Cannabis Sales in Maine Nearly Doubled from 2021 to 2022

1/10/2023

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Adult-use cannabis sales in Maine last year nearly doubled those from 2021, the first full year of sales, the Portland Press Herald reports. In 2022, adult-use sales topped $158.9 million, according to Maine Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP) data outlined by the Press Herald. In 2021, the total was $82 million. In all, Maine retailers reported nearly 2.5 million transactions last year. 

The state saw about $16 million in tax revenue derived from adult-use sales last year. The state has licensed 114 retailers, 56 manufacturing facilities, 87 cultivation sites, and three testing laboratories. There are another 97 stores, 48 manufacturing facilities, 75 cultivation sites, and two labs in various stages of the approval process, the report says.  

John Hudak, director of the OCP, told the Press Herald that the growth “reflects the significant economic impact that legal cannabis continues to have in the communities that have opted into the system.”  

“The system is creating jobs, helping revitalize communities, and having a positive economic impact on businesses that help the industry function.” — Hudak to the Press Herald 

As the state’s industry matures, prices have started to fall – the average price of flower fell from $16.68 per gram at market launch to $8.18 per gram as of December.  

Maine’s adult-use rollout was one of the slowest since states began enacting the reforms, taking nearly four years to commence after voters approved a ballot initiative in 2016.  

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Missouri Releases Sample Home Grow Application

1/10/2023

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The Missouri Department of Health on Saturday released the sample application for personal cultivation of cannabis plants, the first step in allowing individuals to grow their own cannabis under the state’s voter-approved legalization law, 5 On Your Side reports. The agency has not yet started accepting the applications, however, but John Payne, campaign manager of Legal MO 2022, the campaign behind the successful initiative, suggested the state could begin accepting the applications next month.

Under the law, Missourians aged 21 or older can grow up to 18 plants, including six mature, six immature up to 14 inches, and six seedlings or clones shorter than 14 inches. Home-grow license fees are set at $100 for adult-use growers and $50 for medical cannabis home cultivators. Missouri NORML Attorney Dan Viets told 5 On Your Side that there are already about 20,000 Missourians growing for medical use.  

Star Buds Dispensary Owner Chris Chesley noted that the campaign organizers weighed the pros and cons of a registration process for home grows and decided registration would provide legal cover for growers. 

“We wanted to make sure that before police could get a warrant just for somebody growing cannabis, that they had to check that list. And if somebody is on that list, then the department is going to go knock on the door and say, ‘hey, can we see your grow operation and make sure that you’re doing this within regulation’ instead of potentially having a SWAT team come to your door.” — Chesley to 5 On Your Side 

Home-cultivated cannabis cannot be sold but growers can share up to three ounces with other adults. 

Adult-use sales are expected to commence in Missouri on February 6. Additional licensing, including microbusiness licenses, is expected to open in June and be awarded in 2024 and 2025. 

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Oregon Farmers Accuse Chalice Brands of Unpaid Bills

1/10/2023

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Four Oregon cannabis farmers are accusing Chalice Brands, a publicly traded Canadian cannabis company, of failing to pay for flower, pre-rolls, edibles, and other products placed in its Oregon dispensaries, Willamette Week reports. According to the growers and invoices shared with WW, the unpaid bills by Chalice add up to well over $100,000.

Marianne Cursetjee, the owner of Alibi Cannabis, told WW that Chalice owes her farm $5,350 for flower and pre-rolls it purchased in July. 

“Chalice is financing its business on the backs of small farmers. People are too afraid of saying things out loud because we have no power to collect anything outstanding. I really, truly feel that Chalice is a house of cards.” — Cursetjee to WW 

Chalice was founded in 2014 by William Simpson, who sold the company to Canadian-based and publicly traded cannabis company Golden Leaf in 2017. Lee served as the company’s CEO for a time. Chalice is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario but most of its operations are still run out of its Portland office, the report says. Chalice purchases products from more than 20 Oregon cannabis farms and product makers for its dispensaries. The company also owns some of its own brands and product lines. From 2019 to 2021, Chalice acquired a number of dispensaries, a California-based CBD makeup brand, and launched new product lines. 

A Medford-based manufacturer told WW that it is owed $48,000 from Chalice dating back to October 2021, while a Corvallis-based wholesaler and producer is owed about $70,000 dating back to March 2022, according to invoices outlined by WW. Vincent Deschamps, owner of 54 Green Acres, estimates he’s owed more than $50,000 by Chalice. In October, Bend-based producer Kush Originals sued Chalice over $51,330 in unpaid bills. Chalice never responded to the lawsuit and Kush requested a default judgment in the case. 

In a January 5 statement to WW, Chalice Brands Executive Board Liaison Faviola Bishop said that “Taking aim at anyone in the industry today doesn’t help small farmers, it can potentially hurt them.”

“The harsh reality is that 2022 was one of the most, if not THE most, challenging years the industry has ever faced. The challenge has been felt in all markets, with mature markets like Oregon feeling the greatest impact,” the statement says. “We are facing declining demand, oversupply, and over-penetration of stores. Oregon has more stores per capita than most markets. On top of all these challenges, Congress’s inability to pass the SAFE Banking Act, along with 280E, limits the industry’s access to capital and puts incredible financial pressure on all licensed cannabis businesses.”

The statement says the company is “in survival mode” and that industry operators “will only make it through this by working together.”

“We are completely committed to getting all of our partners paid what they are owed and feel their pain,” the statement says. “Chalice is also owed a great deal of money from our wholesale partners and understand firsthand the challenges all of us are facing.”

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Jones Soda Expands THC-Infused Mary Jones Products to Washington

1/10/2023

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Jones Soda Co. announced the expansion of its THC-infused Mary Jones beverages brand into Washington state, one of the nation’s oldest adult-use cannabis markets, according to a press release.

The products will officially launch in the Washington market in early 2023, the release said, featuring infused beverages and edible products made with both high- and low-THC contents. While Mary Jones has already sorted the brand’s flavors and product development processes, the brand will be partnering with licensed cannabis companies CompCanna Inc. and Dogtown Pioneers, Inc. to handle the product manufacturing and distribution processes.

Jones Soda Co. is a Seattle-based company but its Mary Jones-branded beverage infusions launched first in the California market last year.

“Our home state of Washington is one of the country’s most robust recreational marijuana markets with annual sales of roughly $1.5 in 2021 and a projected $2.5 billion in annual sales by 2025. Now that our Mary Jones business is off and running in California, bringing Mary Jones to Washington with a strong strategic partner like CompCanna makes perfect sense as we pursue our plans for international rollout in all recreational use markets.” — Jones Soda Co.’s President & CEO Mark Murray, via press release

Jones Soda’s Marketing Chief Bohb Blair told CNBC ahead of its launch last year that the beverages brand intends to be “the biggest national player” in terms of consumer-packaged cannabis goods carrying widespread recognition.

“If we crack it in California, we’re going to do gangbusters as we go through the Midwest and East,” he said.

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New Mexico Sets New Monthly Cannabis Sales Record With $43M in December

1/09/2023

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New Mexico’s adult-use cannabis sales reached yet another record in December with $28 million in sales, KOAT 7 reports. The total breaks the state’s previous $25 million sales record from October 2022. In all of 2022, combined medical and adult-use cannabis sales by the state’s 563 dispensaries topped $352 million. 

Trishelle Kirk, CEO of Everest Cannabis Co., said her company “doubled in size” last year, adding 100 jobs and opening five new stores. 

“We saw an enormous amount of expansion in the cannabis industry in 2022. Now, the industry is going to mature. We’re going to see prices come down as the market matures and expands. We’re going to see even more customers saying this is a good option for their families.” — Kirk to KOAT 7 

Medical cannabis sales in New Mexico reached $15.1 million in December, according to Cannabis Control Division (CCD) data outlined by the Albuquerque Journal – the highest total in four months and $1.1 million more than November’s totals.   

CCD Acting Director Andrew Vallejos told the Journal that he was unsure was caused the bump in cannabis sales in December and described the “robust” numbers as “kind of surprising.” 

“The sales (numbers) are interesting in and of themselves,” Vallejos told the Journal, “but what I’m encouraged by is the fact that it means a steady cash flow for (businesses) to stay open and to make a profit.” 

Albuquerque led the state in sales with $8.4 million in adult-use transactions and $6 million in medical sales. In December, medical cannabis patients spent on average $52.57 compared to $45.31 for adult-use customers. 

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Scottish National Investment Bank Invests £2M in Hemp Insulation Company

1/09/2023

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The Scottish National Investment Bank is investing £2 million ($2.4 million) in IndiNature Mill, which produces IndiTherm, a hemp-based insulation, after an initial £3 million ($3.6 million) investment in 2021, Insider reports. The 2021 investment unlocked another £800,000 ($971,248) in grant funding from Zero Waste Scotland’s Circular Economy Investment Fund and £250,000 ($303,515) from South of Scotland Enterprise.

Andy Clapp, executive director for investment portfolio management at the Scottish National Investment Bank, told Insider the firm has “seen IndiNature go from strength to strength” since its initial investment in the company and the firm is “delighted to continue to support them through this planned scale-up stage.” 

IndiNature chief executive and co-founder Scott Simpson said the company is “grateful to have an impact investor like the bank following on their original investment for this next stage of growth – an investor aligned with our mission to make positive impacts on scale for the climate and people’s health.”  

“More than ever we need to urgently insulate homes in the UK with appropriate materials – natural products like ours not only insulate, the materials they’re made from are also carbon negative. This investment is speeding up our ability to deliver healthy, low carbon products at high capacity to the market.” — Simpson to Insider 

IndiTherm, a flexible thermal insulation, is made using industrial hemp sourced from farms throughout the United Kingdom. The bio-based insulation is manufactured for retrofit, new and offsite construction. 

The company’s high-density thermal and acoustic IndiBoards and its full IndiBreathe system are set to be launched this year. 

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ASRA Pain Medicine: All Patients Should Be Screened for Cannabis Before Surgery

1/09/2023

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New guidelines released last week by the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA Pain Medicine) recommend that all patients should be screened for cannabis use prior to surgery as studies have shown that regular cannabis consumers often have more pain and nausea after surgery.

The guidelines are the first issued by ASRA Pain Medicine related to cannabis consumers and surgery. The guidelines recommend anesthesiologists screen all patients for cannabis consumption, including asking about the type of cannabis product consumed, the amount and how it was consumed or used, how recently it was consumed, and at what frequency.

In a press release, Samer Narouze, MD, PhD, ASRA Pain Medicine president, said prior to surgery “anesthesiologists should ask patients if they use cannabis – whether medicinally or recreationally – and be prepared to possibly change the anesthesia plan or delay the procedure in certain situations.”

“They also need to counsel patients about the possible risks and effects of cannabis. For example, even though some people use cannabis therapeutically to help relieve pain, studies have shown regular users may have more pain and nausea after surgery, not less, and may need more medications, including opioids, to manage the discomfort. We hope the guidelines will serve as roadmap to help better care for patients who use cannabis and need surgery.” — Narouze in a statement

The guidelines are based on a literature review and experiences from the organization’s “Perioperative Use of Cannabis and Cannabinoids Guidelines Committee,” which is comprised of 13 experts, including anesthesiologists, chronic pain physicians, and a patient advocate.

The organization also released an infographic to explain the methodology or recommendations for the management of perioperative patients who consume cannabis.

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2023 Cannabis Industry Predictions: Retail, Marketing, Branding, CPG, and Education

1/08/2023

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Between a host of new cannabis industry inventions, the first-ever federally approved cannabis reforms bill, and President Biden’s landmark step of pardoning all federal cannabis possession charges — and calling on governors around the U.S. to follow suit — 2022 was an important year for cannabis reforms and the growth of the cannabis industry.

But despite these exciting successes and developments, the industry is poised to have an even more incredible year in 2023. So we asked a wide group of cannabis experts, entrepreneurs, and other professionals to weigh in with their predictions for the industry next year. This is the first installment of our 2023 Cannabis Industry Predictions series: scroll down for the reactions and predictions we received from cannabis retail, marketing and branding, CPG, and education specialists.

And stay tuned for Parts 2, 3, and 4 coming later this month!

Advertising


Mark Kuhn, CEO of Oat Foundry LLC
“More states will legalize recreational use and it will become more and more important for dispensaries to differentiate with not only new and exciting products, but also beautiful and engaging experiences for their customers (Armed guards? Bars on windows? come on!). Similarly, we will see a wider adoption of terpene data by inventory management and POS systems – knowledge of terps will become mainstream and used by customers when they discuss their desired products. Finally – like in more mature industries – the observation and use of customer data to drive more profit for MSOs and vertically integrated dispensaries will be paramount.”
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Branding


Lilli Keinaenen, Packaging and Branding Designer at Changemaker Creative
“The marketplace is more fragmented than ever – so your product needs a strong, memorable brand message to stand out on crowded shelves and gain consumer loyalty. Personally I’d love it if 2023 is the year when conscious consumerism becomes mainstream in cannabis, and packaging goes sustainable… In consumer goods, sustainably marketed products are the fastest growing with terrific ROI – so maybe there’s room for optimism! Sustainable packaging trending in newly legal states like Vermont and New York, and reuse in Colorado gets me excited as a sustainable cannabis packaging + brand designer!”
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Patrick Toste, Creative Director for Highopes
“With the increase in traction of niche product categories (i.e. beverages, infused pre-rolls, and fast-acting gummies) we anticipate a strategic shift in brands being built around specific target consumer segments. Rather than employing a traditional “catch-all” approach, we’re finding that brands that understand and cater to the unique wants, needs, and desires of a focused audience are experiencing the most success. It’s all about knowing your customer better than they know themselves!”
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Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)


Lulu Tsui, Co-founder and Chief Experience Officer at On The Revel
“As we are harvesting our first crop in New York, the sentiment is that our flower is going to be sub-par because it is grown outdoors. What’s currently popular in the unregulated market is high potency hype strains that come with the elaborate bag game. As consumers become exposed to different types of flower strains, products, brands, I think the narrative that high potency is the only indicator of quality cannabis will change.”
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Christine De La Rosa – CEO & Co-founder at The People’s Ecosystem
“In 2023, a prominent cannabis trend we’ll see is consumers more interested in how cannabis products, outside of flower, are made and produced. Consumers will be looking for organic, vegan, and all-natural made ingredients. Any cannabis company still using masking agents, chemicals, emulsions, and surfactants to create products is behind the times. All natural delivery systems using proteins to organically deliver cannabis to your system in clean and repeatable experiences is the next BIG thing. With the new technology coming out across the U.S., I predict edibles will have hockey stick growth in 2023.”
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Darnell Smith – CEO & Co-founder of Mxxn
“Despite wider economic headwinds, cannabis-infused beverages will continue its growth trajectory in 2023. There will be an increased focus on collaborations that help build the category, as well as building the infrastructure to allow for true scale. Beverage has such a unique opportunity to expand the reach of the plant and it’s exciting to see the overall quality of the category improve exponentially year over year.  As consumers and their consumption habits continue to evolve, the infused beverage segment is in a great position for long-term success.”
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Melanie Davis – COO at The People’s Ecosystem
“In 2023, a cannabis trend we are expecting to see is more BIPOC and women-owned brands edging out CPG’s subpar weed products. This will be the year BIPOC and women-owned brands begin dominating the shelve space and invite the masses into the cannabis culture we carry forward with our pure ancestral medicine.”
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Lex Corwin – Founder & CEO of Stone Road
“I think 2023 will be a pivotal year for cannabis. Not only are we expecting SAFE banking to pass in the next 12 months but federal rescheduling of cannabis will usher in the third wave of badly needed cannabis investment. This influx of fresh capital will allow brands that have proven themselves in their home market to expand out into new states. We will continue to see a wave of M&A activity as companies prepare for the eventual entry of the alcohol, tobacco, and pharmaceutical industries.”
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Daryn Medwid – Chief Revenue Officer of West Blvd Cannabis
“Legal cannabis in 2023 will lean into its future as a true CPG business. Leading companies are already digging into consumer insight data and creating innovations tailored to specific consumer occasions and need states. Those that continue to launch products without doing the consumer work are doomed to fail. Trying to achieve market share without a full understanding of the consumer lead to the insolvencies, M&A and predatory financing that we’ve experienced over the past year. Creating an innovation pipeline supported by consumer insights, tight overheads and the flexibility to adapt provide an opportunity for brands to sidestep the extinction event we’re experiencing now.”
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Imelda Walavalkar – CEO of Pure Beauty
“2023 will be a year of conservation and expansion. Finding efficient business practices, being financially conservative – don’t overspend, don’t overbuild. We all know times are tough, so making smart choices and being resourceful is essential. However, there are unprecedented opportunities for those with strong brands and quality products. For example, New York–for all its craziness–feels more meritocratic than many other states. Many legal states have become oligopolies, so the NY market could be game changing for those of us without heaps of VC cash to pay lobbyists to attain license-monopolies. Entering a state of such great cultural importance as well as being such a big market is an exciting prospect for those of us wanting to participate more in a more democratic way.”
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Education


Martine F. Pierre – Founder and President of Cannalution
“As the United States cannabis market continues to develop further and legalization spreads, we will see a new influx of inspiring entrepreneurs, people wanting to transition careers, and advocates emerge. So expect to see more Universities and Colleges creating programs to meet the explosive demand for a skilled workforce in the cannabis industry. I also believe that more people will be looking for alternative ways to learn more about getting started in cannabis without securing a degree or certification. On the advocacy side, all eyes are on NYS, watching to see if they will be one of the very few states to get social equity right.”
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Marketing


Kieryn Wang, Founder of ALMOSTCONSULTING
“With all that happened in 2022 and the consumer behavior shift that started at the beginning of the pandemic, transparency is going to be key in 2023. Transparency in processes, regulations, what people are putting in/on their bodies and who they’re giving their money to. Consumers want access to this information. They want to know they can trust the product and the company. Especially what happened with the tragedy at Trulieve, it’s more and more important for companies to be forthcoming in how they’re keeping their staff and their consumers and communities safe.”
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Victor Karpenko, CEO of MjSEOAgency
Organic search traffic will be even more valuable in the cannabis niche in most verticals, because so far it shows the highest return on investment in marketing. The competition will grow not only with marketplaces, but with local dispensaries and seed stores. All the problems will stay the same: not enough understanding in basic business processes, that slows down companies with growth. I think because of the niche perspective and predicted growth, even if the recession comes, we will see a lot of new players on the market next year.
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Nicholas Paschal – CEO of AlpineIQ
“There is more competition than ever before for retailers and brands. As we face recessionary pressure they will have to use data to speak to individuals, connect customers with the right products, and create a truly unique digital experience. Without having real time data to inform them, operators are left to create that strategy blindly.”
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Retail


Arshad Lasi – CEO of The Nirvana Group
“Cannabis retail stores will continue to adapt to a more educated and experienced consumer base, as cannabis is rapidly becoming ubiquitous and entering mainstream shopping and lifestyle experiences. In the coming year, I expect more distinct styles of dispensaries to open, attracting particular customer bases, rather than a one size fits all retail approach. Dispensaries will approach their shopping models in a similar fashion as grocery stores; for example, grocery stores and super markets may operate in the same region and offer the same categories of items, but they cater to different demographics, and shoppers expect to find different brands, product styles and price points within each store. Targeting different consumer demographics will be crucial, and branding will be key even in the retail sector.”
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Drayten Howell – Founder and CEO of indacut
“The market is and will continue to consolidate as our industry matures. Although there are many hopeful laws and bills that will assist operators – the main goal is too last to see the change. Operators including myself need to focus on value add, customer retention, and differentiation overall. In addition your operation must generate lasting cash flow. This will be the year when operators who break out of their comfort zone, run lean and mean, with the primary goal of turning profitable will excel. New markets are turning on, people are getting back out and wanting to experience new things. Having a physical experience in parallel with a seamless virtual experience will be key in attracting customers. The delivery component of retail operations can and will set you apart if done right. I’m hoping for a breakout year for everyone fighting the good fight. It’s not always fair, right, or rewarding but the pioneering by each individual in this industry is what is pushing us forward TOGETHER with hopes of real change.”
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Lauren Carpenter – Co-founder and CEO of Embarc
“There’s been focus on the potential of east coast markets, but with regulatory implementation in states like New York we’re seeing some of the same mistakes playing out again. This gives California operators significant strategic advantage – if you’re surviving here, you can survive anywhere. We need to remain heads down, finding strength and support in our community to continue delivering the best products and experiences in cannabis today. This also means pushing the boundaries of how we interact with the plant, including meaningfully integrating it in festivals and events as part of a broader effort to destigmatize at scale.”
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Ivan Suslov – COO of IndicaOnline
“As consumers are becoming more sophisticated in purchasing decisions, dispensaries will adapt by bringing more diverse product lines onto their shelves. We will see more innovation in the infused products which will gain bigger market share. Contactless purchases will be on the rise as well. Delivery, curbside and online purchases will become even more popular and dispensaries will have to cater to their customers in order to stay relevant.”
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Federal Survey Finds 52.5M Americans Used Cannabis in 2021

1/06/2023

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In its 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), the federal Substance Abuse and Menal Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found 52.5 million – or one in five – people aged 12 and older used cannabis over the past year, making it the most used substance considered an illicit drug by the U.S. government. 

The survey found 35.4% of individuals – or 11.8 million people – aged 18 to 25 used cannabis in 2021, along with 17.2% of those 26-and-older (37.9 million), and 10.5% of adolescents aged 12 to 17 (2.7 million).

Comparatively, 133.1 million people 12 and older consumed alcohol in 2021, with 45.1% considered binge drinkers (60 million). Individuals 18 to 25 reported the highest rate of binge drinking (29.2% or 9.8 million people), followed by individuals 26 or older (22.4% or 49.3 million people), then by those 12 to 17 years old. (3.8% or 995,000 people).    

In a statement, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra said the survey’s findings “make clear” that “millions of Americans young and old faced mental health and substance use challenges – sometimes both at once – during the second year of the pandemic.” 

“As we work to improve behavioral health across the nation, HHS is committed to ensuring that all people facing mental health or substance use challenges are connected to appropriate services and supports.” — Becerra in a press release 

The survey found that 3.3% of individuals aged 12 or older in 2021, (or 9.2 million people) misused opioids (heroin or prescription pain relievers) in the past year and among those, 8.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers compared with 1.1 million people who used heroin. The numbers include 574,000 people who both misused prescription pain relievers and used heroin in the past year.

In a key piece of legislation passed last year, the American Rescue Plan, $3.8 billion was earmarked to address the nation’s mental health crisis and drug overdose epidemic, HHS said in the release. Another $800 million was earmarked through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act for SAMHSA grant programs.     

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Vermont Physician Groups Urge Lawmakers to Maintain THC Potency Caps

1/06/2023

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Physicians’ organizations in Vermont are urging lawmakers to maintain the current THC limits on cannabis flower and concentrates as the state Cannabis Control Board (CCB) is considering dropping the caps. The groups include the Vermont Medical Society (VMS), the American Academy of Pediatrics Vermont Chapter (AAPVT), the Vermont Psychiatric Association (VPA), and the Vermont Academy of Family Physicians (VTAFP). 

In a press release, the organizations said they were “successful in defeating a similar proposal” to raise or eliminate the caps last session as lawmakers voted to retain the 30% THC cap on flower and the 60% THC cap on concentrates.   

“Our organizations believe it is premature to reopen this debate when Vermont’s cannabis sales just came online, initial revenue estimates appear to be meeting their targets, and states like CO and WA are currently seeking stronger regulation of solid concentrates because of the negative health impacts on their users.” — VMS, AAPVT, VPA, VTAFP in a statement 

The organizations cite a CCB report submitted to the Legislature this week that claims cannabis and cannabis products with THC concentrations greater than 15% “are more likely to produce psychosis, suicidality, anxiety, and uncontrollable vomiting.”   

In a statement, Ryan Sexton, M.D., an emergency medicine physician and president of the VMS, said “Vermonters already have a very low perception of harm from the use of cannabis” and the state “has the opportunity to benefit from information coming out of other states and to build a safer cannabis market.”     

Adult-use cannabis sales commenced in the Green Mountain State last October. 

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Minnesota Democrats Pushing for Cannabis Legalization After Taking Control of Legislature

1/06/2023

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After gaining majorities in both chambers of the legislature during the midterm elections, Minnesota Democrats are planning to legalize cannabis for adult use during this year’s legislative session, CBS News Minnesota reports. Rep. Zack Stephenson (DFL), the author of a bill to implement the reforms, told CBS News he believes 2023 is the year the reforms will be enacted after Republicans had blocked legalization efforts for at least two years.

“Cannabis should not be illegal in Minnesota. Minnesotans deserve the freedom and respect to make responsible decisions about cannabis themselves. Our current laws are doing more harm than good.” — Stephenson via CBS News

Stephenson’s proposal would legalize cannabis sales to adults 21 and older and allows for the expungement of low-level cannabis convictions. The measure was introduced on Thursday and referred to the House Commerce, Finance, and Policy Committee.

Last summer, lawmakers passed a bill legalizing low-dose cannabis edibles up to 5 milligrams of THC, although GOP lawmakers may have voted for the measure without understanding the bill’s full scope. A MinnPost/Embold Research poll released in October found 60% of Minnesotans supported the reforms. Stephenson’s proposal includes language to implement licensing requirements and additional taxes on the now-legal edibles.

On Thursday, Gov. Tim Walz (DFL) said on Twitter that he is “ready” to sign a cannabis legalization bill into law.

“It’s time to legalize adult-use cannabis,” he wrote, “and expunge cannabis convictions in Minnesota.”

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USDA Awards Nearly $5 Million to Tennessee Hemp Project

1/05/2023

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded nearly $5 million in grant money to a partnership between Tennessee State University (TSU), the Hemp Alliance of Tennessee, the University of Tennessee (UT), and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture for hemp-focused projects, the Rogersville Review reports.

The project aims to develop new markets for the Tennessee hemp industry.

Dubbed the “Climate-Smart Fiber Hemp: A Versatile Thread Connecting the Nation’s Underserved Farmers, Climate Change Mitigation and Novel Market Opportunities,” the project hopes to expand the production of industrial hemp as a climate-smart commodity, evaluate its greenhouse gas benefits, and promote the value of market development to a cross-section of production agriculture, including small, medium, and underserved producers across the state.

The cohort is planning special efforts to identify and recruit underserved producers, including minorities, women, veterans, and farmers from the nine most economically distressed counties in the state along with those in the 30 counties most at risk for becoming economically distressed.

Frederick Cawthon, President of the Hemp Alliance of Tennessee, told the Review that the state “can become the leading producer of hemp in the Southeast United States.”

“We are committed to growing this industry responsibly, and we encourage all industries to examine how they can utilize this climate-smart and regenerative raw material.” — Cawthorn to the Review

Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. added that state officials are “eager to increase support of new and existing hemp producers through this USDA grant award.”

The project was one of 71 projects selected as part of the second Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities funding pool, and one of just five hemp-related projects to receive funding as part of the program. In all, the funding ceiling for the project is $4,972,800.

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Florida Activists Near 150,000 Signatures in 2024 Legalization Push

1/05/2023

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Activists in Florida have gathered 148,418 valid petition signatures in their bid to put an adult-use cannabis legalization question to voters next year, CBS News Miami reports. The Smart & Safe Florida committee would need to submit a total of 891,589 signatures to get the issue on 2024 ballots.

The campaign would also need to submit 222,898 signatures to trigger a Florida Supreme Court review of the proposal’s wording on the ballot.

All valid signatures must be submitted by February 1, 2024.

The measure, “Adult Personal Use of Marijuana” would allow individuals 21 and older “to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal consumption by smoking, ingestion, or otherwise,” according to measure language submitted to the state Division of Elections.

Trulieve, the state’s largest medical cannabis company, has donated $15 million to the campaign and is its largest donor. The Smart & Safe Florida campaign is chaired by David Bellamy of the country music duo The Bellamy Brothers.

Florida voters in 2016 approved a constitutional amendment to legalize cannabis for medical use with 71% of the vote. Past attempts to legalize cannabis for adult use in Florida have failed legal challenges with the state Supreme Court due to the state’s single-subject rule for initiatives.

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Trulieve Settles with OSHA in Worker Death Case at Massachusetts Facility

1/05/2023

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In a settlement with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Massachusetts cannabis company Trulieve will pay a $14,502 fine over the death of Lorna McMurrey, a worker at the company’s Holyoke facility who died in early 2022.

In their report following the incident, OSHA said McMurrey, 27, died after inhaling “ground cannabis dust” while filling pre-rolls.   

In a Dec. 22, 2022 press release, Trulieve described the agreement with OSHA as “voluntary.” Initially, Trulieve was fined $35,219. Under the agreement, OSHA withdrew two of the “serious” items in the citation, including items involving having a “safety data sheet” and providing training under OSHA’s hazard communication standard. The remaining citation, identifying the standard for listing “hazardous chemicals,” was replaced with a citation about conducting a hazard analysis.    

Additionally, Trulieve will evaluate a series of actions that may include: 

  • Engaging a health professional to develop a program that gives workers guidance on how to manage potential health impacts resulting from potential reactions to ground cannabis dust. 
  • Making employees more aware of job transfer options, if available. 
  • Making permanent the temporary information and training program. 
  • Investigating options to better limit access and exposure to the areas where commercial grinding of cannabis occurs. 
  • Establishing policies that increase the presence of workers available who are trained in first aid. 

In a statement, Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers said the company is “pleased” to have entered into the agreement with OSHA.  

“We are proud of the many protections we have already put in place for our workers. However, as an industry leader in what is still a relatively new manufacturing business, we want to continue to establish best practices, so our workers can have the health and safety assurances they need.” — Rivers in a statement 

The agreement will also require Trulieve to conduct a study to determine whether ground cannabis dust is required to be classified as a “hazardous chemical” in the occupational setting, according to OSHA regulations. Work on the study is to be completed by May 29, 2023. 

“Increased-scale manufacturing in our industry is a relatively new endeavor,” Rivers said, “and we are determined to continually ask questions and seek answers to make our workplace the safest and healthiest it can possibly be.” 

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Coda Signature: Delivering Chef-Crafted Cannabis Confections

1/05/2023

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There is an incredible synergy between chocolate and cannabis. Both contain the “bliss molecule” anandamide that signals the brain to feel joy. Coda Signature, founded in Colorado in 2015, is a brand of chef-crafted cannabis confections capturing this synergy. Coda’s flagship line of chocolate bars is joined by pates de fruit made with all-natural ingredients and dusted in aromatic sugars and spices. Each product is crafted with intention, using quality ingredients to build a flavor profile that goes deeper than simply tasting good. But they do, in fact, taste good.

Co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer Chef Lauren Gockley, the mind behind Coda Signature, sat down to speak with Ganjapreneur about the brand, developing new flavors, and her plans for the future. “Chocolate not only spoke to the science side of my brain but also the creativity side of my brain, it kind of struck this really beautiful balance where chocolate has very clear guidelines but it’s an incredible medium to work with as a craftsman,” Gockley said. “Chocolate not only is a phenomenal ingredient, it has a very rich history from the Mayans and the Aztecs, it can be molded in so many form factors, and kind of at its core, it’s something that brings joy to almost everyone. Chocolate became my love language.”

The chef’s interest in food developed early alongside her grandmother in the kitchen but before pursuing a career as a chef, she explored a profession in music. Music wasn’t the right fit, and Gockley transitioned into pastry where she appreciated the defined rules of baking science. She began working as a raw Vegan chocolatier, using medicinal herbs and ingredients that weren’t traditionally accepted as tasting “good”— chocolate was her preferred medium for self-expression. The experience of crafting tasty confections with medicinal herbs gave her confidence with cannabis as an ingredient that she could embrace rather than try to hide its natural flavor. Strong, engaging flavors became a mission for Coda, and the team began to develop the brand.

Music has always been a presence in Gockley’s life, and it became the language of the brand. If you look closely you’ll find small nods to music theory in the branding. “It’s an intimate connector the same way the culture of cannabis is — we’re sharing a joint and experiencing a high together. The music helps me and the team to communicate,” Gockley said.

Each edible flavor is built to communicate an experience to the consumer, like Coffee + Donuts which Gockley formulated to bring you right back to your neighborhood donut shop’s hard-backed booth with a squeaky vinyl cushion, where you’d enjoy a pink sprinkle and a cup of hot black coffee. The chocolate bar doesn’t contain donuts; instead, she takes a concept (like coffee and donuts), breaks it apart, and puts it back together using layered flavors to bring the consumer into a moment. Rather than just adding nuts to milk chocolate, she ventures to add an element of surprise, something that has deepened the consumer relationship with the product.

It takes a village to taste test and build new innovative flavors, starting with non-medicated taste testing for a wide swath of their team, friends, and trusted advisors. Once they tweak that recipe, they introduce cannabis sourced from trusted extractors. Originally, Coda set out to do all extraction in-house but as the industry developed and the brand grew into new markets, it was necessary to find an extraction artist to take the reins of that portion of the work. “We are great at making confection so let’s let the brilliant craftsmen and the extractors shine in what they do,” Gockley said. From cannabis to chocolate, every ingredient in Coda edibles is intentional and finely sourced, and Gockley’s culinary network came in handy as they sought out a chocolate partner.

During her culinary career, Gockley worked with French chocolate brand Valhrona who recommended Coda work with Ecuadorian chocolate company Republica de Cacao. Both Coda and Republica de Cacao were in their infancy. Before settling on their chocolate partner, Gockley visited the factory, their cacao fields, and the farm in the Andes mountains where cows are milked by hand. Now, six years later, the company has built a chocolate specifically for the cannabis brand that matches their preferred flavor profiles- highlighting the cinnamon, hazelnut, and butterscotch in the milk chocolate and earthy dark chocolate that compliments the flavor of cannabis.

The Colorado-born brand learned as it expanded that each market has a particular palate. In Colorado, Coda sunsetted products that played with sweetness and spice like Pineapple Jalapeño and Fire and Orange, but consumers elsewhere loved the spicy chocolates. Cream and Crumble, a new white chocolate bar that plays on flavors of a lemon cheesecake, caters to Coloradans’ sweet tooth. The bar features a tang of sour cream with the crunch of a cinnamon streusel, layering a flavor experience that always evokes noticeably joyous surprise, and watching people enjoy that crescendo simply tickles Gockley: “That’s worth a million bucks.”

As Coda enters new markets — as it did most recently in Massachusetts, and as it plans to do in Illinois later in 2023 — Gockley is proud that the brand has maintained its mission of crafting fine confections, “That was a priority when we were starting the company, this was going to be a flavor-driven brand with quality ingredients with chocolate at the forefront.” And they’ve done exactly that.

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Report: California Police Searched Black Teenagers at Nearly Six Times the Rate of White Teens

1/04/2023

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Law enforcement officers in California searched teenagers that were perceived to be Black at nearly six times the rate of teens they perceived to be white during vehicle and pedestrian stops in 2021, according to an annual report by California’s Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory Board outlined by the Associated Press. The board’s report includes data on vehicle and pedestrian stops by officers from 58 California law enforcement agencies, including the 23 largest departments in the state, in 2021. 

The report found that the individual was perceived to be Hispanic or Latino in more than 42% of the 3.1 million stops by those law enforcement agencies in 2021, while more than 30% were perceived to be white and 15% were believed to be Black. Statewide, though, 2021 Census estimates say Black or African American people made up just 6.5% of the California population, while white people comprised about 35%, and Hispanic or Latino people made up about 40% of the state’s population. 

“The data show that racial and identity disparities persist year after year. The Board remains committed to analyzing and highlighting these disparities to compel evidence-driven strategies for reforming policing and eliminating racial and identity profiling in California.” — California Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory Board, Annual Report 2023  

The report says that police handcuffed, searched, or detained – either in a patrol car or curbside – individuals they believed to be Black youths between 15- and 17-years-old at a higher rate than any other combination of perceived race or ethnicity age group and that officers searched people they perceived to be Black at 2.2 times the rate of people they believed to be white.  

The report includes data from 40 more agencies than the 2020 report, meaning it analyzed an additional 246,000 stops. Of the 18 agencies that collected data during both years, 13 made fewer stops in 2021, which the report said may have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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Michigan Gov. Vetoes Three Cannabis-Related Bills Passed During ‘Lame Duck’ Session

1/04/2023

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Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) vetoed three cannabis-related bills as 2022 ended, including a measure that would have amended state law to make it easier to transfer medical cannabis products from one facility to another, Michigan Advance reports.  

In a statement announcing the vetoes, Whitmer said the bills were “rushed through a lame duck session,” according to an MLive report. 

Whitmer also vetoed legislation that would have changed some language and definitions in the state’s Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act, including updating the title for the recently renamed Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA). Another vetoed proposal would have prevented the CRA from denying a person a cannabis license based on their spouse’s job, including if the spouse works for the state or federal government. Bill sponsor Rep. Pat Outman (R), said in June when testifying to his legislation that the change would bring “much needed clarity to Michigan’s adult-use marijuana laws,” according to MLive. 

In her veto statement, Whitmer did not specifically address the cannabis-related measures, saying that she looks “forward to working with the new Legislature in January on priorities that will continue our economic momentum, help lower costs, and expand education supports for Michigan students.” 

“It is time to be serious about solving problems and getting things done that will make working families’ lives better right now.” — Whitmer, in the veto message, via Michigan Advance. 

 All of the vetoed bills were introduced by Republican lawmakers and during the 2022 midterm elections, Democrats flipped both chambers of the state Legislature.       

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Kentucky Democrats File Cannabis Bills During First Day of Session

1/04/2023

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Democratic lawmakers in Kentucky are taking a three-tiered approach to cannabis legalization during the 2023 legislative session, including legislation, executive action, and a proposed constitutional amendment, LinkNKY reports. The push follows an executive order last year from Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, which took effect January 1. 

On the first day of session, Rep. Rachel Roberts (D) filed a near duplicate of the bill she filed last year which aims to fully legalize adult-use cannabis in the state. The measure, L.E.T.T.’s Grow Cannabis, would legalize sales, expunge low-level possession crimes, allow medical cannabis sales and use, and tax sales. 

Roberts told LinkNKY that including a swath of reforms in one bill may “be best” for lawmakers “and then to break that into other bills that may be more digestible at moments in time.” 

“…That could be the building blocks that get us to that ultimate goal,” she said, which she described as “seed to sale.”   

“We are still incarcerating people in Kentucky for low-level cannabis offenses, including reincarcerating people for parole violations. So this is an economic issue for us. It’s a criminal justice issue for us.” — Roberts to LinkNKY 

The proposal from Rep. Nima Kulkarni (D) would decriminalize personal use possession via a 2024 constitutional amendment. The proposed amendment would appear on ballots as: “Do you want to decriminalize possession of cannabis up to an ounce and cultivation of five plants for adults 21 and over in the Commonwealth?” 

“I do not want to have the legalization conversation without full decriminalization measures,” Kulkarni said in the report. 

Beshear’s 2022 executive order did not legalize medical cannabis sales, but rather provides protections for Kentuckians with a medical provider’s statement to possess up to eight ounces of cannabis for medical purposes if purchased legally in another state. Beshear has admitted that the system doesn’t “make it convenient for anyone” but it was his response to the state Senate twice refusing to act on House-passed medical cannabis legislation.   

“What it will ensure is that they’re not a criminal,” Beshear told Kentucky Health News earlier this month. “I don’t want them to have to drive to Illinois, but that takes an act of the legislature. I want our people to be able to get it close to home.” 

During the first day of the session, Senate President Robert Stivers (R) told LinkNKY that while he is not opposed to medical cannabis, the reforms need to be accomplished in an appropriate way – through additional research. He added that it would come to the chamber for a vote “if there are the votes in the caucus.”  

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Will Germany Legalize Cannabis In 2023?

1/04/2023

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Editor’s note: This editorial was contributed by Johnny Green, Media and Content Director for the International Cannabis Business Conference.

As historians look back on 2022 from a cannabis policy and industry perspective, they will no doubt consider it to be a monumental year. Arguably the most noteworthy item from 2022 was the adult-use cannabis legalization presentation in October to Germany’s federal cabinet by the nation’s Health Minister Karl Lauterbach.

The presentation to the federal cabinet came roughly a year after Germany’s voters elected a new governing coalition dubbed the ‘Traffic Light Coalition,’ which included several members who participated in a historic discussion about cannabis reforms at the 2021 International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin. During that discussion, which was the first of its kind for cannabis policy in Germany, candidates made it clear they would pursue legalization if elected. The October 2022 presentation by Minister Lauterbach provided the first meaningful glimpse into what German legalization will likely involve after months of the international cannabis community sitting on the edge of their seats waiting for details to emerge.

Part of the proposed legalization plan involves removing cannabis from the nation’s narcotics law. That policy change alone would have a dramatic impact on nearly every facet of Germany’s current approach to cannabis regulation and enforcement, including medical cannabis and research efforts. Adult consumers would be able to possess up to 30 grams of cannabis according to the plan and cultivate up to 3 plants in their homes. The plan also involves the launch of a regulated adult-use industry, and that last component is likely where the heavy political lifting will be focused in 2023, both within and beyond Germany’s borders.

Lobbying The European Union

During his presentation to the federal cabinet, Minister Lauterbach indicated he would first seek approval from the European Union prior to formally introducing a legalization measure for lawmakers to consider. In an ideal scenario, the European Union would grant its blessing for Germany to proceed with legalization, if only to help mitigate legal challenges by other European Union member nations. Other nations could certainly still pursue legal challenges but getting prior approval from the European Union would preemptively throw a considerable amount of metaphorical cold water on any of those pursuits.

Unfortunately, after roughly two months of Minister Lauterbach making his case to the European Union, there doesn’t appear to be much traction being made. Minister Lauterbach previously announced that he would be incorporating an ‘expert opinion’ to help with the push at the EU level, which was subsequently met with cannabis opponents indicating that they too would be incorporating an ‘expert opinion’ into their own strategies.

Meanwhile, pro-cannabis lawmakers in Germany are growing impatient and starting to apply pressure on Minister Lauterbach to proceed with introducing a legalization measure regardless of what the EU has to say about it. At the end of 2022, members of the Traffic Light Coalition blocked funding that had been earmarked for the Health Ministry’s public relations efforts, citing delays in introducing cannabis legalization as the reason for withholding the government funds. Clearly, any perceived foot-dragging on the part of the Health Ministry will not be tolerated by the governing coalition and there will be ramifications for continued delays.

Is An Intercontinental Showdown Brewing?

The effort to obtain EU sign-off on Germany’s legalization plan will take one of two paths in 2023.

The first path is that the EU will grant its approval for Germany to proceed. Given that the expressed desire for German legalization by lawmakers is not new and the EU has yet to grant its blessing, it’s likely that EU approval will not happen in early 2023.

The second path is, of course, that Germany will proceed without the EU’s prior approval. As previously mentioned, domestic ramifications have already occurred due to delays in introducing a legalization measure, and that pressure will presumably grow with every passing week in 2023 until a measure is formally submitted. Even lawmakers who are currently letting the process play out between Germany and the EU will eventually grow impatient and join their colleagues in calling for the country to proceed with deciding its own domestic cannabis policies.

If/when the measure is introduced in 2023, it will almost certainly change the tone of any ongoing discussions and negotiations. It’s easy for the EU to slowplay the process and act as if it is still considering Germany’s proposal in an indefinite fashion. After all, that’s a standard tactic at every level of politics, especially when it comes to maintaining the status quo of cannabis prohibition. But, the second that Germany formally introduces its measure, such tactics get tossed out the window with the EU being forced to move in one direction or another, for better or worse.

The International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin this June is also sure to spark further interest in Germany’s legalization prospects, and the emerging EU cannabis industry in general.

It’s likely that an intercontinental showdown will occur in 2023 regarding Germany’s legalization pursuits and while prohibition dinosaurs at the EU will no doubt do everything that they can to thwart legalization in Germany and beyond, eventually the walls of prohibition will crumble. Whether that happens in 2023 in Germany or not is something that we will all have to wait and see, however, one thing that everyone can count on is that pro-cannabis lawmakers in Germany are going to continue doing everything that they can to make 2023 a big year for cannabis reforms.

 

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Psilocybin Therapy Now Legal in Oregon

1/03/2023

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Oregon’s psilocybin mushroom therapy reforms took effect on January 1, two years after voters approved a measure to allow therapy using the psychedelic fungi. The delay was due to lawmakers who were tasked with creating the regulatory framework for the production and sale of the mushrooms, the New York Times reports.   

Psilocybin mushrooms have shown promise in treating severe depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, end-of-life anxiety among the terminally ill, and other mental health conditions. A study published last year in JAMA Psychiatry found two doses of mushroom therapy paired with psychotherapy led to an 83% decline in heavy drinking among participants; individuals given a placebo reduced their alcohol use by 51%.  

Measure 109 authorized the creation of psilocybin service centers where anyone over 21 can consume the mushrooms in a supervised setting. The law required a state-certified facilitator to be present during sessions, which can last five or six hours. Oregon will not allow the retail sale of psilocybin mushrooms. Following the success of the initiative, 25 of the state’s 36 counties opted out of the program. 

Sam Chapman, executive director of the Healing Advocacy Fund, an organization that backed Measure 109 and has been working to guide the implementation of the program, told the Times that “Psychedelic medicine is starting to transcend partisan politics in a way that few issues have.” 

“It’s our responsibility to create a golden standard that’s worthy of wider implementation.” — Chapman to the Times 

In 2018, the federal Food and Drug Administration granted psilocybin mushrooms “breakthrough therapy” status for major depressive disorder, which paved the way for clinical trials. Psilocybin mushrooms remain outlawed federally. 

Notably, in 2020, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize all drugs following a successful voter initiative.

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Portions of Maryland’s Adult-Use Cannabis Law Now in Effect

1/03/2023

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Portions of Maryland’s voter-approved adult-use cannabis law are now in effect, including reduced fines and penalties, WMAR 2 News reports. The law, which is in a ‘transitional’ period, will be in full force starting July 1.

Individuals caught with up to an ounce of cannabis will face no charges but those caught with an ounce and a half face a civil offense and a maximum fine of $100. Those found possessing between one and a half ounces and two ounces will face a $250 fine. Individuals caught with any amount over two ounces will be charged with a misdemeanor and face up to six months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine.

Individuals with criminal charges for cannabis may now also ask the courts to expunge their sentence once they have completed it. Prior to the reforms, individuals had to wait up to four years to seek relief. Under the law, all possession charges in the state have to be removed from court listings by July 1, 2024, the report says.

Also beginning this year, the state’s medical cannabis industry will be regulated by Maryland’s Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, the state announced last month. The change was included under the voter-backed adult-use legalization initiative.

Adult-use sales are not expected in Maryland until 2024 or 2025.

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Police Arrest Alleged ‘Straw’ Owner of Cannabis Farm Where Quadruple Homicide Occurred

1/03/2023

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The alleged “straw” owner of the Oklahoma medical cannabis farm where a quadruple homicide occurred last November has been arrested, KFOR reports. According to court documents, Richard Ignacio, 35, agreed to be the straw owner of the farm for $2,000 a month.  

According to the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN), a “straw” or “ghost” owner is a person whose name is listed as the 75% owner of an Oklahoma medical marijuana operation but isn’t involved in running it – a crime in the state.

Ignacio was charged last week with felony conspiracy against the state, accused of “falsely and fraudulently obtain[ing] the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority License and Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Registration necessary to manufacture marijuana by falsely claiming 75% ownership in Liu & Chen Inc., in order to meet the residency ownership requirements for licensing and manufacturing pursuant to Oklahoma law,” according to court documents outlined by KFOR. 

In November, police in Miami Beach, Florida arrested Wu Chen who is suspected of carrying out the execution-style killings of four people at the Oklahoma medical cannabis farm. The victims included three men and one woman, all Chinese citizens. 

Ignacio is accused of agreeing to be listed as 75% owner of the farm then turning it over to YiFei Lin, a Chinese national, who, on paper, owned 25% of the farm. Authorities allege Ignacio lent his name to six different Oklahoma medical cannabis farms and made more than $100,000 over the last two years in the scheme. 

Lin, 44, was also injured during the November attack and subsequently arrested in December, the Associated Press reports. OBN ultimately seized the Oklahoma property. Lin is accused of conspiring to commit fraud against the state and illegally manufacturing and trafficking marijuana. 

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Medical Cannabis Bills Pre-filed in South Carolina

1/03/2023

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Two medical cannabis bills have been pre-filed in the South Carolina House for the upcoming 2023 session. Both measures would effectively legalize full-plant medical cannabis use in the state which currently only allows low-THC, CBD products.  

The Put Patients First Act, pre-filed by Minority Leader J. Todd Rutherford (D) would allow physicians to authorize patients for medical cannabis use and establish a system of caregivers. The law includes language to protect patients, caregivers, and physicians from criminal liability. The law would also allow a system of medical cannabis dispensaries. The measure was referred to the House Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs. 

Separately, the South Carolina Compassionate Care Act was pre-filed by Republican Reps. Bill Herbkersman, Jerry Carter, and Bill Taylor. The measure would also authorize dispensaries – but not caregivers – and would allow access by patients with “debilitating medical conditions who are under the care of a physician,” according to the summary of the pre-filed bill. The proposal would set up a Medical Cannabis Program Fund to provide for the program’s operations. The law would also create criminal penalties for use of cannabis while driving. The measure was also referred to the chamber’s Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs. 

The state’s 2023 legislative session begins on January 10.    

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U.S. Virgin Islands Passes Cannabis Legalization Bill

1/02/2023

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The U.S. Virgin Islands is poised to become the latest U.S. region to legalize adult-use cannabis after senators passed a comprehensive cannabis reforms bill and sent the measure to Gov. Albert Bryan (D), who is expected to sign the reforms into law, the Virgin Islands Consortium reports. Once fully implemented, the reforms would allow residents and visitors to purchase medical and/or recreational cannabis products from licensed dispensaries.

Lawmakers, who worked over the Christmas holiday to sort out concerns with the legalization bill, also approved a proposal to automatically expunge cannabis possession charges in the territory, the report said. The reforms were proposed in the Senate by Sens. Janelle Sarauw (I) and Angel Bolques Jr. (D).

The territory passed medical cannabis reforms four years ago but officials have yet to establish rules and regulations for the program, leaving patients and providers stuck in a multi-year limbo with no legal path to medical cannabis access. Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs Commissioner Richard Evangelista said in the report it will likely be another 18-24 months before the government can stand up the program.

Sarauw said that even now, with adult-use reforms now heading to the governor’s desk, “we have done absolutely nothing to move cannabis forward.”

“Rules and regs haven’t been promulgated, no seed-to-sale system, nothing has moved with this industry. So don’t ask for something and it come, and you don’t move on it. We’ve got to get the ball moving and put your money where your mouth is.” — Sarauw, via the Consortium

The possession of up to an ounce of cannabis is currently decriminalized in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

 

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