Vermont Cannabis Businesses Affected by Floods Ineligible for Federal Aid

7/19/2023

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Vermont’s cannabis companies are ineligible for federal disaster aid for losses caused by flooding in the state last week, VT Digger reports. During a press conference Monday, Carl Dombek, public information officer for the Small Business Administration, said the agency has to “follow federal law” and because cannabis is a Schedule I drug at the federal level, the agency is “not able to lend to cannabis dispensaries.” 

Chelsey Smith, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) individual assistance branch director, told VT Digger that the agency is also unable to provide aid due to cannabis’ status as a Schedule I controlled substance. 

John Roberts, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency executive director for Vermont, also indicated that cannabis farmers would be ineligible for assistance even if Gov. Phil Scott’s (R) emergency request for a USDA disaster declaration is approved. 

Federal and state officials did say, however, that cannabis industry workers who lose their jobs due to the floods will be eligible for unemployment because that program is state-administered. 

James Pepper, chair of the Cannabis Control Board, told VT Digger that the flooding may not pose a “catastrophic” threat to the state’s cannabis industry as a whole, but due to the “very interdependent relationship” of the industry, when one business is affected “it hurts everyone.”  

The state could consider aid for affected businesses, which could be considered by lawmakers during a special session, but a special session has not yet been scheduled.

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Penn State Awarded $1M for Developing Industrial Hemp Projects

7/19/2023

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Researchers at Penn State have received a $1 million National Science Foundation (NSF) Engines Development Award which will fund the development of the Pennsylvania Industrial Hemp Engine (PAIHE).  

The PAIHE, one of 44 projects funded nationally by the inaugural round of NSF awards, will support the manufacture and deployment of bio-based products for application in green building construction, packaging, fabrics, renewable energy, and land remediation. 

In a statement, Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi said the PAIHE launch reflects the university’s “commitment to groundbreaking research and to fostering economic development that enriches and empowers” the commonwealth.

“This is an effort undertaken in partnership with business, agriculture, government and fellow institutions of higher education – demonstrating the transformative power of public-private partnership and collaboration across industries and disciplines. I am grateful for the support of the National Science Foundation, and for the many partners who are helping make this important work possible.” — Bendapudi in a press release 

Penn State is partnering with Vytal Plant Science Research (VPSR), a nonprofit biotechnology corporation based in Hazleton, Pennsylvania; Emory University; Wharton School of Business; Ben Franklin Technology Partners; the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture; and several farms and private industries throughout the state to launch PAIHE.    

NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan described the awardees as “part of the fabric of NSF’s vision to create opportunities everywhere and enable innovation anywhere.” 

“They will build robust regional partnerships rooted in scientific and technological innovation in every part of our nation. Through these planning awards, NSF is seeding the future for in-place innovation in communities and to grow their regional economies through research and partnerships,” Panchanathan said in a statement. “This will unleash ideas, talent, pathways and resources to create vibrant innovation ecosystems all across our nation.” 

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Revolutionizing Cannabis Processing: The Evolution of Post-Harvest Equipment

7/19/2023

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As the cannabis industry continues to expand, cultivators and processors are constantly seeking innovative solutions to optimize their operations and deliver top-tier products to consumers. One area that has seen remarkable evolution is post-harvest processing equipment.

From traditional hand processing methods to the advent of machinery, the industry has experienced a significant shift towards favoring automation. For commercial producers in particular, maintaining quality and consistency while achieving high volumes can be difficult if the workflow is not scaled properly.

Early Methods of Cannabis Processing and Hand Trimming

In the early days of cannabis cultivation, processing the harvest was a long and labor-intensive task. Cultivators would meticulously buck, trim, and sort flower by hand, relying on their personal expertise to achieve desirable results. While this approach was sufficient for the early era of cannabis processing, it would prove to be difficult to scale as operations expanded.

Processing a cannabis harvest by hand is time-consuming, costly, and highly susceptible to inconsistencies with the products. As the industry grew, it became clear that a more efficient solution was necessary to meet the increasing demand for high-quality cannabis products.

The Rise of Early Cannabis Processing Machines

The first iterations of cannabis processing machines emerged as a response to the limitations of manual labor. Sourcing workers to manually process a harvest is difficult due to the seasonality of the work, risks with personnel, and inconsistencies with processing. In addition, manual processing takes significantly longer than machines.

These early machines, although rudimentary compared to more current technologies, represented a big leap forward in efficiency. Cannabis buckers, for example, automated the tedious task of removing buds from the stems, reducing processing time significantly. Although imperfect, these early machines laid the groundwork for further advancements in equipment to come.

The Shift to Modern Technologies

After a few iterations of processing equipment, the industry was introduced to highly sophisticated machines for post-harvest cannabis automation. This modern equipment like the Mobius Automation Suite combines cutting-edge technology with a scalable operation, allowing cultivators to find the workflow that best suits their needs. The Mobius Automation Suite provides unparalleled efficiency and quality control, with multiple checkpoints throughout the processing line. The Automation Suite includes machine trimmers, buckers, sorters, mills, and conveyors to connect it all together.

Machine processing has numerous benefits, allowing for faster processing times, better product quality, and more consistent results than hand processing. Because automation eliminates the reliance on manual work, cultivators reduce labor and operating costs, which also frees up personnel for other tasks. Additionally, these machines can process large quantities of flower quickly, accelerating production cycles and improving overall productivity.

The evolution of cannabis processing equipment from traditional hand methods to modern automation has been a game-changer for the industry. Growers and processors now have access to efficient, reliable, and consistent solutions that maximize productivity and quality. As the industry continues to evolve, the integration of cutting-edge equipment like the Mobius Automation Suite ensures that growers and processors stay at the forefront of innovation, delivering exceptional cannabis products to an ever-growing market.

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New Mexico Regulators Revoke Cannabis License for Selling Products from California

7/18/2023

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An Albuquerque, New Mexico cannabis retailer last week had their license revoked for selling cannabis products from California. On July 13, the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department ordered Paradise Distro LLC to terminate sales immediately.  

It is the first time state regulators have revoked a cannabis business license in the state.  

In a statement, Regulation and Licensing Department Superintendent Linda Trujillo said the “revocation should serve as a warning to those selling or receiving out-of-state cannabis products.”

“In the interest of public safety, the department is holding true to the intent of the Cannabis Regulation Act and taking action upon licensees that have violated the law. … Our compliance officers are ramping up inspections and we will work to remove bad actors from within the New Mexico cannabis industry.” — Trujillo in a press release 

According to the Licensing Department, Cannabis Control Division compliance officers found numerous violations at Paradise, including possessing, receiving, and selling cannabis products that were not native to New Mexico and marked with California stampings. The company was also displaying products such as edibles and concentrates that were not properly documented on the required shipping manifests, and inaccurately reporting sales data, including more than $56,000 in cash and $8,338 in additional funds that were reported in the licensees’ third-party point-of-sale system but not in BioTrack, the state’s required track and trace system. 

Representatives for the company did not attend an April evidentiary hearing and the recommendation to revoke the license was signed June 30. 

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Ohio Adds IBS to Medical Cannabis Program; Rejects OCD, Autism

7/18/2023

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The Ohio State Medical Board last week added irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as a qualifying condition to the state’s medical cannabis program, the Ohio Capital Journal reports. The panel, however, rejected the addition of obsessive-compulsive syndrome (OCD) and autism spectrum disorder as qualifying conditions. 

In all, there are now 26 total conditions for which Ohio cannabis patients can access medical cannabis.  

Charlie Trefny, the Ohio Medical Cannabis Industry Association’s director of government affairs, told the Journal that the organization was “disappointed” that the board did not approve OCD or autism spectrum disorder to the list.  

It marks the fourth time the Medical Board has rejected adding autism to the state’s medical cannabis program.  

A bill in the state Senate would add the condition, along with arthritis, migraines, spasticity or chronic muscle spasms, hospice care or terminal illness, and opioid use disorder to the list of qualifying conditions. That measure was introduced in January but has not been moved out of the chamber’s General Government Committee. The bill would allow medical cannabis products sold in the state to include pills, capsules and suppositories, oral pouches, oral strips, oral or topical sprays, salves, lotions, or similar items, and inhalers. 

Earlier this month, the Minnesota Department of Health added IBS and OCD to its list of qualifying conditions for accessing the state medical cannabis program. 

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Minnesota Tribe Plans to Start Selling Adult-Use Cannabis Next Month

7/18/2023

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NativeCare, a medical cannabis dispensary in Minnesota’s Red Lake Nation, plans to start retail sales to adults beginning on August 1 – the first day cannabis is legal in the state, FOX 9 reports. NativeCare is about 250 miles from the Twin Cities. 

NativeCare is likely to be the state’s first cannabis business in the state to begin selling to adults as Gov. Tim Walz (D) has previously indicated that retail sales likely wouldn’t begin in the state until January 2025, the report says. Walz has said he hopes to see tribal communities “thrive in this industry.” 

In a statement to Native News Online, Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, a White Earth Ojibwe tribal citizen, said she and Walz “have been committed to building strong government-to-government relationships with the eleven Tribal Nations within Minnesota.” 

“The law Gov. Walz signed to legalize adult-use cannabis is one of the strongest in the nation in honoring the sovereignty of Tribal Nations like Red Lake Nation to make decisions on the sale of adult-use and medical cannabis.” — Flanagan to Native News Online 

Samuel Strong, the tribal secretary for the Red Lake Nation, told KSTP-TV that the cannabis industry would help create jobs and serve as an “economic development and social venture” for the community. 

“We can provide a tested product, that is highly regulated, that is available to community members as well as others,” he said in the interview, “and really break down barriers for people who intend to use cannabis.” 

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Study: 91% of Military Vet Cannabis Patients Say It Improved Their Quality of Life

7/17/2023

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A study published last month in the journal Clinical Therapeutics found that 91% of military veterans who use medical cannabis said it improved their quality of life. Most participants in the self-reported survey said they used cannabis daily. 

The survey, which included 510 U.S. military veterans, found 38% of respondents had chronic pain, 26% suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, 9% reported having anxiety, and 5% suffered from depression. Many respondents said they consumed cannabis to reduce the use of over-the-counter medications (30%), including antidepressants (25%), anti-inflammatories (17%), and other prescription medications. Additionally, 21% of respondents reported using fewer opioids as a result of their medical cannabis use. 

“Medicinal cannabis use was reported to improve quality of life and reduce unwanted medication use by many of the study participants. The present findings indicate that medicinal cannabis can potentially play a harm-reduction role, helping veterans to use fewer pharmaceutical medications and other substances. Clinicians should be mindful of the potential associations between race, sex, and combat experience and the intentions for and frequency of medicinal cannabis use.” — “Self-reported Medicinal Cannabis Use as an Alternative to Prescription and Over-the-counter Medication Use Among US Military Veterans,” Clinical Therapeutics, June 2023  

The study’s authors said the findings “should inform clinicians who work with the veteran population, as cannabis may be an effective means of helping veterans, especially women and racially minoritized members of this population, to reduce unwanted medication use.” 

Among the participants, most identified as White (78%), followed by Latino or Hispanic (6%), Black (4%), and “other” (4%), while 9% of respondents preferred not to answer. Eighty-two percent of the respondents were men, 16% were women, and 2% preferred not to select a sex. 

The study included researchers from Boston, Massachusetts’ Cannabis Center of Excellence Inc.; the University of Utah; Rider University in New Jersey; Mansfield, Massachusetts-based Joint Venture & Co.; and the University of Massachusetts. 

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Virginia Cannabis Sales Unlikely to Launch Under Gov. Youngkin’s Administration

7/17/2023

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The administration of Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) has no plans to allow adult-use cannabis sales to commence in the state while he is in office, the Daily Progress reports. Adult-use cannabis sales were expected to begin in 2024 under a law passed by the legislature and signed by former Gov. Ralph Northam (D) in 2021; however, during a Virginia Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council meeting last week, Joseph Guthrie, commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said the public should not expect the market to roll out during Youngkin’s time as governor. 

“Governor Youngkin has stated that he is not interested in any further moves towards legalization of adult recreational use marijuana.” — Guthrie via Daily Progress 

Despite lawmakers approving the reforms two years ago, the regulated industry’s rollout required additional action from the Legislature, which was blocked by Republicans in the House of Delegates this year and last year.  

Sen. Adam P. Ebbin (D), sponsor of a bill to create the framework for adult-use sales, told the Washington Post that were Democrats to take control of the Legislature in the upcoming elections and pass the reforms, Youngkin could still veto the legislation. 

Portions of the 2021 law allowing cultivation, consumption, and possessing cannabis are in effect in the state.   

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Missouri Enacts New Cannabis Packaging Rules

7/17/2023

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Missouri officials have released new rules for cannabis packaging in the state, limiting colors on packages to one primary package color and up to two logos or symbols that can be of different colors, the Springfield News-Leader reports. The logos or symbols cannot be larger than the clearly printed word, “Marijuana,” which must appear on the packaging in black or white text. 

All cannabis product packaging must also feature a warning label that says: “Cognitive and physical impairment may result from the use of marijuana. Keep out of reach of children.” 

Any violation of the new rules carries a potential $5,000 fine. 

Tony Billmeyer, chief marketing officer of Show-Me Organics, told the News-Leader that the company is hoping for more “clarity” on the new rules. 

“The challenge with that is cannabis is an incredibly complex product that has lots of varying properties. If you imagine a similar category like wine … If you thought of walking into a wine store and all the labels are pretty much just about consumer safety, I don’t know if that’s actually going to help. People find a lot of benefits from just being able to navigate things visually.” — Billmeyer to the News-Leader 

Starting September 1, manufacturers will have to receive approval from the Department of Health and Senior Services’ (DHSS) Division of Cannabis Regulation for new packaging, labeling, and product design to ensure they are compliant with the new rules. If approved, the manufacturer will receive a number that must be printed on the product packaging. DHSS is allowing manufacturers to use existing packaging through January 31. Products that are not compliant with the new rules must be pulled from shelves by Feb. 1, 2024, and any products that do not have a Division of Cannabis Regulation-issued approval number will be discontinued. 

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Massachusetts Cannabis Sales Hit New Record in June

7/14/2023

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Sales of both adult-use and medical cannabis in Massachusetts reached record highs in June totaling $1.32 million and $1.079 million, respectively, according to state Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) data. The flower price-per-gram is also at its lowest point since the launch of legal sales in the state to $5.82. 

So far this year, the state cannabis retailers have sold $760.61 million worth of cannabis products, according to CCC data. Cultivators are also harvesting more plants than ever before – in April, the most recent month for which data is available, Massachusetts cannabis growers harvested 3,400 plants  

In all, adult-use cannabis sales in Massachusetts have topped $4.74 billion since the launch of the legal market. Medical cannabis sales in the state have totaled $1.08 billion since 2019.  

Flower is the most common product purchased in the state with more than $2.9 billion in sales since 2018. Vape products are the second most popular category ($857 million), followed by edibles ($685 million), pre-rolls ($622 million), and concentrates ($367 million). 

The per-ounce flower price in June was $164.97; in January 2020, the flower price per ounce was a whopping $416.54. Adult-use cannabis sales carry a state sales tax of 6.25%, a state excise tax of 10.75%, and a local option tax for municipalities up to 3%. Medical cannabis sales are not taxed. 

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Ukraine Parliament Gives Initial Approval to Medical Cannabis Bill

7/14/2023

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Ukraine’s parliament has given initial approval to a medical cannabis legalization bill, the Kyiv Post reports. The law must still pass a second reading following any amendments and finalization by lawmakers before moving to President Volodymyr Zelensky for his signature.

People’s Deputy Iryna Herashchenko said on Telegram the measure is “not so much about medicine as about the industrial cultivation of cannabis and corruption schemes by the government regarding permits and the development of huge financial flows.”

“The law is supposed to help treat PTSD, reduce cancer pain, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and other conditions. Therefore, it is important to clean up all the problematic corruption points there regarding the cultivation of hemp on a large industrial scale without proper control. The issue of drug prevention also remains important. Because now the law enforcement officers are crushing them, and this is big shady dirty money. The production and sale of tobacco and alcohol is under state control. It should be the same with cannabis. Ukraine must produce its own drugs for the medical use of cannabis, but under strict state control.” — Herashchenko via Telegram

The draft law backed by the Ministry of Health would establish a licensing system for the cultivation of cannabis strains intended for medical purposes and calls for strict monitoring of the production and distribution of medical cannabis and related products. Each batch of medical cannabis would be labeled with a unique barcode, ensuring tracking throughout the supply chain, the report says.

The plan is backed by Zelensky. A poll conducted alongside local elections in October 2022 found 65% of Ukrainians backed the reforms.

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Michigan Ends Preemployment Cannabis Testing for Most State Employees

7/14/2023

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The Michigan Civil Service Commission on Wednesday voted unanimously to lift a ban on hiring most state employees who fail pre-employment drug tests for cannabis, MLive reports. Drug screening for cannabis will remain the protocol for state-employed health workers, police, Department of Corrections Officers, and others employed in safety-sensitive positions.  

Nearly 350 applicants have failed drug tests for cannabis and have been denied employment since legalization five years ago, according to the Civil Service Commission. 

The change also ends current policies banning applicants who previously failed a drug test for cannabis from applying for another state job for three years. All employees may still be subject to testing if it’s believed they are under the influence of cannabis while on the job. 

Michigan Civil Service Commissioner Jeff Steffel, a former 28-year state police trooper who voted for the changes, told MLive that he’s “not totally on board” with the reforms.  

“Why is it the work done by our state employees any less important in terms of marijuana impairment than what it is for police officers, nurses, etc. So I think it is bad policy to not screen for marijuana and not prohibit those people from being employed.” — Steffel to MLive 

Civil Service Commission Member Nick Ciaramitaro told MLive that the change is necessary to comply with the will of voters who approved a cannabis legalization ballot initiative in 2018.

“Whether or not we agree with it or not is kind of beyond the point. Use of marijuana on the job is different than having used it months before you take the test,” he said in the interview with MLive. “It doesn’t make sense to limit our ability to hire qualified people because they took a gummy two weeks ago.” 

The new rules take effect on October 1. 

  

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Adult-Use Cannabis Sales in Maine Reach New Record in June

7/13/2023

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Adult-use cannabis sales in Maine reached a new record in June, topping $18.4 million, according to Maine Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP) data outlined by the Bangor Daily News. The previous high was $17.4 million, realized the previous month. 

In all, dispensaries in the state sold about 5,270 pounds of cannabis in June. Cannabis was legalized in Maine by voters in 2016 but retail sales didn’t commence in the state until July 2022. 

According to OCP data, there were 322,169 transactions at adult-use dispensaries in June, with an average flower price-per-gram of $7.69. 

So far this year, adult-use sales have totaled $97,408,138 in 1,671,054 transactions. If sales remain on this pace, 2023 adult-use sales in Maine will surpass last year’s total of $158.9 million.   

Flower represented the bulk of sales in June, totaling about $11 million. Concentrates were the second most popular product category, with sales reaching nearly $4.5 million, followed by infused products at nearly $3 million, with plant sales comprising the remainder.  

So far this calendar year, Maine’s average price per gram of flower is $7.90. 

The state has licensed 218 retail stores, 150 cultivators, 116 manufacturers, and five testing laboratories.  

However, a recent survey by the OCP suggests that the retail market has upended the state’s system of medical cannabis caregivers. That survey found that more than 1,350 caregivers left the program from the end of 2021 to the end of January 2023.    

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Massachusetts Group Files Paperwork to Put Psychedelic Decriminalization Question on Ballots

7/13/2023

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A group called Massachusetts for Mental Health Options last week filed paperwork with state regulators signaling plans to put a psychedelic decriminalization ballot question to voters, CBS News reports. In the filing, the group states its purpose is “To expand mental health treatment options in Massachusetts by providing new pathways to access natural psychedelic medicine therapy” and the ballot question would seek to create “access to natural psychedelic medicine therapy” and remove “criminal penalties for personal possession of these medicines.” 

Responding to an inquiry from CBS News, Ben Unger, of the group New Approach, which helped the passage of psychedelic therapy ballot questions in Colorado and Oregon, described the Massachusetts proposal as “still very much in the exploratory phase.” 

“The coalition is still forming and the policy is still going through a process of being vetted, discussed and finalized. As you can imagine, lots [of] details to iron out.” — Unger to CBS News 

The campaign has until August 2 to file an initiative petition for the 2024 election. New Approach is not listed on the paperwork submitted last week. The point of contact listed is MLM Strategies. 

Colorado and Oregon are the only two states, along with Washington D.C., that have legalized some psychedelics for therapeutic use and decriminalized possession of small amounts. In all three cases, the reforms were approved by voters in ballot initiatives.   

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Rhode Island Dispensary Sues Over Labor-Peace Requirements for Cannabis Licenses

7/13/2023

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A Rhode Island cannabis dispensary has filed a lawsuit over labor peace agreement provisions in the state’s cannabis legalization law, the Boston Globe reports. Greenleaf Compassionate Care Center argues that it was “coerced into entering an oppressive collective bargaining agreement” because of the 2022 law. 

The law included requirements that licensed cannabis dispensaries in the state enter into “labor peace agreements” with a “bona fide labor organization” even if the business existed prior to the law’s passage. Greenleaf has been a licensed medical cannabis dispensary in the state since 2013. 

In the lawsuit, filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island, Greenleaf argues that the business had “little bargaining leverage” with its workers, who voted in 2021 to organize under the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 328. The workers had initially voted to unionize in 2021, prior to the legalization law taking effect, but negotiations were ongoing when the legalization law passed in May of 2022, the report says. 

In an email to the Globe, Greenleaf CEO Seth Bock said that while labor negotiations were underway, the company realized they had lost all of their bargaining power with the passage of the adult-use law and its labor-peace provisions. 

In an interview with the Globe, Marc Gursky, the attorney for the UFCW Local, disputed the premise of Greenleaf’s lawsuit, noting the previous negotiations.   

“A labor peace agreement is about access, so that a union has a fair chance of organizing a workplace in exchange for giving up a right to strike. Greenleaf never entered into a labor peace agreement.” — Gursky to the Globe 

State Rep. Scott Slater (D), who sponsored the cannabis law, said unions and activists had lobbied for the labor agreement provisions and that the groups also successfully pushed for some cannabis licenses to be reserved for worker co-operatives. 

The suit names the state, all of the members of the R.I. Cannabis Commission, and UFCW Local 328 as defendants. 

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Maryland Cannabis Sales Top $20M During First Week

7/12/2023

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Combined medical and adult-use cannabis sales in Maryland totaled $20.9 million during the first week of retail sales, CBS News reports. The split between adult-use and medical sales was nearly even, but medical cannabis sales were slightly higher, the report says.  

The bulk of the sales were realized during the July 4 weekend. According to Maryland Cannabis Administration data, total medical and adult-use sales totaled $10,429,736 on July 4 and $4,518, 377 on July 5. During the weekend, adult-use sales far outpaced medical cannabis sales at $3,558,947 and $959,430, respectively.  

Linda Condon, clinical director at Nature Care Wellness, told CBS News that the business had “almost 2000 new customers come through in 7 days.” 

Adult-use cannabis sales in Maryland are taxed at 9%. Thirty-five percent of the proceeds are used for the community investment and repair fund established by the general assembly in the legalization law.  

Andrew Garrison, a representative of the Maryland Cannabis Administration told CBS News that the fund is meant “to help communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition.” 

In January, the state expects to begin licensing social equity businesses, which are defined under the law as businesses owned by individuals who live in an area or have been personally affected by the war on drugs. 

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North Carolina House Speaker: Medical Cannabis Legalization Bill Likely Dead for Session

7/12/2023

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North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore (R) said Tuesday that the medical cannabis legalization bill is likely dead for the session, the Associated Press reports. Moore indicated the proposal was opposed by many of the chamber’s Republican members.  

Moore told reporters that there’s a rule within the House Republican Caucus that a majority of its members must be willing to vote for legislation on the House floor for it to be heard, even if it could pass the chamber with Democratic support. 

Complying with the rule “would require a number of House members who’ve taken a position of ‘no’ to literally switch their position to want to vote for it, and I just don’t see that happening,” Moore said to reporters on Tuesday. 

House Majority Leader John Bell (R) told Spectrum News that the reforms would likely come up during next year’s chief legislative session, which is likely to start in May. He added that there are members of the House GOP caucus that are “100% supportive” of legalizing medical cannabis in the state, while other members remain “100% opposed.” 

Since June 2022, the Senate has twice passed medical cannabis reforms, but the bill has never received a vote in the House. Both legislative chambers are controlled by Republicans.

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UC San Diego Researchers Gifted $1.5M to Study Effects of DMT on the Brain

7/12/2023

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The University of California, San Diego Psychedelics and Health Research Initiative has received a $1.5 million gift to study the effects of DMT on the brain. Philanthropist Eugene Jhong gifted the funds to the university for the research.

Jon Dean, PhD, a postdoctoral scholar in the UC San Diego Department of Anesthesiology and director of the Division of DMT Research at the UC San Diego Psychedelic Health and Research Initiative, is one of the principal investigators of the study. In previous research, Dean discovered that endogenous DMT also exists in the rat brain at levels comparable to serotonin, a neurotransmitter vital to brain function.

“Our goals are to employ multi-modal approaches to study extended state consciousness elucidated by DMT to further appreciate the nature of reality as well as the role of endogenous DMT in the human body. Reliable methods for measuring DMT directly in the human brain and bodily fluids do not exist, so the intriguing possibilities that endogenous DMT may play a role in consciousness, dreaming and protecting the brain from trauma are still scientific speculation.” — Dean in a press release

UC San Diego is currently the only university in the U.S. that has a dedicated division to conduct extended-state DMT research.

In a statement, Jhong said he is “pleased to support this innovative effort to explore extended DMT and am confident it will shed new and important insight into the question of our true nature.”

Fadel Zeidan, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at UC San Diego School of Medicine, said the researchers’ “long-term objective is to gain a better understanding of how DMT and other psychedelics could be used in a therapeutic manner to address pain, trauma and various medical conditions related to the brain.”

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‘Zkittlez’ Cannabis Creator Terphogz Releases Statement on Settlement with ‘Skittles’ Candy-Maker Wrigley

7/11/2023

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7/10/23 – Mendocino County, CA: California cannabis brand Terphogz has released the following statement regarding its settlement with Mars Wrigley. “After using the ‘Zkittlez’ mark for over 10 years with no complaints from the candy maker, we welcomed the opportunity to resolve any trademark concerns with Wrigley. We want to let consumers know they can still enjoy our unique and highly sought-after cultivar under the name ‘The Original Z.’”

The brand is famous for developing a cannabis strain known as Zkittlez. In 2021 Wrigley sued Terphogz in Chicago federal court for trademark infringement, demanding Terphogz “never use the letter Z by itself or combined with any letters or numbers,” as well as pay $250,000 in damages. The brand rejected Wrigley’s demands as unsupported by federal trademark law and a violation of its first amendment rights.

Last week, the case against Terphogz was settled with no financial damages awarded to Wrigley. Per the settlement, Terphogz agrees to cease using the name “Zkittlez” and its “circle Z” branding, but will continue to use the name, “The Original Z,” as well as its iconic “Z” logo.

Terphogz’s attorney stated, “It’s important to distinguish between pirates that Wrigley separately sued who sell adulterated candy or who use Wrigley’s registered trademarks and copy Wrigley packaging.” When it first issued the complaint against Terphogz, Wrigley brought lawsuits against five other companies for violation of its intellectual property rights. In one such case, another company selling THC-laced candies awarded Wrigley $2 million in damages for trademark infringement.

Ironically, Wrigley’s candy ingredients have been recently called into question by California lawmakers, who proposed a ban on Wrigley candy products in California for ingredients that have been found to be harmful to children and adults. With this settlement, the legal battle between Terphogz and Wrigley comes to a definitive end. At the same time, it appears Beau Wrigley’s problems with cannabis have just begun as a fraud case moves forward against his cannabis company in Florida.

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Highdration Kitchen Launches First & Only Cannabis-Infused Ice Cubes In Massachusetts

7/11/2023

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New Product Innovation Will Make Cannabis Consumption More Accessible, Creative, and Social

FRAMINGHAM, MASSACHUSETTS, June 28, 2023 – Highdration Kitchen announced its launch of the first and only cannabis-infused ice cubes in Massachusetts, called melt. This new category innovation is designed to appeal to a wide range of consumers from cannabis regulars to the “canna curious.”
melt will soon be available at licensed dispensaries throughout the state.

melt infused ice cubes are designed to enhance homemade drinks like seltzers, juices, teas, coffees, and mocktails. melt cubes are sold in pure liquid form in pre-packaged ice trays of 10 infused cubes and designed to be easily frozen and consumed at home.

“We know from early concept research that there’s a real market for a cannabis beverage enhancement that caters to the DIY beverage consumer,” said Harry Groome, founder, and CEO of Highdration Kitchen. “People love the ritual of creating and serving their own drink recipes and our melt cubes offer a fun and social way to add more life to those drinks.”

melt infused cubes are made from a blend of THC, natural fruit juices and preservatives, and distilled water, with no sugar added. melt’s first three flavor offerings will be original (no flavor), lemon, and lime, with new flavors and line extensions planned for later this year.

Each melt cube is precisely infused with 5mg of THC for a consistent consumption experience. melt infused ice cubes offer a gradual release of THC as they melt and evenly mix into any drink. A single tray of melt cubes (10 cubes per tray) contains 50mg of THC. MSRP for melt is $20 per tray and $2 per cube. For more about melt, please visit www.meltcubes.com.

ABOUT HIGHDRATION KITCHEN
Founded in Massachusetts in 2022, Highdration Kitchen is focused on creating brand innovation and differentiation in the cannabis-infused beverage market. The company is committed to using only the highest quality ingredients and production methods to deliver a purer, more natural, and more social cannabis experience. Highdration Kitchen’s line of melt ice cubes is the first in its pipeline of product innovations and offers consumers a more social and do-it yourself cannabis brand experience.

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Amendments to Loosen Military’s Cannabis Rules Added to Must-Pass National Defense Bill

7/11/2023

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Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz (R) has introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would end cannabis testing for military members, USA Today reports. The NDAA is a must-pass measure that reauthorizes military programs.

The proposal would end cannabis testing at the time of enlistment or when soldiers are being commissioned as an officer.

“Our military is facing a recruitment and retainment crisis unlike any other time in American history. I do not believe that prior use of cannabis should exclude Americans from enlisting in the armed forces. We should embrace them for stepping up to serve our country.” — Gaetz via Twitter

In 2017, the Army relaxed the process for granting waivers for cannabis consumption as it faced an increased demand for new soldiers.

Additionally, the Congressional Cannabis Caucus proposed an amendment that would allow Department of Veterans Affairs physicians to recommend cannabis as a treatment to patients in states where it is legal for medical use. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) also introduced an amendment that would allow military members to possess, use, or consume any product containing hemp; and Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA), proposed an amendment that would prohibit the denial of security clearances by an agency if an individual used cannabis in a state where it is legalized.

Cannabis remains a prohibited, Schedule I substance under federal law.

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Minnesota Adds IBS & OCD to Medical Cannabis Qualifying Conditions List

7/11/2023

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The Minnesota Department of Health last week added irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to the list of qualifying conditions for accessing the state medical cannabis program. Patients diagnosed with the conditions can begin buying medical cannabis from dispensaries on August 1. 

“As we continue to learn more about the benefits of medical cannabis, it’s important that we add this therapy option as a potential treatment to relieve conditions that can be debilitating,” Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham said in a press release. 

The agency had announced plans to add the conditions last November and they were approved during the department’s annual petition and public comment process for adding conditions to the program. 

Minnesota’s medical cannabis qualifying conditions list now includes 19 conditions. To become a patient in the state’s medical cannabis program, a person must be certified by a participating health care practitioner for at least one qualifying medical condition. 

In May, Gov. Tim Walz (D) signed legislation to legalize cannabis for adult use. Under the law, adults aged 21-and-older will be allowed to possess cannabis for personal use and cultivate their own plants starting on August 1. The law also creates a new Office of Cannabis Management, which will oversee the licensing of medical and adult-use cannabis operators and set regulations for the industries, as well as for hemp-derived consumer products. 

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New Hampshire Allowing Reciprocity for Medical Cannabis Patients

7/11/2023

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New Hampshire is now allowing reciprocity for medical cannabis patients from other U.S. states and Canada, allowing authorized patients to access medical cannabis products in the state, In-Depth New Hampshire reports. Under the law, visiting patients can purchase medical cannabis from New Hampshire dispensaries three times per year using their valid medical cannabis identification issued by another state or Canada.  

If the out-of-state patient has a documented medical condition that is on New Hampshire’s medical cannabis qualifying conditions list, those patients may purchase cannabis at New Hampshire dispensaries at the same frequency as in-state qualifying patients. 

“People from other states with severe medical conditions who use therapeutic cannabis to alleviate their symptoms are welcome to travel to New Hampshire with the certainty that they will be able to safely access therapeutic cannabis while they visit our state,” Division of Public Health Services Director Tricia Tilley said in an interview with In Depth New Hampshire. 

Visiting patients must show their out-of-state medical cannabis ID card and matching photo identification. Under state law, there is a 2-ounce possession limit per patient, and all patients are limited to purchasing 2 ounces of cannabis in any 10-day period. 

There are seven medical cannabis dispensaries throughout the state.  

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Nimble Distro Announced as Official Distributor of Magic Number’s Cannabis-Infused Beverages

7/10/2023

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Portland, Oregon – July 10, 2023 – Nimble Distro, a leading wholesale distribution company in the Oregon cannabis industry, proudly announces its partnership with Magic Number, producer of Oregon’s #1 cannabis beverage. Nimble Distro has been selected as the distributor for Magic Number and will facilitate the sales and delivery of the manufacturer’s lines of all-natural, live resin-infused beverages and syrups.

The humble origin story of Magic Number began in 2014 when two friends, Alex Berger and Dan Pilver, sought to brew Oregon’s first cannabis-infused Ginger Beer. By way of recycled equipment and relentless ingenuity, the pair tested dozens of recipes to develop the drink that would eventually propel their business from a small-scale garage brewery to the commercial facility they operate today.

Through perseverance, innovation, and the belief in the healing powers of cannabis the team has refined their nano-emulsion technology and has experienced monumental growth. Expanded offerings include varying potencies and a wide selection of teas, sodas, seltzers and tinctures that quench thirst and stimulate minds. Their dedication to sustainability and commitment to sourcing all-natural ingredients from local growers and suppliers sets them apart as a brand that values quality and integrity.

This Summer, Magic Number introduced the next game-changer in the industry: resealable cans.

“This new XO resealable technology is poised to change the very culture of cannabis beverage consumption and expand the category. By turning the single-serving can into a multi-serving beverage, consumers will be able to dial in their Magic Number and create the ideal experience every time” says Jon Tapper, Sales & Marketing Manager at Magic Number. “We have full confidence in Nimble’s capacity to amplify our reach and efficiently distribute our products to meet ever-increasing demand.”

Nimble Distro, led by renowned entrepreneurs Joy Hudson and Marissa Rodriguez, is thrilled to join forces with Magic Number as their distributor. With a reputation for proficiency, profitability, and challenging the norm, Nimble brings a highly capable sales and logistics engine to the partnership.

Utilizing their extensive sales and distribution experience, Hudson and Rodriguez co-founded Nimble with the intention of setting a new standard for efficiency and professionalism in the cannabis space. Alongside their flagship in-house pre-roll lines, KITES and Broomsticks, Nimble distributes dozens of other product lines for a range of farms and processors across Oregon.

Magic Number and Nimble Distro are excited about the future of their partnership and the opportunities it presents to deliver exceptional cannabis-infused beverages to consumers throughout Oregon.

“We are delighted to partner with Magic Number,” said Joy Hudson, Co-founder and CEO of Nimble Distro. “We’re both pioneers. Together we will continue to redefine the cannabis industry and set a new standard for excellence.”

For more information about Nimble Distro and Magic Number, please visit their respective websites at www.nimbledistro.com and www.drinkmagicnumber.com.

About Nimble Distro
Nimble Distro is a leading wholesale distribution company in the cannabis industry. Powered by a proficient logistics and manufacturing engine, Nimble Distro drives profitability and positive social impact by forging collaborative partnerships with premier cannabis cultivators and processors. With a focus on product excellence and community engagement, Nimble Distro is committed to reshaping the future of the cannabis industry.

About Magic Number
Magic Number is Oregon’s #1 cannabis beverage processor. Crafted in Bend, OR with all-natural ingredients and infused with the healing benefits of whole plant cannabis, Magic Number’s liquid edibles offer a fresh and delicious experience to consumers. Rooted in sustainability and quality, Magic Number is dedicated to delivering unparalleled beverages that inspire, uplift, and invigorate.

Contact
Nimble Distro – Terah Ebie – Sales & Logistics Manager – terah@nimbledistro.com
Magic Number – Jon Tapper – Sales & Marketing Manager – jon@drinkmagicnumber.com

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