Laura Ingraham Cites Cannabis As Cause for Mass Shootings

6/02/2022

by

Fox News’s Laura Ingraham, host of The Ingraham Angle, suggested in a recent televised segment that the rising use and cultural acceptance of cannabis is an attributing factor to the trend of mass shootings in the U.S., Media Matters reports.

In a segment titled “The Unintended Consequences of Normalizing Pot,” the conservative television host honed in on the use of cannabis by the teenager who murdered 21 people last week — including 19 elementary school students and two teachers — in Uvalde, Texas.

In her segment, Ingraham highlights a report by the New York Times that had originally stated the school shooter had been a cannabis consumer. But the reference to cannabis was later pulled from online editions of the article, and Ingraham suggests the Times’ back-pedaling of that information could be due to a powerful “pro-marijuana bias” meant to protect the nascent, multi-billion-dollar cannabis industry.

“The American people are hearing a lot about AR-15’s and background checks, but they also deserve to hear about this as well. Respected medical studies for years now have demonstrated that pot use, especially among teens, can trigger psychosis and increase the chance that the young person will develop violent behaviors.” — Laura Ingraham, Fox News

Ingraham and her guest go on to discuss research findings that high-potency cannabis products can carry an increased chance of psychosis for some consumers, and suggest that more public education and awareness about the issue is warranted.

Ultimately, Ingraham fails to note that the modern mass shooting crisis — often characterized as beginning with the 1966 massacre at the University of Texas — outdates the modern cannabis legalization movement by nearly five decades.

End

CannaCon Midwest Returning to Detroit July 22-23

6/02/2022

by

The industry-leading and Michigan’s largest cannabis business exposition and conference CannaCon is returning to Detroit, Michigan July 22nd and 23rd.

From seed to seed money, CannaCon is a one-stop shop for all of your cannabis business needs, including cultivation, innovation, education, business and legal advice, retail insights, extraction technology, scientific and financial trends, marketing, branding and so much more. Network with like-minded entrepreneurs who are also building a bold, new industry. With over 250 exhibitors already signed up this year’s CannaCon Michigan event is poised to be the largest yet.

“CannaCon is the most amazing business-to-business cannabis convention of mainstream America,” said Marc Wasserman of The Pot Brothers at Law.

Each CannaCon expo is uniquely catered to the needs of the local industry — the upcoming event will feature seminars by former Detroit Lions players Calvin Johnson who will discuss the future of plant medicine, and Rob Simms who will be discussing the importance of collaboration in the cannabis industry. Other featured seminars will cover the topics of pheno hunts, modern website musts, the importance of choosing the right genetics,the benefits of omnichannel sales, and much more.

Every CannaCon event neatly demonstrates how the cannabis industry encompasses a lot more than just licensed cultivators and dispensaries — the expo floor is host to many important ancillary companies including technology firms, security specialists, software designers, and advertising consultants.

Register now to secure your spot at the biggest in-person cannabis industry networking event in over a year!

About CannaCon
CannaCon is dedicated to creating and strengthening lifelong partnerships within the emerging cannabis industry. It is our mission to provide a global B2B venue for cannabis businesses, marijuana entrepreneurs, investors and community partners to showcase industry products, people, innovations and technology. We are committed to cultivating business values within the cannabis industry through education and responsible community involvement.

Contact
Angelle Grelle
angela@cannacon.org

 

End

MendocinoCannabis.Shop: Supporting Small-Batch, Sun-Grown Legacy Cannabis Farmers

6/02/2022

by

Some shoppers walk down the aisles of a grocery store with a particular awareness; they key into allergens and read the ingredients on labels, look for locally grown or certified organic produce, or seek out their preferred brands. Small-batch, sun-grown legacy cannabis farmers in Mendocino are seeking to activate these shoppers in the cannabis sector.

MendocinoCannabis.Shop (which we will refer to from here on out as The Shop) is a platform developed for members of the Mendocino Cannabis Alliance (MCA), a trade association of cannabis farmers, retailers, distributors, and more who operate in Mendocino County. The Shop was built to introduce MCA members into new markets, in turn keeping the sun-grown legacy cannabis farming community alive.

Chiah Rodriques, MCA Committee Member and Co-founder of the family-owned and operated Arcanna Flowers, is one of the farmers featured in the shop. “If you’re a conscious consumer and you’re going into a health food store, or you’re purchasing organic, or beyond organic, or direct from a farmer because you go to a farmer’s market – you have a different way of thinking about where your medicine and your food comes from,” she said. “The more that consumers become conscious about their purchasing decisions, the better for us (small farmers).”

Rodriques’ Arcanna Flowers is one of 20 farms that took part in The Shop’s pilot program, which is now accepting new MCA farms and manufacturers. Farmers who sell through the platform take 90% of the pre-tax profits from each sale and the remaining 10% covers admin and fulfillment costs to keep the site running. Farmers also pay $200 per month towards shared marketing expenses to be included in the program.

MCA Executive Director Michael Katz played an important role in building the platform. “We’re just doing everything we can to help our Members survive as long as possible, raise our voices as loud as we can, and let people know that there is a way for them to access values-aligned cannabis,” Katz said. “It is essential that these groups have come together to figure this out because in the capitalist model there would be no room for this – but that’s why we need it so much. It is the core of everything that brought us to participate in the legal market, to come out of the shadows, and to share their products.”

California is oversaturated with cannabis flower which has driven down the price per pound. Because of this, legacy outdoor farmers are no longer able to turn a profit wholesaling flower by the pound. Many have been forced to take on the cost of packaging and branding their flower to stay afloat. Once the product is consumer-ready, the farmer has to get it on shelves, deal with unknown markets, and cater to consumers who haven’t yet seen the value of sun-grown products.

Another issue small-batch farmers face is coming up with funds to pay for retail shelf space and once they have, the products are subject to whatever markup the retailer sees fit. But this can lead to incorrectly priced small-batch flower sitting on shelves past their prime, Rodriques explained. “It’s hard to get shelf space or website space on a delivery service, sometimes you feel like you’re yelling into a black hole and nobody responds. It’s very hard for small farmers who don’t have the money to pay for shelf space or pay for fancy marketing to get representation, especially in larger areas where there’s a lot of consumers.”

In The Shop, farmers are guaranteed a certain number of SKUs, the ability to set their prices, and to receive a majority of the profit. The concept currently only works through the donation of time, effort, and resources by people who share MCA’s values. For example, MCA member Brandy Moulton donated the use of her Sacramento delivery license and built the rough framework for the website, which are key contributors to the concept. Distributors are also donating time and gas to deliver products from the farms to retailers.

“That’s the core of the legacy cannabis community that has entered into the licensed market. That community spirit, that sense of togetherness, and knowing we have to work together to combine our values with our resources and turn that into something that enables us to compete in what is now the cannabis industry,” said Katz.

The website was finished by Baked Brands Studio, a design agency that took the framework and turned it into the dynamic eCommerce platform The Shop uses now. The site is integrated with Dutchie and GreenBits to complete and track sales on both ends. MCA worked with Dutchie to build an account that fits their needs and remains compliant.

Now that the platform is out of the pilot phase, the farms behind The Shop are focused on sharing their stories and educating consumers on the value of sun-grown, small-batch cannabis products. Most cannabis consumers are geared towards pheno-hunting and high-THC strains, which is a far cry from cannabinoid-, terpene-, and flavonoid-rich sun-grown flowers. That isn’t to say that all hype strains are bad and those consumers should only be purchasing sun-grown but rather, that the consumers who shop for their groceries with discernment should be able to bring that same energy to the dispensary.

“The same people who care about where their food comes from should care about where their cannabis comes from. It’s only a matter of time until we reach them with our education or they start to search for values-aligned cannabis and that’s when they’ll find us. But we need to be out there in the market making people aware of what we’re doing in order for that to happen,” Katz said. “Small farmers need the support, but also consumers deserve to find quality products that are grown with care.”

The farmers who sell through The Shop aren’t just building cannabis brands, they’re sharing their lifestyle. Some are multi-generation cannabis farmers in the Emerald Triangle that have stepped into the light after decades of secrecy, trusting that regulated cannabis would provide a living wage – instead, their family farms are sinking. Rodriques is a second-generation Emerald Triangle cannabis farmer whose family lives where she cultivates. “We are bringing the story of generations,” she said. “Literally, I’m a second-generation farmer, my dad was doing this when I was a little kid. It was the culture here and we’re trying to hold onto that with our fingernails right now because we’re getting squelched.”

MendocinoCannabis.Shop is proving to be a lifeboat for its members, who hope the business model will proliferate through like-minded retailers throughout California. Products are now available for delivery in the Greater Sacramento area and Katz is in talks with folks all over the state who are interested in partnering with the program.

As they grow the platform, MCA members continue to advocate for small farmers at the local and state levels. Rodriques is one of six legacy farmers featured in Lady Buds, a documentary that shows the real-life struggles of moving into the regulated cannabis market. The MCA participated in a viewing of the documentary and Q&A session with state-level advocacy group Origins Council for lawmakers in Sacramento before a hearing on California’s craft cannabis bill AB-2691, and next will be showing the film at the Mendocino Film Festival. Since our interview, Arcanna Flowers and other farms from The Shop have been placed at Woody Harrelson’s new dispensary in West Hollywood, and several MCA farms won awards at The 2022 Emerald Cup. Consumers in Sacramento, Butte Counties, West Hollywood, and soon the Bay Area will have access to these small-batch products. And Katz added that “you can also come to Mendocino to experience our culture first hand.”

To support small cannabis farmers, ask your local budtender if they carry any sun-grown flower or small-batch products — and if they don’t … request some! It is also important to write and call local and state lawmakers to advocate for legislation that supports small farms and consumer safety. Those who want to learn more about the platform can check out MendocinoCannabis.Shop.

End

North Carolina Senate Votes to Permanently Legalize Hemp

6/02/2022

by

The North Carolina Senate on Tuesday voted unanimously on a measure that would permanently legalize hemp in the state, defining it as having less than 0.3% delta-9 THC and excluding it from the state’s controlled substances list, WRAL reports. State lawmakers temporarily legalized hemp in 2015 as part of a pilot program that expires at the end of June.

State Sen. Brent Jackson (R) told WRAL that the bill “is basically just confirming the hemp laws with federal models.” The 2018 federal Farm Bill legalized hemp nationally but left it up to the states to develop their program rules and regulations within the confines of the federal statute.

The chamber’s Rules Committee is expected today to hear a medical cannabis bill authored by committee Chairman Bill Rabon (R). The measure is expected to pass the committee, the report says, and could reach the Senate floor as early as Thursday.

The NC Compassionate Care Act would allow medical cannabis use for a narrow list of conditions, including cancer, epilepsy, post-traumatic stress disorder, HIV, AIDS, and Crohn’s disease. Chronic pain and anxiety are not included in the bill, which would be one of the strictest in the nation.

Dylan Watts, state Senate Republican political director, told Axios that polling indicates medical cannabis “is supported across party lines.”

“The issue seems to have almost been desensitized across all demographics,” he said.

A poll released last week from the Carolina Partnership for Reform, a conservative group, found that 82% of respondents supported the reforms. The group said it was “surprised” by the support which included 75% of Republicans, 87% of unaffiliated voters, 86% of Democrats, at least 78% of men and women, white and Black North Carolinians, liberals, moderates, and conservatives. The poll found that 77% of evangelical voters supported the reforms.

“In fact,” the group said in a post outlining the survey results, “it would be hard for us to point to an issue that we’ve surveyed in the last decade that unified our polarized electorate like legalizing medical marijuana does.”

If approved by the Senate, the bill would still require House approval before moving to the governor.

End

New York Proposes Cannabis Packaging, Marketing, and Testing Rules

6/02/2022

by

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management on Tuesday proposed regulations for product packaging, labeling, marketing, advertising, and laboratory testing to be considered by the Cannabis Control Board during its June 1 meeting. The proposals include child-resistant packaging, limiting marketing to adult audiences, and warning labels.

The proposed regulations for packaging and labeling include ensuring that cannabis packaging is child-resistant, tamper-evident, and non-toxic, and requires detailed labeling that includes relevant warnings and serving size details, potency, ingredients, and use and storage instructions. The proposals would also prohibit any packaging that is attractive to young people or that includes false or misleading statements. If approved by the board, the proposals would be subject to a 60-day public comment period.

The packaging labels proposed by regulators include a yellow caution sign with a cannabis leaf and “THC!,” a red circle with “21+” inside, and the New York State logo.

Office of Cannabis Management Executive Director Chris Alexander said in a press release that the proposed regulations mark “another big step forward for the industry” and “set the rules to help keep products away from children and ensure they’re of the highest quality and safe to consume.”

Cannabis Control Board Chair Tremaine Wright said the rules set “high standards for protecting children and keeping products safe and sustainable.”

New York regulators have not yet announced when legal sales will commence but have recently approved 146 conditional cultivation licenses and are reviewing as many as 200 additional applications.

End

Oklahoma Gov. Signs Massive Bill Package to Overhaul Medical Cannabis Industry

6/02/2022

by

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) on Friday signed several bills aiming to further regulate the state’s medical cannabis program, including a two-year moratorium on new licenses, State Impact Oklahoma reports. Stitt had previously signed legislation to increase penalties for medical cannabis diversion and make the state’s Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) a standalone agency.

Included in the bill package is:

  • HB4056, which requires a private laboratory under contract with OMMA to provide a list of recommendations for cannabis testing equipment, testing standards, and operating procedures. Starting in June 2024, laboratories renewing their licenses and would be new laboratories will have to comply with those standards.
  • HB3752, which requires commercial cultivators to restore the land to its original condition before abandoning the site.
  • HB3929, a bill to develop standards for process validation, which would be voluntary. Under the measure, licensees would use the seed-to-sale system, meet testing requirements, and pay a $5,000 annual fee.
  • SB1704, which implements a system of credentialing for cannabis industry employees. It allows one or more third-party vendors to conduct background checks, verify eligibility, and suitability and allow rejected applicants to appeal the decision to OMMA.
  • SB1737, which requires all commercial outdoor cultivators to register with the state Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry as environmentally sensitive crop owners, providing notice to nearby pesticide applicators in an effort to minimize pesticide drift. The measure also requires growers to post signage.
  • HB3530 uses cannabis-derived funds to create a County Sheriff Public Safety Grant Revolving Fund.
  • HB3019 requires cannabis purchased at dispensaries to be contained in an opaque bag, or exit package, which includes warnings.
  • HB3971, which implements a secret shopper program run by OMMA in which employees would purchase cannabis and send it for testing.
  • HB2179 increases the annual fee for cultivators based on canopy size, for processers based on the amount of cannabis processed, for dispensaries based on a tax formula, and a flat fee for testing labs.
  • SB1726 adds commercial grow facilities to the list of businesses that must be located at least 1,000 feet from a public or private school.

The OMMA, which will be responsible for implementing and regulating most of these reforms, will have its first director as a standalone agency on November 1. The director will be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate.

End

Matthew X. Lowe: Advancing Medicinal Cannabis & Psychedelics Research

6/01/2022

by

The federal prohibition of cannabis continues to make researching the plant difficult, especially when researchers want to work with THC-rich cannabis flower or any other industry-standard products. The issue has led to some new avenues for studying the plant, like in Colorado where the nonprofit Realm of Caring currently researches novel healthcare options including cannabis and hemp.

Ganjapreneur recently connected with Matthew X. Lowe, the Research Director for Realm of Caring and for Unlimited Sciences — which is a psychedelics research firm — to discuss cannabis and psychedelics medicinal research. This interview covers why this research is necessary, who benefits from it, the methods used to understand the healing possibilities of these compounds, and more!

Scroll down for the full interview.

Ganjapreneur: Why are you interested in cannabis and psychedelics research?

Matthew X. Lowe: While cannabis and psychedelics have been utilized by humans for millennia, we still have much to learn about them. In the U.S. alone, approximately half of American adults have tried cannabis at least once in their lives, and researchers in 2013 estimated that over 30 million people have tried psychedelics in their lifetime. Despite a growing body of research recognizing the therapeutic potential of these substances, the desire to use cannabis and psychedelics has often been treated as a pathology and deeply stigmatized. Restrictive drug scheduling of these substances under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which came into effect in 1971, significantly impeded scientific exploration and understanding, leaving us poorly equipped to manage the rapidly growing popularity of cannabis and psychedelics in our current climate. Further research is critically needed to understand the treatment effectiveness of these substances and how we can mitigate potential harm. Cannabis and psychedelics have had a profound impact in shaping the lives of millions of individuals, myself included—and through increased research, education and awareness, I believe these substances could positively impact countless more lives.

How does Realm of Caring assist medical patients?

Realm of Caring (RoC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization facilitating the mainstream acceptance of cannabinoid-based therapies and building an empowered community through research and education. RoC is committed to researching novel healthcare options to improve quality of life. We have served tens of thousands of families and healthcare professionals since 2013. In addition to our research directives, RoC operates a free call center that uses published research, including our own published data, to provide guidance to those who need it. Since 2015, we have logged almost 3 million minutes working one-on-one with individuals and medical professionals, sharing resources for finding quality products, administration best practices, potential interactions and how to measure success.

What is the Observational Research Registry (ORR)?

RoC’s Observational Research Registry (ORR), conducted in partnership with Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, is one of the largest cannabinoid studies in the world in terms of enrolled individuals. The ORR is an Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved, online survey study examining the real-world applications of cannabinoid products and participation is open to anyone in the world with internet access whether you use cannabis or not.

Can a brand benefit by having its product in the ORR? Are there specifications for what products go into the ORR?

Yes, a cannabis or hemp company can absolutely benefit from having its products in the ORR. ORR data represents an alternative solution to profile the medicinal use of cannabinoid products on individuals’ health conditions in their natural environment. Repeated assessments provide a rich opportunity to examine the impact of cannabinoid therapy over time among individuals with a diverse list of health conditions. ORR data also provides the opportunity to examine product dosing over time and between products. For a company this means they will receive: 1) A snapshot of product use in the natural environment of the consumer; whether domestically or internationally; 2) Thoughtful and meaningful demographic data on who is using their products and individuals’ anonymous self-reported therapeutic responses; and 3) Research and data that informs how the company develops and markets its products. For more information on products used in the ORR, please contact Realm of Caring.

What methods do you employ to gather reliable research data from medical cannabis patients?

To ensure our observational research gathers reliable data, we employ a study design that includes a mix of standardized measures that can be easily quantified, therefore ensuring that our methodology can be replicated by other researchers, and open-ended questions that allow for qualitative, firsthand accounts of experiences, which otherwise couldn’t be captured by standardized measures alone. Our research is IRB-approved and conducted in collaboration with world-renowned experts at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and our research is published in peer-reviewed journals that critically assess the validity and reliability of research data prior to publication.

What is the mission at Unlimited Sciences? How does your role at the brand support that mission?

We’re facing a paradigm shift with psychedelics, similar to what we’ve seen with medical cannabis in recent decades—and research is ramping up to reveal the full therapeutic value. Unlimited Sciences is a psychedelic research nonprofit started in 2018 as a fiscal sponsee of the Realm of Caring Foundation that combines the power of data and lived experiences to serve the community, educate the public and inform commonsense practices and policies surrounding psychedelics. As the Director of Research, my objective is to achieve a standard of research that will have a significant positive contribution to our understanding of psychedelics as an efficacious therapeutic tool. By conducting careful and thoughtful observational research, we can realize both the extraordinary benefits and the potential risks of psychedelics.

Why did Unlimited Sciences begin by studying Psilocybin? Will the scope of research eventually expand to other psychedelic medicines?

In recent years, psilocybin has seen an easing of restrictions and a marked increase in popularity. Active legislative efforts for the decriminalization of psilocybin exist in several states across the U.S. Additionally, an estimated 1 in 10 individuals in the U.S. have used psilocybin at some point in their lives, representing an enormous potential of untapped data that could have profound implications in our understanding of psychedelics. Since 2020, in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Psychedelic & Consciousness Research, the Unlimited Sciences observational psilocybin registry has enrolled over 7,000 individuals. Building and expanding on the success of our psilocybin registry, Unlimited Sciences is currently developing a general registry to learn more about the positive and/or negative outcomes of using psychoactive medicines in naturalistic settings and any potential factors that could affect those outcomes. By collecting data from individuals who are already utilizing or planning to use psychedelics, we aim to tap into an existing database of people who can share their experiences and help change the face of psychedelic medicine.

Why are survey studies valuable for psychedelics? How are mitigating factors taken into account in this study?

Clinical trials are crucial to understanding the acute effects of psychedelics. However, most individuals currently using psychedelics are not doing so within the controlled environment of a laboratory. Survey studies capture critical data from real-world psychedelic experiences where set and setting can vary substantially from one individual to the next (“set” is an individual’s mindset and “setting” refers to their physical and social environment). Well-conducted observational research studies can result in a breadth of information collected about a particular behavior and these studies are essential for understanding the full spectrum of the psychedelic experience. Furthermore, observational research can play a significant role in the reversal of stigmas caused by the prohibition of psychedelics. Although observational research is an invaluable tool to understand the human experience, such studies are limited by their susceptibility to bias due to a reliance on self-report data, which is something a placebo-controlled clinical trial mitigates. However, observational data can provide strong foundations and pave the way for clinical trials research.

What are the challenges with researching psychedelic medicines? Are they similar to the challenges cannabis researchers face?

There are several challenges faced by both cannabis and psychedelics researchers, largely due to decades of federal prohibition and the current restrictive drug schedules. Despite the recent proliferation of private investment in psychedelic and cannabinoid-based drug development, there are still many barriers to federally supported research. Compared to the recent rapid increase in popularity and usage of these substances, there is still a lack of research on the safety, legal, social and ethical implications of cannabis and psychedelic medicines. Although weighed down and restricted by political discourse, cannabis and psychedelic therapy should be treated as a health issue, not a political issue and it is essential that research is not only allowed but encouraged through federal support.

What areas of research are you most excited to explore in the coming year?

There is a need for innovation beyond our current approaches to mental and physical healthcare and the therapeutic value of these substances is boundless. I am most excited to see this movement continue to gain traction and enter mainstream acceptance, with a focus on individualized medicine and how we can alleviate suffering in innumerable conditions of the body and mind. In the coming year, Unlimited Sciences will focus our efforts on the development of our upcoming general registry and seek to forge a new path in our approach to healthcare.

Will you elaborate on what you mean by individualized medicine and why this is vital when prescribing cannabis and/or psychedelic treatments?

A ‘one size fits all’ approach to healthcare can often be detrimental to the needs of the individual. Individualized medicine—also known as personalized or precision medicine—tailors medical products and treatment approaches to the individual based on their unique medical, genetic, environmental, and personal history. For example, the needs of a 70-something mostly sedentary female patient with chronic pain differ from a 40-something active male with chronic pain. With an individualized approach to medical cannabis, treatment can be optimized to suit the goals of the individual, including dosage, dosing schedule and route of administration, and cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid content. Our observational research focuses on understanding the contributing factors that lead to treatment success or failure at the individual level by examining a broad array of environmental, medical, and personal metrics. By collecting data from individuals we can learn how best to optimize treatment strategies.

There are various testimonies of abuse in psychedelic therapy settings that span back decades. How can a patient be confident in their safety when engaging with an intentionally healing psychedelic experience? Can you share any ‘red flags’ to help others avoid harm?

The relationship between a therapist or facilitator and the patient is a key component of successful treatment. As the psychedelic community rapidly grows, many U.S. states are attempting to create regulated models for psychedelic services, including setting standards to which the training and in-the-field work of psychedelic facilitators must be held. Before engaging in psychedelic therapy, ensure sufficient mechanisms have been put in place for safety practices and ethical standards to protect individuals from harm and provide optimal support should an experience be negative. Look for strong and transparent standards around training, transparent and regular evaluation of facilitators, channels for accountability and compassionate care, and systems to recognize and investigate formal complaints. Psychedelic facilitators should be held to the same high standards as traditional therapists, and it’s just as critical to finding a facilitator whom you feel comfortable and secure with. Before engaging in psychedelic therapy, take the time to familiarize yourself with your facilitator, including the discussion of treatment approaches and setting boundaries, and to look for any red flags that could compromise the integrity of a psychedelic facilitator or guide, including lack of experience, inflated ego, violations of confidentiality, ineffective communication, defensiveness when given feedback, and lack of boundaries. Finally, since integration (the process of integrating the insights of a psychedelic experience into daily life) is a critical component of successful psychedelic therapy and harm reduction, discuss integration practices and approaches with your facilitator, including support should your experience lead to negative or difficult emotions.

Thanks, Matthew, for answering all of our questions! Learn more at RealmOfCaring.org or UnlimitedSciences.org.

End

Canada Temporarily Decriminalizes Four Drugs in B.C. as Overdose Deaths Rise

6/01/2022

by

The Canadian government on Tuesday announced temporary decriminalization of possession of small amounts of illegal drugs in British Columbia as the province grapples with the nation’s highest rate of overdose deaths, the New York Times reports. The policy covers possession of up to 2.5 grams total of opioids, cocaine, MDMA, and methamphetamine.

The reforms will take effect on January 31, 2023, and will remain in place for three years. They will not apply in airports, schools, childcare centers, aboard Coast Guard vessels or helicopters, or for military members, the report says.

British Columbia declared drug-related deaths a public health emergency in 2016 and, since the pandemic, opioid use in the province caused a record 2,224 deaths in 2021, compared to 1,767 in 2020. The rate is one of the highest per capita in North America, the report says.

Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s provincial health officer, issued a report in 2018 calling for broad drug decriminalization and said during a press conference that at the time, “there was not a lot of support for it, at any level.”

The reforms are backed by police associations, families of individuals that have died from drug overdoses, peer support workers, and the province’s chief coroner, but some have called for the policy to be expanded nationally and to allow larger possession limits. Under the policy, individuals over 18 found carrying the four drugs will not be charged, arrested, or have their drugs seized; instead, police will ask if the person would like to be referred to health and social services.

End

Illinois Judge Ends Order Blocking 185 New Adult-Use Cannabis Licenses

6/01/2022

by

An Illinois judge has removed the stay blocking the issuance of 185 adult-use cannabis licenses, the Chicago Tribune reports. Barring further litigation, the ruling by Cook County Circuit Judge Michael Mullen will allow licensees, many of whom are Black and Latino, to begin opening and to proceed with activities like requesting zoning approval, purchasing real estate, ordering supplies, and hiring employees, all of which had been put on hold.

The 10-month delay came after plaintiffs filed the lawsuit, claiming they were unfairly excluded from the latest round of license lottery winners. One of the plaintiffs, WAH Group LLC, withdrew its case, prompting the judge to lift the order blocking the licenses.

“People are super excited to move forward,” said attorney Ryan Holz, who represents businesses granted licenses and some who were excluded. He cautions, however, that the group who filed the original stay could ask for a new court order, further delaying the process. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (DFPR) indicated they will give guidance on the next steps once a federal case related to Illinois‘ in-state residency requirement is decided, the report says.

“Today is a key development toward our ultimate goal of creating the most diverse, inclusive, and robust adult-use cannabis industry of any state in the country,” DFPR Secretary Mario Treto Jr. told the Tribune. “We stand ready to swiftly move forward in ensuring Illinois’ standing as a national leader in the advancement of cannabis equity.”

The Tribune noted that the state is working on three new lotteries to help those who continue to say their license applications were wrongly denied.

End

Indiana Lawmakers Put Cannabis Policy on Agenda for Summer Study Committee

6/01/2022

by

Indiana lawmakers have included cannabis policy on their agenda for a summer study committee. Leaders from both parties on the committee will consider policies on “delta-8, delta-9, and other THC products regarding potential health benefits, potential decriminalization, and other potential consequences.”

State Rep. Terri Austin (D-Anderson), chair of the House Democratic Caucus, told FOX 59 that “there’s just a whole lot” lawmakers need to consider on cannabis policy in the Hoosier State.

“Do we need to have some behind the counter frameworks in place for sale? Do we need to have some age requirements?” – Austin to FOX 59

Last week, State Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray (R) told reporters that lawmakers need to be informed on delta-8 and delta-9 as “a lot of members of the General Assembly aren’t overly familiar with what those products are.” Although he said he was unsure whether any legislation would come from the committee’s work.

“We in Indiana have been slower to go that direction than states that are surrounding us, as you all know, but we don’t live in a vacuum,” Bray said, according to FOX 59.

Jason Straw, chairman of Indiana NORML, told FOX 59 that stakeholders and lawmakers in the state “need to have a wholehearted discussion about cannabis, all forms of cannabis.”

Ahead of the 2022 session, Indiana Democrats called on the Legislature to consider broad cannabis legalization, and multiple bills were filed by both Democrats and Republicans to enact the reforms but were not discussed by either chamber.

End

Federal Lawsuit Over Curaleaf’s THC/CBD Mix Up Seeks $200 for Each Customer

6/01/2022

by

A federal lawsuit filed Monday seeks $200 apiece and class-action status for hundreds of customers who bought what they thought were CBD drops manufactured by Curaleaf that contained THC, The Oregonian reports. The mix-up led to sweeping product recalls and at least 10 individual lawsuits, which were settled in January, and one lawsuit with a wrongful death claim.

The products were sold in Oregon under the Select label and state regulators have proposed a 70-day suspension for the company and a record $200,000 fine.

The lawsuit is filed by Michael Fuller, a Portland attorney who filed the 10 lawsuits that were previously settled. The new litigation seeks $200 per customer regardless of whether they were made ill by the products. Earlier this year, Fuller settled a similar lawsuit against Cura Cannabis, a subsidiary of Curaleaf, for mislabeled cannabis vapes. That settlement produced a $200 payout for each claimant, the report says.

According to an Oregonian report outlining the mix-up, Curaleaf kept THC and CBD in two buckets stored in a caged area inside its Portland manufacturing facility. The buckets had different colored lids but were otherwise similar and stored next to one another on a shelf, according to investigative records outlined by the newspaper. Each bucket had a small identification number written on a tag affixed to the handle with a rubber band and the identification numbers on the buckets were one digit apart from one another. While bottling both the THC and CBD drops, an employee left one of the tags on a counter and proceeded to confuse the buckets, according to the report, leading to THC ending up in CBD bottles.

Curaleaf has not commented on the pending lawsuit but indicated it has made several reforms to its processes to prevent similar incidents.

 

End

Virginia Lawmakers Considering Stricter Cannabis Possession Laws

5/31/2022

by

In budget language unveiled Sunday, Virginia legislative leaders would create a new criminal misdemeanor for possession of more than four ounces of cannabis, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reports. It is the third time this year that state lawmakers have considered creating new laws for cannabis possession despite passing a legalization bill in April 2021.

The budget compromise is backed by House Appropriations Chairman Barry Knight (R) and Senate Finance and Appropriations Chair Janet Howell (D). The amendment would create a new law criminalizing public cannabis possession of more than four ounces and charge them with a class three criminal misdemeanor and potential fines up to $500. Second or subsequent offenses would be a class two misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000, the report says.

The state’s legalization law allows for possession of up to an ounce for personal use and the home cultivation of up to four plants. Possession of anything more than an ounce up to a pound is punishable by a $25 civil penalty, with possession of more than a pound being a felony.

In an email sent to lawmakers on Sunday, Chelsea Higgs Wise, executive director of the group Marijuana Justice Virginia, urged lawmakers to “stop finding more ways to criminalize Virginians.”

“Virginia officials must not allow the budget document to become a legislative workaround to enforce the will of the administration at the exclusion of the voice and will of the people,” she wrote in the letter, according to the Times-Dispatch.

Legalization is opposed by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who was elected after the reform bill was approved but before the industry was set up. He supported legislation to create new crimes for cannabis possession but they were not enacted by the Legislature.

End

Pre-Roll Production: How to Make Your Own Pre-Rolled Cones

5/31/2022

by

So you’ve decided to offer pre-rolled cones; this is a lucrative and amazing business move that can elevate existing businesses and create a strong foundation for new companies. Pre-rolled cones are one of the most popular ways that customers consume cannabis. Pre-rolled cones save your customers time, money, and product, ensuring that they will never go out of style. When assessing how to make a pre-roll, it important to use processes that will save your business time, money, and product.

Every step is essential to creating the best product, from pre-rolling a cone to filling cone papers, to knowing how to package cones. When thinking about how to start a pre-roll company, knowing all the main steps that enable you to make the best pre-roll cone will aid you immensely.

Step 1: Preparing Cannabis For Pre-Rolls

While preparing cannabis might seem like the easy part, there are several important steps to guarantee your pre-rolled cones are high-quality!

Grinding Cannabis for Pre-Roll Production

One of the essential steps to making your own pre-roll cones is getting the perfect grind of the product. A bad grind can ruin the whole pre-rolled cone and turn customers off your product – no one wants that! If the weed flower is not ground correctly, your pre-rolls will be hard to smoke, and the pre-roll will not hold as much product as it should.

When it comes to making pre-rolled cones, a handheld grinder won’t cut it. They will waste precious labor and time, preventing your company from getting pre-rolls in customers’ hands. This is where industrial grinders come into play. Industrial grinders can finely grind pounds of weed in seconds. The benefits are clear; you’ll be able to produce large quantities of finely ground marijuana.

Sifting Out Stems

How to make a pre-roll without any pesky stems is another crucial part of pre-roll production. No one wants stems in their pre-rolls; they don’t burn well and take up space that should be filled with marijuana. Larger stems can even tear the pre-roll paper. This is why sifters are a must-have for pre-rolled joint companies. Sifters come with various screen sizes that can sift even the smallest stem out of the ground cannabis. If your business also makes concentrates, sifters can be used to sift out kief.

Some industrial grinders also function as stem removers; you can use these machines without sifters or with an extra layer of stem removal by using sifters.

Step 2: Choose the Type of Pre-Rolled Cone to Fill

After you’ve produced premium ground weed, the next question about how to make a cone joint is choosing the perfect cone. Cones come in many varieties, and picking the one that works best for your business is essential.

Size Makes All the Difference

When it comes to making pre-rolls, size matters. Cones come in many different lengths; 1 ¼, 98 Special, and King Size are considered the Holy Trinity of cone sizes. Each size holds a different amount of cannabis, typically ranging from 0.5 grams to 2 grams. When your business decides the amount of marijuana you want your cones to hold, you can choose pre-rolls based on that amount.

Filter Tips

How to use pre-rolled tips is yet another variable to take into account when you make your own pre-roll cones. Shorter filters will result in more potent hits, and longer filters provide lighter, cooler hits. The length of the tip will also affect the amount of cannabis that goes into the pre-roll. Knowing how to make pre-rolled cones that contain tips while meeting your standard fill amount is paramount in your pre-roll production.

The material and roll of the tips also affect the smoking experience. For example, spiral and W tips better prevent the loose flower from being inhaled and hitting customers’ mouths. These tips also increase draw resistance, which cools the smoke before consumers inhale it. Tips can also be made from glass and wood. These tips provide a more premier smoking experience; they ensure thicker and cooler clouds while adding a luxury aesthetic to your pre-rolls.

Choosing how the size and tips come together will help you make pre-rolls that reflect your company and your customer base. Knowing how to use pre-rolled tips to create a joint that reflects your business is essential!

Wholesale Pre-Rolls

When it comes to packing cones, you should always buy empty pre-rolls and tips at wholesale value. This will mean you buy in bulk, which is perfect for producing large quantities of pre-rolls. Wholesale prices will also keep your costs low, and you will be able to offer your filled pre-rolls at lower retail rates, which in turn enables you to be competitive within the pre-roll market.

Step 3: Filling Pre-Rolled Cones

Filling the pre-rolled cones can be one of the most sensitive and delicate parts of pre-roll production. Hand-filling cones leads to wasted time and product. This is why we recommend pre-roll companies use cone-filling machines. These machines are simple to use; place the pre-rolls into the machine and use the features to fill it with your ground marijuana!

The question of how to pack a pre-rolled cone can seem daunting, but cone-filling machines make it much more straightforward. Machines can fill hundreds of cones in minutes, increasing your production time and profit. Cone-filling machines work in different ways, yet all are effective in packing cones.

How Cone-Filling Machines Work

The first standard way machines work to fill pre-roll cone papers is by using vibrations to pack cannabis from the top down. This creates an even pack; the tamper tool that comes with these machines enables the perfect technique for stuffing a cone. If you use semi-automatic machines, purchasing assembly trays that will hold the cones upright while employees twist the tops is vital. However, cone-filling machines can be fully automatic; this is highly time-saving when it comes to how to fill pre-rolled cones. These fully automated machines create the entire cone, right down to weighing and twisting the end.

Whether pre-rolled joint companies are small or large scale, the question of how to stuff a cone has never been answered so thoroughly. These cone-filling machines are essential for high-quality and quick pre-roll production.

Step 4: Packaging The Pre-Rolls

Since you know all about how to pack a pre-rolled cone, let’s get into the next step! Cannabis packaging is a fundamental part of making pre-rolled cones. Pre-roll packaging comes in several options, and we will cover some of the most used.

Pre-Roll Tubes

One of the most popular is pre-roll tubes. Tubes are perfect if your customers are on-the-go. Once you’ve mastered how to make a pre-roll, these tubes provide discreet and lightweight packaging. Both plastic and glass tubes can also be recyclable and reusable, which is ideal for targeting the ever-expanding environmentally conscious consumer base.

Pre-Roll Tins

One of the best ways to package after you know how to make a pre-roll is with tins. Tins are also reusable, and they can hold multiple cones. Tin containers provide unique packaging options for your pre-rolls that will help you stand out from the competition.

Pre-Roll Boxes

Pre-roll boxes come in both paper and plastic. These boxes are aesthetic and handy. They can hold a pre-roll easily after mastering how to make a cone joint. Boxes are light but durable; if your customers travel with pre-rolls, this packaging option will keep the cones protected and easily packed.

Mylar Bags

Mylar bags should be a staple in any pre-roll business. These bags are perfect for customers on the go and prolonged cannabis storage. All other packaging (tubes, tins, boxes, etc.) are often packaged within mylar bags. However, you can also package loose pre-rolls within mylar bags.

Child Resistant Packaging

Regardless of how to pre-roll a cone and how to package it, packaging in the cannabis industry typically must be child-resistant. Every state requires cannabis packaging to be child-resistant. Tubes, tins, and boxes all come with child-resistant options, including squeeze tops, pushbuttons, or breakable seals. When you make your own pre-roll cones, packaging in child-resistant storage is 100% vital. Without child-resistant packaging, pre-roll companies are at risk of penalties or even losing their license and the ability to produce pre-rolls.

Step 5: The Finishing Touches

So you know how to make pre-rolled cones, how to pack a pre-rolled cone, and how to package pre-rolls. What’s left? Surprisingly, some of the most important aspects of having a successful pre-roll business!

Customization

When thinking about starting a pre-roll company, branding should be at the forefront of your mind. You want your logo to be eye-catching and memorable to create customer recognition and loyalty. Easier said than done, so how do pre-rolls work when it comes to customization? One of the best things about branding is that it’s versatile to fit your vision. You can create tamper-proof seals with custom stickers. Your business can also customize the packaging itself; you can print your logo right onto the cannabis packaging. Customization is the marketing gift that keeps on giving and is essential to building your business.

Many packaging suppliers also offer designers that can create branding for you. You’ll have complete control over creating an emblem for your company, which is perfect if you are starting a new business.

Retail Displays

When thinking about how pre-rolls work in the retail space, retail displays may be a perfect finishing touch for your pre-rolls. If you plan to sell your pre-rolls in the retail space, providing retail displays is a great option. Retail displays will put your pre-rolls front and center in any head shop. Displays will also create name recognition within businesses selling your pre-rolls, strengthening your relationships with suppliers.

The Bottom Line

Creating a line of pre-rolled cones can seem daunting, but following these steps will make it easier! Creating high-quality pre-rolled cones will elevate your business and keep customers happy and coming back for more. As you embark on making your own pre-rolled cones, use these tools to create the perfect product. We cannot wait to see your pre-rolls on shelves soon!

End

Former Cannabis CEO Sentenced to 22 Months In Prison for Bribery, Tax Crimes

5/31/2022

by

Helios Dayspring, the founder and former CEO of California-based Natural Healing Center, last week was sentenced to 22 months imprisonment for bribing a public official and filing a false tax return, the Los Angeles Times reports. Dayspring had previously pleaded guilty to felony charges and agreed to pay $3.4 million in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

In the plea agreement, Dayspring admitted to bribing San Louis Obispo County Supervisor Adam Hill to support his cannabis businesses, paying Hill a total of $32,000 in exchange for votes favoring legislation that permitted Dayspring’s cannabis farms to operate before getting final approval. Dayspring also admitted to attempting to bribe the former Grover Beach Mayor John Shoals in 2017 in exchange for two dispensary licenses, but Shoals did not accept the bribe.

During sentencing last Friday, U.S. District Judge André Birotte Jr. said the case was “troubling” because “it goes to the heart of government process” as several other members of the city council have been accused of taking bribes.

Hill died in August 2020 of an overdose of antidepressants and cocaine, which authorities ruled a suicide.

In the plea agreement, Dayspring admitted that he first bribed Hill with three $3,000 money orders and an additional $9,000 in cash the following year, the report says. Dayspring also admitted to underreporting his personal income on his federal tax returns by more than $3.4 million for four years. He had faced a maximum sentence of 13 years in federal custody.

During the hearing, Thomas Rybarczyk, an assistant U.S. attorney, told Birotte that Dayspring “was trying to fix the game” and “make sure no one else got in.” He added that Dayspring’s cooperation with authorities led to no new investigations.

End

Chatham County, Georgia DA Will No Longer Prosecute Low-Level Cannabis Crimes

5/31/2022

by

The Chatham County, Georgia district attorney last week said she would no longer prosecute cannabis possession cases dealing with less than one ounce, WTOC-11 reports. Chatham County District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones said the reforms are necessary as the Georgia Bureau of Investigation will not test small amounts of cannabis unless other felony charges are involved.

“Without a verified test, the state cannot prove that the accused violated the law. … Disposing of low-level petty offenses that do not threaten public safety and do not involve a victim allows the state to focus already-limited resources on the serious cases that do.” – Jones, in a statement

Since 2019, prosecutors in other Georgia counties including Cobb, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Athens-Clarke, and Augusta-Richmond have made similar announcements, some saying the legalization of hemp has made it hard to determine legal products from illegal, THC-rich products.

Jones said she would still prosecute cases where there is more than an ounce involved, sales, possession around children and in school zones, and in impaired driving cases, the report says.

Chatham County Sheriff John Wilcher indicated that his department would continue arresting people for possessing any amount of cannabis due to state and federal laws. Jones’ new policy takes effect immediately.

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson told WTOC-11 that the new directive “just makes sense.”

“We have several states in this country that have legalized marijuana use either recreationally or for medicinal purposes,” he said. “And the fact again, for under an ounce, I think is just a waste of public resources.”

End

California Total Cannabis Tax Revenue Approaching $4 Billion

5/30/2022

by

California cannabis sales have generated $3.76 billion in total tax revenue since legalization took effect in January 2018, according to a California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) report.

The report published last week found that during the first quarter of 2022, the state had earned $293.54 million including $156.36 in excise taxes, $32.68 million through the cultivation tax, and $104.50 million in sales tax revenues. The first-quarter earnings this year were slightly lower than fourth-quarter earnings in 2021, which reached $316.59 million.

Since the market’s launch, California‘s total cannabis tax revenue of $3.76 billion has included $1.91 billion in excise taxes, $467.75 million in cultivation taxes, and $1.38 billion in sales taxes.

The tax totals reported by CDTFA do not include outstanding returns or any locally imposed taxes by cities and/or counties.

A bipartisan bill containing tax credits for licensed cannabis dispensaries passed the California state Senate on Thursday, moving on to the Assembly for policy hearings.

Additionally, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) revealed a tax proposal earlier this month that would eliminate the state’s cannabis cultivation tax but seek to make up the difference by increasing excise taxes after several years. Meanwhile, a recent Reason Foundation report found the state could double its cannabis tax revenues by eliminating its cultivation tax entirely, which would help licensed companies compete with the unregulated market’s lower prices, the authors noted.

End

Europe’s Leading Psychedelic Conference Returns to Amsterdam

5/27/2022

by

The OPEN Foundation invites you to the Interdisciplinary Conference on Psychedelic Research this September, featuring the world’s best experts on psychedelic science and therapy.

AMSTERDAM, May 26, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The OPEN Foundation, a European non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing psychedelic research and the responsible integration of psychedelics into science, healthcare, and society since 2007, is proud to announce the 5th edition of its pioneering and sought-after Interdisciplinary Conference on Psychedelic Research (ICPR), taking place on September 22-24, 2022 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

ICPR 2022 will showcase the latest findings in psychedelic science, novel approaches in psychedelic therapy, and feature developments in policy, consciousness research, neuroscience, philosophy, and much more. Research participant perspectives are featured prominently, and experts will discuss issues around ethics, investment, and the hype surrounding psychedelics.

“Psychedelics have never been hotter,” said Joost Breeksema, the executive director of OPEN Foundation and the organiser of ICPR 2022.

“Studies are published in high-ranking journals like Nature and Science, investors are throwing millions at psychedelic start-ups, and new companies pop up like mushrooms,” Breeksema explains. “And it’s in their interest to make psychedelics look like miracle cures. They are not magic bullets but are promising. So we need to discuss openly and critically how we can remain balanced and ensure the potential of psychedelics can be optimised without compromising safety.”

ICPR 2022 will feature over a hundred experts from psychiatry, healthcare policy, neuroscience, the humanities, and pharmacology. Besides engaging lectures, there will be interactive panel discussions, experiential workshops, symposia, film screenings, social gatherings, and much more. ICPR 2022 will facilitate opportunities to meet and connect with world-renowned experts like Paul Stamets, Katrin Preller, David Nutt, Amanda Feilding, Roland Griffiths, Kim Kuypers, Rick Doblin, Janis Phelps, David Nichols, Monnica Williams, Peter Gasser, Mendel Kaelen, Erika Dyck, Matthias Liechti, Bernardo Kastrup, and many more speakers.

“Since 2007 our focus has been on high-quality science”, said Breeksema. “But we are talking about vulnerable people receiving very powerful and potentially destabilising experiences. We need to talk about challenges and risks transparently. How do we deal with therapist transgressions? And how do we make sure treatments are safe, accessible, and inclusive? To discuss these crucial topics together is why we organise this conference”.

ICPR 2022 is the perfect opportunity to learn and connect with academics, therapists, researchers, clinicians, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and members of the public interested in advancing psychedelic research and therapies.

Tickets are now on sale here and you can save €100 by using the special code: PRESS100

Learn more about ICPR 2022 by connecting on social media using the #ICPR2022 hashtag.

LinkedIn
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube

About ICPR: The Interdisciplinary Conference on Psychedelic Research (ICPR) is Europe’s pioneering and one of the largest conferences dedicated to advancing psychedelic research and therapies organised by the OPEN Foundation since 2010. ICPR is a biennial conference with a focus on science, therapy, and critical perspectives for academics, therapists, researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and members of the public.

About the OPEN Foundation: Founded in 2007, the OPEN Foundation is the leading non-profit organisation in the Netherlands and Europe dedicated to advancing the knowledge and understanding of psychedelics through research. We aim to optimise the potential of psychedelics in a therapeutic context and to help integrate psychedelics into society in a way that’s both sustainable and responsible. We fulfil our mission by bringing together and educating professionals, policymakers, and the public through conferences, training, membership programmes, and by facilitating and promoting rigorous, interdisciplinary research.

For more information contact:
Joost Breeksema
info@open-foundation.org

End

California Senate Advances Tax Credits for Cannabis Businesses

5/27/2022

by

A California bill to create a tax credit for commercial cannabis retailers passed the state Senate on Thursday moving it next to the Assembly for policy hearings. The measure passed by a bipartisan 26-3 vote.

Under the legislation, legal cannabis businesses would receive a tax credit that is 25% of the amount of some qualified business expenses paid or incurred in a taxable year, not to exceed $250,000. The bill covers employment compensation equal to or above 150% of minimum wage including benefits, safety-related equipment and services, and employee workforce development and safety training.

According to California state Sen. Scott Weiner’s (D) Office, the bill is backed by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Western States Council.

“Prop 64 was a major step forward for cannabis access, but our legal retailers are in danger of losing business to the illicit market, in part due to high taxes. SB 1336 will give legal businesses a much-needed leg up so Californians can continue to access safe and tested cannabis products.” – Weiner in a press release

In the press release, the senator estimated that the state’s unregulated cannabis market is worth about $8 billion and that licensed operators are “struggling under the weight of its unlicensed and untaxed competition.”

Additionally, “legal cannabis businesses deal with overhead costs associated with health, safety, and security protections that other industries do not,” Weiner’s Office said in the release. “And because the sale of cannabis remains illegal federally, these businesses are ineligible for tax deductions and credits related to normal overhead expenses.”

The measure has not yet been assigned to any Assembly committees.

End

Nearly 100 Medical Cannabis Products Recalled in Oklahoma

5/27/2022

by

The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) on Monday issued a recall for 99 medical cannabis products, according to an agency notice. The recall coincides with the suspension of Scale Laboratories’ license by the state commissioner of health for violating OMMA rules.

“We are first and foremost concerned about the health, safety, and welfare of patients who might consume harmful marijuana products. Let this serve as a warning to any licensee attempting to skirt state laws. We work diligently behind the scenes to find and take down the bad actors within this industry.” — OMMA Executive Director Adria Berry, in a statement

During inspections at Scale in April, state agents found numerous rule violations, including falsely passing 138 samples for mold and yeast, nine for aspergillus, five for E. coli, and one for salmonella. Other strikes include improper procedures and record-keeping for pesticide and heavy metal testing, manipulating records, and deviation from the company’s “standard operation procedures,” the alert notes.

“If you’re engaging in actions that threaten the health and safety of Oklahomans, you won’t get away with it,” Berry said. “Our inspection teams are working across the state to keep Oklahomans safe by identifying problems and gathering the necessary evidence to help shut down bad actors that choose to break the law.”

Last Thursday, OMMA contacted 33 businesses about the 99 recalled products. OMMA rules insist producers then contact dispensaries where the contaminated products were sold, who then must contact patients who purchased the products. OMMA says patients should contact dispensaries for questions and return recalled products to the point of purchase.

A list of the recalled products can be found on OMMA’s website.

End

South Dakota Cannabis Legalization Initiative Approved for Midterm Ballots

5/27/2022

by

South Dakota voters will vote on cannabis legalization this November after the secretary of state on Wednesday said the petition submitted by South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws was valid, KEVN reports. The organization submitted more than 20,000 signatures but needed about 17,000.

Matthew Schweich, campaign director for the advocacy group, said advocates are “very pleased and excited” for the campaign ahead but warned that if a measure being voted on in the June primary – which would require two-thirds support for initiatives that would force the state to spend more than $10 million – is approved, it could work against the adult-use initiative.

”They may still file a lawsuit under Amendment C to raise the threshold to 60% and drag us back into court. That really illustrates the problem with Amendment C. It’s convoluted, it’s open-ended, and it’s ripe for abuse. This is another weapon for people to use to undermine the initiative process.” – Schweich to KEVN

In 2020, South Dakota voters legalized both adult-use and medical cannabis but a judge ultimately ruled the amendment invalid finding the reforms violated a 2018 law prohibiting constitutional amendment initiatives from dealing with multiple issues. The medical cannabis reforms, however, were enacted by the state.

The lawsuit was brought at the behest of Republican Gov. Kristie Noem by Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Rick Miller and Pennington County Sheriff Kevin Thom.

A poll released in December conducted by Mason Dixon and sponsored by South Dakota News Watch and the University of South Dakota’s Chiesman Center found that 51.2% of South Dakotans disapproved of Noem’s response to the approval of the ballot question, with 33.4% strongly disapproving of the decision to force the issue to the state Supreme Court, and 17.8% somewhat disapproving.

End

Lone Halloween Season Cannabis Complaint Unrelated to Trick-or-Treating

5/27/2022

by

The New York Attorney General’s Office received just one complaint related to cannabis after Attorney General Letitia James, during the Halloween season, sent a warning to parents to be on the lookout for “unregulated and deceptive cannabis products,” WGRZ reports. Every Halloween, officials throughout the U.S. warn about cannabis-infused candy being handed out to children and the claims are usually unsubstantiated.

The complaint received by James’ office was not related to a child getting a THC-infused edible in their trick-or-treat basket, but rather an unsatisfied medical cannabis patient.

“A medical marijuana dispensary sold her stale or spoiled medical marijuana and she cannot [get] any help,” the complaint states. “The business denies her claim, and she claims DOH [Department of Health] won’t communicate with her.”

James’ Office had sent the release on October 26 which claimed cannabis edibles “can be extremely dangerous to human health.”

“It is essential that we limit their access to protect our communities and, more specifically, our children. In light of an increase in accidental overdoses among children nationwide, it is more vital than ever that we do everything we can to curb this crisis and prevent any further harm, or even worse, death,” James warned in the statement. “My office is committed to preventing the sale of these products and protecting the wellbeing of all New Yorkers. I urge everyone to remain vigilant against these products and to report these harmful items to my office immediately.”

The press release was picked up by news outlets throughout the state but only the one complaint was received.

End

Georgia Democrats Vote 80% In Favor of Cannabis Legalization

5/27/2022

by

Georgia Democratic primary voters approved a non-binding adult-use ballot question on Tuesday, according to a Marijuana Moment report. The question was just one of nine questions Georgia Democrats put on the primary ballot to inform the legislature on residents’ support for a variety of topics, including student loan forgiveness, paid parental leave, free preschool, healthcare, and renewable energy. Republicans had their own slate of questions on Georgia’s open primary ballot but did not include a cannabis question.

As of Wednesday afternoon, with 99% of counties reporting results, the adult-use question had 80% in favor and 20% opposed, the report says. The question said that the proceeds from legal cannabis sales would be used for education, infrastructure, and health care programs.

Despite positive feedback about adult-use cannabis legalization on Tuesday, Georgia was unable to pass reforms to its limited medical cannabis system this legislative session, the report says.

The legislative inaction is in addition to a lawsuit filed by 16 potential licensees challenging the process by which Georgia awarded six cultivation licenses last year. The lawsuit has prolonged the situation in Georgia where medical cannabis is legal but products must contain less than 5% THC and there is no one in the state licensed to grow medical cannabis plants.

An 11alive poll in 2018 found 55% of Georgians support legalizing adult-use cannabis, with 35% opposed.

End

Rhode Island Becomes 19th State to Legalize Cannabis

5/26/2022

by

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee (D) on Wednesday signed the bill to legalize cannabis for adult use just one day after it was approved by the Legislature, WPRI reports. Rhode Island is the 19th state to legalize cannabis for adult use.

“This bill successfully incorporates our priorities of making sure cannabis legalization is equitable, controlled and safe.” – McKee, during the signing ceremony, via WPRI

Under the measure, adults 21-and-older can purchase and possess up to an ounce of cannabis and keep 10 ounces at home for personal use. Adults can also cultivate up to six plants at home, including three mature and three immature plants. The state will license 33 retailers across six zones and impose a 10% excise tax, along with the state’s 7% sales tax, and a 3% tax which would go to municipalities.

The legislation also includes automatic expungement provisions, giving the courts until July 1, 2024, to provide relief to all that are eligible. Any prior civil violation, misdemeanor, or felony conviction for cannabis possession that is legal under the law will be automatically erased from court record systems under the criminal justice reforms.

An early fiscal note on the bill estimated first-year sales – from 2023 to 2024 – would reach $14 million in new revenue for Rhode Island with cities and towns receiving about $2.5 million, the report says. More than $5 million would be used to administer the program, the note estimated; however, the bill passed by the Legislature did not include fiscal estimates and assumed sales would begin on October 1 while they are expected on December 1.

End

Connecticut Enacts Cannabis Gifting Ban & Regulates Industry Advertising

5/26/2022

by

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) on Tuesday signed a bill prohibiting cannabis gifting in exchange for donations or indirect payment and allowing towns to levy up to $1,000 fines for violations, CT News Junkie reports. The legislation includes provisions explicitly allowing individuals from sharing with friends and family as long as the exchange is not transactional.

Lamont also signed a bill to regulate cannabis advertising in the state, restricting ads within 1,500 yards of schools and churches and prohibiting billboard advertising by cannabis companies that are not licensed in Connecticut. The measure only allows ads featuring cannabis plants between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. in an effort to limit exposure to children.

During the gifting bill debate earlier this month, Republican Sen. Kevin Witkos said the legislation closes “a loophole in the law that has been exploited by others to be allowed to sell in an unregulated market a regulated product.”

Lamont signed the state’s adult-use legalization bill in June, but sales have yet to commence. Adults are currently allowed to possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis in public and up to 5 ounces in their homes. The state’s current medical cannabis dispensaries are expected to be the first licensed to sell to adults without a medical recommendation but, according to a CT Mirror report, it’s still unclear when general retail sales will occur.

Medical cannabis patients have been allowed to grow their own cannabis at home since October 1, 2021, while adults without a medical card will have to wait until July 1, 2023, according to the Department of Consumer Protection website.

End