Page 26 – Ganjapreneur.com

New York Shuts Down More Than 100 Illegal Dispensaries in 3 Weeks

6/19/2024

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New York’s task force to shut down illegal dispensaries in the state has closed 114 storefronts in the three weeks since the launch of the enforcement actions just three weeks ago. Officials said more than $29 million worth of products were seized in the closures.

Licensed retailers in enforcement areas reported a 27% higher increase in sales from the first week of May to the first week of June, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office said in a press release, nearly seven times higher than the previous month-over-month data.

In a statement, Felicia A.B. Reid, Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) acting executive director, said that unlicensed cannabis shops “threaten to undo the incredible work New York has done to center equity, create jobs, and ensure the integrity of products as the cannabis market expands.”

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who announced last month that city officials were planning to crack down on illegal dispensaries, added that the shops “contributed to a feeling that anything goes” in New York City.

“After working with Governor Hochul and our partners in Albany to give local municipalities the power we needed to weed out this illegal activity, we launched ‘Operation Padlock to Protect,’ which is already seeing stunning results. In a matter of weeks, we have shut down nearly 400 smoke shops, seized $13.3 million in illegal products, and imposed more than $30 million in fines and penalties. Our work will protect children, keep our streets safe, and contribute to the thriving legal market that New York deserves.” — Adams in a press release

Hochul launched the Cannabis Enforcement Task Force on May 21. The task force is a statewide law enforcement effort to coordinate staff from several agencies, including OCM, State Police and other state agencies, to combat the illicit cannabis market. The task force has worked with landlords to evict illegal dispensaries and works to penalize landlords who fail to take steps to evict tenants after they are informed they are operating illegally.

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Portland Pickles Baseball Team Is First to Offer THC Beverages at Games

6/19/2024

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The Portland Pickles, an Oregon baseball team in the summer West Coast League, is set to be the first sports team in the U.S. to sell THC-infused beverages at games. The team partnered with Cycling Frog to offer the hemp-derived THC beverages at its home games.

In a statement, Ross Campbell, vice president of business development, said the Pickles “have a responsibility in the sports industry to take leaps and set precedent of innovative partnerships.”

“As we saw in 2019, becoming the first team to ever partner with a CBD company, and quickly teams all the way up to the Major League level across sports follow suit. We are very proud to provide an alternative option at our games with Cycling Frog Products for our incredible fans and the city of Portland!” — Campbell in a press release

The Cycling Frog Light Seltzer will be available at the Pickles’ Walker Stadium starting June 18. The Light Seltzer contains 2 milligrams of THC per serving.

Matt Palomares, vice president of brand marketing of Cycling Frog, said in a statement that the company is “thrilled to be making history” with the Pickles.

“At Cycling Frog, we believe cannabis consumption should be normalized, accessible, and fun! What could be more normal than going to a baseball game and cheering for your local team?” Palomares said in a press release. “Making THC seltzers available at Pickles games is a huge step and we look forward to sparking a broader conversation via this partnership.”

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Workers at Two Arizona Dispensaries Become First in the State to Ratify Union Contracts

6/19/2024

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Workers at Zen Leaf Local Joint in Phoenix, Arizona and Zen Leaf in Chandler on Tuesday ratified their union contracts, becoming the first cannabis industry workers in the state to unionize. The ratification vote came nearly two years after workers at both dispensaries voted to join the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 99.

The four-year contract agreement ratified by Zen Leaf workers includes guaranteed wage increases, seven paid holidays, paid time off, paid bereavement leave, a 401K option, seniority and qualification-based promotions, and just-cause discharge.

Zen Leaf is owned by Verano Holdings, a Chicago, Illinois-based vertically integrated, multistate operator that owns 140 retail cannabis operations across 13 states, according to the company’s website. Five Verano-owned retail cannabis locations have organized with UFCW nationwide, the union said in a press release.

In a statement, UFCW Local 99 President Jim McLaughlin, called the ratification vote “a significant milestone not just for Zen Leaf employees, but for all Arizona cannabis workers.”

“With guaranteed wage increases and seniority-based promotions, workers at Zen Leaf can finally plan for their futures and forge a career path in the industry they helped build. This goes to show that Arizona’s cannabis industry works best when workers have a seat at the table.” — McLaughlin in a press release

Brianna Martinez, a cannabis advisor at Zen Leaf Chandler who was originally hired by Territory Dispensary prior to Verano acquiring the business in 2021, said that following Verano’s takeover “corporate wasn’t listening” to the workers.

“…And, you know, trying to voice those opinions, realizing that if they’re not going to listen, then starting a union, we’ll make those changes,” Martinez said in a statement. “And finally, two years later, I’m seeing that change happening in that contract… It’s a weight off our shoulders for sure.”

While the Zen Leaf workers are the first in the state to ratify their contracts, there are seven other cannabis workplaces in Arizona where employees have voted to unionize, including Curaleaf’s Midtown, Camelback, and Airport dispensaries, along with Sunday Goods’ Tempe dispensary, Green Pharms’ Flagstaff dispensary, Kaycha Labs, and the Trulieve Magnolia cultivation facility in Phoenix.

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Colorado AG Suing Company for Selling Illegally Potent Hemp Products

6/19/2024

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Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has filed a lawsuit against Greeley-based Gee Distributors, LLC for allegedly selling cannabis marketed as industrial hemp products, Denver 7 reports. The lawsuit, filed in Weld County, also names company owner Christopher Landon Eoff.

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp at the federal level, creating an enormous market for hemp-derived cannabinoid products like CBD and delta-8 THC, which is an intoxicating cannabinoid with similar effects to the more widely known delta-9 THC. The lawsuit claims that since that law took effect, “there has been an influx into Colorado of companies that bypass the state’s marijuana regulations and taxes by selling cannabis products with psychoactive effects similar to the legalized recreational.”

The plaintiff, which conducts online sales through the brand name CBDDY and its website, is accused of selling THC-infused products containing 35 times the legal limit for an industrial hemp product.

“Colorado’s legal cannabis regulations are designed to protect consumers, ensure the highest safety and quality standards, and keep cannabis out of the hands of kids. In this case, the defendant recklessly sold products that were, in some cases, more potent even than what is sold in state-licensed dispensaries with little regard for requirements like lab testing and age verification. As this action shows, we will hold accountable anyone who evades Colorado cannabis laws.” — AG Weiser, in a statement

Colorado is home to the first legal adult-use cannabis market in the U.S.

Meanwhile, federal lawmakers are considering walking back some of the hemp legalization language in the next Farm Bill to exclude intoxicating cannabinoids.

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Science of Smokeability Study

Get Paid to Smoke Joints: Pioneering Cannabis Study Seeks Participants to Advance Smoking Standards

6/18/2024

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Ever wonder what makes a perfect puff?

As cannabis culture evolves, enthusiasts and experts alike are delving deeper into what truly enhances the smoking experience.

For decades, the cannabis industry has primarily focused its research efforts on maximizing crop yields and cannabinoid concentrations. However, a pioneering new study aims to shift that focus towards an often-overlooked aspect of the consumer experience – the art of smokeability.

Optimizing the Smoker’s Experience

Spearheaded by leading industry names DaySavers and Custom Cones USA, in collaboration with the Cannabis Research Coalition and the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy, “The Science of Smokeability” (SOS) promises to revolutionize our understanding of cultivation practices and their impact on the quality of the final smoking product.

At its core, the SOS study seeks to establish a direct link between various cultivation and processing variables, and their effect on the overall smoking experience.

By analyzing factors such as mineral content, nutrient levels, potential carcinogens, moisture content, ash composition, and smoke quality, the researchers aim to uncover the optimal conditions for producing a superior, more enjoyable smoke.

Custom Cones USA will also be conducting an innovative experiment focused on infused pre-rolls – one of the fastest rising categories in the pre-roll market. This study will evaluate various infusion techniques to determine which methods produce the hottest burns and most effectively deliver cannabinoids and terpenes.

Whether you prefer to smoke blunts or joints, or opt for innovative options like the pre rolled cross joint, the findings of this study could revolutionize the way you experience your favorite smoking products.

DaySavers and Custom Cones USA: Elevating Industry Standards

As pioneers and experts in the pre-roll market, DaySavers and Custom Cones USA bring unparalleled expertise to this groundbreaking initiative.

DaySavers, the most compliant and tested pre-rolled cone and rolling paper brand, maintains the highest standards of product testing, adhering to the same rigorous protocols as regulated cannabis companies. This commitment to quality assurance has helped them create innovate pre roll blunts and other products that enhance smokeability and consumer satisfaction.

Custom Cones USA, a leading resource for pre rolled cones and renowned for its industry knowledge and innovative solutions, partnered with SOS to help facilitate advancements in cannabis quality and consistency, specifically regarding pre-roll production.

Their deep understanding of pre-roll manufacturing processes and consumer preferences will help translate the research findings into actionable insights for optimizing cultivation metrics and improving overall product quality.

A Collaborative Approach to Sustainable Progress

The study’s inclusive approach invites the broader cannabis community to participate through surveys and feedback, ensuring that the findings reflect diverse consumer perspectives and experiences.

The implications of the SOS study extend far beyond the realm of product development and consumer satisfaction. By establishing objective measurements of smoke quality and its correlation with cultivation practices, the research has the potential to inform future cannabis policies and regulations.

Through their partnership with ASTM Cannabis, an organization dedicated to developing industry-wide standards, the study’s findings will provide regulators with a scientific basis for informed decision-making. This collaborative effort could pave the way for a safer, more sustainable, and consistently high-quality future for smokable cannabis products across the industry.

Your Chance to Shape the Future of Cannabis

The researchers are offering you a unique opportunity to actively contribute to this groundbreaking initiative.

200 randomly selected individuals will receive complimentary pre-rolls and be compensated with $4.20 for providing qualitative feedback through a comparative survey. Whether you’re a seasoned blunt roller or brand new to cannabis, your input could shape the future of smoking experiences.

The SOS is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the cannabis industry. By lending your expertise as a seasoned consumer, you can directly influence the study’s outcomes and contribute to the advancement of smokeability standards.

For those not selected for the paid opportunity, the study still welcomes your participation through various surveys throughout the research process. Every perspective and experience you share holds the potential to enrich the study’s findings and drive positive change within the industry.

As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, collaborative efforts like the SOS study are crucial in promoting quality, consistency, and responsible practices. By bridging the gap between academia, industry leaders, and the community, initiatives like this have the potential to shape the future of cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, and consumption on a global scale.

To learn more about the study and apply to participate, visit the DaySavers website.

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Judge Dismisses Texas Lawsuit Challenging Voter-Backed Local Cannabis Reforms

6/18/2024

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A Texas district court judge last week dismissed a lawsuit brought by state Attorney General Ken Paxton that sought to nullify voter-approved cannabis decriminalization ordinances in five cities, the Austin American-Statesman reports. In her dismissal – which was with prejudice, meaning the lawsuit cannot be refiled – Judge Jan Soifer said, essentially, there was no reason to proceed with a trial.

“Having considered the pleadings, responses, as well as the arguments of legal counsel and applicable law, the Court is of the opinion that the Defendants’ plea to dismiss the case.” — Soifer, in the ruling, via the American Statesman

Paxton’s lawsuit sought to strike down cannabis possession reforms approved by voters in Austin, Denton, Elgin, Killeen, and San Marcos.

In an unsigned statement, the city of Austin said the dismissal allows law enforcement to “prioritize resources to focus on critical public safety issues, rather than low-level marijuana possession.”

“At its core, the ordinance does exactly that,” the statement says, “without removing reasonable discretion from police officers to enforce the law.”

Amy Kamp, spokeswoman for Ground Game Texas, which led the ballot efforts to put the question to voters, said the organization expects an appeal from the state.

“For now, we’re thrilled that the policy remains in force, and will remain in force throughout any potential appellate process,” she told the American-Statesman. “In the meantime, we’ll be continuing to support the other cities who are defending suits by Paxton and building our movement across Texas.”

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Weedmaps: New Yorkers Buying 50% More Cannabis Than the National Average

6/18/2024

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New Yorkers are buying 50% more cannabis than the national average, according to Weedmaps Q1 2024 data. The uptick comes as more dispensaries come online and potential stabilization in the state Office of Cannabis Management leadership.

According to Weedmaps data, 53% of New York orders via the platform are for cannabis flower – which is 5% higher than the national average of 48% – and 27% of orders are for edibles, 9% higher than the national average of 18%. Vape pen orders in New York through Weedmaps are 10% lower than the national average of 25%, at 15%.

Weedmaps also found that consumers aged 50+ are buying more flower, edibles, and fewer vape pens than consumers younger than 50. Fifty-four percent of those 50-plus purchased edibles via Weedmaps (43% under 50), and 28% purchased flower (25% under 50), while 15% purchased a vape pen (26% under 50).

Weedmaps also reports that New York has a higher Average Order Value (AOV) through its platform than the national average for Q1 – $123.16 vs. $80.78, respectively. New York has a 6% higher basket size through Weedmaps vs. the national average in Q1 (2.35 items vs. 2.22 national), and 44% of orders through Weedmaps were for delivery compared to 60% nationally in Q1 2024.

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Massachusetts Regulators Allow Cannabis to be Transported to Islands

6/18/2024

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Massachusetts cannabis regulators last week issued an administrative order allowing cannabis to be transported from the mainland to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket islands, the Associated Press reports. The decision comes following a lawsuit by Martha’s Vineyard dispensary Island Time which argued that the ban on transporting cannabis from the mainland to the island is arbitrary and puts an undue burden on dispensaries on the island, who must rely on cannabis grown only on the island.

State regulators had taken the position that transporting cannabis by either boat or plane risked violating federal law and banned the transport of cannabis to the Massachusetts islands. The order says that any cannabis transported from the mainland to the islands must remain entirely in state territorial waters, meaning cannabis cannot be transported via the ferry and must be transported on alternative, approved boats.

Island Time owner Geoff Rose told the AP that he was still working out the details, but he expected he’d be able to reopen sometime this week. Rose also indicated plans to drop the lawsuit.

Ava Callender Concepcion, the acting Cannabis Control Commission chair, told the AP the commission reached out to federal authorities and did not receive any pushback to the plan.

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Study: Psychedelics Use Linked to Better Cognitive Function in Older Adults

6/17/2024

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Older adults who have used psychedelics tend to exhibit better cognitive function and fewer depressive symptoms than those who have not, according to new research in the journal Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine outlined by PsyPost.

Researchers hypothesized that “the use of classic psychedelics and other hallucinogens would improve cognitive functions and reduce depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults.”

For the study, researchers analyzed data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study, which investigates the midlife development of Americans in the areas of physical health, psychological well-being, and social responsibility. Researchers analyzed data from 2,503 study participants in 48 U.S. states with an average age of 64 years, and 55% were women. The data was collected via phone surveys and self-administered questionnaires submitted by mail, and participants reported their use of cannabis, LSD, and other hallucinogens such as peyote, ecstasy/MDMA, and mescaline. Participants were also assessed on their executive functioning and episodic memory, and tested for extended depressive symptoms.

“The current findings revealed that psychedelic use was associated with improved cognitive function, assessed by executive function, partially supporting our hypothesis; however, the same association was not evident with episodic memory. Further, psychedelic use was associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms. Although our participants were limited, the results corroborated earlier findings in a lesser-explored area of research.” — Excerpt from the study

Recent research into psychedelics has found that hallucinogens like psilocybin and MDMA show promise against treatment-resistant cases of depression and PTSD.

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Maryland Gov. Issues Sweeping Cannabis Pardons

6/17/2024

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Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) has announced the mass pardoning of about 175,000 cannabis convictions in the state, the Washington Post reports. The sweeping pardons should affect about 100,000 individuals, one of the nation’s largest mass forgiving of cannabis crimes taken to date.

The governor said that low-level cannabis convictions block peoples’ access to jobs, housing, and education and that cannabis-related criminal penalties disproportionately affect Black and Brown people. And the pardons — announced on the weekend ahead of Juneteenth, the federal holiday celebrating the end of slavery in the U.S. — represent a step toward healing decades of social and economic injustice, the report said.

“I’m ecstatic that we have a real opportunity with what I’m signing to right a lot of historical wrongs. If you want to be able to create inclusive economic growth, it means you have to start removing these barriers that continue to disproportionately sit on communities of color.” — Moore, via the Post

The pardoning action in Maryland is the latest sweeping gubernatorial pardoning action for cannabis crimes after President Joe Biden (D) in 2022 pardoned low-level federal cannabis crimes and called on governors to take similar actions at the state level. At least nine other states have taken steps since then to pardon some cannabis-related convictions.

Maryland’s cannabis pardons are surpassed only by those issued by Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey (D), who this year issued sweeping pardons for all cannabis misdemeanors ever handed down by the state, an action that is thought to have affected potentially hundreds of thousands of people.

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New Hampshire House Lawmakers Table Cannabis Legalization Bill

6/14/2024

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Despite recent signs that New Hampshire lawmakers were close to a deal on legalizing adult-use cannabis, lawmakers in the New Hampshire House of Representatives on Thursday voted to table the proposal, according to a WMUR9 report. House lawmakers voted narrowly to table the legalization bill despite initial appearances earlier this week that the Legislature was close to reaching a deal on the reforms.

The now-tabled proposal, House Bill 1633, would have made the possession of cannabis by adults aged 21+ legal and established government-run dispensaries throughout the state — the state-run dispensary model had been requested by Republican Gov. Sununu, who opposes cannabis legalization but previously said he would sign such a bill if it created state-run retailers.

The House and Senate had each individually passed their own legalization proposals this year but neither bill was able to reach the governor’s desk. The proposal was likely the last chance New Hampshire had at legalizing cannabis this year.

New Hampshire is bordered by three states with cannabis legalization laws in place and polling suggests that a strong majority of voters would support adult-use cannabis reforms in the Granite State.

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Cannabis Doctors Warn Florida’s Adult-Use Legalization Bid Could Reduce Patient Access

6/14/2024

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Some medical cannabis doctors and advocates are warning that the adult-use cannabis legalization proposal headed to Florida voters soon could negatively impact cannabis access for the program’s 882,000 patients, Politico reports.

The primary concerns laid out in the report are:

That adult-use legalization could lead to medical cannabis patients and patient-focused products getting crowded out of the market, and
That under a so-called “poison pill” piece of the state’s original 2017 medical cannabis law, the entire medical cannabis program could be sunsetted six months after voters adopt another cannabis-related amendment.

“Any sun setting of the current regulatory scheme would put the State in violation of the original medical marijuana amendment. Of course, there is no guarantee how the Legislature will act. The responsible course would be to repeal the poison pill to remove any trace of doubt.” — Smart & Safe Committee statement, via Politico

Florida voters will be deciding on the constitutional amendment to legalize adult-use cannabis in the upcoming November election; constitutional amendments in the state require 60% voter support to pass. If the amendment is approved, licensed medical cannabis dispensaries in the state would be allowed to begin serving adult-use customers — state officials would also be tasked with figuring out a new cannabis industry licensing process, among other regulations. The proposal has been primarily funded by Trulieve, the state’s largest medical cannabis operator.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who does not support the legalization amendment, recently sought unlikely allies against the reforms by vetoing a hemp regulations package that would have banned products containing hemp-derived delta-8 THC and other intoxicating cannabinoids.

The legalization campaign’s constitutionality was previously contested by the state Attorney General but the Supreme Court overruled the challenge and approved the amendment for November ballots.

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New York Gov. Appoints Three New Leadership Members to OCM

6/12/2024

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New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) on Monday appointed three new leadership members to the state Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), which her office said will “end the bottleneck of license applicants, improve communication with applicants and licensees, and reaffirm the agency’s commitment to the social equity goals” included in the state’s adult-use cannabis law.

Felicia A. B. Reid, who previously served in the Office of Children and Family Services for the past six years as deputy commissioner, was appointed executive deputy director and acting executive director for OCM. In a press release, Reid called cannabis “an enormous opportunity” for the state and that “OCM is obligated to ensure that its work makes those opportunities accessible, transparent, and responsive to the industry’s movement and trends.”

Susan Filburn was appointed chief administrative officer, a new position focusing on stabilizing and formalizing administrative functions of OCM to support licensing, compliance and enforcement operations, according to the press release from the governor’s office. Filburn has more than two decades of experience in New York government, serving the previous four years as deputy commissioner of employment security at the Department of Labor.

Jessica Woolford was promoted to the position of director of external affairs and is tasked with building out OCM’s first customer service team to provide transparency to applicants, licensees, and consumers about the agency’s processes and the state cannabis marketplace.

Hochul launched what her office describes as a “sweeping operational overhaul” last month. Chris Alexander, the inaugural executive director of OCM resigned from the role late last month following criticism by the governor.

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Vermont Gov. Allows Medical Cannabis Expansion Law to Take Effect Without His Signature

6/12/2024

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Vermont Gov. Phil Scott (R) allowed a medical cannabis expansion bill to become law without his signature, Vermont Public reports. The law allows existing retailers to qualify for a medical cannabis license to sell specifically to qualified patients who can access higher potency products without a sales tax.

In a statement to Vermont Public, James Pepper, chair of Vermont’s Cannabis Control Board, noted that some of the state’s qualifying medical cannabis patients have to make long trips to a medical cannabis dispensary. Pepper said that patients who live in the Northeast Kingdom region may have to drive as much as 2-and-a-half hours to access a medical cannabis dispensary.

“We actually don’t need to preserve the existing medical dispensary paradigm the way it was conceived back in 2011. However, patients still need the benefits of a medical program.” — Pepper to Vermont Public

Scott had voiced concerns that some of the higher potency medical cannabis products might find their way into the retail market, and has urged lawmakers to address those concerns next year.

The bill passed the Legislature on May 10 and took effect without Scott’s signature on June 10.

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Connecticut Approves Autism, Female Orgasmic Difficulty as Medical Cannabis Qualifying Conditions

6/12/2024

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The Connecticut Medical Cannabis Board of Physicians last week approved autism spectrum disorder and female orgasmic difficulty/disorder as qualifying conditions for the state medical cannabis program.

There are now 42 qualifying conditions for adults and 11 for individuals under 18-years-old. The two conditions were approved by the board unanimously.

An observational study published earlier this year in the journal Sex Medicine found 41% of 410 women “face challenges achieving orgasm.” Seventy-one percent of women included in the study found cannabis beneficial for helping them achieve orgasm.

“Cannabis may be a treatment for women with difficulty achieving orgasm during partnered sex… Cannabis-related treatment appears to provide benefit to women who have female orgasm difficulties or dysfunction.” — Assessment of the effect of cannabis use before partnered sex on women with and without orgasm difficulty, 5/6/24, Sex Medicine

According to NuggMD, 14 states – Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Utah –and Puerto Rico had previously approved autism as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis access.

In Connecticut, medical cannabis is not subject to sales and excise tax at dispensaries and hybrid retailers, medical cannabis patients receive priority entry at hybrid retailers, patients may purchase up to 5 ounces of medical cannabis per month, and patients can access certain products, including those with higher potency and some dosage forms.

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New York Licenses 105 New Cannabis Companies & Approves Final Home Grow Rules

6/12/2024

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The New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) on Tuesday awarded 105 new cannabis licenses and gave its final approval to the state’s cannabis home grow rules, Syracuse.com reports. The agency also introduced Felicia A. B. Reid as the OCM’s interim director following last month’s departure of Chris Alexander, the agency’s inaugural executive director.

The new licensees include 17 retailers, 22 microbusinesses, 25 cultivators, 22 distributors, and 19 processors, bringing the total number of cannabis licenses awarded in New York to 654, the report said.

The home grow rules were first approved by regulators in February. The rules underwent a 60-day public comment following that first approval and no significant changes were made.

“Similar to how people like to brew their own beer or make their wine, it kind of provides that access outside of a regulated framework. I will say there is a prohibition on using volatile solvents like butane or propane … we’ve heard horror stories where people are doing things in garages and basements, so please don’t blow yourselves up.” — OCM Chief Operating Officer Patrick McKeage, via Syracuse.com

The home grow rules allow adults aged 21+ to cultivate up to six mature and six immature cannabis plants at their home, regardless of the number of people living there.

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Slovenia Votes to Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis

6/12/2024

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Voters in Slovenia last weekend approved non-binding resolutions to let medical cannabis patients grow their own cannabis plants at home for personal use and to legalize adult-use cannabis access in the country, according to a Benzinga report. Notably, while the votes demonstrate Slovenians’ eagerness for significant cannabis reforms, lawmakers are not legally required to take action.

The medical home grow proposal was passed with 66.6% of voters backing the resolution. The second proposal, which asked voters whether the government should “allow the cultivation and possession of cannabis for limited personal use on its territory,” was passed with 51.55% support, the report said.

Currently, Slovenia only allows for the cultivation of industrial hemp containing less than 0.2% THC.

The weekend votes — which coincided with the wider 2024 European elections — signal that support for significant cannabis reforms is growing throughout Europe, particularly following the recent April 1 launch of Germany’s new cannabis legalization policy. If the voter-backed reforms are adopted in Slovenia, the Central European country would be the fourth member of the European Union to adopt adult-use cannabis reforms after Germany, Malta, and Luxembourg.

Cannabis reforms are also growing more popular throughout the world — earlier this month, South Africa became the first African country to legalize the personal possession and use of cannabis.

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Schedule III Will Bring New Opportunities to the Pre-Roll Industry

6/11/2024

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The pre-roll industry has exploded in recent years, becoming one of the most lucrative avenues for cannabis operators to take, even in declining markets.

Moving cannabis to Schedule III will only increase the opportunities in this category. Pre-roll manufacturers can expect new money, new consumers, and new products. Leveraging these new opportunities will determine who flourishes after Schedule III and who gets burned by the competition.

New Money

When cannabis is rescheduled to Schedule III, the 280E tax code currently burdening all plant-touching cannabis businesses will be removed from the industry, creating new opportunities by way of tax savings.

Pre-roll brands should expect competition to heat up. With the lift of 280E, new operators may feel more inclined to enter the cannabis market, and existing brands will have more revenue to back marketing efforts and new product lines.

Existing pre-roll brands should consider using these tax savings to upgrade their current pre-roll products, like choosing high-quality flower over leftover shake and trim, updating branding/packaging to better catch a shopper’s eye, and rolling the joint versus stuffing a cone to produce a better drag.

The removal of 280E also makes purchasing new equipment more feasible as operators will now be able to depreciate their equipment for tax purposes. Upgrading to an automatic pre-roll rolling machine and ditching the cone-stuffer will be within reach for brands looking to improve their products.

New Consumers

Markets could also potentially see a surge in revenue from new customers who may be willing to try cannabis once its federal status is updated. Using the savings from the removal of 280E to increase marketing budgets and focus on this potential new audience could lead to a boost in sales. Even if the bump in cannabis consumers is minimal, increasing marketing budgets to prioritize building a loyal following will be the key to success after the rescheduling spikes competition.

Although the reschedule doesn’t open interstate commerce, it puts the industry one step closer to it. Once those doors open, competition will no longer be siloed by state. Consumers will be free to explore products from around the country.

Establishing your loyal audience now will be crucial to staying alive once interstate trade becomes legal. It may be years down the road, but the reschedule demonstrates the federal government’s willingness to participate in the cannabis industry, so it could happen sooner than we think. Start nurturing your audience now.

New Products

New money and new customers will innately lead to new products on the market, but there’s another reason Schedule III could open the door to new products—new research.

As it stands, getting approval to do any type of cannabis research is incredibly difficult. Moving cannabis to Schedule III will make it easier for scientists to explore the plant and learn more about how it interacts with the body. This new research could eventually inform new products, especially if there’s fresh data on how specific strains work and impact humans.

Consistency Will Reign Supreme

Above all, the move to Schedule III will reinforce what we already know—a consistent product is key to a successful brand. On the medical side, the FDA will now be involved in operations, and their demand for consistency may be even greater than your customers’. For both med and rec markets, manufacturers can anticipate new products and brands on the scene, increasing the need to create a consistent pre-roll experience in order to build and maintain a loyal customer base.

Using a cone-stuffing machine to create pre-rolls could leave your brand in the lurch once the plant is rescheduled. While those machines may create a consistent experience, having a pre-roll that consistently canoes and/or consistently burns hot is not the consistency customers are looking for.

Customers want a consistent pre-roll experience that burns evenly, pulls easily, and provides the same effects each time. To achieve this, manufacturers should consider rolling their joints with the BlackBird. This machine rolls pre-rolls; it doesn’t stuff cones. The joint it produces does not canoe or require a hard pull because the flower isn’t compacted on one end. Plus, the machine requires moist, fluffy flower, as opposed to the dry flower cone-stuffing machines need, so it can deliver a more intentional high while using less product.

Prepare for Schedule III

As with anything in government, moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III will take time. However, there is precedent for a fast turnaround, so it could come sooner than we think. Either way, the time to prepare is now.

If you’re ready to upgrade your pre-roll so you’re prepared for the new customers and competition headed your way, get in touch with RollPros. We’ll walk you through the BlackBird’s rolling process so you can enter this next phase of the cannabis industry ahead of the pack.

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FOX News Poll Finds Majority Support for Florida Cannabis Legalization Question

6/11/2024

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A FOX News poll released last week found Floridians back the proposed constitutional amendment to legalize cannabis for adults by a wide enough margin that it would pass in November. According to the poll published June 6, 66% of Florida voters said they would vote in favor of the amendment, with 32% opposed.

Support for the amendment included 76% of Democrats, 71% of independents, and 57% of Republicans.

In an interview with FOX 13, Chris Cano, founder of Suncoast NORML, said “It’s promising to see cannabis reform finally becoming a bipartisan issue.”

“Cannabis is a safe drug and that when it’s properly regulated and patients have saved in quality and affordable access, it works. It increases property values, it helps the economy. And this is going to be a great thing for Florida.” — Cano to FOX 13

The Republican Party of Florida’s Executive Board opposes the measure despite the support from the majority of Republican voters polled by FOX News.

A USA TODAY poll in April found just less than half – 49% – of respondents backed the reforms with 36% opposed.

The amendment would legalize cannabis for adults 21-and-older and would allow Florida medical cannabis dispensaries to serve adult-use customers. Possession limits would be capped at 3 ounces of flower and five grams of concentrate products. The amendment requires 60% of voters support in order to become law.

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Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Legalizes Adult-Use Cannabis

6/11/2024

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The Tribal Council for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), based in North Carolina, last week voted to legalize adult-use cannabis sales, Smoky Mountain News reports. The approval comes about nine months after EBCI members voted to pass the reforms.

The Council also passed an amendment to allow enrolled tribe members with medical cannabis cards to cultivate up to four plants at home as long as no minor children are living in the home where the cannabis is grown.

The tribe’s first medical cannabis dispensary opened last April. North Carolina has not legalized cannabis for any purpose but non-tribal members who are over 21-years-old and residents of the state can apply to the EBCI Cannabis Control Board to obtain a medical cannabis card.

Adult-use sales are not expected to begin right away. During the May 30 work session, EBCI Attorney General Mike McConnell said the tribal dispensary, Great Smoky Cannabis Company operated by Qualla Enterprises, is still at least two to three months away to have the capacity to serve adult-use customers. In an interview with the Citizen-Times, Qualla Enterprises General Manager Forrest Parker estimated the regional adult-use market could reach about 80,000 pounds of cannabis.

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New Hampshire Lawmakers May be Nearing Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization Deal

6/11/2024

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Negotiators in New Hampshire’s House and Senate have reportedly reached a compromise on a cannabis legalization bill, according to the New Hampshire Bulletin. Lawmakers have until Thursday to reach a deal before the end of the legislative session.

Last month the state Senate approved a bill that would allow adult-use sales through state-run shops – a demand of Gov. Chris Sununu (R) who has said he would veto any cannabis legalization bill that does not include this provision. The compromise bill keeps the state-run model included in the Senate-passed legislation, despite opposition from House members.

The compromise bill also includes the Senate-favored 15% tax on cannabis sales. The House version included a 10% tax.

The latest version would also decriminalize possession of up to 1 ounce of cannabis as soon as the bill is signed into law – the limit is an ounce less than what was included in the House version but would take effect immediately rather than six months. Under current state law, individuals can possess up to three-quarters of an ounce.

Senate negotiators also agreed to a demand by their House counterparts that the Cannabis Control Commission created by the law include two industry representatives. The bill would also give current medical cannabis companies in the state an advantage if they seek one of the 16 adult-use licenses.

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Florida Gov. Vetoes Bill to Ban Delta-8 THC Products

6/10/2024

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) on Friday vetoed legislation that sought to ban products containing hemp-derived delta-8 THC and other intoxicating cannabinoids, CBS News reports.

Voters will decide later this year whether Florida will legalize adult-use cannabis — and the governor’s recent veto is thought to be a strategic effort that will protect the entrepreneurs and companies participating in the state’s booming hemp consumables industry, and to help prop up a major cannabis industry competitor, which he publicly opposes.

“Small businesses are the cornerstone of Florida’s economy. While Senate Bill 1698’s goals are commendable, the bill would, in fact, impose debilitating regulatory burdens on small businesses and almost certainly fail to achieve its purposes. — Gov. DeSantis, in his veto statement

The Florida Healthy Alternatives Association said in a statement, “The Legislature heard our concerns, but didn’t fully appreciate the impact of their legislation. Governor DeSantis understands that everyday Floridians rely on hemp and CBD products to stay away from harmful and addictive medications and that thousands of Floridians have built local businesses to serve this critical need.”

Meanwhile, the bill’s primary sponsor state Sen. Colleen Burton told CBS News, “As prime sponsor of Senate Bill 1698, related to food and hemp products, it is very disappointing this legislation was vetoed.”

The governor was reported last month to be considering a veto for the proposal, which was passed unanimously in the Senate and by a 64-48 split House during the final days of the legislative session, the report said.

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Dallas Voters Could See Cannabis Decriminalization Question

6/10/2024

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Voters in Dallas, Texas could get to consider a cannabis decriminalization initiative during this November’s election if the City Council approves the Dallas Freedom Act for local ballots later this month, the Texas Tribune reports.

Council member Chad West will formally introduce the issue during the City Council’s June 27 meeting after advocates submitted more than 50,000 petition signatures supporting the initiative. If advanced by the council — and then passed by voters — the Dallas Freedom Act would instruct police to stop writing tickets or making arrests for possessing up to four ounces of cannabis.

“Voters in our city and across the country want to decriminalize marijuana. Our already burdened police should focus their attention on serious crime, not arresting people with small amounts of marijuana. Bringing this to voters through a City Council-proposed Charter amendment instead of a petition will save the city time and resources.” — West, in a statement via the Texas Tribune

The following six Texas cities have already adopted local cannabis reforms: Austin, Denton, Elgin, Harker Heights, Killeen, and San Marcos. However, state Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) has filed suit against many of the cities and city officials over the local decriminalization policies, arguing they violate state laws and the state constitution.

City officials in Harker Heights, meanwhile, were sued separately by advocates after they refused to carry out the proposal after it was approved by voters in 2022.

Amid the attorney general’s crackdown on municipalities with voter-backed local cannabis reforms, voters in Lubbock, Texas recently rejected a cannabis decriminalization proposal.

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