at that time.

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Cannabis fan leaves spread out underneath an indoor grow operation's LED grow lights.

Maine Lawmakers Override Governor’s Veto, Approve Sweeping MMJ Expansions

7/10/2018

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Maine lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a medical cannabis reform bill on Monday in a sweeping override of Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s veto, the Press Herald reports.

The reforms will ease access to the program by allowing doctors to make cannabis recommendations for any condition that they think it might help, establishing six new medical cannabis dispensaries, permitting caregivers in the program to further expand their businesses, and giving municipalities some more local control over the industry.

The bill will become law 90 days after the end of Maine’s legislative session.

“Maine’s medical cannabis program is already one of the best in the country. The passage of L.D. 1539 will make it even stronger. More access and choice for patients. More flexibility for legal businesses. And more integrity to the overall program.” — State Sen. Eric Brakey (R-Auburn), co-chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee, via the Press Herald

Maine Gov. LePage is a longstanding opponent of cannabis reforms. He railed against the state’s cannabis legalization initiative when it appeared before voters in 2016 and, earlier this year, vetoed the regulations approved by state lawmakers to establish the adult-use industry; lawmakers also voted to override that veto.

Medical cannabis advocates rejoiced the legislature’s vote.

“Seeing the House vote unanimously for a bill you believe is an amazing feeling. Maine’s medical cannabis program has always been unique and it deserves to be protected. These bills create the structure that Maine’s patients, caregivers, dispensaries and medical professionals deserve.” — Amanda Melnick, a cannabis consultant, in the report

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Denver Revokes All Licenses for Sweet Leaf Retailer

7/10/2018

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Sweet Leaf, once one of the largest cannabis retailers in Colorado, has had all of its cannabis licenses revoked by the city of Denver, Westword reports. The decision was expected, as earlier in April a city official had called for the move during a hearing by the city to determine a course of action.

Sweet Leaf held 26 medical and adult-use cannabis business licenses in Denver, which included many grow operations and infusion processing and manufacturing centers as well as seven retail dispensaries. The company was raided in December 2017 by the Denver Police Department after a year-long investigation into illegal sales.

“Enforcing rules when violations occur is an essential part of Denver’s successful regulation of one of the largest legalized marijuana markets in the world. After reviewing the overwhelming evidence, it’s clear the Hearing Officer made the correct decision in recommending the revocation of these licenses. Sweet Leaf’s illegal actions undermine the entire regulatory framework created by Amendment 64, the General Assembly and Denver City Council. This decision supports the will of the voters for a regulated legal marijuana market, safeguards the legal marijuana industry, and protects the safety and welfare of the public.” — Ashley Kilroy, Executive Director of the Denver Department of Excise and License

The official revoking of Sweet Leaf’s licenses is the final step in a process that started earlier this year. Several customers and budtenders were also arrested by Denver police; many received misdemeanor citations that were dropped for community service but several budtenders face felony charges that are still pending.

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Adult-Use Legalization Question Expected for North Dakota’s November Ballot

7/10/2018

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North Dakota advocates have successfully submitted enough signatures in favor of adult-use cannabis legalization to put the issue on November’s ballot, the Bismarck Tribune reports.

Advocates submitted some 18,700 signatures to the Secretary of State’s office on Monday; they needed a total of 13,452 signatures to put the issue before voters.

“The measure legalizes the use, sale, possession, and distribution of marijuana for anyone 21 years or older. For anyone under the age of 21, the law creates a new specific subset of non-felony penalties. Additionally, the law legalizes “paraphernalia” for marijuana exclusively. Finally, records are expunged for anyone that followed the new law even if it occurred in the past, except for cases of someone being under the age of 21.” — Excerpt from the Legalize ND website

The signatures were collected by 100 volunteers over the course of six months. The signatures must now be validated, which the Secretary of State’s office says could take up to 35 days, after which the actual ballot initiative will be drafted.

“Not a single penny was spent on petitioning and gathering, because we wanted this to be the will of the people, not the will of some big company out in Lord knows where. This is, primarily, a grassroots effort.” — Dave Owen, chairperson of the ND Legalization Initiative, to the Bismarck Tribune

Nine other states plus Washington D.C. have already passed some form of adult-use cannabis legalization.

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Michigan Adds 11 Qualifying Conditions to MMJ Program

7/10/2018

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The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs added 11 more qualifying conditions to the state’s medical cannabis list on Monday, WZZM 13 reports. The additions mean that Michigan‘s list of qualifying conditions now contains 22 ailments for which doctors can recommend cannabis.

The Department of Licensing’s director Shelly Edgerton approved the 11 new conditions, but also denied the addition of 11 others. The medical cannabis program expansions involved hearings with public testimony regarding the proposed conditions and investigations into the latest research for each condition.

“With the changes in state law to include marijuana-infused products, and the advancement of marijuana research, and upon the recommendation of the panel members, I’ve added these eleven conditions to the approved list.” — Shelly Edgerton, via WZZM 13

The new conditions added to the list: arthritis, autism, chronic pain, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, obsessive-compulsive disorder, Parkinson’s, Rheumatoid arthritis, spinal cord injury, Tourette’s syndrome and ulcerative colitis.

The conditions denied: anxiety, asthma, brain injury, depression, diabetes, gastric ulcer, non-severe and non-chronic pain, organ transplant, panic attacks, schizophrenia, social anxiety disorder.

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Hawaii Issues First Industrial Hemp Licenses

7/10/2018

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Hawaii’s Department of Agriculture licensed three separate farmers in June to grow hemp under the state’s pilot industrial hemp program, Maui Now reports. One grower is located on Kauai and the other two are located on Hawaii Island.

The industrial hemp licenses last for just two years and licensees are required to pay annual fees of $250 plus a $2-per-acre assessment charge. Growers are allowed to sell the hemp they harvest but must produce regular reports on the planting, harvesting, and distribution of their crops. 

“Hawaii’s first licensed hemp growers will help to demonstrate the real potential of the industrial hemp industry. We look forward to the entrepreneurial spirit that will help to invigorate and strengthen agriculture across the state.” — Gov. David Ige, via Hawaii News Now

The pilot hemp program, which officially opened in April 2018, has so far received applications from ten interested individuals. Officials with the Agriculture Department are still reviewing the remaining applications and will continue to license qualified partners as their applications are approved. 

“The potential here in Hawaii is just enormous when you look at 25,000 different products … made from this miracle plant.” — State Sen. Mike Gabbard, in the report

Officials faced difficulties trying to acquire seeds for the program. By working with federal and state drug enforcement agencies, however, the Department of Agriculture was eventually able to source seeds of the hemp varietal Yuma from China, which experts predict will perform well in Hawaii‘s tropical climate.

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Caribbean Community of Nations to Consider Legalizing Cannabis

7/09/2018

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The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) of nations have embraced a report by their own regional commission on cannabis and intend to rethink the legal status of cannabis, Tom Angell reports for Marijuana Moment.

In a report covering the latest session of CARICOM, the organization decided:

Heads of Government recognised that the current classification of marijuana as an illicit drug presented a challenge in the conduct of research to fully understand and ascertain the medicinal benefits to be derived.

They agreed that action should be taken at the national level by the relevant authorities to review marijuana’s current status with a view to reclassification taking into account all international obligations.

The chairperson for CARICOM’s regional cannabis commission, Prof. Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, took a clear stance on rescheduling cannabis while releasing her commission’s report, The Guardian of Trinidad and Tobago reports.

In the report, Prof. Antoine indicated the correct course was, “a public health and rights approach instead of this criminal law approach where people are criminalised.”

“The medical and scientific evidence is clear that marijuana has substantial value. Thousands of people are being imprisoned especially the most vulnerable and most marginalised in the region.” — Prof. Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, Chair of CARICOM’s Regional Marijuana Commission, via The Guardian

Prof. Antoine’s report also indicates that changing the plant’s legal status is necessary, but not removing all constraints on its use. The members of CARICOM have agreed to study cannabis’ current status in law as indicated by the cannabis commission’s report.

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South Carolina’s Industrial Hemp Expansions Taking Shape

7/09/2018

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The South Carolina Department of Agriculture announced it has received 162 industrial hemp applications for 2019, according to a WYFF report. The state is doubling the number of industrial hemp farmers from 20 to 40 — and doubling their allowed acreage from 20 acres to 40 acres — for next year’s harvest.

“Expanding the Industrial Hemp Pilot Program will give us a greater opportunity to assess where and how this crop grows best in South Carolina. Ultimately, industrial hemp is about crop diversity, new business for our rural farmers and economic development in South Carolina.” — Hugh Weathers, South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture, via WYFF

Farmers possessing hemp licenses from 2018 must re-apply for 2019. Applicants also must meet a series of qualifications, released earlier this year.

South Carolina farmer David Builick, who was issued a permit in 2018, is reapplying for 2019. Builick initially decided to grow industrial hemp after becoming aware of the medicinal needs of a friend’s daughter, who has a condition requiring CBD oil. Builick is also aware of the commercial demand for a variety of hemp products.

“Volvo, BMW, those guys, their dashboards and side panels are all made from industrial hemp. It’s brought in from overseas but we don’t have enough acreage to grow that here to be a competitor for manufacturers in our own state.” — David Builick, in an interview with WYFF

Farmers approved for 2019 permits will be named by the state in September.

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Judge Drops Church’s Case Defending Cannabis Use as Sacrament

7/09/2018

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The Indianapolis-based First Church of Cannabis saw its 3-year-old case seeking protections for cannabis use under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) dismissed on Friday, the IndyStar reports.

Bill Levin, the church’s founder and spiritual leader, wrote on Friday to his Facebook followers, “It’s far from over. We are just getting started.” An attorney for the church has previously said the group would appeal if the case was not won.

Judge Sheryl Lynch wrote in her order to dismiss the case that city and state law enforcement officers should not be expected to treat the church’s patrons differently from the rest of the public.

“The undisputed evidence demonstrates that permitting a religious exemption to laws that prohibit the use and possession of marijuana would hinder drug enforcement efforts statewide and negatively impact public health and safety…”

“It is compelling and appropriate to treat the illicit drug market in a unitary way.” — Judge Sheryl Lynch, in her dismissal of the First Church of Cannabis’ case

Meanwhile, the church — which is recognized as a non-profit corporation by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) — argued that the government can’t cherry-pick which religious beliefs it chooses to protect.

“Whether one agrees with the beliefs of the church is irrelevant. The church is a religious organization engaged in exercise of religion.” — Bill Levin, during the trial

Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill called the church “a pro-marijuana political crusade that turned into a legal stunt.”

“Indiana’s laws against the possession, sale and use of marijuana protect the health, safety and well-being of Hoosiers statewide. When the state has justifiable and compelling interests at stake, no one can evade the law simply by describing their illegal conduct as an exercise of religious faith.” — Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill, via IndyStar

Levin replied to Hill’s comments online, writing that, “Cannabis is safer than Curtis Hill.”

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