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SAFE Banking Act Likely Getting a House Vote Next Week

9/20/2019

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Despite opposition from some cannabis legalization and social justice groups, the SAFE Banking Act is set for a House vote next week, Politico reports. One of the banking bill’s sponsors, Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-Colorado), said he believes he has a two-thirds majority in the chamber which would allow the measure to be passed with no amendments and limited debate.

According to the report, the House version has been amended to include language specifically for hemp companies – likely included, in part, to get the attention of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to increase the odds of the bill being voted on in the Senate. It also includes language to prevent the revival of Operation Choke Point – a program enacted by former President Barack Obama that discouraged banks from doing business with wrongdoing merchants.

Rep. Andy Barr (R-Kentucky) told Politico that the anti-Choke Point language will likely get the attention of Senate Banking Chairman Mike Crapo. Crapo has previously indicated there would be amendments to the bill before it received a vote in the chamber.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York) told Politico that she would likely vote “no” on the bill if it receives a vote before cannabis-related criminal justice legislation. The letter from activists sent to House leaders on Tuesday urged lawmakers to bring the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act up for a vote before the SAFE Banking Act.

“The winners of the war on drugs are going to become the winners on legalization. … This is only going to worsen the racial wealth gap and increase the legacy of the war on drugs.” – Ocasio-Cortez, to Politico

Ocasio-Cortez previously voted for the measure as a member of the House Financial Services Committee.

If the bill is approved by a two-thirds majority in the House it would put pressure on the Republican-led Senate to bring it up for a vote in the chamber.

End

California Cannabis Companies Outnumbered 3:1 By Illegal Operators

9/20/2019

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A United Cannabis Business Association report has found about 2,835 unlicensed cannabis companies in California, with just 873 licensed operators, according to an NBC News report. The illegal operators, including storefronts and delivery services, outnumber legal operators 3-to-1 in the state.

UCBA president Jerred Kiloh said the numbers show that California is the only state with adult-use laws to “see a year-over-year reduction in legal sales.”

“We’ve yelled it from the mountaintop. We want better enforcement.” – Kiloh, to NBC News

Kiloh said that illegal businesses are thriving, in part, because of Weedmaps. Last year the Bureau of Cannabis Control sent a cease-and-desist letter to the company warning them to stop advertising unlicensed retailers on their site, or risk criminal and civil penalties. In August CEO Chris Beals announced the firm would no longer allow unlicensed businesses to advertise on the site, saying the U.S. retailers would be required to provide a state-issued license number on their listing. He said Weedmaps would restrict the use of its point-of-sale, online orders, delivery logistics, and wholesale exchange software-as-a-service platforms exclusively to licensed operators. Beals told NBC News that illegal operators would be completely removed from the platform by the end of the year.

“We don’t want to let Weedmaps dictate when they’re going to stop breaking the law,” Kiloh said in the report. “That doesn’t make sense.”

However, Kiloh said the that Weedmaps – and other places to find illegal operators, such as Google and Yelp – are “superficial” and the “underlying problem” is “insufficient licenses address market demand.”

In California, less than 25 percent of the state’s municipalities allow for cannabis businesses as the law allows towns and cities to ban operations.

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Nielsen: U.S. Cannabis Umbrella Could Reach $40B by 2025

9/20/2019

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According to Nielsen’s Total Consumer Report, legal U.S. cannabis sales could reach more than $40 billion by 2025. In 2018, the sector was estimated at $8 billion. The estimate includes both recreational and medical sales along with hemp-derived revenues.

“If recreational marijuana use were to become legal in all of the states in which it’s actively being considered today, we could very soon be living in a country where over one-third of U.S. adults reside in a legal recreational use state for marijuana consumption.” – Nielsen, “Brace for Impact: U.S. CPG Cannabis Sales to Rise by the Billions” report

In their “Brace for Impact” report, the analysis firm notes that cannabis flower sold in dispensaries fell from a 77 percent share in 2014 to a 48 percent share last year. A 2014 measure of legal cannabis sales in Colorado and Washington found that just 4 percent of cannabis sales in those states were vape pens, 9 percent were edibles, and 10 percent were “other formats.” In 2018, vape pen sales in Colorado, Washington, Nevada, and California comprised 19 percent of sales, edibles sales represented 11 percent of the markets, and “other formats” rose to 22 percent.

Nielsen also points out that in 2014 there were just 166 brands across the two legalized states; by 2018, that figure jumped to 2,600 brands across four states.

The agency also found that legalized cannabis would likely have an impact on other “sin” industries – with 41 percent of survey respondents who used cannabis saying they would try using cannabis to quit smoking tobacco, and 1 out of 5 saying they would spend less on store-bought beer due to their cannabis use. Another 35 percent said they would forgo over-the-counter pain relievers in favor of cannabis for back and neck pain.

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New D.C. Law Allows Medical Cannabis In Schools

9/20/2019

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Washington D.C. has passed emergency legislation to allow children enrolled in the District’s medical cannabis system to receive their medical cannabis at school. Sponsored by City Councilman David Grosso, the bill permits medical cannabis to be administered to students in the nurse’s office like other medications.

Prior to this bill passing, D.C. residents, including children registered as medical cannabis patients, could only consume cannabis at home or at a medical cannabis treatment facility, causing undue hardships for many parents and students.

Councilman David Grosso said when he introduced the bill:

“No student should have to choose between attending school or receiving effective treatment for a medical condition. With the cautious approach, we have often made life harder for those who need treatment. That is the reason for this emergency legislation.” — Councilman David Grosso, in his opening statement

Because cannabis is still illegal federally, and most schools receive support from the federal government, many school districts have been reluctant to allow medical cannabis on school campuses. However, D.C. joins a growing list of jurisdictions around the country who are allowing students to receive their medical cannabis at schools.

The Department of Education has not released a statement addressing this issue.

End

Legalization Advocates Call on House to Delay SAFE Vote

9/19/2019

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A cadre of legalization activists have sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California) and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland) calling on them to postpone a vote on the SAFE Banking Act until broad cannabis legalization – including criminal justice reform – gets a vote on the House floor.

The letter is authored by the American Civil Liberties Union, Center for American Progress, the Drug Policy Alliance, Human Rights Watch, JustLeadershipUSA, and the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.

The authors note that while they “recognize the challenges facing marijuana businesses that lack access to financial services,” they “believe it is a mistake to move this issue forward while many of the other consequences of marijuana prohibition remain unresolved.”

“The banking bill does not address marijuana reform holistically. Instead, it narrowly addresses the issues of banking and improved access to financial services, measures that would benefit the marijuana industry, not communities who have felt the brunt of prohibition.” – Sept. 17 letter to Reps. Pelosi and Hoyer, via Politico

Earlier this week Hoyer said he was planning on bringing the SAFE Act up for a vote this month; according to Politico, the Majority Leader planned on bringing the bill up for a vote next week.

Before reaching the Senate, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) has indicated he would likely make amendments to the bill but none of the co-sponsors interviewed by Politico knew the specifics of what Crapo wanted to change.

The activists are urging the Democratic House leaders to consider bringing the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act up for a vote before considering the banking legislation. The MORE Act is sponsored by Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris (D-California) and counts other presidential candidates Sens. Corey Booker (D-New Jersey), and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) among its co-sponsors. That bill remains in the Senate Finance Committee.

End

Startup Announces Line of CBD-Infused Sportswear

9/19/2019

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You’ve seen CBD-infused foods and beverages, dog treats, transdermal patches, toothpaste, and maybe even sunscreen, but have you ever seen CBD-infused clothing — specifically, sportswear? A new CBD-infused activewear line from New York-based Acabada is going all-in on the CBD trend using high-tech transdermal technology.

According to a press release, company leaders were inspired by the many top athletes who have endorsed CBD as part of their training and post-workout ritual.

“While typical CBD products such as tinctures and edibles are growing exponentially in popularity, we began to envision a product that addressed health and wellness through a different lens. By physically infusing CBD into our garments, our product lives at the intersection of fashion, fitness, and wellness.” — Acabada CEO and Co-Founder Seth Baum, in the release

The clothes utilize a process called microencapsulation — which has been used to infuse garments with other ingredients such as aloe vera or antioxidants — wherein microscopic droplets of hemp-derived CBD molecules are infused into high-performance fabrics. The CBD is infused with a protective coating, which supposedly keeps the cannabinoids available over dozens of uses. According to the company, each article of clothing can withstand up to 40 high-intensity wear and wash cycles, after which users can upcycle their garments through the company for a 30% discount on their next Acabada purchase.

Prices break down at $120 for sports bras and tank tops, $160 for leggings, and $250 for jackets and one-piece jumpsuits.

There remain many unknowns, however, such as whether or not the CBD would withstand months to years of sitting in your closet, or if the CBD is activated by heat, friction, or sweat — or all three.

Robert Carson, a Vanderbilt University pediatric neurologist who studies CBD, said the clothes’ delivery method, at least, is well-proven. “My first feeling is this is crazy,” Carson told The Cut. “But, in actually thinking about it, and it kind of pains me to say it, this could be plausible.”

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Nevada Investigates Cannabis Testing Labs After Failed Product Tests

9/19/2019

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The Nevada Department of Taxation on Tuesday issued a health advisory for four cannabis strains sold at four dispensaries for failed yeast and mold tests, while one strain failed for aspergillus, coliforms, and bile tolerant gram-negative bacteria.

The affected batches include strains Gelato #41, Northern Lights Blue Flower, Funky Malawi, and BWID sold at Acres Medical, LLC, D.H. Flamingo, Inc, Naturex II, LLC, and Desert Aire Wellness, LLC.

The strains were cultivated by D.H. Aldebaran Inc., and Natural Caregivers, LLC and was harvested between May and July. There have been no reports of illness related to the products.

Officials told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that there was “no reason to believe that the dispensaries or cultivators had any knowledge that the products exceeded allowable limits.”

The advisory comes as health officials are investigating cannabis being sold in the state that exceeds THC limits and whether THC levels are being doctored to make products appear more potent.

The failed product tests and potential inflation has caused the agency to launch an investigation into cannabis testing laboratories. Department of Taxation spokeswoman Eden Larson told the Journal that the department will investigate “the integrity of cannabis lab testing.”

The health advisory is the second issued by the state in the past month.

End

New Mexico Officials Withholding Non-Resident Medical Cannabis ID Cards

9/19/2019

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The New Mexico Department of Health is still refusing to issue medical cannabis patient cards to out-of-state residents as the agency awaits a decision from the judge that ordered the department to begin issuing cards to non-residents, the Albuquerque Journal reports. The ruling stems from an amendment to the medical cannabis law that removed the residency requirement from the definition of “qualified patient.”

District Judge Bryan Biedscheid made the ruling last month; the medical cannabis law reform bill was signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham earlier this year. State attorneys argued that the change was a drafting error and it was not designed to allow non-residents to obtain medical cannabis cards in New Mexico. The state argues that the changes would encourage cannabis transport across state lines, which is illegal under state and federal law.

Following the ruling, the Health Department did issue ID cards to three individuals who were included in the lawsuit against the state.

Attorney Brian Egolf, who is also the speaker of the state House of Representatives, told the Journal the Health Department has “no legal authority … to ignore the court’s orders and commands and not to comply with the court’s directives.”

Health Department Spokesman David Morgan indicated that the court battle is ongoing, and the judge’s decision is not yet final.

“Due to the pendency of the motions before the District Court, the court’s ruling is not yet final, and as noted, the court’s ruling may be stayed pending an appeal.” – Morgan, to the Journal

The state contends that, if upheld, the number of patients enrolled in the state’s cannabis program could double. As of August, there were 77,141 enrolled patients in the state.

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First U.S. Hemp Strain Patent Awarded for Charlotte’s Web

9/18/2019

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Charlotte’s Web Holdings (CWB) has received what appears to be first-ever U.S. patent for a hemp plant cultivar.

The news was first broken by Leafly on Friday but it appears that the patent was actually awarded on July 2, according to documents from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Specifically, the documents reveal that the Denver-based Charlotte’s Web Holdings’ CEO Joel Stanley was awarded a patent for “a new and distinct hemp cultivar designated as ‘CW2A.’”

“‘CW2A’ is a selection resulting from controlled-crosses using hemp germplasm from different regions of the United States. The primary goal of the breeding program was to develop a new hemp variety with high cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) concentrations and low tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) concentrations in its mature female flowers. Of the females tracing back to the original cross, the healthiest and most vigorous individual that showed no monoecious tendencies without stress manipulation was chosen to be ‘CW2A’.” — Excerpt from U.S. Patent and Trademark Office filing documents

The patent puts CWB — which is currently listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange — in the unique position of being one of the world’s most recognizable CBD brands and the first firm to receive an official patent for its low-THC, CBD-rich cannabis cultivar.

In 2017, CWB received a letter from the FDA warning against specific anti-cancer claims found on the company’s website.

End

Medical cannabis plants housed in grow cages inside of an indoor grow.

Health Canada Suspends CannTrust Cannabis License

9/18/2019

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Health Canada has suspended the license of CannTrust Holdings Inc. more than two months after the agency found the company had grown and sold cannabis in and from unlicensed rooms, built two rooms at one of its facilities without approval, and didn’t maintain documents in a way that allowed it to complete an audit in a timely manner.

The license suspension prevents the company from selling any products and from propagating new lots or batches of cannabis, but it can complete existing lots and perform other tasks related to those lots like drying, trimming, and milling.

Health Canada will reinstate the license if the firm can show they can produce and ship only product cultivated in licensed facilities and control the movement of its products, attempt to recover cannabis grown in the unlicensed greenhouses, show that key personnel understand the law, and improve their record-keeping practices.

“Over the past two months, the Company has moved swiftly to assess and address Health Canada’s concerns, including areas of operational non-compliance. The Company remains committed to being in full regulatory compliance.” – CannTrust, in a Sept. 17 statement

The license suspension is just the latest for the embattled company who was forced to put 12,000 kilograms of cannabis “on hold” in July after Health Canada discovered the unlicensed rooms at the company’s Pelham, Ontario facility. Two days later, Danish company StenoCare quarantined oil derived from the facility.

The following month, the company’s auditor, KPMG, withdrew its financial audits of CannTrust saying they were completed with unreliable information from representatives – namely former Chief Executive Peter Aceto and former President Eric Paul – who were fired after emails were published showing they knew about the illegal grows.

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Former Army Camp Approved as Cannabis Manufacturing Site

9/18/2019

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The Pittsburg, California City Council has approved a plan to allow cannabis manufacturing in an industrial area that was once home to the U.S. Army’s Camp Stoneman, the East Bay Times reports. It will be the first cannabis manufacturing site in Pittsburg and was approved by the council 4-1.

Stoneman Laboratories LLC. will accept raw materials – generally trim, rather than flower – containing both THC and CBD, process, package, and distribute them to approved retailers. Stoneman representative Pat O’Keefe said the business would initially create 20 jobs but could ultimately employee about 100 people.

The site was originally approved for another cannabis business, Canyon Laboratories, but that company opted out before launching; instead, Stoneman Laboratories will take its place but in a slightly changed location.

The company will pay a 5 percent tax in the first $10 million in gross receipts, another 2.5 percent for every additional $10 million to $20 million, 2 percent more for $20 million to $50 million, another 1 percent for up to $100 million, and .5 percent for anything exceeding $100 million.

The council also agreed to extend the buffer zone between dispensaries and “sensitive areas,” such as city parks, libraries, and schools, from 600 feet to 1,000 feet. Currently, dispensaries are not allowed in the city and there are just four licensed distributors in all of Costa County, all of which are in Richmond, according to ABC7.

Stoneman Laboratories still needs approval from the state, but it could be up and running by next summer.

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Utah Lawmakers Scrap Plan for Health Dept. to Dispense Medical Cannabis

9/18/2019

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Utah lawmakers have scrapped plans to dispense cannabis out of county health departments and, instead, approved a plan to allow 14 privately-run dispensaries, Fox13 reports. The plan, which was approved by lawmakers amending the voter-approved medical cannabis ballot measure, came under fire by county attorneys who said dispensing at health departments would turn state employees into drug dealers who could face federal charges for their role in the system.

Last month, Jennifer Moughalian, the acting assistant secretary for financial resources at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sent a letter to Gov. Gary Herbert (R) approving the legislature’s plan and assuring him that the plan would “not affect the State’s eligibility to apply for HHS grants nor will it affect the outcome of the State’s application.” Despite the assurance, state lawmakers made the changes, which puts the state’s medical cannabis law more in line with what was approved by voters last year.

The legislature-approved replacement law is still being fought in court by activists who led the ballot initiative; in August a judge ruled against activist group the People’s Right, who claimed that the legislature ran afoul of the state constitution by replacing the measure. The case brought by the Epilepsy Association of Utah, and Together for Responsible Use and Cannabis Education (TRUCE) claims that the legislature’s version of the program will stymie patient access – that case is still working its way through the courts.

Christine Stenquist, founder of TRUCE, said that while the recent changes move the bill more in line with what voters approved, it’s not happening fast enough.

“Because we are dealing with patients, with a fragile population, and we don’t have time for political games and that’s what we’re dealing with, is political pandering to the powers in the state.” – Stenquist, to Fox13

The legislature’s bill was a compromise between supporters – like the Utah Patients Coalition and Libertas Institute – and opponents like the Utah Medical Association and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The vote to reform the dispensing changes were approved by the legislature unanimously during a special session.

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USDA Submits Draft Hemp Rules to White House

9/17/2019

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture has submitted its hemp regulations to the White House Office of Management and Budget for approval, according to a UPI report. The rules are expected to designate hemp as a commodity crop and allow tribal councils and U.S. territories to cultivate hemp crops.

Geoff Whaling, chair of the Washington, D.C.-based National Hemp Association, told UPI that he expects the rules will be released “in a matter of weeks.”

The OMB has scheduled meetings to hear public comments on the proposed regulations. Following the removal of hemp from the federal drug schedule last year, several state legislatures passed hemp legalization legislation that included state regulations for the crop; however, the USDA must approve those plans before they can be permanently enacted — these regulations are the first step toward the approval of those state plans.

Last month, the USDA Risk Management Agency announced that hemp qualifies for federal crop insurance as long as farmers are compliant with state and federal regulations. In May, the agency issued its first organic certification for a hemp flower product; although the agency had certified other hemp products in the past, such as Food and Drug Administration-approved food products. In April, the USDA released guidance for importing hemp seeds, which previously required Drug Enforcement Administration approval.

The agency had up to one year to finalize the regulations following the bill’s passage in December. The USDA initially predicted the rules would be in place by August.

End

Amazon Pulls Products Used for Counterfeit Vape Carts

9/17/2019

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Online retailer Amazon has pulled products that could be used to make counterfeit cannabis products, including packaging connected to products used by people in New York who fell ill with a vape-linked pulmonary disease, according to an MPR News report.

Packaging for Chronic Carts and Dank Vape has been removed from the Amazon website – vape cartridges sold illegally in New York were purchased in those companies’ packaging and contained Vitamin E acetate, which the state Health Department linked to cases of the illness. Amazon also pulled counterfeit packages for Exotic Carts and “Cali Plug Carts,” along with fake “California Compliant” stickers.

The company did not remove empty cartridges.

“We require all sellers to follow our selling guidelines and have dedicated teams that use sophisticated tools, including machine learning, to keep prohibited products out of our store. We take action on those who violate our policies, including removal of selling privileges and withholding of funds.” – Amazon, in a statement to MPR News.

So far, six people have died from the vape-linked disease and those who have fallen ill have used both cannabis- and nicotine-filled cartridges. Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that 60 percent of the patients affected by the illness used both THC and nicotine vape devices, while 20 percent only used nicotine. Officials were not ready to definitively link the illness to cannabis cartridges.

The CDC – and Leafly – is recommending people stop using vaping devices entirely until the cause can be determined.

End

New Study Shows Crime Reduction Near Colorado Dispensaries

9/17/2019

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A new study published in The Journal of Regional Science and Urban Economics shows a substantial reduction in crime rates near cannabis dispensaries in Colorado. The study uses data collected in Denver, Colorado between 2013 and 2016 and the results mirror those of other, similar studies that have been conducted in the past.

“The results imply that an additional dispensary in a neighborhood leads to a reduction of 17 crimes per month per 10,000 residents, which corresponds to roughly a 19 percent decline relative to the average crime rate over the sample period.” — Excerpt from the study’s abstract

The researchers point out the reduction in crime is highly localized and goes counter to the overall crime rate in Denver, which increased by 1.7% between 2013 and 2014. They found the majority of the decrease in crime was for mostly nonviolent offenses, with a 2.3% decrease in drug offense per ten thousand residents.

“Our results are consistent with theories that predict that marijuana legalization will displace illicit criminal organizations and decrease crime through changes in security behaviors or substitution toward more harmful substances,” the study authors wrote.

Over the years since adult-use cannabis was first legalized in Colorado and then Washington, multiple studies have suggested that legalization — and the subsequent proliferation of legal cannabis shops — does not cause an overall uptick in crime rates, which is a prohibitionist claim often made by those who oppose legalization.

End

Springfield, Massachusetts City Council to Investigate Cannabis Company’s Donation

9/17/2019

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The Springfield, Massachusetts City Council are investigating why a cannabis business is planning to spend $200,000 over a five-year period on a school environmental program and park in the city, hoping to determine whether the company made a deal with the mayor’s office in exchange for an operator’s license, according to a WGBH report.

The inquiry comes less than two weeks after Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia was arrested for attempting to extort at least four cannabusinesses for $250,000 each in exchange for “non-opposition letters” to operate in the city. Correia is alleged to have generated about $600,000 in the scheme.

Springfield City Council President Justin Hurst said the council was doing its “due diligence” to make sure the local government is “transparent.”

“Springfield residents want to believe their government is doing the right thing, and that the government is not doing the wrong thing just to get a few extra dollars.” – Hurst, to WGBH

Mark Zatyrka, CEO for the cannabis company, I.N.S.A, told WGBH that the donations were “strictly voluntary” and the company is “happy to provide as much back to the community” as they can.

Melinda Phelps, an attorney for I.N.S.A., said three of the four owners of the company participated in the Environmental Center for Our Schools program – to which the company plans to give $20,000 per year for five years. The company promised another $20,000 per year over five years to renovate the city’s Forest Park, which is adjacent to the site of the company’s proposed dispensary. I.N.S.A. already operates a dispensary in the city and none of the other three companies seeking a host agreement are offering any similar donations.

Hurst said that some citizens “might feel as though [the] money could be better spent.”

In their agreement with Easthampton, I.N.S.A paid the city $10,000 – which exceeds the 3 percent cap – with no justification.

Peter Bernard, executive director of the Massachusetts Growers Advocacy Council, said that the donations sometimes turn big companies against smaller ones in a “bidding war.”

“But it shouldn’t be a bidding war, it’s a licensing process,” he said in the report. “[Municipalities] are not supposed to be looking for the highest bidder.”

The city council will vote this week on whether to approve the agreement or send it back to the committee.

End

Plus Products Offers Hemp CBD Edibles Nationwide In Partnership with John Legend, Casper

9/17/2019

by Featured Announcement

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San Mateo, CA – September 17, 2019 – Plus Products Inc. (CSE: PLUS) (OTCQX: PLPRF) (the “Company” or “PLUS”), the company behind the #1 & #2 best-selling THC edibles in California¹, today announced the nationwide launch of its first-ever 100% hemp CBD product line.

John Legend Partnership

The launch is being supported by a newly established brand partnership between PLUS and American superstar and philanthropist John Legend, who will advocate on behalf of the Company’s new nationwide hemp CBD product offering.

“I have been a believer in the benefits of CBD for some time,” stated Legend. “I was drawn to the PLUS team because they’re an innovative, family-run company, and they use science to deliver a consistent, high-quality product. I appreciate that they’re committed to setting a high standard within an industry that has to date been fairly unregulated.”

Casper Partnership

PLUS is also partnering with global sleep company Casper Sleep Inc. (“Casper”) to introduce its melatonin- and CBD-infused SLEEP product. Casper is the award-winning sleep company on a mission to bring better sleep to more people around the world.

“We’re always exploring new ways to improve sleep across the entire sleep arc — from sunset to sunrise,” said Neil Parikh, co-founder and chief strategy officer at Casper. “Like PLUS, we believe sleep is a key part of the wellness equation. Partnering with their team of experts to introduce CBD sleep gummies brings a new way to relax and rest to those who need it.”

Product Offering & New Nationwide E-Commerce Platform

The new CBD line will include three distinct products, developed by PLUS’s team of scientists, entrepreneurs and chefs: BALANCE in Blueberry flavor, UPLIFT in Grapefruit flavor, and SLEEP in Blackberry Tea flavor. All three products are available for purchase through the Company’s newly launched e-commerce platform at www.plusproducts.com.

“We established our reputation in edibles by offering customers a consistent and precisely-dosed gummy using high-quality extracts,” stated Jake Heimark, CEO and co-founder of PLUS. “Our CBD line will build off that expertise, and the earned trust we’ve established, while offering a new experience for consumers designed to help them find their just right.”

“Giving the world a simple way to achieve balance has always been our mission, and the PLUS CBD line allows us to expand from California to nearly all fifty states overnight. We are thrilled that John Legend and Casper have partnered with our team to support this exciting new initiative.”

(1) Over the last twelve months by dollars of retail sales according to BDS Analytics GreenEdge^tmPlatform.

Availability
PLUS 100% Hemp CBD infused Edibles with no THC are available for purchase at plusproducts.com

About PLUS
PLUS Products is a California-based edibles company focused on using nature to bring balance to consumers’ lives. PLUS is headquartered in San Mateo, CA with 80 employees.

The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information contact:
Jake Heimark
CEO & Co-founder
ir@plusproducts.com

Investors:
Blake Brennan
Head of Investor Relations
Tel +1 213.282.6987
ir@plusproducts.com

Media:
Bill Harrison
Third Street Media Group
Tel +1 323.651.3200 or 1 213.712.8811
bill@thirdstreetmediagroup.com

Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release includes statements containing certain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities law (each, a “forward-looking statement”). Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as “plan”, “continue”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “may”, “will”, “potential”, “proposed” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur.

These forward-looking statements are only predictions. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this press release. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to, the success of the Company’s investments, the ability to retain key personnel, the ability to continue investing in infrastructure to support growth, the ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms, the continued quality of the Company’s products, customer experience and retention, the continued development of adult-use sales channels, managements estimation of consumer demand in in jurisdictions where the Company exports, expectations of future results and expenses, the availability of additional capital to complete capital projects and facilities improvements, the ability to expand and maintain distribution capabilities, the impact of competition, the ability of the Company to implement initiatives and the possibility for changes in laws, rules, and regulations in the industry. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.

End

Hemp & CBD: How Science Is Surpassing The Snake Oil Stereotype

9/16/2019

by Dr. Emek Blair

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Promising hope of relieving all of life’s ailments, from physical to mental health, consumers are constantly challenged to seek out and understand the latest industry standards. Not to mention the hype and distraction of the latest health and wellness scams.

The truth is, put simply, some formulas fraud the long list of benefits derived from hemp and CBD use, making the safety and efficiency of public CBD and hemp use major topics of today.

Being behind the scenes of the industry, identifying these fraudulent formulas seems simple. Unfortunately, with the power of PR and marketing pushing consumers to purchase “the best on the market” it’s actually quite easy for prospect users to fall victim to manipulation.

In order to truly legitimize, or discredit CBD and hemp products we have executed significant clinical hemp research. Recent safety, absorption, and diabetes research conducted provided some very interesting results.

Currently, we are conducting studies surrounding the correlation between how a person’s DNA is expressed and how their body interacts with hemp. We have papers being published on absorption and safety of liposomal CBD. All of which are vital to fully understanding and harnessing the plethora of benefits from CBD and hemp formulas. If any.

Our research shows how natural products, when properly delivered, are critical to maximizing health. I find it more important now than ever before, to focus on how these formulas work and bring new perspectives, innovative ideas and health concepts to the forefront.

How to get holistic about hemp and CBD use

One of the most important aspects of nutrition is not necessarily what we eat, but what our bodies actually absorb. When we ingest dietary supplements, high doses of them can be absorbed into the body via the intestinal tract.

However, significant amounts of the supplements get destroyed by the digestive system before it has a chance to be absorbed. This is why liposomal technology is so important in our studies.

Why does this matter?

Liposomes are nano-sized bubbles with an external shell comprised of healthy lipids (fats) and a hollow liquid center. Liposomes can be loaded with supplemental substances. Fundamentally, this is the way that your body wants to absorb nutrients.

In recent years, we worked to invent a whole new way of making liposomes as a copy to how they are produced naturally. This next generation technology has developed a way for liposomes, or these fat globules, to wrap around nutrients the same way that this occurs naturally — helping the body to recognize nutrients and resulting in better delivery.

Since the liposome is all-natural and consists of the healthy fats that are good for you, your body uses the entire thing, and nothing goes to waste.

With this in mind, we developed the CELLg8™ technology to combat the issue of reduced bioavailability by using naturally-occurring lipids as a sheath to preserve actives during digestion. This method of delivery is incredibly important in regard to the bioavailability and benefits of CBD and hemp formulas. These statements are backed by human clinical studies of CELLg8.

The verdict:

When deciding to incorporate any lifestyle supplement into your routine, it is recommended to research the background studies supporting that formula to avoid confusions and misconceptions that come with mass-market products.

The CELLg8 technology, for example, has a lot of science behind it. The promise of lifestyle supplements such as CBD and hemp products is finally being fulfilled by liposomes because it has increased the bioavailability of nutrients.

So instead of taking multiple doses in one sitting, you can take a small amount of liposomal formula with nearly complete absorption, thanks to science.

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House Plans SAFE Banking Act Vote by Month’s End

9/16/2019

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House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland) is planning to put the SAFE Banking Act up for a full floor vote this month, Politico reports. The bill would allow state-legal cannabis businesses to access financial services.

According to the report, Hoyer shared the plan with his colleagues at a whip meeting on Sunday and, while he has not scheduled a vote, House Democratic aides told Politico that they expect it to hit the floor the week of Sept. 23.

In May, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), indicated he would block the bill from making it to the Senate floor for a vote but told Politico last week that he hoped the Republican-led chamber would hold a vote on the issue before year’s end; however, he left the door open as to which bill would be voted on. Crapo suggested that Senate Republicans could write their own bill to replace the bipartisan measure introduced by Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) and Cory Gardner (R-Colorado) or amend the House version, which passed the House Financial Services Committee in March.

“We’re working to try to get a bill ready. I’m looking to see whether we can thread the needle.” – Crapo, to Politico

The American Bankers Association supports the measure and in an update last week called on their members to contact their members of Congress and urge them to pass the measure.

If approved, the SAFE Banking Act would be a huge boon to cannabis companies, who would no longer need to rely heavily on cash. It would also mark the first time that Congress has given approval to a measure protecting state-approved cannabis companies. Previously, protections have been included omnibus packages but not voted on individually.

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Report: Edibles Legalization Could Grow Canadian Market by 65%

9/16/2019

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Canada’s cannabis market is estimated to grow about 65 percent – or by about 3 million consumers – following the legalization of edibles and “alternative” cannabis products, according to a survey by Lift & Co. and Ernst and Young outlined by the Calgary Herald. The survey suggests there are currently about 4.6 million cannabis users in the nation.

Jon Kamin, Lift & Co. chief revenue officer, said the addition of the new products will be “transformative” for the industry and would add “a significant cohort of consumers who were not consuming due to stigmatization or the consumption delivery.”

Kamin added that since its easier to develop premium brands with edibles and distillates the profit margins for those products are higher than flower. The survey found that current users are most interested in cannabis-infused food additives, confections, and baked goods.

According to a Deloitte study from June, the alternative cannabis market in Canada could be worth $2.7 billion annually, with edibles representing $1.6 billion of that market. In July, Quebec officials announced a ban on sweetened edibles along with a temporary ban on topicals.

“The race to win legalization 2.0 is on,” he told the Herald.

The survey also found that, unsurprisingly, many consumers are still purchasing cannabis in the illicit market as the cost of legal cannabis remains higher than its illegal counterpart and consumers find the products found in retail stores to be of lower quality.

“The ability of the legal market to match illicit prices will be a challenge that may never be achieved. If prices are higher, the value add of quality must match such premiums.” – Lift & Co/Ernst and Young, cannabis legalization report, via the Calgary Herald

In August, Statistics Canada found that 42 percent of cannabis consuming adults still purchased cannabis illegally.

Edibles are expected to be legalized in Canada Oct. 17 but products are not expected to hit shelves until December.

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Imperial College London Studying Entourage Effect of Cannabis

9/16/2019

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The United Kingdom’s Imperial College London and European medical cannabis company EMMAC are partnering on a study to evaluate the entourage effect of cannabis as a pain reliever, the company announced last week. The study would allow the publication of the results with hopes to support future clinical trials focused on patients with acute or chronic pain.

Under the collaboration, EMMAC will fund a post-doctoral research fellow for a minimum one year period and the researchers will explore the efficacy of EMMAC products for patients with neuropathic pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Imperial College London Professor Praveen Anand said the study’s results “may support the rational design of future clinical trials to enhance pain relief and minimize adverse effects” related to cannabis.

“This is a very exciting area of pain research, which aims to characterize the entourage effect and related mechanisms of cannabis-based medicine combinations at a molecular level.” – Anand, in a statement

EMMAC indicated that the study could be just the beginning of their work with Imperial and expect to partner on other studies focused on different therapeutic areas of cannabis. Reuters has named Imperial as Europe’s third most innovative university – top in the UK – because of its ties to industry and its entrepreneurial culture.

The UK allows sales of CBD products and cannabis-derived seizure medication Epidiolex but there is no medical cannabis access or adult-use legalization.

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Killer Mike to Keynote New West Summit

9/13/2019

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San Francisco, Calif. (September 11, 2019) – New West Summit 2019 (NWS5) THE Cannabis Tech Conference (October 10-11, 2019) is pleased to announce keynote speaker Michael Render, p.k.a. Killer Mike. Killer Mike joins Alicia Silverstone as part of an impressive roster of NWS alumni keynotes including Sir Richard Branson, George Clinton, and Ricki Lake.

Michael Render, publicly known as Killer Mike, is a husband, father, activist, businessman and GRAMMY Award-winning artist. He is as synonymous with Atlanta as the iconic brands, Coca-Cola and The Varsity. Render, who is deeply connected to his community, made a name for himself as an activist well before he ever recorded a single song. For the past two years, he’s held back-to-school events offering free haircuts, braids, and school supplies for Atlanta children. His 2018 back-to-school event was held over multiple weekends in July and August and served over 250 children and youth.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Killer Mike as a keynote for this year’s Summit,” said Jim McAlpine, founder of New West Summit. “Mike is an all-around awesome human being, and serves as an example of what we should all strive to be. He is a successful businessman, activist, philanthropist and a hero to many, including myself.”

NWS Platinum Sponsors include MediaJel and Wes Martin Cannabis. MediaJel is this year’s NWS exclusive media partner and host of the official VIP Kickoff Party, to be held the evening of Thursday, October 10, 2019.

“The MediaJel and New West Summit teams have been collaborating throughout the year to bring attendees a highly curated and memorable experience,” said Aaron Silverman, President and co-founder of MediaJel. “We are so excited to partner with this team and to be engaging with advocates like Killer Mike and Alicia Silverstone.”

Silverman continued, “This year’s VIP party is themed ‘Mediatropolis: Adventures in Jeltopia’. Together we are building a world that moves beyond prohibition, and Mediatropolis is that world. We can’t wait to welcome you.”

NWS5 San Francisco will be held on October 10 – 11, 2019 at Bespoke Event Center and Under the Dome – Level 4 – Westfield Mall. Tickets for the Summit and VIP party are available here. VIP Party sponsorship opportunities are available through MediaJel at mediatropolis@mediajel.com. Members of the press can request a media pass here.

About New West Summit

New West Summit focuses exclusively on technological advancements in the cannabis space and the disruptive forces at play in science, investment and media for this evolving industry. The October 10-11 event at Bespoke Event Center in San Francisco, California, will feature highly vetted & curated activations and participants with 60+ exhibitors, 40+ panels, 100+ speakers, an investment round tables, showcase retail pop-ups, VIP afterparties and more. Learn more at www.NewWestSummit.com.

About MediaJel

Founded in 2017, MediaJel provides advertising and marketing solutions for the cannabis industry built with proprietary technology and driven by data. Our team has vast experience from the food and beverage and consumer packaged goods industries matched with deep heritage in cannabis, hemp and ancillary space. MediaJel activates comprehensive strategies fueled by a keen understanding of our clients’ unique audiences. By utilizing proprietary technology and multiple data sets, we help brands build valued personal relationships with their target consumers during their consideration and purchase journey. MediaJel creates more than just trust and brand loyalty, we build communities one advocate at a time. For more information, visit www.MediaJel.com or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.

Contact:

Jennifer Price
VP of Communications
jen@mediajel.com
609-638-2558

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Canadian Cannabis Cruise Canceled by Health Officials

9/13/2019

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The cannabis cruise from Windsor, Ontario, Canada along the Detroit River has been canceled after officials said it violated the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, according to a CTV Windsor report. The cruise was being planned by Windsor River Cruises and Border City Entertainment.

The maiden voyage was planned for Sept. 20 and tickets had sold out in two days. A second cruise was planned for Sept. 26; both are canceled indefinitely and those who bought tickets will be refunded.

Patrons would have brought their own cannabis on board and smoking was to occur on the lower deck. The 2017 smoking regulations, however, prohibit smoking or vaping in enclosed workspaces, public places, and at bar and restaurant patios. Under the cannabis law, cannabis consumption is not allowed on vehicles that are in motion.

Jessilin Deschamp, the office manager for Windsor River Cruises told Blackburn News that health officials made the announcement before the company could address the issue with their customers. She said that they’ve allowed smoking on open decks during their cruises for a decade.

“However, we are going to be looking into the laws in the legislature that they are using to shut down our event because it’s not as black and white as they’re making out to be.” – Deschamp, to the Windsor Star

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Wajid Ahmed said the Smoke-Free Act is clear.

“The province is aware that this is what we are enforcing and obviously with many of these things it is a local decision and interpretation of the law which we are pretty clear,” Ahmed said to the Star.

In all, the company had sold 160 tickets for the Sept. 20 cruise.

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Hemp Company Says They’ll Drop Idaho Lawsuit if Hemp Is Returned

9/13/2019

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Big Sky Scientific, the Colorado-based hemp company suing the Idaho State Police to get its impounded hemp shipment back, said they will drop the lawsuit if their hemp is returned and the state allows future hemp shipments to pass through, the Neighbor reports.

The case dates back to January when Idaho State Police discovered the company’s 6,700-pound shipment during an inspection of the truck while it was making its way through the state from Oregon. On Tuesday, the driver, Denis Palamarchuk — who works for IYI Trucking, not Big Sky — pleaded guilty to a lesser misdemeanor charge of carrying an improperly permitted load including faulty bill of lading, CBS 2 reports. He was initially charged with felony drug trafficking charges.

In a statement to the Neighbor, Big Sky said it would settle the case “including claims for money damages, against the State if it will just give back Big Sky’s industrial hemp and allow it to continue to do its business by shipping its lawful product through Idaho in interstate commerce.” The shipment is valued at $1.3 million. Following Palamarchuk’s plea deal, the hemp is no longer needed as evidence in a criminal case.

Ryan Shore, president of Big Sky, said that he’s not even sure the hemp would still be usable. He said that if Idaho officials don’t agree to allow hemp shipments through the state, the trip from Oregon to Colorado would take more than double the time, which he called “an unfeasible kind of commerce.”

Officials have not yet responded to Big Sky’s proposition.

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How to get holistic about hemp and CBD use

Why does this matter?

The verdict:

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