Activists in Texas are suing the city of Harker Heights for failing to reform its cannabis laws after voters approved the changes in 2022, KCEN TV reports. The group, Ground Game Texas, has been behind several successful ballot initiatives in Texas towns and cities that have led to local cannabis law reforms.
In an interview with KCEN, Julie Oliver, executive director for Ground Game Texas said the lawsuit “is about enforcing the will of the voters.”
“Harker Heights officials are undermining local democracy by disregarding the clear language of the city charter. Whatever policy disagreements the city manager or city clerk might have with the voters who approved Proposition A, it’s not the job of city staff to ignore the result of a lawful initiative election. We attempted to negotiate with the city manager and city attorney, but they ignored our attempts. Now we are fighting for the rights of Harker Heights voters in Bell County District Court.”
— Oliver, to KCEN
Harker Heights Assistant City Manager Jerry Bark told KCEN that the city was “not notified of such a lawsuit.”
“We will send it to our legal counsel for review once we receive the documents,” he said. “As of right now, the city has no comment on the lawsuit.”
In 2022, voters in five Texas cities, including Harker Heights, approved ballot initiatives, backed by Ground Game Texas, to end enforcement of low-level cannabis possession crimes. Last March police in Killeen indicated that, following the voter approval of the measure, they had released 77% of the individuals they encountered who possessed cannabis.
Charles Kimble said the cannabis decriminalization ordinance “does not hamper” the ability of law enforcement to remove “some of the worst violators off the streets.”
Portions of Arkansas’ medical cannabis tax revenues are being used to fight food insecurity in the state, KATV reports. The state will send $87 million to schools throughout Arkansas to help students access low-cost or free lunches.
Medical Marijuana Commission spokesperson Scott Hardin told KATV that the state has, so far, collected $115 million from the cannabis tax.
“…If someone is on a reduced school lunch, if they are now paying 50 cents to a dollar – that medical marijuana revenue steps in and pays that to ensure that a student gets that for free. So really students in the state will be not having to pay whatever that burden is. Fifty cents, a $1.50 to have reduced school lunch so it really is, it’s affecting Arkansans in a positive way.”
Hardin to KATV
The funds had been earmarked to help the University of Arkansas Medical School to obtain a National Cancer Center designation, but Hardin did not explain why the change was made.
Since the medical cannabis program launched in the state in 2016, sales have topped $1 billion. According to state data, there were 98,011 active medical cannabis ID cards in Arkansas as of December 2.
The Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) recently obtained judgments against two former hemp company executives for fraudulent offerings. According to the SEC complaint, Frank Barone and Kirill Chumenko, both former senior vice presidents of sales and marketing at CanaFarma Hemp Products Corp., misrepresented the company while raising millions of dollars.
The SEC in October charged two other CanaFarma executives, Vitaly Fargesen, CanaFarma senior vice president of strategic planning, and Igor Palatnik, the company’s senior vice president of product acquisition, of defrauding investors out of at least $4 million. Fargesen and Palatnik pleaded guilty later that month to two counts of fraud related to the scheme.
The complaint against Barone and Chumenko alleges that CanaFarma executives made misrepresentations to investors, including claims that the company was fully integrated and was processing hemp from its own farm when in fact it had not processed any of its own hemp, and its products used hemp supplied by third parties. The amended complaint alleges that Barone and Chumenko, at the direction of Fargesen, made unsupported changes to CanaFarma’s financial model to cover up payments to Fargesen and Palatnik and that Fargesen and Palatnik – in some instances with the assistance of Barone and Chumenko – misappropriated at least $4 million and used the funds either for their personal use or for purposes unrelated to CanaFarma.
The judgments against Barone and Chumenko permanently enjoin them from violating sections of federal securities laws and bar the pair from serving as an officer or director of a public company and from participating in penny stock offerings, and order each to pay disgorgement, prejudgment interest, and civil penalties. The length of the bars and the amounts of the monetary remedies will be determined by a federal court at a later date.
The Ohio Senate passed a bill last week to change the state’s adult-use cannabis law, WTAP reports. The measure, passed on the day the voter-approved law took effect, would raise the excise tax on cannabis products from 10% to 15% and change how those tax dollars are spent.
Under the proposal, more than half of adult-use tax revenues would be earmarked for law enforcement and jail construction, while the other half would be used for drug treatment and related programs.
The voter-approved measure had created five funds in the state treasury: the adult-use tax fund, the cannabis social equity and jobs fund, the host community cannabis fund, the substance abuse and addiction fund, and the division of cannabis control and tax commissioner fund.
The bill passed by the Senate eliminates the social equity and jobs program and redirects the revenues toward law enforcement and the state’s general fund, Politico reports.
Tom Haren, a spokesperson for the legalization campaign, told Politico that the bill “does not respect the will of the voters.”
The measure would allow current medical cannabis companies to sell to non-patients 21-and-older immediately. It would also limit home cultivation to six plants per household and set caps on allowable THC limits for cannabis products.
The proposal, which still requires House approval, is backed by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine.
According to a recent report from Atlanta-area news outlet 11Alive, The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) last month sent letters to pharmacies in Georgia telling them that selling medical cannabis products – in line with state law – runs counter to federal law.
“All DEA registrants, including DEA registered pharmacies are required to abide by all relevant federal laws and regulations. A DEA-registered pharmacy may only dispense controlled substances in Schedules II-V of the Controlled Substances Act. Neither marijuana nor THC can be lawfully possessed, handled, or dispensed by any DEA-registered pharmacy. Under federal law, products derived from the cannabis plant with delta-9 THC content above 0.3% are considered marijuana, a Schedule I controlled substance. Further, products that contain any amount of a synthetically produced THC are considered tetrahydrocannabinols, likewise a Schedule I controlled substance.”
Some pharmacies in Georgia started dispensing low-THC cannabis oils in October under a first-in-the-nation state law.
Ira Katz of Little Five Points Pharmacy, who received a DEA letter, said the DEA policy “doesn’t make any sense … that people can go to a dispensary and not to a pharmacy.”
“We’re the most regulated industry in healthcare. That’s what shocked me,” he told 11Alive. “That’s what blows me away when it comes to why the DEA is not moving on this. They don’t see what we see here every single day.”
Katz added that he believes medical cannabis can “help contribute to slowing down” the state’s opioid crisis.
According to the report, neither the DEA nor Georgia Board of Pharmacy have commented on the letter. Below is a video published to YouTube by 11Alive regarding this story:
In a series of inspections in November, New York cannabis regulators seized 812 pounds of flower during the inspection of 71 shops suspected of conducting unregulated cannabis sales. The action, which included investigators from the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and the Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF), also seized 701 pounds of edibles and 61 pounds of concentrates.
OCM said the value of all products seized in the November crackdown on unlicensed shops totaled barely $3 million. The agency said that more than $54 million in unlawful cannabis has been seized during investigations into unlicensed businesses selling cannabis products this year.
In a statement, Chris Alexander, executive director of OCM, said regulators are prioritizing safety “by working diligently to shut down illegal operators.”
“The number one remedy for the problem of these illicit shops is getting more legal businesses open. New Yorkers want to know where their products are coming from, and they know they can rely on safe, trusted, and locally grown cannabis when they walk into one of our legal dispensaries. We will continue to seize illegal products, and we know that the collaborative work continues across all levels of government to address this public health crisis.” — Alexander in a press release
In November, OCM and DTF inspected 71 shops, including 13 re-inspections. So far this year, the agencies have inspected 350 locations, including 88 re-inspections, and have seized more than 11,000 pounds of illicit cannabis.
In New York, fines for the illegal sale of cannabis start at $10,000 per day and can rise to $20,000 per day for what OCM described as “the most egregious conduct.” An additional fine of $5,000 can be levied for the removal of paper orders affixed to shut down businesses, and the inspected businesses may also be subject to additional violations and penalties under state tax law.
The 2022 U.S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that just over 11% of 12- to 17-year-olds reported consuming a cannabis product within the last year. The figure is an uptick from 2020 and 2021 levels, according to the government data, but below 2019 levels.
Overall, the survey found that 23% of Americans 18 and older reported consuming cannabis in 2022, and over half said that they have consumed marijuana at least once during their lifetimes. From 2021 to 2022, the number of Americans who said they had consumed cannabis at least once in their life increased from about 133,939,000 to about 137,739,000, the survey found.
According to the survey, 61.9 million people aged 12 or older consumed cannabis within the previous 12 months, making it the most popular illicit drug used by Americans.
In all, 59.8% of individuals – or 168.7 million people – aged 12 or older used tobacco products, vaped nicotine, or consumed an illegal drug or alcohol in the past month, which is considered “current use” according to the survey.
In a statement, Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D., the leader of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, said the survey “provides an annual snapshot of behavioral health nationwide.”
The South African province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in October granted 664 licenses to cultivate, store, and transport industrial hemp, the South African reports. Under the program, hemp plants can contain up to 0.2% THC. The permits were awarded by the KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) during the Cannabis Expo and Conference held in the province.
KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said the expo and conference marked a “new era for the cannabis sector in the province” and noted that the DARD has set aside 47 million rand (~USD$2.4 million) for cannabis research and that about 10 million rand (~USD$526,000) would be used to “assist farmers in cannabis production and hemp permit applications.”
DARD MEC Super Zuma said the agency has “ensured a smooth process” for hemp permit holders and “covered all their costs.”
“We are winning the fight to alleviate poverty and unemployment and we are extremely proud of the ongoing collaborative work that continues behind the scenes, and I must say all our collaborative efforts have yielded fruit.” — Zuma via the South African
Sphelele Shezi, a permit recipient, told the South African that she applied for a permit in July and plans to extract hemp oil to use in her company’s hairspray.
“This permit will allow my business to grow,” she said in the report, “and I have a vision of owning a manufacturing plant which will open up job opportunities.”
Adult-use cannabis is now legal in Ohio after provisions from Issue 2 — the popular legalization proposal approved by voters in early November — took effect today, 30 days after the election. Under the new law, adults aged 21 and older can possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and/or up to 15 grams of extracts. Additionally, adults can grow up to six cannabis plants at home for personal use.
According to the cannabis legalization advocacy group NORML, the shift in Ohio marks the first time since federal prohibition was enacted that a majority of American citizens live somewhere with legal access to cannabis.
About a week after voters opted to legalize, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) called upon the state’s legislature to make changes to the law, such as limiting cannabis advertising and increasing restrictions on public consumption. Republican leadership in the state Senate later considered legislation to remove the ballot proposal’s home grow and other industry protections but the effort failed following backlash from constituents and House lawmakers.
“As a native Ohioan who has been directly impacted by marijuana criminalization and witnessed the unequal and unjust way it is enforced, I am overjoyed that responsible adult cannabis consumers in the Buckeye State will no longer face the lifelong collateral consequences of low-level arrests and convictions. I’m further pleased that our political opponents have, thus far, failed to undermine the spirit of this law — which was approved by 2.2 million voters. It is up to all Ohioans to ensure that lawmakers continue to defer to their constituents and allow the rest of this initiative to take effect as intended under the guidance of regulators, stakeholders, and the citizens of Ohio.” — NORML Political Director Morgan Fox, in a press release
Ohio is the 24th U.S. state to legalize adult-use cannabis.
An Alabama medical cannabis producer applicant is suing the state after being left out of the most recent licensing round, claiming the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) had unfairly revoked the license it had been approved for in the previous two rounds, according to Alabama Political Reporter. Enchanted Green LLC had placed second in the previous rounds of scoring but had tied for fourth in the most recent licensing round.
In a motion for injunctive relief filed on Monday, the company said to break the tie, the AMCC decided to draw an applicant’s name from a bowl to determine which company would be considered first.
“A staff member of the AMCC reached under the dais and pulled out a bowl. The staff member then held out the bowl to one of the AMCC commissioners, and the commissioner peered (looked) into the bowl and pulled out a piece of paper. The commissioner did not appear to unfold the piece of paper. The commissioner then read from the paper the name of the other processor group that tied for fourth place. There was no evidence that both names … were actually in the bowl prior to the ‘drawing,’ that the pieces of paper were folded so the commissioner could not see which one he was picking (or the name on it), that the papers (if there were in fact two pieces of paper) were of the same size and weight, or that other paraments of a fair drawing were followed.” — Enchanted Green, in the lawsuit, via Alabama Political Reporter
The most recent round of licensing was necessary after accusations the AMCC had violated the state’s Open Meetings Act, “potential inconsistencies” in the scoring data provided by the University of South Alabama, and several lawsuits over the process.
In the lawsuit, Enchanted Green said it had paid a $40,000 licensing fee after it had been awarded a license in the second round and is unable to recoup the funds.
In all, the AMCC awarded the legal maximum of four processing licenses during the third round of licensing last week.
Welcome to Ganjapreneur’s curated gift guide for the 2023 holiday season. Whether you’re seeking the perfect present for a colleague in the industry or a thoughtful token for a friend who appreciates the finer aspects of cannabis culture, this year’s selection offers something for everyone. From innovative cultivation tools and sophisticated accessories to enriching reads that delve into the history and science of cannabis, each item in this guide represents a deeper appreciation and understanding of cannabis, making them ideal for anyone who is involved in or passionate about the industry.
Editor’s note: Prices listed are current as of date of publishing. Some of these products are offered by Ganjapreneur’s partners, and Ganjapreneur may receive an affiliate commission on purchases made after clicking some of the links on this page.
Functional Gifts for the Connoisseur
Here, we’ve handpicked items that not only enhance the cannabis experience but also bring a touch of elegance and efficiency.
Resin Cleanse
Is your loved one someone who cherishes their cannabis ritual and their beloved dab rig, pipe, or bong? Resin Cleanse is here to enhance their experience. This isn’t just another cleaning product; it’s a thoughtful gesture that shows you understand and appreciate their passion for the high life. Imagine gifting them the ability to rejuvenate their favorite smoking piece, without the funky odors of petroleum-based options or the hassle of common DIY approaches. Resin Cleanse, with its plant-based, all-natural formula, does more than just clean; it revitalizes and restores, bringing back the piece’s original clarity and shine. For the connoisseur in your life, this means a renewed appreciation for the pure flavors of their chosen flower or concentrate.
For the sophisticated social stoner in your life, the Purple Rose Supply Cannagar Starter Bundle could be a game-changer. This premium blunt rolling solution elevates the smoking experience, allowing anyone to craft perfect, slow-burning cannagars with ease. The set includes a Cannagar Mold for perfect blunt cigars, paper shells you could easily slide your cannagar core into, skewers for a smooth airflow, wood blunt tips for a touch of class, a built-in funnel for mess-free packing, a packing tool for maximum compression, a CannaTube for curing on the move, and a 4ml spit-free rolling glue. More than a novelty gift, it’s an upgrade to their entire smoking ritual, ensuring they can keep the session going longer and in style: Purple Rose is perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in their cannabis journey, and for those who would rather spend their time smoking instead of rolling.
For the adventurous stoner who loves to backpack, climb, ski/snowboard, and explore off the grid, the Dynavap “B” is the ideal companion. This brilliantly simple dry herb vaporizer, designed with first-time users in mind, offers the convenience of portability without the need for electrical parts. No battery means there’s no need to worry about charging, perfect for those long treks into nature: just bring a heat source (butane torch recommended) and you’re set. The “B” features a single fin Stainless Steel Tip for quick extraction, a food-grade silicone stem with an airport and a 10mm tapered mouthpiece, adaptable for use with or without glass. Comprised of only five parts and made from Stainless Steel and Silicone, the Dynavap “B” is not just durable; it’s a trusty tool for the active cannabis lover who prefers to ditch combustion without compromising their herbal experience, no matter how far off the beaten path they venture.
Dynavap “B” Starter Package (includes torch): $69.00 | Buy Now
KLIP Grinder by HØJ
For the discerning cannabis enthusiast who values both elegance and innovation, the KLIP by HØJ is a gift that stands out. This high-end, customizable grinder revolutionizes the herb grinding process. Its unique dual-blade system delicately slices the herb, preserving crystal integrity and ensuring a fluffier, more evenly burning consistency for a potent experience. The innovation continues with opposing magnets that levitate the central pin, facilitating an almost frictionless turn and eliminating the common issues of clogging and sticking found in traditional grinders. The KLIP’s magnetic accessory system further enhances its appeal, offering easy-to-snap control discs and a collection mesh for varying grind sizes, from fine for cones to coarse for pipes. It’s not just a grinder; it’s a luxury experience in herb preparation, perfect for those who appreciate the subtle nuances of their session prep.
There’s no better way to connect with the cannabis plant than to grow and harvest your own. Here are some gift ideas for the aspiring home grower in your life.
Hey abby 420 Edition Grow System
Looking to splurge on your tech-savvy cannabis partner, parent, or sibling who has always wanted to grow their own cannabis but never taken the plunge? Look no further than the Hey abby Automated Hydroponic Grow Box 420 Edition. This managed single-plant cultivation unit offers a seamless entry into home growing, perfect for beginners or those preferring a plug-and-play solution over complex DIY setups. This system simplifies cultivation, promising yields of up to 6 oz of dry flower, and can be used for both photo and auto flowers, as well as clones and seeds. Along with navigating the journey of “plant parenthood,” Hey abby also helps users save time and money, with an 80% reduction in effort compared to traditional grow tents and up to 90% cost savings versus buying from dispensaries. Note: 1-on-1 support is sold separately through a subscription. 3 months are included, and more can be bundled at time of purchase.
The Budtrainer Big Bud Bundle is the perfect gift for the practicing home grower seeking to expand their cultivation repertoire. This comprehensive package includes a selection of BudPots, eco-friendly containers designed to optimize root depth and also air-prune roots for healthier plant growth, available in several different sizes. The package also features BudClips, designed to simplify the process of growing large buds by allowing for easy branch bending, ensuring optimal light and airflow. Completing the set are BudHuggers, durable and soft garden ties that help to increase canopy area and improve plant health. Together, these components will empower the home grower in your life to train robust, healthy plants, making the Big Bud Bundle an excellent gift for any cultivator looking to upgrade their home setup with professional-grade tools.
Price / Details:
Budtrainer Big Bud Bundle: $59.89 $49.99 | Buy Now
Anthologies for the Weed Nerd
Here you will find a curated selection of captivating books that would appeal to any readers with a deep-rooted passion for cannabis.
Smoke Signals by Martin Lee
Smoke Signals by Martin Lee is an essential read for anyone intrigued by the history and cultural impact of cannabis. Lee, an award-winning investigative journalist and co-founder of Project CBD, guides readers through the herb’s journey from its earliest known medicinal use to its central role in ongoing cultural wars, culminating in its transformation into a multi-billion-dollar industry. The book not only explores the historical timeline of cannabis’s role in society, but also dives into scientific breakthroughs revealing the plant’s potential in treating health conditions like cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. For the cannabis professional who is fatigued by the daily grind or burned out from the conference circuit, this captivating book offers a treasure trove of information and a refreshing meditation on the plant’s rebellious roots.
Price / Details:
Paperback via Powell’s Books: $22.00 $12.95 | Buy Now
A Weed Is a Flower by Broccoli Magazine
A Weed is a Flower, published by Broccoli Magazine, is an enchanting photography anthology that artfully presents cannabis in a new light. This 168-page hardcover book is a celebration of the natural beauty of cannabis, showcased in magical floral arrangements alongside other captivating blooms like zebra grass, lady slipper orchids, and baby’s breath. The book is a compilation of favorite shoots from the pages of Broccoli and fresh contributions from over 25 innovative photographers and floral artists from around the world. This anthology is more than just a coffee table book; it’s a reminder of the special place cannabis holds in many hearts and cultures. Measuring 8.8″ x 10.8″ in hardcover format, it’s an ideal gift for anyone who appreciates the artistry and multifaceted nature of cannabis, making it a perfect addition to any discerning cannabis lover’s collection.
Interpening by Max Montrose of the Trichome Institute is a must-have for cannabis lovers aiming to refine their understanding and appreciation of the plant. This book delves into the art and science of “interpening,” a unique method of assessing cannabis quality and predicting its psychotropic effects, moving beyond traditional strain names and hybrid classifications. The Interpening approach is a multi-level mastery certification that has gained worldwide recognition and application across various sectors of the cannabis industry: this book is a companion to the courses (the certification program is sold separately). More than a simple guide, this book is an educational reference that enhances the reader’s ability to evaluate cannabis like a pro. Whether your loved one is a casual consumer, an industry worker, or someone interested in the deeper science behind cannabis, Interpening is an ideal gift for anyone looking to deepen their cannabis knowledge and become a more informed consumer.
Price / Details:
Hardcover via Trichome Institute: $64.95 | Buy Now
Police in San Diego, California recently executed a drug bust targeting unregulated dispensaries and smoke shops that led to the discovery of a large volume of hard drugs and firearms, the Times of San Diego reported. The shops targeted in the raids included Canably, Elevated Smoke Shop, and BestBudz Smoke Shop, which were pinpointed in the course of an investigation that began in October, according to a San Diego police news release. Six suspects are now in custody.
According to police, Canably and Elevated were allegedly operating within 1,000 feet of schools, and the raid on Elevated uncovered a loaded “ghost gun” — meaning a firearm that has no traceable serial number. In addition, the raids found 60,000 counterfeit fentanyl pills, 5,000 ecstasy pills, nearly nine pounds of cocaine, and five pounds of methamphetamine, the report states.
These unregulated dispensaries were also reportedly selling delta-8 and delta-10 THC, synthetically derived “hemp-based” products that have proliferated widely in the U.S. since the 2018 Farm Bill. Purveyors of these products operate under an interpretation of the Farm Bill that claims any hemp-derived product with less than 0.3% THC by weight is federally legal. The DEA disputed this interpretation earlier this year, saying that these compounds are Schedule I controlled substances.
Colloquially referred to as “gas station weed,” these hemp-derived compounds currently operate in a legal gray area throughout much of the country, with some states banning their sale altogether while other states have chosen to regulate them like cannabis. California has limited the sale of hemp-derived consumable products only to licensed cannabis businesses, and San Diego requires any businesses selling cannabis or cannabis-derived products to have a specific retail license.
The interim director of Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) indicated last week that state regulators anticipate launching the industry in 2025, the Star Tribune reports. However, Charlene Briner said the agency is still seeking a permanent director after its initial director, Erin DuPree, resigned one day after she was appointed due to allegations that her hemp business sold products that exceeded allowable THC levels, owned money to former associates, and had tens of thousands of dollars in tax liens.
Briner indicated that she is going to remain as interim director “at least through mid-February” and that “there’s a lot of work happening behind the scenes” to keep the state on track “for a successful launch in 2025.” Briner’s contract with the state ends February 15, the report says.
Briner added that the state could begin accepting cannabis industry license applications by the fourth quarter of next year but described the overall timeline as “ambitious.”
Briner said that she hopes to make nine key administrative hires in the next few weeks and have them start by the end of the year or early January and that about 24 state employees have been reassigned from various agencies to help with the OCM’s rule-making and operations.
Five years after the United Kingdom’s Home Office legalized medical cannabis products for use on the National Health Service (NHS), the government still hasn’t funded clinical trials that would allow physicians to prescribe cannabis, Sky News reports. Patients with private insurance can access medical cannabis products, but those who rely on NHS cannot.
Dr. Alan Fayaz, an NHS consultant and a spokesperson for the British Pain Society, told Sky News that the 2018 decision by the Home Office to legalize medical cannabis before clinical trials has created “this bizarre two-tiered system which actually doesn’t advantage the patients on the NHS” and “doesn’t really advantage the patients in the private sector either.”
“In the aftermath of what happened with opioids the medical community is understandably a little bit skeptical about introducing a new drug without really robust evidence. The opioid epidemic has perhaps done cannabis a bit of a disservice because it’s tainted ground.” — Fayaz to Sky News
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the NHS Research Ethics Committee have approved a trial by Celadon Pharmaceuticals that uses a metered dose inhaler to dispense THC in low doses. That trial includes 5,000 patients with chronic pain but it’s unclear whether even a successful trial would be enough to convince the nation’s medical authorities.
The Home Office said it had asked its expert advisers to assess whether there are any barriers to conducting research on the medical effects of cannabis.
A bill introduced last week In Wisconsin aims to decriminalize possession of up to 14 grams of cannabis by adults, the Wisconsin State Journal reports. The measure would also reduce the penalties for possession from a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine to fines between $100 and $250.
Current state law also allows repeat offenders to be charged with a felony and the decriminalization bill would eliminate the consideration of previous possession charges for 28 grams of cannabis or less.
The proposal has an uphill climb in the Republican-controlled Legislature. A similar proposal in 2021 didn’t get a hearing in either chamber.
Were the measure to get approved by lawmakers, it would likely be signed into law by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who in his last two budgets included adult-use legalization proposals.
In September, a bicameral cannabis legalization bill was introduced in the state by Sen. Melissa Agard, the Democrat leader in the chamber, and Rep. Darrin B. Madison. Three of Wisconsin’s four border states – Minnesota, Illinois, and Michigan – have legalized cannabis for adult use. A February report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum found that half of the state’s residents aged 21 or older – about 2.16 million people – already live within 75 minutes of an adult-use dispensary in a nearby state and another 30% live within an hour’s drive.
A New York judge on Friday signed off on a settlement between the state Cannabis Control Board (CCB) and four military veterans who had sued the state over its social equity licensing plan, ending the months-long injunction on cannabis industry licensing in the state, Spectrum News reports. Under the terms of the settlement, the veterans will receive dispensary licenses and the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) will not approve other dispensaries near their planned locations.
The CCB approved the settlement last Monday, but it required final approval from the state Supreme Court. State officials did not admit to wrongdoing under the terms of the deal.
In a statement, OCM Executive Director Chris Alexander said he was “deeply relieved for the many entrepreneurs, who have spent the last three months trapped in limbo, who are now able to open their cannabis businesses, and for our communities, which will soon begin to see more stores open faster.”
“Today is a good day for New York, for the dream of equity in cannabis, and for every New Yorker hoping to have a legal, licensed cannabis dispensary in their community.” — Alexander, in a statement, via WHEC
The settlement allows 436 provisional licensees to open their dispensaries or delivery services once their applications are finalized but state regulators would be prohibited from issuing any new or additional licenses through the Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary program until April 1, 2024.
Twenty-three businesses had been ready to open before the injunction.
A Congressional Research Service (CRS) report published in November found a nearly 50% reduction in the amount of hemp planted in the U.S. from 2021 to 2022. The CRS reports that, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2021 and 2022 National Hemp Report, the value of hemp crops in the U.S. fell 48% from 54,152 acres in 2021 to 28,314 acres in 2022.
According to the CRS report, USDA found that the farm-level value of total utilized hemp production was $238.4 million in 2022, down from $824 million in 2021 – a 71% reduction in value.
According to the data, the value of hemp grown outdoors for flower fell 71% from $623 million in 2021 to $179 million the following year, while the value of hemp grown indoors for flower dropped from $64.4 million in 2021 to $24.7 million – a 62% decrease.
The value of hemp grown outdoors for grain fell 40% from 2021 to 2022, from $6 million to $3.6 million, hemp fiber value fell from $41.4 million to $28.3 million, a 32% decrease, while hemp grown outdoors for seed plummeted 96% from 2021 to 2022, from $41.5 million to just $1.5 million.
The value of hemp grown indoors fell from $64.4 million in 2021 to $24.7 million in 2022, while the value of hemp grown indoors for seed sank from $23.7 million in 2022 to just $600,000 in 2022, a 98% decrease. Hemp grown indoors for clones also nosedived from 2022 to 2023, from $23.8 million to just $700,000 – a 97% decrease.
The report notes that the USDA estimates about 20% of hemp grown during the crop year will exceed legal THC limits, which demonstrates the inherent risks to farmers of growing hemp within USDA’s regulatory framework, and that those rules could play a role in the crop reduction year over year.
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) last week awarded 20 medical cannabis industry licenses, Alabama Daily News reports. It is the third time this year the commission has awarded licenses – the previous two attempts were negated by claims of incorrect application scoring and lawsuits that alleged the AMCC violated the state’s Open Meetings Law and had no right to revoke the originally awarded licenses in the first place.
During this round of licensing, license hopefuls gave presentations to the AMCC directly. Commission member William Saliski noted that the presentations were influential in helping the AMCC rank the applicants.
“I have to say that some of the top people that are on this list had some of the most sensational presentations, and I’m so encouraged by their readiness. I think they could probably start growing plants tomorrow if we asked them.” — Saliski via Alabama Daily News
Of the 20 licenses issued last Friday, seven were not among the companies awarded a license during the AMCC’s previous licensing attempt.
The 20 companies awarded licenses are:
Cultivator License
CRC of Alabama, LLC
Greenway Botanicals, LLC
Gulf Shore Remedies, LLC
Native Black Cultivation
Creek Leaf Wellness Inc.
Twisted Herb Cultivation, LLC
I AM FARMS
Processor License
Organic Harvest Lab, LLC
Coosa Medical Manufacturing
1819 Labs, LLC
Jasper Development Group Inc.
Dispensary License
CCS of Alabama, LLC
GP6 Wellness, LLC
Capitol Medical, LLC
RJK Holdings AL, LLC
Secure Transport License
Alabama Secure Transport, LLC
Tyler Van Lines, LLC
Pick Up My Things
International Communication, LLC
State Testing Laboratory License
Certus Laboratories
The approved companies have until December 15 to submit their application fee to the commission which will then investigate the companies’ sites before awarding the final licenses, which are expected later this month.
A bill introduced in New Jersey would legalize home cannabis cultivation for the state’s medical cannabis patients, NJ Spotlight News reports. New Jersey has legalized both adult and medical cannabis use but home cultivation is not permitted under either law.
State Sen. Troy Singleton (D), the bill’s sponsor, told Spotlight News that lawmakers “tried to give the [state] an opportunity through its regulatory powers to put some pricing controls in place” but that he believes “it’s time for the legislature … to interject some price controls in this space.”
Just this week Gov. Phil Murphy (D) told News 12 that he is “very much open-minded” to allowing adults to grow their own cannabis.
“I would bet – if I were a betting man – that down the road that that’s exactly where this would land. I understand, having said that, why wasn’t in our initial regs, because I think there’s a rightful objective to get this industry up on its feet and make sure that the folks who are in this as a matter of commerce are successful and, again, with a huge amount of focus on equity.” — Murphy to News 12 via Spotlight News
Under current New Jersey law, home cultivation of cannabis is a felony that could lead to a five-year prison sentence, despite cannabis being legal in the state for adult use for nearly three years.
Under the proposed law, patients could grow up to four mature and four immature plants at a time.
A poll released Thursday by the University of North Florida’s Public Opinion Research Lab (PORL) found that 67% of respondents planned to vote ‘yes’ on the proposed ballot question to legalize cannabis for adult use in the state, with 28% opposed.
The proposal was supported by 78% of Democrats polled, 55% of Republicans, and 69% of those affiliated with a third party or with no party affiliation, along with majorities from all age groups, and other demographics.
The organization had found 70% support for the reforms in the spring and 76% support in the spring of 2022; however, in those polls, the question was posed more broadly. In a statement, Dr. Michael Binder, PORL faculty director and professor of political science, noted that in previous surveys, PORL “simply asked if folks support or oppose legalization of recreational marijuana,” but this time respondents were asked about “the specifics of this proposed amendment.”
“Yet again, it looks like it has a good chance of passing, if the measure makes it through the courts, and that is a very big ‘if’.” — Binder in a press release
The state Supreme Court heard arguments on the ballot question last month but seemed poised to allow the measure to appear on ballots next year. State Attorney General Ashley Moody argued that the initiative’s wording is misleading and violates the single-subject rule on ballot questions. During a hearing on the issue, Justice Charles T. Canady said he was “baffled” by the argument laid out by Chief Deputy Solicitor General Jeffrey Paul DeSousa of the Florida Attorney General’s Office, which claimed that the initiative will make voters believe that approving the measure will protect Floridians from federal cannabis law violations. Canady responded to this argument by pointing to the 74-word initiative, which explicitly says the provisions of the constitutional amendment “Applies to Florida law; does not change, or immunize violations of, federal law.”
Chief Justice Carlos G. Muniz pointed out that while the measure would legalize cannabis and authorize current medical cannabis operators to sell products directly to adults, he didn’t see how those two provisions are “not directly connected” and, therefore, a single subject.
Canady added that Moody’s office was “turning the single-subject requirement not into anything other than a straitjacket on the people.”
A poll in September from the University of South Florida and Florida Atlantic University found that 60% of respondents backed adult-use legalization in the state.
A bill proposed in South Carolina aims to regulate and tax intoxicating hemp-derived products such as delta-8 and delta-10 THC. The measure would also require laboratory testing of the products.
Under the proposal, hemp-derived cannabinoid products would carry a 5% tax which would be deposited into a special account in the state general fund and allocated to the state Department of Agriculture to be used exclusively for the regulation of hemp-derived cannabinoid products, according to the bill text. The measure would also set an age limit of 21 to purchase the products.
The bill would also impose a $500 annual licensing fee for producers and a $250 annual fee for retailers that’s sell the products, require safety labeling and child-resistant packaging.
The measure would impose the regime on seven intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids – including delta-8, delta-10, THCo, THCp, THCv, THCa, and hexhydrocannabinol – but excludes non-intoxicating cannabinoid products, such as CBD, CBG, CBT, CBL, CBE and CBN.
In 2021, the state Attorney General’s Office issued an opinion that bolstered an analysis by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division that the state’s Hemp Farming Act “did not legalize THC except when defined in lawful hemp.” Last month, in a letter to South Carolina’s Law Enforcement Division chief, state Assistant Attorney General David S. Jones said that delta-8 THC – or any other forms of THC derived from hemp – is not legal under the state’s hemp law.
Ohio lawmakers are seeking to make changes to the voter-approved cannabis legalization bill, including removing provisions that barred municipalities from banning cannabis operations and home cultivation, the Ohio Capital Journal reports. The proposal would also change how cannabis-derived revenues are earmarked in the state.
Under the ballot measure approved by voters, towns and cities would have been unable to ban cannabis industry operations and home grows and would have been unable to add special taxes or fees on cannabis operations; the bill introduced by state Rep. Gary Click removes those provisions.
The voter-approved measure also created five funds in the state treasury – the adult-use tax fund, the cannabis social equity and jobs fund, the host community cannabis fund, the substance abuse and addiction fund, and the division of cannabis control and tax commissioner fund – but under Click’s bill the substance abuse fund would be split in two and a law enforcement cannabis training fund would be created.
The bill would also change how the revenue for the newly created funds would be allocated. The law would earmark just 19.4% of revenues, instead of 36%, for both the cannabis social equity and jobs fund, and the host community cannabis fund; another 19.4% would be used toward the substance abuse research and addiction education fund, instead of the 25% allocated under the voter-approved measure, while 19.4% would be allocated for both the substance abuse addiction and recovery fund, and the law enforcement cannabis training fund.
The law takes effect on December 7, but House Speaker Jason Stephens (R) indicated to the Journal that he was unsure whether the measure would make it to the floor in the coming week.
Officials in Oklahoma on Tuesday said the number of cannabis cultivators in the state is now about 3,200, down from 9,400 in 2021, KSWO reports. The sharp decline comes amid a crackdown by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) and Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) on illegal businesses operating under the guise of the state’s medical cannabis program.
In August, OBN said it had shut down more than 800 unlawful cannabis farms over two years that had used the state’s permissive medical cannabis system to cultivate cannabis for the illicit market; but in Tuesday’s update, OBN said that figure had climbed to more than 1,000. Officials said that the enforcement actions have led to more than 200 arrests and the seizing of more than 700,000 pounds of cannabis.
According to an Oklahoman report, OMMA has completed nearly 7,000 inspections and 4,600 operational status visits since becoming an independent state agency on Nov. 1, 2022. The agency said it has seized nearly five tons of cannabis and embargoed around 3,000 pounds and 71,200 plants. State officials said that the illegal grows were conducted by transnational criminal groups from Mexico, China, and Russia.
OBN spokesman Mark Woodward said during a press conference on Tuesday that while the state was once considered “the Wild West and a safe haven” for illegal cannabis cultivation, “Word has gotten out…that Oklahoma now has some of the most efficient, effective regulatory enforcement practices in the country.”
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) on Monday introduced two apparent non-negotiables to any adult-use cannabis framework in the state: a 15-store cap and a ban on lobbying and political contributions by any cannabis licensee, the New Hampshire Bulletin reports. The demands came as the state commission studying a state-run model – similar to the state’s liquor model – was preparing to wrap up its duties.
David Mara, Sununu’s adviser on addiction and behavioral health, told the Bulletin that the administration is “adamant about that number, 15” as they “don’t want to see a proliferation of what’s happening in other states.”
“The worry here is that we don’t want to create a big tobacco atmosphere here in New Hampshire. We don’t want it to be where a lot of money is being thrown around.” — Mara to the Bulletin
Initially, the commission had discussed capping the number of adult-use dispensaries to the number of liquor stores in the state, of which there are 67.
Last April, the state House approved an adult-use legalization bill but the Senate voted down the legislation the following month as Sununu pushed back on the reforms, stating that he would prefer a state control model.
Mara said that in the future lawmakers could change the number of stores depending on “how things progress.”
A representative from Sununu’s office told the Bulletin that “The governor is open to discussing a franchisee-based system, but the success of such a model is in the details. The governor has been clear that any system meet his outlined framework – or be met with a veto.”
Sununu has generally opposed broad cannabis legalization in the state but said in May that the reforms are “probably inevitable in some way or form.” He said the state-run model would offer an “amazing tool to control location, to control where it is, to control how it’s marketed, how it’s distributed, keeping it away from kids.” He added that he wants to avoid what he describes as the “Marijuana Miles” in Massachusetts and Maine, which he says are stretches of “pot shop, after pot shop, after pot shop” which “completely changes the fabric of the town.”
