Europe’s Leading Psychedelic Conference Returns to Amsterdam

5/27/2022

by

a word from our sponsors:

advertisement

advertise here

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 word from our sponsors:

advertisement

advertise here

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

a word from our sponsors:

advertisement

advertise here

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

a word from our sponsors:

advertisement

advertise here

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

a word from our sponsors:

advertisement

advertise here

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

a word from our sponsors:

advertisement

advertise here

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

a word from our sponsors:

advertisement

advertise here

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

a word from our sponsors:

advertisement

advertise here

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

Cannabis Vaporizer Manufacturing Provider CILICON Launches Distribution Partner Program 

5/26/2022

by

a word from our sponsors:

advertisement

advertise here

The cannabis vaporizer manufacturing industry’s reputation has long been tainted by inferior products and counterfeits in the market, so the founders of Cilicon have developed an ultimate solution for all potential business partners. Cilicon is committed to delivering quintessential cannabis vaporizers embedded with top-notch technologies and product safety assurance that will differentiate your products from competitors. We also have a partnership plan that focuses on providing a reliable product line and stellar after-sales service to help you thrive as a leading cannabis vaporizer brand.

Whether you are a newcomer or an experienced business player, Cilicon aims to work with people who desire to go above and beyond. Our years of expertise in the cannabis vaporizer manufacturing industry have positioned us as an authentic vaporizing technology company to help you be top of mind. Cilicon wraps these impressive offerings into our multi-tiered partnership programs to fit any business demands.

Cilicon’s Profitable Partnerships Program

Cilicon is a trustworthy cannabis vaporizer manufacturing partner with a $250 million revenue per year, over 700 patented technologies, and more than 100 vaporizing products distributed to 35 countries on multiple continents. Cilicon was also crowned one of the three leading companies capable of producing personalized ceramic heating cores. Aside from Cilicon’s financial and product technology achievements, our prolonged experiences in the industry ensure a smooth delivery system to significantly reduce the risk of cargo detention that will adversely tamper with your inventory turnover rate. Additionally, we have three platforms for you to construct customized cases for your cannabis vaporizer, along with the 3000 successful creations delivered to our customer’s doorsteps. Cilicon is forever committed to supporting clients with our fully customizable services, regardless of their order quantity, and expanding it further with impeccable after-sales service and technical support.

Cilicon’s Partner Program is a multi-tiered program benefiting any potential partners who desire to be a profound expert, achieve burgeoning revenues, reach new target audiences, and seamlessly penetrate the current cannabis vaporizer market. This program’s primary objective is to nurture the next company to lead the cannabis vaporizer market. We plan to actualize this vision by offering our technical proficiency, exceptional customer support, and a brilliant team that ceaselessly fine-tuned every process to establish an unrivaled partnership experience.

Pave Your Way Into The Land of Opportunities

Cilicon is a one-stop manufacturing partner that possesses a refined supply chain system and a wide selection of products to help you seamlessly kick off your journey in the cannabis vaporizer industry. As PMTA (Premarket Tobacco Application) policy authorized by the FDA limits nicotine product distribution, it has successfully turned into momentum for the cannabis vaporizer industry to shine. This new policy mandates all nicotine products pass an ingredient testing phase, ensuring they are free of harmful substances that may risk public health. Despite adhering to similar regulations, the cannabis vaporizer industry is considered an unorthodox alternative with untapped potential for those nicotine product companies encumbered by the stricter protocol. To take advantage of this newfound opportunity, a business owner needs to join with an equitable manufacturing partner.

Cilicon’s 13-year experience in the vaporizer manufacturing industry makes us a reliable business partner with abundant knowledge regarding cannabis vaporizers, including insider tips like how you don’t need to own a special permit to distribute cannabis vape devices. Aside from this industry regulation proficiency, Cilicon also presents you with a wide variety of cannabis vaporizers to fulfill every demand for diverse cannabis forms. We let you customize your brand’s exclusive cannabis vape device to cater to unique needs by incorporating our patented technologies. Our service does not stop with producing a sterling cannabis vaporizer but also provides sufficient materials and professional training to help you secure your position in the market.

Gain Competitive Advantages in The Industry

Cilicon’s years of manufacturing experiences and sophisticated technology development have proven us worthy as an end-to-end solution to jump into the cannabis vaporizer industry. Cilicon acknowledges the increasing tension in the market that makes it inevitable for business owners to prioritize sourcing superior quality elements to construct their cannabis vape devices and exceptional customer services. Cilicon provides a competitive advantage through our effective supply chain systems, diversified cannabis vaporizer product line, and outstanding after-sales technical support. We ultimately aim to help companies escalate profits by increasing their product values through perpetual production process optimizations.

Cilicon is ready to become the manufacturing partner to assist your journey into greatness. Contact us to learn more about how the CILICON Partner Program can boost your business! https://www.ciliconplus.com/

About CILICON
CILICON was born with one dream, to improve everyday lives through vaporization technology, with innovation, enthusiasm, and compassion. We tired of inferior product driving out high-quality products and messing with the market. Therefore, CILICON was founded without any compromise on quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. Innovation is in our blood, CILICON derives a game-changing CILICON-DESIGNED platform to generate diverse cannabis vaporizer options available for increasing customer brand competitiveness in the crowd. For CILICON, Your brand success is our priority, your customer satisfaction matters!

Contact
pr@ciliconplus.com

End

California Cannabis Companies Send Pallets of First Aid Kits to Ukraine

5/26/2022

by

a word from our sponsors:

advertisement

advertise here

California cannabis companies Dub Bros. – the parent of Tradecraft Farms – Catalyst Cannabis Co., and Gold Flora Distribution are partnering with Bomb Techs Without Borders and Ukraine Now to purchase non-lethal supplies for Ukrainians, recently sending a pallet of individual first aid kits.

The donation program builds upon Dub Bros. philanthropy arm Gobble Gobble Drive which feeds more than 35,000 annually during Thanksgiving.

“We are here to tell our Ukrainian Friends & Family that the cannabis industry has not forgotten them. So we got a few friends together and raised $10,000 to help the brave men and women that are still in their home land facing Russia’s aggression,” “The great nation of Ukraine should remain Democratic and Sovereign. We will help wherever we can.” – Barry Walker, CEO of Tradecraft Farms, in a press release

For every $125 donation, the program can purchase another first aid kit.

In 2015, the Gobble Gobble Give program fed 17,000 people and in 2019, fed more than 33,000, according to the organization’s website. The program has served meals in 21 cities throughout the U.S.

Several other cannabis companies have set up donation programs to aid Ukrainians, including MediThrive in California, Luxury Loud in Michigan, and industry public relations firm Mattio Communications, according to a High Times report.

In March, cannabis legalization activists with Freedom March called on the global cannabis industry for donations to help in Ukraine after Russia invaded the country the month prior.

End

Delaware Governor Vetoes Cannabis Legalization Bill

5/25/2022

by

a word from our sponsors:

advertisement

advertise here

Delaware Gov. John Carney (D) on Tuesday vetoed the bill to legalize cannabis use and possession by adults, saying in his veto message that he does “not believe that promoting or expanding the use of recreational marijuana is in the best interests of the state.”

“Questions about the long-term health and economic impacts of recreational marijuana use, as well as serious law enforcement concerns, remain unresolved. I respect the Legislative Branch’s role in this process, and I understand that some hold a different view on this issue. However, I have been clear about my position since before I took office, and I have articulated my concerns many times.” – Carney in the veto message

Carney earlier this month had indicated support for the bill saying he doesn’t think cannabis use and possession should be a criminal offense, but noted in his veto message that he had supported the state’s decriminalization law which reduced penalties for cannabis possession.

“I recognize the positive effect marijuana can have for people with certain health conditions, and for that reason, I continue to support the medical marijuana industry in Delaware,” he said in his veto message. “I supported decriminalization of marijuana because I agree that individuals should not be imprisoned solely for the possession and private use of a small amount of marijuana.”

The measure will be returned to the state’s General Assembly where it would need a three-fifths vote in each chamber in order to override Carney’s veto, the Delaware News Journal reports. The bill did exceed that threshold during the initial vote, the report says, but state lawmakers have not overridden a governor’s veto since 1977.

Last week, a bill to tax and regulate cannabis sales failed in the House by just two votes.

End

DOJ Report: Federal Arrests for Cannabis Continue to Decline

5/25/2022

by

a word from our sponsors:

advertisement

advertise here

A new report by the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) found that federal arrests for cannabis have continued their downward trend, Marijuana Moment reports. Although the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) made 2,576 cannabis arrests during fiscal year 2020, these types of arrests have dropped by an average of 11% each year since 2010, when the DEA made 8,215 such detentions.

The coronavirus pandemic was cited as one cause for the decline, during which there was an 81% drop in federal arrests and a 77% drop in cases charged from March to April 2020, the report says. Furthermore, advocates say the relaxing of DOJ pressure at the state level for simple cannabis possession or use — despite the DOJ having repealed the Cole Memo, which offered protections to state adult-use cannabis programs — has contributed to the decline in federal cannabis arrests.

The DOJ report found that 16% of all arrests in the U.S. were drug-related with the majority for methamphetamine, powder cocaine, and heroin; however, for 47% of those incarcerated, a drug offense was their most serious crime.

Another study from the federal U.S. Sentencing Commission (USCC) found federal cannabis arrests continued to drop in 2021, according to the report. That study found that fewer than 1,000 people were arrested for cannabis trafficking in 2021, down from 1,118 in 2020.

The trends come at a time when Attorney General Merrick Garland has expressed reluctance to use federal funds to crack down on cannabis use. Just last week, the DOJ recommended the Supreme Court not take up a case involving cannabis, asking the court to defer to Congressional action on the topic.

End

Makers of Samuel Adams Launching Cannabis-Infused Iced Tea in Canada

5/25/2022

by

a word from our sponsors:

advertisement

advertise here

The Boston Beer Company, Inc, makers of Samuel Adams, Twisted Tea, and Truly Hard Seltzer, is launching a cannabis-infused line of iced teas called TeaPot. The products are expected to launch first in select Canadian provinces in July.

The brand’s first release is Good Day Iced Tea, a lemon black tea infused with Pedro’s Sweet Sativa, grown by licensed producer Entourage Health Corp in Strathroy, Ontario, and sold exclusively in Canada under its retail brand Color Cannabis. Each 12-ounce can contains 5 milligrams of THC.

Paul Weaver, director and head of cannabis at The Boston Beer Company, said in a statement, “Each can is precisely dosed for social gatherings with friends and family.”

Dave Burwick, CEO of The Boston Beer Company said the company’s “goal is to be the most innovative consumer-focused beverage company on the planet.”

“While beer is our middle name, we’ve also introduced successful hard teas, hard ciders, hard seltzers, and canned cocktails. We’re encouraged by the continued growth of the cannabis beverage category and we believe it’s one of the next innovation frontiers. As we await further progress on U.S. regulations, we’ll continue to develop an exciting product pipeline in the federally regulated market of Canada.” – Burwick in a press release

The company notes a recent Headset report found Canada’s infused beverage market share has increased nearly 850% since 2020 and is about twice the size of the U.S. cannabis beverage market.

The Boston Beer Company plans to introduce more TeaPot varietals in the coming months. The company established a Canadian-based subsidiary in 2021 to develop non-alcoholic cannabis beverages.

End

New York Approves Another 58 Cannabis Cultivator Licenses

5/24/2022

by

a word from our sponsors:

advertisement

advertise here

New York regulators last week approved another 58 conditional cannabis cultivation licenses, bringing the total to 146, Syracuse.com reports. The approvals come weeks after the state Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) approved 36 conditional licenses.

Chris Alexander, OCM executive director, told Syracuse.com that officials are “moving quickly, knowing that the growing season is short.”

Conditional licensees can grow outdoors or in a greenhouse with up to 20 artificial lights and will have to apply for full licenses by June 1 as the temporary licenses will expire on June 30, 2024.

No firm date has been announced for when legal sales will begin in New York but Cannabis Control Board Chair Tremaine Wright, the state’s top regulator, has indicated adult-use products could be available from conditional licenses in the fall while sales from general licensed businesses would not begin until the end of this year or early next year.

The conditional licenses are for farmers and businesses currently licensed to grow hemp. The bill creating the licenses was signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) in February.

Alexander said earlier this month that the agency has received more than 200 applications from hemp farmers to grow THC-rich cannabis. OCM officials are reviewing applications on an ongoing basis and are set to continue making recommendations for licensure under the Controlled Cultivator program.

End

Alejandro Rodriguez: Teaching Cannabis History, Law, & Compliance at The Cannabis Law Clinic

5/24/2022

by

a word from our sponsors:

advertisement

advertise here

As the number of cannabis workers and entrepreneurs balloons, so does the industry’s responsibility for creating an equitable marketplace — especially considering that the heavy price of prohibition has historically been paid most often by communities of color.

In this Q&A, we ask professor Alejandro Rodriguez about what inspired The Cannabis Law Clinic, the program’s strategies for educating and inspiring the next wave of cannabis entrepreneurs, and the program’s work to build a more equitable cannabis industry throughout California and beyond. We also hear about the pro-bono legal services the program provides to verified social equity applicants in the state, Alejandro’s plan to offer law education programs in California prisons, and more!

Scroll down to read the full interview.

Ganjapreneur: What is The Cannabis Law Clinic and when was it created?

Alejandro Rodriguez: The Cannabis Law Clinic is a hybrid externship course offered at Golden Gate University School of Law. The externship director, Allison Wang, gave us the opportunity in 2020 to develop the curriculum and we officially launched in January 2021. The Clinic is 14 weeks per semester and the law students have six weeks of course instruction where they learn about cannabis history, cannabis law, and cannabis compliance. The other eight weeks are for practical experience, law students are paired with social equity applicants and apply what they learned in the first six weeks of instruction.

How does teaching the law clinic work towards your goal to assist communities harmed by the drug war?

I think it works towards my goal to assist the communities impacted by the war on drugs because we only work with social equity applicants. Thankfully, we have partnered with the Office of Cannabis in San Francisco and we get a constant flow of equity applicants who need legal assistance. We teach our students from a social equity perspective and bring in attorneys from across the State/Country to speak to our students about social equity policy drafting, social equity lobbying, and social equity activism. In three semesters the Cannabis Law Clinic has given over 1,600 hours of pro-bono legal services to equity applicants across California.

Why did you choose to practice law in the cannabis space? What value do you hope to bring to the developing industry?

For me, being in the cannabis space was an easy decision because I love the plant. But, being from Texas and coming from a criminalized market to a recreational market I noticed significant disparities in who was getting rich off cannabis. So I thought I could help by leveling the playing field and assisting the communities that need it the most.

The value I hope to bring is to develop partnerships with cannabis businesses and law schools so we can focus on empowering future lawyers to impact their community through activist lawyering, policy efforts, and lawyer development.

Who can apply for the Cannabis Law Clinic Externship at Golden Gate University?

The clinic is currently available to all Golden Gate University Law Students and I am sure we would be willing to accept any law student who would want to partake in this groundbreaking work.

What will students take away from the learning opportunity?

Students walk away with the foundation of cannabis history, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, policy reform, and expunging records. These skills will allow them to be change-makers in their communities.

Where are you involved in making regulations for cannabis programs?

The Cannabis Law Clinic was happy to assist the City of Fort Bragg last semester in guiding them in drafting their cannabis ordinance.

Fort Bragg needed guidance and assistance in drafting their ordinance and we gladly researched, guided, and advised accordingly.

What was your main focus when building out this framework for the people of Fort Bragg?

We wanted to make sure that the City of Fort Bragg implemented a social equity program. Where individuals who were disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs would get priority in applying for a cannabis retail license. We also suggested educating the community on cannabis and removing the stigma. But ultimately, we wanted to bring cannabis to Fort Bragg’s downtown business sector; it would be great to see a City in the Emerald Triangle fully embrace cannabis.

How would building law education programs within the California prison system create positive societal change?

I think it would be powerful to build a pipeline for individuals who have been incarcerated for drug offenses to become attorneys. Incarceration has historically been used as a lever for disinvestment, specifically as it relates to legal education. There is nobody better equipped to learn the law than someone who has been impacted by it.

An individual’s experience with incarceration provides a lived experience which is an essential element to ensure our legal discipline takes the steps towards healing the effects of flawed legal processes, including, but not limited to, cash bail, disparate sentencing structures, prosecutorial discretion, unconstitutional arrest practices, the criminalization of drugs and drug-related crimes, and other regimes that have created mass incarceration.

What kind of program initiatives are you currently working on to bring legal education opportunities to California prisons?

I plan on administering the Law School Admissions Test within California State Prisons or bringing legal education from accredited law schools to California Prisons.

How do you assist social equity applicants as they enter the California cannabis industry?

We assist them in any step of the process they are in. Whether they need a record expunged, cannabis license application assistance, lease drafting/negotiation, storefront/non-store front retail compliance, and temporary event licensing.

Social equity applicants have criticized programs for pitting applicants against one another. How can social equity programs serve applicants without creating a competitive model?

Social equity programs need to assist applicants with funding, closing loopholes, and lowering taxes. Applicants need funding to cover start-up costs, closing loopholes so investors do not simply use applicants to obtain a license, and lowering taxes makes sure applicants pay their fair share. Currently, the way California and Federal taxes are structured impacts participation within the legal market. If the state or municipality/county eliminates cultivation taxes or excise taxes it incentivizes social equity applicants and does not exclude non-social equity business owners. If the feds do away with 280(e) for cannabis or allow deductions under the “ordinary and necessary” provision that applies to most businesses the participation in the legal market would rise. The current tax structure is too complex and it favors multi-state operators with in-house legal teams and accountants. Doing away with the taxes mentioned above simplifies the process and incentivizes small businesses.

Do you have any tips for social equity applicants considering partnerships with investors to ensure they aren’t used for a loophole license?

Always try to speak to an attorney or a consultant. Getting a second opinion on an offer is always a great idea.

Thank you, Alejandro, for answering these questions and for your important work. Find more info about The Cannabis Law Clinic and professor Rodriguez at GGU.edu.

End

VA Refuses to Certify Veteran-Owned Hemp Company

5/24/2022

by

a word from our sponsors:

advertisement

advertise here

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has refused to recognize a Florida veteran’s hemp product business as a service-disabled veteran-owned small business, Marijuana Moment reports. According to the VA, it denied the status to Marine veteran Zack Zindler, owner of Florida-based Holistic Serendipity, LLC — which operates under the name Native Ceuticals — because the business handles “products derived from the same genus of the plant (cannabis) as marijuana,” and the VA’s recognition might amount to a federal agency endorsing a federally illegal drug.

Cannabis is prohibited as a Schedule I substance under the Federal Controlled Substances Act; however, the 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized industrial hemp, which is categorized as cannabis plants containing less than 0.3% THC.

Unlike other federal agencies that allow businesses to self-certify and obtain the status, the VA uses the Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) to approve businesses for such endorsements. CVE Director John Perkins wrote in Zindler’s denial letter the VA’s approval “would grant the firm the ability to use the VA SDVOSB trademark and therefore may give the appearance that the VA is endorsing a company that promotes the use of a Schedule I controlled substance,” the report says.

Attorney and company lawyer Abigail Nath said that the VA is “putting aside that the CVE has granted this certification to other companies specializing in CBD” and “not abiding by the most recent definition of cannabis as defined by the federal government.”

VA representative Joe Williams told Marijuana Moment that “federal law classifies marijuana as a Schedule I Controlled Substance and is illegal.”

“If a business concern elects to implicitly or explicitly include in its marketing material or pursues contracting opportunities relating to the production and/or endorsement of marijuana and simultaneously applies to become a verified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business or Veteran-Owned Small Business, VA and, in turn, the Center for Verification and Evaluation, will not approve such applications,” Williams said.

End

Rhode Island Lawmakers Approve Cannabis Legalization

5/24/2022

by

a word from our sponsors:

advertisement

advertise here

The Rhode Island Legislature on Tuesday voted to legalize cannabis for adult use, moving it to Gov. Dan McKee (D) who is expected to sign the bill today, the Providence Journal reports. The measure passed the House 55-16 and the Senate 32-6.

Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey (D) called the bill’s passage “a truly momentous day for Rhode Island.”

“Ending cannabis prohibition helps us right past wrongs while creating new opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. This is the right move, at the right time, for our state.” – McCaffrey via the Journal

Under the bill, 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 would 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 now legal under the law would be automatically erased from court record systems under the criminal justice reforms.

Once signed by McKee, legal cannabis sales could commence by December 1 and it is likely the state’s current medical cannabis businesses would be the state’s first retailers. If the bill is given final approval by the governor, Rhode Island will become the 19th state to allow adult cannabis use and regulated cannabis sales.

End

Colorado Agriculture Department Fails to Secure Funds for Hemp Processing Equipment

5/24/2022

by

a word from our sponsors:

advertisement

advertise here

A Colorado Department of Agriculture request for $5 million to buy hemp processing equipment has been denied, according to a Westword report. The agency had hoped to divide the funds between three private companies for hemp decortication operations, on the condition that each company matched the state funding for facility construction.

The Ag Department had sought the funds from the state’s Marijuana Cash Fund, which is intended for state programs related to legal and commercial cannabis. Subsequent attempts to obtain funding from other state sources, including a proposal to cut the decorticator grant budget to less than $2 million, were also denied, the report says. Without the funds, the proposal failed to receive a legislative sponsor or make it to any budgeting bills.

According to the department, as of last November, Colorado had just one working decorticator, and agency officials believe there are only two more in the country. The machines are not manufactured in the U.S. Building a hemp-processing facility with a decorticator can cost anywhere from $600,000 to $3 million, the CDA says.

In 2019, Colorado led the nation in registered acreage for hemp farming but that dropped 42% from 2019 to 2020, according to state Department of Agriculture figures outlined by Westword, and is expected to decline again.

A proposal for hemp decortication grants or business incentives could resurface next year if the proponents find funding outside of the Marijuana Tax Cash Fund.

End

Poll: 62% of Missouri Adults Support Legalizing Cannabis

5/24/2022

by

a word from our sponsors:

advertisement

advertise here

A SurveyUSA poll released last week found that 62% of Missouri adults believe cannabis should be legalized in the state, with 25% opposed and 13% unsure. The reforms were most popular among Democrats with 76% in favor and 14% opposed.

Nearly half of Republicans surveyed (49%) supported the reforms, with 38% opposed. Sixty-six percent of independent voters backed legalization, with 20% opposed.

Legalization was more popular among the 18- to 49-year-olds surveyed, with 71% in favor, 18% opposed, and 11% unsure; 53% of respondents older than 50 supported the reforms, with 31% opposed and 15% unsure.

Legalization was equally popular among both White and Black Missourians, with 62% in favor, while 27% of White people surveyed were opposed, with 11% unsure. Fourteen percent of Black people opposed the reforms with 23% unsure.

Among respondents who considered themselves “very conservative,” support for legalization was measured at 40%, with 51% opposed and 9% unsure. Among self-described liberals, support for the reforms was highest at 79%, with 11% opposed and 10% unsure. Among moderates, 67% supported legalization with 18% opposed and 14% unsure, while 53% of conservatives were in favor, with 32% opposed and 15% unsure.

The poll included 2,175 Missouri adults and was conducted online from May 11 through May 15. It included 1,782 registered voters.

Earlier this month, Legal Missouri, the campaign spearheading legalization efforts in the state submitted signatures to the Secretary of State’s Office hoping to put the issue to voters in November.

End

Zipps Launches LA Cannabis Delivery Service Focused On Bulk

5/23/2022

by

a word from our sponsors:

advertisement

advertise here

Los Angeles, CA — Zipps (www.zipps.com), an on-demand cannabis delivery service, launched today in LA. Zipps delivers your favorite cannabis brands fast — really fast. Their main focus is speed, simplicity, and savings. Customers save the most when they buy cannabis in bulk, offering the stickiest discounts in the fastest-growing market.

The biggest difference between Zipps and the other guys is their bulk boxes. On their site, customers have the ability to mix and match their favorite strains to fill a half or full-ounce bulk box at one flat rate.

Half-ounce boxes start at $99 (pick 4 strains). Full-ounce boxes start at $185 (pick 8 strains). Quick Math: That comes out to about $23 an eighth with middle to top-shelf flower selections available. All flowers featured on their bulk box menus are top indoor-grown brands to ensure exceptional quality. Going one step further, any customer that purchases a full-ounce bulk box will have a tree planted in California via their partners at One Tree Planted (www.onetreeplanted.org). The goal is to help combat growing wildfire damage in the Los Angeles area with their Trees for trees campaign.

Additionally, customers can shop a la carte from two menus, each with different benefits. They can choose between express or scheduled delivery options. The express menu is limited to around 50 of their best-selling items and the orders arrive in less than 45 minutes on average. The scheduled menu features 500+ curated flowers, pre-rolls, edibles, vapes, waxes, and concentrates. Even cannabis beverages are available. These orders are available for same-day delivery.

Zipps carries all of the same quality brands like Kiva Confections, Select, Dosist, Cookies, STIIIZY, Old Pal, Raw Garden and many more, but often at a fraction of the price. Their store hours are from 9AM-10PM, 365 days a year.

Go to Zipps.com to place an order on your mobile devices in minutes. After an order has been placed, Zipps automatically dispatches a mobile budtender to deliver your cannabis products. You’re even able to track each order in real-time to ensure a smooth handoff. If you miss your delivery simply email Zipps customer support or chat live within the site. They’re more than happy to assist any customers in real-time.

In the coming months, Zipps has plans to expand quickly throughout Southern California and eventually move into Northern California next year. In accordance with state and local laws, sales are limited to adults 21+ and all customer IDs are verified before each delivery.

Customers can use the code “20SPOT” to get $20 off their first delivery.

About Zipps
Zipps (www.zipps.com) is an express cannabis delivery service, servicing greater Los Angeles, that allows users to access cannabis easily, quickly and at bulk rate pricing. As the fastest-growing cannabis marketplace in California, Zipps focuses on bringing value and convenience to every customer. Learn more at (www.zipps.com).

End

Food Manufacturing Compliance & Training Experts Partner with Leading Cannabis Law Firm to Launch E-Learning & Compliance Tool Rootwurks

5/23/2022

by

a word from our sponsors:

advertisement

advertise here

The interactive, customizable Rootwurks platform was built by the founders of Alchemy Systems, now Intertek Alchemy, and features content co-produced and vetted by Vicente Sederberg LLP

Austin, Texas (May 23, 2022) — Rootwurks, Inc. (“Rootwurks”), an e-learning, training, and compliance management platform solution designed by the former founder of an industry-leading food compliance and training company, has launched to help cannabis companies maintain regulatory compliance through interactive education and a user-friendly operational toolkit.

The Rootwurks Learning Experience Platform (LXP) was built by the founders of Alchemy Systems (now Intertek Alchemy), the global leader in frontline workforce training, education, and compliance for the food industry. The platform’s customizable, comprehensive programs were developed with the guidance of national cannabis law firm Vicente Sederberg LLP, which has played a leading role in cannabis policy and regulatory matters since the inception of the regulated cannabis industry.

“At Rootwurks, our goal is to help customers simplify cannabis compliance by ensuring their employees have access to the information required to perform their job when and where they need it,” said Chase Eastman, founder and CEO of Rootwurks. “On the LXP, that journey includes compliance training courses and additional tools like checklists, ‘just in time’ reinforcement modules, assessments, and much more. Using these tools and courses, cannabis businesses can more confidently navigate the complexities of cannabis compliance and create a culture of safety for workers and consumers. The pairing of Vicente Sederberg’s guidance with our centerpiece Rootwurks LXP provides a comprehensive and unquestionably valuable service bundle for cannabis operators.”

The Rootwurks LXP features a series of educational courses and micro-modules covering a range of cannabis compliance and safety issues. The program uses automated, digital tools calibrated to track, analyze, and assess the compliance operations of cannabis companies of all sizes in real-time, so businesses can catch mistakes before they cause damage or before they happen at all.

“With legalization spreading throughout the U.S. and across the globe, there is a growing need for cannabis education, workforce training, and compliance tools,” said Brian Vicente, founding partner of Vicente Sederberg LLP. “Helping cannabis companies maintain compliant, professional operations has been a fundamental part of our work for more than a decade.

We are proud to contribute our knowledge and experience to the Rootwurks platform, which represents the next phase in achieving operational excellence in the legal cannabis space.”

Rootwurks is ready to help cannabis companies achieve compliance, organization, and proper counsel. Click here to learn more about the Rootwurks service platform and schedule a free demonstration.

###

About Rootwurks:
Rootwurks is a cannabis e-learning and compliance management platform built through the know-how of some of the leading experts in food manufacturing compliance and cannabis law. The centerpiece of the company is the Rootwurks Learning Experience Platform (LXP), an online cannabis education and compliance tool that was designed to help companies meet their compliance needs and receive educational guidance to build a culture of safety in their daily operations.

About Vicente Sederberg LLP:
​​Vicente Sederberg LLP is a top-ranked national cannabis law firm with offices in California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, and Texas. It has been at the leading edge of cannabis policy for more than a decade, helping public and private sector clients shape, implement, and navigate marijuana and hemp laws and regulations across the U.S. and around the world. VS is ranked a Band 1 cannabis law firm in the Chambers USA 2021 Guide, and it was named “Cannabis Law – Law Firm of the Year” at the Chambers USA Awards 2021. For more information, visit https://vicentesederberg.com.

 

End

Method Man’s Cannabis Brand Launching This Week in Michigan

5/23/2022

by

a word from our sponsors:

advertisement

advertise here

Method Man’s TICAL brand is launching on Tuesday in Michigan in the form of a pre-rolled joint “Sweet Island Skunk” in partnership with Rochester Hills-based Glorious Cannabis Co., the Detroit Free Press reports. Method Man launched the brand last June and indicated the business would prioritize working with and elevating Black and other minority business owners in the cannabis space.

TICAL is named after Method Man’s 1994 solo debut album and stands for “Taking Into Consideration All Lives.”

Nathaniel Vereen, co-founder of TICAL, told the Free press that the company’s approach and message, “aligns with the diverse, working-class people of Michigan, the kind of people Method Man grew up with.”

“Being that Michigan is the birthplace of Motown and Method Man’s iconic influence in music, we believe it to be a perfect match.” – Vereen to the Free Press

TICAL will launch its initial product in five Black-owned Detroit dispensaries including Remedy, House of Zen, House of Mary Jane, West Coast Meds, and Viola.

“We know that African Americans and many of Michigan’s diverse communities have had a very hard time entering the regulated Michigan market,” Vereen told the Free Press.

A recent Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency survey of new licensees found that just 3% of cannabis business owners in Michigan are Black, the report says.

Alexandria Weathersby, manager of the medical cannabis dispensary House of Zen in Detroit, told the Free Press the company is “honored” to have been chosen for the product launch.

“It’s amazing because of what the brand stands behind,” she said in the report. “(Method Man) is looking out for the smaller people. It’s a tough industry for minorities in general.”

End

Louisiana Bill to Protect State Employees Who Use Medical Cannabis Passes Committee

5/23/2022

by

a word from our sponsors:

advertisement

advertise here

A Louisiana bill to protect state employees who use medical cannabis unanimously passed the House Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations last week, according to a LSU Manship School News Service report. If approved, the law would protect employees from being fired and would protect prospective employees from being discriminated against for their medical cannabis use.

The measure does not include protections for law enforcement, firefighters, or other public safety officials.

State Rep. Mandie Landry (D), the bill’s sponsor, said in some cases medical cannabis “has proved to be a better option” for patients “who don’t want to take opioids for their long-term PTSD and pain management because of the high possibility of addiction.”

Jacques Berry, communications director for the Louisiana Department of Administration, indicated that while the agency already has protections in place for medical cannabis patients, Landry’s proposal would create uniform policies across all state agencies. Berry pointed to the success of a sexual harassment bill approved two years ago that codified state rules – which he said was necessary because sexual harassment policies among agencies “were all over the place.”

During the hearing, Tony Landry, an advocate with Veterans Action Council, said that he would have liked to see firefighters and law enforcement included in the bill, noting that they can’t even use CBD products due to the risk of a positive drug test.

“I’m in favor of this bill,” he said, “and I just think we need to leave no employee behind.”

The measure moves next to the full chamber for consideration.

End

Two New Mexico Tribes Sign Agreement with State to Begin Selling Cannabis

5/23/2022

by

a word from our sponsors:

advertisement

advertise here

Two New Mexico tribes have signed an agreement with the state allowing them to collect taxes on cannabis product sales, the Associated Press reports. The agreement between the state and Pojoaque and Picuris tribes, which are based in northern New Mexico, was signed last week.

Taxation and Revenue Department spokesman Charlie Moore told the AP that the agreement means the tribes can now sell cannabis products, but the state’s 12% tax won’t be levied on products sold by the tribes.

Taxation and Revenue Secretary Stephanie Schardin Clarke said the state “has a strong history of collaborating with tribes to efficiently administer taxes while recognizing tribal sovereignty and the limitations of state authority on tribal lands.”

In March, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) signed an intergovernmental agreement with Picuris Gov. Craig Quanchello and Pueblo of Pojoaque Gov. Jenelle Roybal to set guidelines for the cannabis industry and allow tribal communities to participate in the industry “in ways that support community health and public safety while maximizing cross-jurisdiction market opportunities,” according to Lujan Grisham’s office in a press release.

Cannabis sales in New Mexico began in April and topped $22.1 million during the month. The state Cannabis Control Division (CCD) projects that adult-use cannabis sales will reach $300 million per year. Sales during New Mexico’s opening weekend surpassed $4.5 million with nearly 70% of sales derived from the adult-use market. State officials expect the industry to create 11,000 jobs in the state and bring in $50 million in state revenues during the first year.

End