Cannabis Regulatory Update

GOP Lawmaker In N Carolina Calls Cannabis 'A Gateway Drug' Despite State Reform Approval, Illegal Weed Sales Flourish In Trenton NJ And More Updates
Delaware's Fast-Track Marijuana Bill Heads To Governor, No Psilocybin Therapy For California Vets And First Responders & More Cannabis Updates
Delaware's Fast-Track Marijuana Bill Heads To Senate, Job Corps Amends Weed Testing Policy And More Updates
Delaware's Fast-Track Marijuana Bill Heads To Governor, No Psilocybin Therapy For California Vets And First Responders & More Cannabis Updates
Delaware's Fast-Track Marijuana Bill Heads To Senate, Job Corps Amends Weed Testing Policy And More Updates
CBD Fraud Case In UK, Canada Wants To Reduce Regulatory Burden On Weed Companies And More Global Updates
Dallas Wants To Vote On Marijuana Decriminalization, Female Orgasmic Disorder Qualifies For Medical Cannabis In Connecticut And More Updates

Cannabis Regulatory Update Recent News

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy In Vermont, State-Run Model In New Hampshire And Medical Marijuana In Arkansas
Vermont Psychedelics And Harm Reduction Legislation
VA Launches 'Psychedelic Charter,' California Dumps Weed Employment Protections For Some Law Enforcement Positions & More
Cannabis-Related Pediatric ER Visits Decline 21.5% In Virginia, Louisiana Eliminates Recreational THC Products, Indiana Tables Marijuana Reform For Now, NJ Hemp News
Alaska's Cannabis Tax, New York's Overdose Prevention, Possible Product Contamination In Arizona & More
Vermont Gov. Scott Opposes Drug Safe Consumption Sites, Virginia's Cannabis 'Surveillance System' And More Updates
Vermont state's House of Representatives recently gave a green light to a measure this week that would set up a psychedelic-assisted therapy working group. Its eight members would be tasked with providing recommendations on regulation of legal access to substances like psilocybin and MDMA. In Virginia, officials are trying to keep cannabis off teens' and children's hands. In a recent letter to health care providers State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton raised concerns around numerous reports of minors getting sick from products containing CBD and THC. According to a report by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services obtained by Kansas City Star, nearly 2000 Kansans are holders of a medicinal marijuana license in Missouri.Illinois lawmakers have introduced a measure that seeks to regulate hemp-derived THC, including delta-8.
Colorado, New Hampshire Send Cannabis Bills To Governors, Illinois' Social Equity Licenses And Updates From Kansas And Montana
Colorado: Bipartisan Cannabis Bill To Streamline Regulations Heading To Governor 
GOP Gubernatorial Candidate In Indiana Says Cannabis Legalization Is 'Inevitable,' Local NYC Pols Are Against Licensed Pot Shops And More Reg Updates
Local authorities in central Queens, New York City, don't want any new licensed cannabis shops until illegal ones are eradicated. Sherry Algredo, chairwoman of Community Board 9 covering Kew Gardens, Richmond Hill, Ozone Park and Woodhaven, reached out to state regulators to address the issue. In New Jersey, recreational cannabis revenues topped $201 million in the first quarter of 2024, coming from 130 dispensaries and representing a 38% year-over-year increase,A Democratic lawmaker in Indiana said the state lawmakers should reevaluate its stance on marijuana legalization following the recent Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) decision to reclassify cannabis under federal law.
Cannabis Reform A Priority For Congressional Progressive Caucus And More News From South Carolina, Utah, Montana & Maine
A restrictive medical cannabis bill passed by the South Carolina Senate in February, aimed at aligning the state with national trends toward compassionate care got a hearing in a state House committee this week. Meanwhile, A new legislative agenda by the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) that was published last week, lists marijuana as one of the priorities. In part on criminal justice, CPC said it will work toward legalizing cannabis, expunging records and providing restorative justice for those with cannabis-related convictions.The number of medical cannabis patients in Utah went up 19% year-over-year, reaching 83,000 at the end of March.In Montana, lawmakers fell short of their intention to override Governor Greg Gianforte's (R) last year's veto on the proposed redistribution of recreational cannabis tax revenues.n Maine, the recently enacted bill, which was signed by Gov. Janet Mills into law earlier this month now makes it possible for people to apply to get their criminal histories for now-legal marijuana crimes sealed. LD 2236, previously advanced through the state legislature.
Weed Or Hemp? Kansas Strict THC Laws, Nebraska Cuts CBD Tax, Supply Risks In Minnesota And More
Kansas Proposes Harsh Penalties For Hemp THC Levels
'Predatory Practices' In Missouri, Washington D.C. Mayor Declares 4/20 Tax Holiday On Medical Marijuana And More Cannabis Reg Updates
Massachusetts saw $154 million worth of cannabis products sold in March, representing a 2.3% year-over-year increase, according to the data from the Cannabis Control Commission. The sum included $136.8 million in recreational and $17.2 million in medical cannabis sales.Meanwhile, Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) has signed into law an initiative enhancing the medical marijuana program by extending the tax holiday from April 15 through April 28, in honor of the 4/20 holiday.The first and only recreational dispensary in North Carolina is set to open on April 20, 2024. The move would follow last year's decision by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians' (ECBI) members to legalize cannabis for recreational use.Missouri cannabis regulator recently revoked 9 social-equity cannabis licenses of the winners of 48 cannabis microbusiness licenses under Amendment 3, which legalized marijuana in 2022.
Medical Marijuana Tax Holiday Expanded In D.C., States Advance Marijuana Conviction Expungements
Expanded Medical Marijuana Tax Holiday In D.C. Washington, D.C., is enhancing its medical marijuana program by extending the tax holiday from April 15 through April 28, in honor of the 4/20 holiday.
Washington State Gov. Signs Bill Eliminating Medical Marijuana Tax, Iowa To Add 25% Excise Tax On Hemp & More
New Maryland Bill Targets Overly Strict County Zoning Regulations For Cannabis Dispensaries
The Maryland General Assembly has advanced a bill designed to curtail the extent of local government's power in dictating the placement of new cannabis dispensaries.
Controversial Bill Threatens Kentucky's Medical Marijuana Program, Hawaiian Lawmakers Divided On Weed Legalization & More Cannabis Updates
A measure that according to its sponsor would "clean some things up" within Ketucky's medical marijuana law is advancing through the legislature, reported Forward Kentucky. House Bill 829 from Rep. Jason Nemes (R-Middletown) seeks to ban those with drug possession convictions from joining the state's medical cannabis program among other things, was greenlighted by the state House last week, and is now up for review in the Senate.In the meantime, Discussion around the legalization of recreational cannabis in Hawaii is heating up.Senator Kurt Fevella are opposing the push, The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) has kicked off a new online licensing system on Monday, March 18. This first phase of the Cannabis and Alcohol Management Program (CAMP), will transition those with recreational marijuana program licenses from an online licensing system OLCC has had since 2016 into CAMP. Alcohol licensees will follow suit later in 2024, the agency said in a press release.
State Legalization Efforts Put Federal Marijuana Ban Under Fire, Verano Holdings Leads Lawsuit
Several cannabis companies are challenging the federal ban on marijuana, arguing it has no legal basis. They claim the government’s original justification for prohibition - curbing illegal interstate trade - is no longer valid since many states have legalized marijuana. This lawsuit counters the government’s attempt to dismiss the case.
GOP Lawmakers Rally Behind Cannabis Social Equity Licenses In Arizona, Nation's Strictest Medical Marijuana Law And More
South Carolina lawmakers are pushing for medical cannabis policy reform, yet again. However, this time around, a measure green-lighted by the state Senate last month is called by many the "most restrictive cannabis law in the country." In the meantime, a measure that seeks to amend cannabis laws in Maine got a hearing on Tuesday in Augusta.According to the Office of Cannabis Policy, modifications to the state medical and adult-use cannabis programs that LD 40 proposes could put those under 21 at risk and pose additional issues when it comes to licensing, compliance, and program management. Cannabis activists in New Jersey are against a recently introduced bill that would oblige motorists suspected of driving under the influence of cannabis to provide a blood sample to police.They claim the measure from Sen. Shirley K. Turner would empower police in a way that may result in biased treatment towards minorities, reported New Jersey Monitor. Additionally, opponents argue the suggested testing methods are unreliable.GOP legislators in Arizona are showing support for Senate Bill 1262 from Sen. Sonny Borrelli (R) which seeks to address the misuse of the state's social equity program for marijuana dispensaries by large companies and private investors.
Cannabis Dispensaries Outnumber McDonald's, California Has The Most, Oklahoma Highest Number Per Capita
More Pot Shops Than McDonald's  In a significant shift over the past decade, a majority of Americans now reside in states where the recreational use of marijuana is legal. This change comes only twelve years after Colorado and Washington led the way in legalizing the plant for recreational purposes.
Kratom, CBD, Marijuana: Regulatory Update, Get Tuned In Under 2 Minutes
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has indicated a proactive stance toward establishing a regulatory framework for Cannabidiol (CBD) while continuing to monitor kratom closely.
Job Corps' New Stance On Cannabis, Virginia Marijuana Bill Approved And More Reg Updates
A Virginia House panel green-lighted a revised "compromise" version of a bill to legalize and regulate retail marijuana sales in the commonwealth on Thursday. SB 448 from Sen. Aaron R. Rouse (D) advanced through the Senate earlier this month and was passed by the House General Laws Committee on a 12–10 vote. In the meantime, Job Corps, a drug-free and alcohol-free federal program, updated its marijuana drug-testing policy so that testing positive on cannabis would not be a reason for an automatic dismissal. The Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) said It will be adding Quick Response (QR) codes to mailed temporary receipts and registration cards by the end of February. New Jersey cannabis activists have gathered at the State House in Trenton on Thursday to celebrate the milestone of over 100,000 people of all ages having avoided being handcuffed over small amounts of cannabis.
California Opens Data For Weed Investors, Connecticut Sales Dip, Cannabis DUIs In NY Drop 20% Since Legalization
Since New York legalized cannabis in 2021, marijuana DUI arrests have fallen by 20%, from 2,225 to 1,771, sparking concerns over the state's monitoring of impaired drivers amid market expansion and 109 new licenses.
Cannabis Banking In Guam, Home Cultivation In Costa Rica, Hemp Hits Australia & More Global Updates
The Bank of Guam, which is a US territory, announced it would introduce banking services tailored to the cannabis industry in Guam and the Northern Marianas, marking a significant step forward in the region's financial services for Cannabis-Related Businesses (CRBs).
Utah Considers Defunding Agencies That Discriminate Against Medical Marijuana Patients, Arizona Wants To Sell Weed Across State Lines & More Cannabis Regs
A new Arizona measure seeks to allow for cannabis to be sold across state borders. However, House Bill 2770 from Rep. Justin Wilmeth is contingent on the legalization of cannabis on the federal level. Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee is seeking to separate state and federal tax policy for the cannabis industry. Some states already opted for to bypass the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code known as 280E under which cannabis operators are not eligible for tax deductions for businesses as they work with Schedule I and Schedule II drugs under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). In Virginia, the two lawmakers behind competing bills that would set up marijuana sales, have come to an agreement that all retailers would be allowed to get into the cannabis business by March 1, 2025.In Utah, a measure that could strip cities from funding as a result of refusing to medical cannabis as a valid prescription drug is advancing through the state legislature.
South Dakota Tightens THC Job Rules, New York's Home Grow And Licenses, New Jersey's Road To A Billion-Dollar Cannabis Market
Governor Kristi Noem (R) signed a bill into law last week that allows employers in South Dakota to discipline workers in safety-sensitive roles, such as pilots, construction workers, healthcare professionals, teachers, nursing home employees, and truck drivers among others, who test positive for THC. As previously expected, New York cannabis regulators approved over 100 new marijuana business licenses for retailers, microbusinesses, cultivators, processors and distributors on Friday, alongside green-lighting draft rules for the home cultivation. New Jersey is paving its way toward reaching $1 billion in cannabis sales in 2024. That's according to New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission's (NJ-CRC) Executive Director Jeff Brown.The top cannabis official in the state spoke about ways to boost the state's marijuana industry in the years to come, citing proposed rules to expand edible offerings at retailers as an example.