Medical Cannabis Bill Reintroduced in North Carolina

2/07/2023

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A medical cannabis bill has been reintroduced in North Carolina that would cover 11 conditions in addition to end-of-life and palliative care, WRAL reports. The bill would also establish a Compassionate Use Advisory Board that could add more conditions to the state’s medical cannabis qualifying list.

The legislation would allow patients with cancer, epilepsy, HIV, AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Crohn’s disease, sickle cell anemia, Parkinson’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), multiple sclerosis, cachexia or wasting syndrome, severe or persistent nausea in a person who is not pregnant that is related to end-of-life or hospice care, or who is bedridden or homebound because of a condition, terminal illness when the patient’s remaining life expectancy is less than six months, and conditions resulting in the individual receiving hospice care, according to the bill text.

A PTSD qualification would be “subject to evidence that an applicant experienced one or more traumatic events.” And acceptable evidence would include “proof of military service in an active combat zone, that the person was the victim of a violent or sexual crime, or that the person was a first responder.” The bill notes that “details of the trauma shall not be required.”

The measure would allow cannabis flower, vaping, and edibles.

The bill was sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee last month and, if voted favorably by the committee, it would move next to the chamber’s Finance Committee. If approved by the Finance Committee, it would be heard by the Senate Rules and Operations Committee.

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Federal Judge: Ban on Cannabis Users Owning Firearms Is Unconstitutional

2/06/2023

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A federal judge in Oklahoma ruled last week that the federal law barring people who use cannabis from owning firearms is unconstitutional, the Associated Press reports. Lawyers for Jared Michael Harrison argued that his Second Amendment rights were violated by the federal law that outlaws “unlawful users or addicts of controlled substances” to possess firearms and U.S. District Judge Patrick Wyrick in Oklahoma City agreed, ruling that federal prosecutors’ arguments that Harrison’s cannabis use “justifies stripping him of his fundamental right to possess a firearm … is not a constitutionally permissible means of disarming Harrison.” 

In May 2020, Harrison was charged after being arrested by police in Lawton, Oklahoma following a traffic stop. During a search of his vehicle, police found a loaded revolver as well as cannabis. Harrison told police he had been on his way to work at a medical cannabis dispensary, but that he did not have a state-issued medical cannabis card.    

Federal prosecutors argued that the portion of the law focused on drug use is “consistent with a longstanding historical tradition in America of disarming presumptively risky persons, namely, felons, the mentally ill, and the intoxicated.” 

Wyrick disagreed, writing in his opinion that “the mere use of marijuana carries none of the characteristics that the Nation’s history and tradition of firearms regulation supports.” He added that using cannabis was “not in and of itself a violent, forceful, or threatening act,” according to a Reuters report.  

Wyrick ultimately dismissed the charges against Harrison. 

Laura Deskin, a public defender representing Harrison, told Reuters that the ruling was a “step in the right direction for a large number of Americans who deserve the right to bear arms and protect their homes just like any other American.” 

  

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Cannabis Tax Revenues in Colorado Fall Nearly $100M from 2021-2022

2/06/2023

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Cannabis tax revenues in Colorado have fallen nearly $100 million from 2021 to 2022, the Denver Gazette reports. In 2021, during the coronavirus pandemic, the state collected $423 million in cannabis taxes, which fell to $325 million in 2022. In 2020, the state collected $387 million in cannabis taxes. 

Last year, more than $675 million of cannabis taxes collected in Colorado went to the Marijuana Tax Cash Fund. The Public School Capital Construction Assistance Fund received nearly $391 million, the Public School Fund got $276.6 million, and the rest was divided between local government ($138.38 million) and the state’s general fund ($135.99 million), the report says. 

The Marijuana Industry Group Executive Director Truman Bradley told the Gazette that retail cannabis sales are down across the state.  

“I don’t have a crystal ball as to the future, but there are a few things I know definitively: The first is decade number two of legalization in this state needs to look fundamentally different than decade number one. The cannabis industry is extremely compliant and it can be a good source of revenue for state and local governments, but we need to take a hard look at the regulations that were first put in when no one knew how this was going to go and assess whether that’s actually appropriate or whether it’s time to maybe relax those a little bit.” — Bradley to the Gazette 

During the pandemic, when Colorado imposed stay-at-home orders and many employees shifted to working remotely, cannabis consumption increased. Since then, Colorado has seen reduced sales due, in part, to shifts in consumer behavior, more states legalizing adult-use cannabis, and less disposable income due to inflation. 

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Washington Bill Would Create Agricultural Agency for Cannabis

2/06/2023

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A bill introduced in Washington state aims to create a cannabis commission that would function like the other agricultural commissions already operating in the state, FOX 13 reports. Lawmakers supporting the legislation say the commission would help growers and producers compete nationally if or when the federal government loosens restrictions and opens up the entire U.S. market. 

Republican Rep. Kelly Chambers told FOX 13 that the Washington State Cannabis Commission would “be self-funded by the industry, kind of a mandatory fee.” 

The commission’s purposes would include research, advertising government agencies, reviewing market metrics, educating and advising producers, advancing knowledge and practice, limiting youth access, and grant powers for acquiring, creating and owning intellectual property rights, licenses and patents, the report says. 

“Creating and developing intellectual property rights. So, we have other commissions we have a wine commission and a potato commission that promote Washington wine or Washington potatoes. So, sort of do the same thing.” — Chambers to FOX 13 

Chambers added that were federal laws loosened there would be “a lot of competition,” adding that cannabis producers in Washington – among the nation’s first legal producers – have a lot of pride in what they have created.    

The measure is currently in the House Regulated Substances and Gaming Commission. 

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Washington Bill Would Increase Taxes on High THC Products

2/03/2023

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A bill proposed in Washington state would significantly increase the tax on cannabis products depending on THC concentrations, FOX 13 reports. Under the proposal, cannabis excise taxes would be restructured into three rates based on product type and THC concentration.  

The measure would also limit the purchase of high-THC products to individuals aged 25 and older. 

Under the bill, a 37% tax would be imposed on flower and concentrate products with THC concentrations less than 35%; a 50% tax would be added to flower and concentrate products with THC levels between 35% and 60%; and a 65% tax would be included on the sales of flower and concentrates with THC levels higher than 60%. 

Rep. Kelly Chambers (R) said that since Washington legalized cannabis for adult use a decade ago, “the market has driven the demand for higher-potency products.” 

“So, that’s why they are very popular, and they are out there. At the same time, we want to maintain that public safety.” — Chambers via FOX 13  

Adan Espino, the executive director of the Craft Cannabis Coalition, told FOX 13 said the high taxes give the organization “heartburn and worries” because they could just drive people into the unregulated market. He noted that high THC cannabis products “should not be in the hands of youth or minors and … when used improperly … can certainly cause harm.”    

The measure is currently in the House Regulated Substances & Gaming Committee.

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Report: Zero Medical Cannabis Markets Are Fully Meeting Patients’ Needs

2/03/2023

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In its annual “State of the States” report, Americans for Safe Access (ASA) issued 13 failing grades to state medical cannabis programs, with Idaho and Nebraska both receiving a zero as the last two remaining states with no medical cannabis access. 

In the report, ASA gave failing grades to Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. 

No state received an “A” grade, with Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, and Rhode Island earning B-pluses – the highest grade given on the ASA report card.  

The ASA also issued grades for the medical cannabis programs of U.S. territories, including the Commonwealth of the Northern Marina Islands (D+), Guam (C-), Puerto Rico (D), and the Virgin Islands (D+).

“While we can acknowledge that we have come a long way since the first medical cannabis law passed in 1996, we must also recognize that none of the state laws adopted thus far can be considered ideal from a patient’s standpoint.” — ASA, “State of the States” 2022

The group notes that “even in states with full medical cannabis programs, each state differs greatly in how patients can access their medicine, where they can access it, or even what types of products they can access.” Adding that because medical cannabis remains prohibited federally “most state programs leave out millions of potential patients due to issues with affordability, patient rights, and civil protections, or product safety standardization.” 

None of the states earned above a B-plus grade by the ASA because none “include the entire range of protections and rights that should be afforded to patients under the law, with some lagging far behind others.”  

“Because of the differences and deficiencies in legislation and regulations in the states, patients argue that the laws do not function equitably and are often poorly designed, poorly implemented, or both,” the ASA says in the report. “Even well-organized programs can fail to deliver safe or legal access in states with laws that allow local governments to ban medical cannabis businesses from operating, leaving thousands of patients without the access state laws were intended to create.”

The ASA estimates the number of medical cannabis patients in the U.S. exceeds 6 million, an increase of about 1 million from its 2021 report.   

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Argentina Launches Hemp and Cannabis Agency

2/03/2023

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Argentina recently launched a hemp and cannabis agency, the Regulatory Agency for the Hemp and Medicinal Cannabis Industry (ARICCAME), which officials hope will help create new jobs and exports for the nation, Voice of America reports. During a conference announcing the move, Economy Minister Sergio Massa said the new agency “opens the door for Argentina to start a new path in terms of industrial exports, on the basis of huge global demand.” 

“All this needs to be transformed into an industry which generates work, which generates exports for Argentina and which generates value.” — Massa via VOA 

The South American nation legalized cannabis oil for medical use in 2017, allowing the government to grow cannabis for research and medical purposes. In 2020, lawmakers legalized the home cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes, made it legal for pharmacies to sell cannabis-derived products, and required insurers to cover cannabis medicines.  

Francisco Echarren, who will head the agency, said the cannabis industry could create thousands of new jobs, technological developments, and new products for export. 

“We have a huge challenge ahead of us,” he said during remarks at the conference, “not only getting a new industry on its feet, but giving millions of Argentines access to products that improve quality of life.” 

Last month, Argentina’s Ministry of Science said it plans to invest more than $106 million in 13 research and development projects in hemp and cannabis across six provinces, according to a Hemp Today report.  

The government estimates hemp and medical cannabis industries in Argentina could create 10,000 new jobs, $500 million in domestic sales, and $50 million in exports annually.  

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Virginia House Panel Tables Bills Seeking to Enact Retail Cannabis Sales

2/02/2023

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A Virginia House panel on Tuesday rejected bills that would have taken steps toward allowing adult-use cannabis sales in the state, WRIC reports. The General Laws subcommittee voted down a measure that would have allowed sales to start next year and another that would have allowed the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) to begin issuing licenses next year but prohibiting sales until 2025. 

Virginia lawmakers passed adult-use cannabis reforms in 2021 – when both chambers of the legislature and the governor’s office were controlled by Democrats. The laws have since faced pushback as Republicans made gains in both chambers in 2022 and Virginians elected Republican Glenn Youngkin as governor.   

The bill proposed by Del. Keith Hodges (R) would have allowed licenses to be issued at the start of next year but would have allowed adult-use sales by certain medical cannabis companies in July. A substitute was introduced that proposed that the CCA issue draft regulations on the retail market that lawmakers would have to approve.  

The measure introduced by Del. Michael J. Webert (R) would have allowed the CCA to issue cannabis licenses in 2024 but not allow adult-use sales until the following year. Webert told the committee that his bill would ensure tracking “from seed to sale,” set THC limits, and impose a 12% tax rate on cannabis sales. 

Currently, adults 21 and older in Virginia can possess up to an ounce of cannabis, grow up to four plants, receive cannabis as a gift, or buy it from a medical dispensary. 

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Jim Belushi to Give Keynote at NECANN’s 2023 New England Cannabis Convention

2/02/2023

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America’s most well-known cannabis cultivator, Jim Belushi, will join NECANN’s New England Cannabis Convention for a fireside chat on Saturday, March 11.

An accomplished actor, comedian, and musician, Jim will be sharing the lessons and skills he’s learned as a commercial grower and owner of Belushi’s Farm.

Jim joins a lineup of over 120 cannabis industry expert speakers at the convention, which features 2 sold-out exhibit halls with over 300 displays, 5 daily programming tracks, and 4 workshops over 3 days. NECANN will also present the 5th annual New England Cannabis Community Awards on Friday night, and the winners of the 2023 NECANN Cup will be announced on the exhibit floor on Saturday.

The convention will be far and away the largest B2B cannabis industry event ever presented, with over 10,000 industry professionals coming together for the 3-day event at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston.

NECANN has been developing engaging conventions for the cannabis industry since 2014, and now produces the largest convention in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Vermont, Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia, and Maine, expanding market opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, educators, patients, advocates, and consumers. NECANN conventions hold a unique place in the event space, taking a collaborative approach with the local industries and communities, which has resulted in consistently high returns for exhibitors, sponsors, attendees, and the local cannabis market as a whole, allowing everyone to benefit and grow.

“We’re happy to say that The New England Cannabis Convention continues to defy industry norms by growing yet again in 2023,” said NECANN Founder and President, Marc Shepard. “Both exhibit halls sold out over 2 months before the show and we had the highest number of speaker applications we’ve ever seen. This event has truly become ‘The Annual Meeting of the Northeast Cannabis Industry.'”

If you’d like to see what NECANN conventions look like, click on one of the links below for a short highlight reel:

NECANN Boston
NECANN New Jersey

To learn more about joining the NECANN community as an exhibitor, sponsor, speaker, or attendee, please visit us at NECANN.com

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Oregon’s Top Liquor & Cannabis Regulator Steps Down

2/02/2023

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The longtime head of the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) Steve Marks is out after a nearly 10-year stint in the position, Willamette Week reports. Gov. Tina Kotek (D) had asked for and received his resignation, and Marks informed OLCC staff of his departure on Wednesday.

“The governor has indicated that she’d like to select a new executive director. And a transition plan is currently being worked on. Further details will follow.” — OLCC communications director Mark Pettinger, via Willamette Week

During his tenure, Marks oversaw the launch of the Oregon adult-use cannabis industry, set up the state’s initial cannabis licensing and regulation processes, and generated record amounts of alcohol-related revenue for the state. He has also been praised by business owners from the industries he regulated for displaying flexibility during the coronavirus pandemic, easing the burden for struggling businesses by loosening takeout cocktail regulations and expanding options for delivery and curbside pickup, the report said.

Marks’ departure comes at the end of a wave of changes under Gov. Tina Kotek, who was elected last November and has been in office for less than a month.

The change also comes following an announcement that the top cannabis and alcohol regulator in neighboring Washington state — Rick Garza of the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) — will be stepping down to retire later this year after working 25 years at the agency.

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North Dakota House Rejects Adding Edibles to Medical Cannabis Program

2/02/2023

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The North Dakota House on Tuesday voted down two bills to allow edible products in the state’s medical cannabis program, KFYR reports. The bills would have amended the state’s voter-approved medical cannabis law and, therefore, required two-thirds support to pass.  

During the vote, Rep. Steve Vetter (R) said the bills aimed to give “something the people wanted.”  

“The people voted for this, and now here we are, six years later, trying to give the people what they originally asked for.” — Vetter via KFYR 

Proponents of adding edibles to the program argued they are healthier than smoking or vaping. Opponents raised concerns of the risks to children. Medical cannabis patients in North Dakota have access to flower, concentrates, tinctures, capsules, transdermal patches, and lotions. 

The bills would have only allowed edible squares and lozenges 

The state’s medical cannabis program has 8,898 active patient cards. There are two manufacturing facilities and eight dispensaries statewide, according to the Bismarck Tribune. 

Similar bills to add edible products to the state medical cannabis program have failed since 2019. 

Last November, voters rejected a ballot measure to legalize cannabis for adult use. The initiative failed by a 55% to 46% margin. It was the second defeat for the reforms in the state, where North Dakotans voted down a similar measure in 2018 59% to 41%.      

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LeafLink Raises $100M in Series D Funding Round

2/02/2023

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Cannabis B2B technology company LeafLink has raised $100 million in Series D financing, the company announced today. The fundraising round, which will be funded in two tranches, was led by CPMG, L2 Ventures, and Nosara Capital, along with participation from existing investors. 

Ryan G. Smith, who Wednesday was elevated to the company’s executive chairman of the board of directors, said the financing provides LeafLink “with a strong balance sheet that will enable continued innovation alongside … customers.” 

“Despite recent headwinds, the cannabis industry is poised for significant growth in the years ahead. Since the company’s inception, our team has built solutions that solve some of the industry’s most critical problems. I’m proud to have served as CEO since LeafLink’s founding and am excited to transition into the role of Executive Chairman where I’ll remain deeply committed to LeafLink and the industry as a whole. I look forward to supporting and empowering the team in their roles.” — Smith in a statement 

Additionally, LeafLink appointed President & Chief Operating Officer Artie Minson to a new role as president and CEO, hired Karan Gupta as chief technology officer, and transitioned Chief Technology Officer Zach Silverman into a senior advisor role.  

LeafLink said the company serves about half of the U.S. wholesale cannabis industry across 30 markets. The firm said it has raised more than $230 million of equity to date as well as a $250 million credit facility to provide liquidity to the cannabis supply chain.

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Republican Rep. Introduces Bill to Reschedule Cannabis

2/01/2023

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U.S. Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) has introduced legislation to reschedule cannabis from a Schedule I to Schedule III substance under federal law. In a press release, Steube’s office said the measure would allow “researchers to access federal funds to determine its medical value.”   

According to the “Marijuana 1-to-3 Act” text, the proposal specifically directs the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to make the change. 

Under federal law a “Schedule I controlled substance is a drug, substance, or chemical that has a high potential for abuse; that has no currently accepted medical use; and that is subject to regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act.” While a Schedule III controlled substance “is a drug, substance, or chemical that has less potential for abuse than a schedule I or II substance; that has a currently accepted medical use; and that has low or moderate risk of dependence if abused.” 

Last October, President Joe Biden (D) said his administration would take steps to consider rescheduling cannabis but, thus far, has not made any changes to the Controlled Substances Act as it relates to the scheduling of cannabis.  

Steube has introduced legislation twice before to enact the change – in 2019 and 2021 – but the measure did not receive a hearing or consideration in the House, which was led by Democrats during that time. The House currently has a Republican majority.  

Last month, Steube also reintroduced the “Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act” which would allow veterans to “receive the appropriate treatment to address their healthcare needs by prohibiting the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from denying a veteran benefits due to the use of medical marijuana in states where the substance is legal,” his office said in a press release. 

The rescheduling bill was sent to the House Energy and Commerce and Judiciary committees.  

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California Regulators Wondering If Interstate Cannabis Commerce Can Happen Without Risk of Federal Crackdown

2/01/2023

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California’s Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) last week asked the state attorney general’s office its opinion on whether allowing interstate cannabis commerce would put the state at “significant risk” of federal enforcement. 

The inquiry, authored by Matthew Lee, general counsel for the DCC, comes after Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed legislation to allow cannabis commerce between states that have passed adult-use reforms. The measure took effect January 1.  

“We ask this question against the backdrop of historic legislation recently signed into law by the Governor. Until now (in the absence of that legislation), California state law has flatly prohibited state-licensed cannabis businesses from exporting cannabis outside the state. Now, however, new legislation … has created a pathway to allow California cannabis licensees to engage, for the first time, in commercial cannabis activity with cannabis businesses licensed in other states. Under SB 1326 California may work with other states to negotiate agreements allowing, as a matter of state law, for commercial cannabis activity between California cannabis licensees and licensees in those other states. Such agreements would represent an important step to expand and strengthen California’s state-licensed cannabis market.” — Lee in the letter  

In the seven-page letter, Lee contends that the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA) “could not constitutionally prohibit California from legalizing and regulating commercial cannabis activity with out-of-state licensees,” arguing that “Under the U.S. Constitution’s anti-commandeering principle, federal statutes may not ‘command state legislatures to enact or refrain from enacting state law.'”

Further, Lee says that the CSA “does not, in fact, criminalize California’s legalization and regulation of commercial cannabis activity with out-of-state licensees” due to the anti-commandeering principle.

“By its terms, the Controlled Substances Act shields state officials from liability in connection with their enforcement of state law. The Act expressly confers immunity upon (as relevant here) ‘any duly authorized officer of any State … who shall be lawfully engaged in the enforcement of any law or municipal ordinance relating to controlled substances,'” Lee writes. “This provision is broad and unqualified: on its face, it would seem to encompass all state laws relating to federal controlled substances, including state laws legalizing and regulating those controlled substances as a matter of state law.” 

In the letter, Lee argues that “Federal law further insulates California from significant risk as to agreements concerning medicinal cannabis,” citing the so-called Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment which, since 2014, has forbid the U.S. Department of Justice from using federal funds to interfere with states’ implementation of their medical cannabis laws.

“We do not rely on the existence of the Rohrabacher-Farr/Blumenauer Amendment as dispositive: in our view, an agreement under SB 1326 would not result in significant legal risk to the State under the Controlled Substances Act even if the Amendment did not exist, for reasons we have already explained,” the letter states. “Nevertheless, the existence of the Rohrabacher-Farr/Blumenauer Amendment further insulates the State from any hypothetical legal· risk as to agreements involving medicinal cannabis, and thus further supports the conclusion that such an agreement presents no “significant” risk to the State.” 

In Lee’s view, the answer as to whether the state would be at risk of federal interference is “no.” 

“Under the U.S. Constitution’s anti-commandeering principle, the Controlled Substances Act could not criminalize the State’s legalization and regulation of commercial cannabis activity (as a matter of state law), including commercial cannabis activity with out-of-state licensees,” Lee argues. “By its terms, the Controlled Substances Act does not criminalize the State’s legalization and regulation of commercial cannabis activity, including commercial cannabis activity with out-of-state licensees.” 

The letter was sent to Mollie Lee, senior assistant attorney general, who has not yet issued a response. 

 

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D.C. Cannabis Delivery Company CEO Pleads Guilty to Federal Money Laundering Charges

2/01/2023

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The head of a Washington, D.C. cannabis delivery company on Tuesday pleaded guilty to laundering about $3.5 million through illegal sales. Connor Pennington, 39, was the CEO of JointVentures, LLC which operates as Joint Delivery, but the company was never licensed in any state or D.C. He was charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering. 

In a press release, the Justice Department said the business generated nearly $1.5 million in 2018 and by the first three quarters of 2021, generated over $2.3 million in revenue. The Justice Department said Pennington “oversaw and approved of a scheme by which he and other representatives of the company deposited cash in denominations less than $10,000 into several bank accounts the company operated, thus allowing JointVentures to avoid scrutiny from the banks and to disguise the source of the cash.” 

Pennington faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, but the agency noted that “actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.” 

The case is in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.  

In 2020, Joint Delivery and a D.C.-area restaurant had announced a partnership to offer cannabis gifts to delivery customers in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, the partnership was quickly squashed after the Department of Health, Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, and Maryland police threatened to take action against the restaurant, according to a Washington City Paper report.   

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Pennsylvania Awards $200K for Hemp Industry Projects

1/31/2023

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Pennsylvania officials have awarded $200,000 in grants to three agriculture nonprofits to fund projects aimed at growing fiber and food hemp markets, and are calling for proposals from marketing and promotion nonprofits for an additional $392,000 in grants to be awarded in March.    

Acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said the grants “will boost an industry that was once a staple of Pennsylvania’s economy and is again presenting opportunities for new businesses, farm income, jobs, and climate-friendly, environmentally sound products.” 

“Hemp has offered a rare opportunity to grow a Pennsylvania industry from the ground up, springing from a material with seemingly limitless uses in sustainable construction materials, fiber and food products.” — Redding in a press release 

The state awarded the grants to: 

  • Urban Affairs Coalition and All Together Now Pennsylvania – statewide partnership – $48,000. 
  • Pennsylvania Hemp Now – an innovative program to promote hemp in building materials and textiles. 
  • Pennsylvania Hemp Industry Council – Berks, Chester, Lehigh counties – $150,000. 
  • Project Invest in PA Hemp – represents six companies coming together to attract investment in industrial hemp producers, agribusinesses and entrepreneurs in Pennsylvania to grow supply chains, product development and distribution. 
  • Transition Town Media – Delaware and Schuylkill counties – $2,000. 
  • Promoting Hemp as a Transitional Product to Next Generation Economy – aims to promote benefits of hemp and raise awareness make hemp a household word. 

For new proposals, the Agriculture Department plans to award $392,00 in matching funds to reimburse up to half of project costs, with a minimum grant amount of $1,000. Special consideration will go to projects that leverage other funding and public-private partnerships and eligible projects may include regional or national promotion. 

Qualified organizations may apply for grants through the state Department of Community and Economic Development online application system. The application period closes at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, and recipients will be notified by Friday, March 10.  

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First-Ever Study to Investigate CBD as Chronic Pain Treatment for Spinal Cord Injuries

1/31/2023

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Researchers at Australia’s University of Sydney are conducting the world’s first medical trial researching the efficacy of CBD for spinal cord injury-induced chronic pain. The study is being conducted in partnership with the university’s Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics and was awarded AUD$1.7 million from NSW Health. 

In a press release announcing the study, the research team said that up to 80% of people with a spinal cord injury develop some degree of persistent pain. In a statement, Professor Luke Henderson, the study’s lead investigator from the university’s Brain and Mind Centre and the School of Medical Sciences, said that “Current treatment options for neuropathic pain are limited and often come with significant side effects that make the condition worse” which highlights “a need for new treatment options.”   

Professor Iain McGregor, from the Lambert Initiative and the study’s co-investigator, said that physicians in Australia are “increasingly prescribing cannabis-based products for neuropathic pain.” 

A study released last month by the National Drug Strategy Household Survey found 2.7% of Australia’s population took up cannabis for medical purposes in 2019. From 2016, when Australia first began allowing medical cannabis use, to 2019 there were 1,011 prescriptions issued for medical cannabis. Since 2020, those figures have increased to 295,515, according to the research. 

“If effective, this trial will provide gold-standard evidence to support the use of CBD for patients with neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury. It can also help to inform and ultimately change policy surrounding the prescription of medicinal cannabis for the treatment of neuropathic pain and improve patient access.” — McGregor in a statement 

The trial will be run at Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) in Randwick, Sydney, a world-leading facility for brain imaging and spinal cord injury research. Participants will trial both CBD and a placebo in random order over two six-week periods and during each treatment period participants will be asked to rate their pain and wear a wrist-worn device to measure their sleep. Before and after each treatment period, participants will attend NeuRA to complete a brain scan, questionnaires, and blood collection. 

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Pennsylvania Bill Would Let Doctors Certify Medical Cannabis Patients for Any Condition

1/31/2023

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A bipartisan bill proposed in Pennsylvania would allow physicians to certify patients for the state’s medical cannabis program for any condition if they believe the patient could benefit from cannabis therapy, according to a Capitol Wire report. The measure would effectively strip the state’s Medical Marijuana Advisory Board of one of its main tasks.

In a cosponsor memo, Sens. Mike Regan, (R) and James Brewster (D) said that “elected officials and bureaucratic staffers should not be deciding what ailment qualifies an individual to use medical marijuana.”  

“Cost is already a hindrance that pushes medical patients to the illicit market, which exposes them to a dangerous product that can be laced with substances such as fentanyl or toxins that can cause further health problems.” — Regan and Brewster in the memo via Capitol Wire 

The legislation would also eliminate the annual renewal fee paid by medical cannabis patients. As of November, there were 423,443 active patients enrolled in the state’s medical cannabis program, while fewer than 2,000 physicians in the state have become approved by the Health Department to issue patients certifications.

The proposal is similar to Oklahoma’s medical cannabis rules and, according to the Marijuana Policy Project, almost 10% of that state’s population are registered medical cannabis patients. If that percentage were repeated in Pennsylvania, there would be about 1.2 million medical cannabis patients.

In the memo, Regan indicated he plans to continue “a conversation on building a responsible adult-use marketplace” but said boosting the medical cannabis program in the meantime makes sense as the state seeks to limit the number of people who cross state lines to buy cannabis legally.    

   

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Massachusetts Total Adult-Use Cannabis Sales Surpass $4B

1/30/2023

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Adult-use sales in Massachusetts on January 12 surpassed $4 billion since the market’s 2018 launch, the state Cannabis Control Commission announced last week. The sales were generated through 265 retail dispensaries and 14 delivery businesses. The state only began allowing delivery in 2021.     

In a statement, commission Executive Director Shawn Collins noted that demand for cannabis in the commonwealth “remains strong.” 

“As new jurisdictions come online, I am confident that licensees in the commonwealth will maintain the competitive edge by demonstrating to peers what it takes to operate a safe, effective, and equitable cannabis industry.” — Collins in a statement 

The agency indicated there has so far been 18 Economic Empowerment Applicant licensees, 29 Social Equity Program Participant licensees, and 50 Disadvantaged Business Enterprises – or state-certified minority-, woman-, or veteran-owned companies – issued to date and that 900 participants have benefitted from the state’s technical assistance and training program for social equity applicants.  

Adult-use cannabis sales in Massachusetts surpassed the $3 billion mark on May 18, 2022.  

In 2022, 71 new cannabis retailers opened for business across the state, along with three Marijuana Couriers and four Marijuana Delivery Operators. In total, they generated $1,483,898,510 in sales for the calendar year. 

The agency said social consumption licenses could be awarded this year. 

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Washington Proposals Would Legalize Home Grows & End Pre-Employment Drug Tests for Cannabis

1/30/2023

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Lawmakers in Washington are considering bills to reform aspects of the state’s cannabis policies, including allowing home cultivation and ending the use of testing for cannabis as a condition for getting hired.  

The home grow bill would allow adults to grow up to six plants and define anyone who possesses homegrown cannabis as an “ultimate user” – one who cannot sell the cannabis they produce and is not required to register with the state, FOX 28 reports.  

Cannabis cultivation would not be allowed in houses used to provide early childhood education and early learning services by a family daycare provider. Growers would also need to keep plants out of public view, the report says. The bill also includes punishments for growers who leave cannabis in an area where they should reasonably expect a person under 21 may gain access to it. 

The measure is set to be heard by the House Regulated Substances & Gaming Committee on February 2.  

The drug testing measure would prevent cannabis testing for pre-employment for jobs but would still allow companies to test workers while they are employed, the Spokesman-Review reports. State Sen. Karen Keiser (D) said she believes requiring individuals to take pre-employment drug tests for cannabis equates to “discrimination at this point.”    

“We really need to open our doors and not close them. It’s both a fairness issue and a workforce issue.” — Keiser via the Spokesman-Review 

Burl Bryson, executive director for The Cannabis Alliance, told the Spokesman-Review that were the “same approach … applied to alcohol, employers would refuse employment to anyone who enjoyed a beer or a glass of wine on the weekend.” 

“We all know that this is not a workable standard,” he said.  

Opponents argue that drug testing is important for employers in maintaining a safe work environment and that the employer is liable for any safety concerns that may result from an employee’s impairment. 

Jim King, with the Independent Business Association, though, described the current test for cannabis as “inadequate” because it doesn’t test for impairment, rather the mere presence of cannabinoids in a person’s system.  

State Sen. John Braun, leader of the Republican caucus, said he thinks the issue is more “technical” and less “legislative.” 

“It seems to me that folks who are in this industry, who participate in the use of the products ought to be very interested in improving their testing so that we can show without a doubt if, just because you legally use cannabis, that you’re not impaired when you come to work,” he told the Spokesman-Review. 

The measure was heard by Washington‘s Senate Labor and Commerce Committee on January 10 but it took no action on the proposal.  

 

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Wyoming House Committee Tables Bill to Ban Synthetic Cannabinoid Sales to Minors

1/30/2023

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Wyoming’s House Education Committee last week tabled a bill that would have imposed penalties for sales to and possession of synthetic cannabis products for individuals under 21 years old, Cowboy State Daily reports. The committee voted unanimously to curb the measure in order to allow further clarification of what defines a synthetic cannabis product. 

The proposal would have imposed fines between $250 and $750 to individuals caught selling the cannabis products to minors and those caught purchasing the products would have faced misdemeanor charges, including a $50 fine or community service. The misdemeanor charge could be expunged once the offender fulfilled those penalties, the report says.

Several individuals asked the committee to change the bill’s definition of “synthetic cannabis,” arguing that, as written, the measure would ban those under 21 from buying CBD products. During his testimony, cannabis researcher Sean Murphy said the bill should ban “synthetic isomers.”  

“What we should be doing is… protecting people and finding bad operators that are selling Delta 8, Delta 9. The term is synthetic isomers; these get you high whereas [CBD] products don’t get you high.” — Murphy via Cowboy State Daily 

The Wyoming Department of Health also backed changing the definitions included in the bill as written.    

Rep. Sandy Newsome (R), the bill’s sponsor, told the committee that the measure, as written, would not ban topical products and that she kept the CBD language in the legislation to “get away from this whack-a-mole theory” in which the Legislature bans new drugs individually rather than all at once.     

The bill could be reconsidered by the committee with or without changes.  

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FDA Will Not Issue CBD Regulations, Plans to Work with Congress Instead

1/27/2023

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The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday denied three petitions to allow the marketing of CBD products as dietary supplements and said that the agency would “work with Congress” on a regulatory pathway for the cannabinoid. 

The statement was issued by Principal Deputy Commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock. 

“The use of CBD raises various safety concerns, especially with long-term use. Studies have shown the potential for harm to the liver, interactions with certain medications and possible harm to the male reproductive system. CBD exposure is also concerning when it comes to certain vulnerable populations such as children and those who are pregnant.” — Woodcock in a statement 

Woodcock said the decision would allow policymakers to develop “a new regulatory pathway for CBD … that balances individuals’ desire for access to CBD products with the regulatory oversight needed to manage risks.” 

Woodcock also said there are concerns about the potential risk of CBD for animals and that “people could be unknowingly exposed to CBD through meat, milk and eggs from animals fed CBD.”   

“Because it is not apparent how CBD products could meet the safety standard for substances in animal food,” she writes, “we also do not intend to pursue rulemaking allowing the use of CBD in animal food.” 

She added that the agency has “not found adequate evidence to determine how much CBD can be consumed, and for how long, before causing harm” and, therefore, “do not intend to pursue rulemaking allowing the use of CBD in dietary supplements or conventional foods.”   

An FDA report from 2021 noted that the CBD market has grown rapidly in recent years and estimated its worth at $4.6 billion. 

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Minnesota Senate Hears Cannabis Legalization Bill

1/27/2023

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A Minnesota Senate committee this week heard testimony on an adult-use cannabis legalization proposal – the first time any of the chamber’s committees have taken up a legalization measure, KARE11 reports. The bill, proposed by Sen. Lindsey Port (D), would allow retail cannabis sales and includes expungement provisions. 

Similar versions of the bill have passed the state House in the past but have never been taken up by the Senate – both chambers had been under Republican control, but Democrats won majorities in both the House and Senate last November.   

During the Public Safety Committee hearing, Port indicated the bill “will have 18 committee stops” before making it to the floor for a vote. A companion version in the House earlier this month passed the chamber’s Commerce Finance and Policy Committee.  

The measure was opposed during the hearing by the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association and the Minnesota Trucking Association. Both organizations delivered opposition testimony during other committee hearings on the measure.  

On a voice vote, the committee passed the bill without recommendation, but expects to hear more on the bill in the future as it works its way through the legislative process.  

According to a Marijuana Moment report, the House version this week also passed the House Labor and Industry Finance and Policy Committee – the fourth committee it cleared in the chamber – and the Senate version passed the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee.

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Northwest Missouri State University Partners with Green Flower for Cannabis Education Program

1/27/2023

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Northwest Missouri State University (NWMSU) is the latest U.S. college or university to partner with cannabis education company Green Flower for a cannabis certificate program, KSHB41 reports. So far, 170 students have enrolled in the program.  

In an interview with KSHB, NWMSU Associate Provost Dr. Jay Johnson, noted that the course “is not an advocacy program to help get people out of prison” and “not an advocacy program for people to use the drug or to take it medicinally,” rather a way to show people how the “plant works.” 

“There’s not a whole lot of education around it, other than the experience of people who have been doing this for years, perhaps in their basements.” — Johnson to KSHB 

The program includes four eight-week courses, including the Business of Cannabis, Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management, Cannabis Healthcare and Medicine, and Cannabis Agriculture and Horticulture. Students do not have to be enrolled in NWMSU to take the course. 

According to the Green Flower website, there are now 20 institutes of higher education offering Green Flower courses. Leafly’s 2021 Jobs Report shows there were 428,000 full-time employees in the U.S. cannabis industry.  

Missouri voters legalized cannabis for adult use during last November’s midterm elections. 

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