Aurora Cannabis Inc. is set to acquire MedReleaf Corp. in an all-stock deal worth C$3.2 billion. Under the agreement MedReleaf common stock shareholders will receive 3.575 Aurora common shares for each MedReleaf share and upon completion existing Aurora shareholders would own 61 percent of the pro forma company while existing MedReleaf shareholders would own 39 percent.
The combined company would have nine cannabis cultivation facilities in Canada and two in Denmark capable of producing 570,000 kilograms (about 1,256,635 pounds).
“This is a transformational transaction that brings together two pioneering cannabis companies, both committed to high technology, high quality and low cost production, to create a powerful platform for accelerated growth and success on a global scale. Our complementary assets, strategic synergies, and strong market positioning will provide us with critical mass and an excellent product portfolio in preparation for the adult consumer use market in Canada.” – Aurora CEO Terry Booth in a press release
MedReleaf CEO Neil Closner said the deal positions the combined company “to set the global standard for our industry at a pace that will be difficult to match.”
The boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved the deal. The transaction still requires the approval of at least 66-and-two-thirds percent of MedReleaf shareholders.
B.C. and N.B.-based Zenabis is an ACMPR Licensed Producer of cannabis with its sights set on the global marketplace. While Canada moves forward with the world’s largest nationally-regulated cannabis marketplace, professionals everywhere are preparing for this momentous shift in federal policy.
Zenabis already has production facilities in Delta, British Columbia and Atholville, New Brunswick. Together, they are licensed to hold over 400,000 square feet of production facility space, positioning the company for a comfortable break into the international market.
“We wanted to cover the geography of Canada, but we’re also poised to export product to other global markets,” said Karen Parent, Chief Quality and Compliance Officer for Zenabis.
With several European Union countries like Germany and Italy looking to import pharmaceutical-grade medical cannabis products, the world is watching Canada, where producers have already begun exporting medical marijuana overseas. Zenabis is currently in preparations for obtaining a good manufacturing practice (GMP) certification that would qualify the company for entry into the EU marketplace.
The company has also secured a partnership with United Kingdom-based Isidiol International Inc., through which Zenabis plans to source 3,000 grams of high-quality CBD isolate each month. This deal will provide resources for various R&D projects and has cemented Zenabis’ capability for cross-Atlantic partnerships.
As a privately-owned company, Zenabis is afforded more freedom and maneuverability than many of Canada’s other licensed producers. The company has assembled a diverse and multi-talented team with strengths spanning the startup sector, the pharmaceutical industry, distribution networks, horticulture, and sustainability.
Taking an inside look at the Zenabis cannabis production facilities.
According to Zenabis CEO Kevin Coft:
“Publicly traded cannabis companies are faced with a lot of distractions around generating funds and satisfying short-term obligations to shareholders. We’re using the privately owned model so that we can train our focus on getting everything right for the imminent legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada and the eventual prospect of exporting our products to world markets.”
In the meantime, the company’s business model is focused on cannabis production, research, education, and product development. But John Kondrosky, Chief Operating Officer for Zenabis, explained that one key to the company’s success will be its ability to rapidly scale up to the opportunities presented in both the Canadian and international cannabis markets.
“That’s not simply a matter of increasing production,” Kondrosky said. “It involves careful planning, an unwavering commitment to quality and a relentless focus on execution to ensure that we meet the needs and expectations of our customers with a product we are all proud to put the Zenabis name on.”
Zenabis also has a strong partnership with Kwantlen Polytechnic University, helping educators in KPU’s Cannabis Career Training program create courses based on the needs of the modern cannabis industry.
To learn more, visit Zenabis.com or contact info@zenabis.com.
A Michigan State University Institute for Public Policy and Social Research poll has found 61 percent support for cannabis legalization in the state, with 34 percent opposed and 5 percent undecided. Cannabis legalization was the only issue on the poll with fewer than 15 percent undecided.
Pollsters found support lags among Michiganders 65-and-older. Just 30 percent of that population supported the reforms, while 80 percent of respondents under 30 approved of legalization, along with 62 percent of individuals aged 30 to 64.
“Since the marijuana initiative has a large lead with relatively few undecideds, it appears likely that it will pass.” – MSU economics professor and director of the State of the State Survey Charles Ballard, to MSU Today
This is the third poll this year to find majority support for the cannabis legalization in Michigan. A January poll from Local 4 and the Detroit News found 56.6 percent support, with 36.7 percent opposed and 6.7 percent undecided. A March poll by EPIC-MRA commissioned by Michigan NORML found 61 percent support with 35 percent opposed.
Lawmakers know the initiative is very likely to pass and have considered tying a legalization bill to another measure cutting the state’s income tax. Passing the bill via the Legislature would give them more control over the structure and implementation of the industry; however, House Speaker Tom Leonard, a Republican, told WEMUthat he doesn’t anticipate lawmakers moving on the issue. The Legislature has until June 16 to take up the issue or it will go to the voters in November.
Michigan regulators have announced that CBD products – even those derived exclusively from industrial hemp – are subject to regulation under the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act and the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act.
“Cannabidiol (CBD) comes from the marihuana plant. Based on the statutory definitions related to “marihuana” found in the Michigan Public Health Code (Act 368 of 1978), the [MMMA], and the [MMFLA], any extracts of marihuana or extracts of the marihuana plant will continue to be treated as marihuana. The possession, purchase, or sale of marihuana or any marihuana product – including CBD – must be done in compliance with the MMMA and MMFLA.” – Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs May 10 Advisory Bulletin
Other products derived from industrial hemp are not subject to the MMMA and MMFLA, the bulletin says. However, it does note that the state’s Industrial Hemp Research Act “limits industrial hemp to cultivation or research and does not authorize its sale or transfer.”
“Any possession or transfer of industrial hemp – or any product claimed to be “hemp”-related – must be done in compliance with Michigan’s Industrial Hemp Research Act.” – LARA in the May 10 bulletin
The IHRA only authorizes the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to license colleges and universities to grow hemp for research purposes. The IHRA defines hemp as “the fiber and the seed part of the Cannabis sativa L. plant.”
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has certified that the language for a proposed recreational cannabis ballot initiative is “fair and truthful” – the first step toward putting the issue on the ballot, according to a Cleveland.comreport. The proposal moves next to the Ohio Ballot Board which will determine whether the measure is one or several ballot issues. If approved by the board, advocates would need to collect 305,591 valid signatures to put the issue to voters.
The proposal, which would amend the state constitution, is sponsored by Ohio Families for Change. DeWine had rejected the group’s initial proposal because the petition summary didn’t match the proposal language.
The organization had aimed to put the issue to voters this November, according to Ohio Families for Change spokesman Jonathan Varner, but likely won’t meet the July 4 deadline and will instead focus on the November 2019 election.
“This is unfortunate, because people are being arrested daily for activity that simply shouldn’t be criminal, only to support a black-market system. We’re confident that when voters have the opportunity to vote on this issue, they will overwhelmingly approve it.” – Varner to Cleveland.com
In 2015, Ohio voters rejected a constitutional amendment to legalize cannabis for adults. That measure was opposed by many activists because it would have given campaign investors a monopoly on sales.
West Virginia Treasurer John Perdue has sent a letter to Gov. Jim Justice outlining two plans to provide the state’s medical canna-businesses access to financial services. The first option is a “loop” system; the second a state-owned bank.
The “loop system” proposal would provide two options or a combination of both. A “closed-loop” which would allow payments within a network of individuals or entities that have accounts in the system, and an “open-loop” system that would provide payment services that would also be able to be used outside of the system. Both systems would be monitored by the state.
“This type of third-party payment service would provide a means for establishing accounts by the entities associated with medical cannabis; maintain strong security and fraud prevention practices and controls; provide robust reporting, including online access and integration with the Bureau of Public Health and State of West Virginia systems; and provide various other services, including armed car/courier services.” – Perdue in the letter to Justice
The state-owned bank would be run by the Treasurer’s Office. According to the Charleston Gazette-Mailreport, the specifics of the bank would be determined by legislation. Diana Stout, general counsel for Perdue, said the bank could operate under a charter tailored for the medical cannabis industry.
West Virginia’s medical cannabis program is expected to launch next year.
According to Colorado state Department of Revenue data, cannabis sales in March reached $105,945,278 — up from $85,869,215 in February and $88,729,914 in January. In the first three months of 2018, cannabis sales in the state have totaled $365,686,695.
Denver County led the state in sales: the county totaled $34,757,371 in March. Arapahoe County, whose largest city is Aurora, ranked second with $9,956,392 in sales; followed by Boulder County ($7,245,363); Adams County ($6,602,994); and Larimer County ($5,839,729).
Medical cannabis sales reached $29,238,678 in March, up from $26,640,302 in February, but down slightly from the $29,263,308 in January.
Monthly sales in the state have surpassed the monthly figures from 2017, which were $92,912,147 in March; $75,665,966 in February; and $76,018,423 in January.
However, medical sales in 2017 were significantly higher than this year: $37,451,683 in March; $31,074,413 in February; and $31,712,608 in January.
Since the program’s launch in January 2014, cannabis sales in Colorado have totaled $4,859,707,381. The state applies its 2.9 percent sales tax to both medical and recreational cannabis sales along with a 15 percent tax on retail sales. Municipalities are also allowed to set their own tax rates which range from 0.01 percent to 7.25 percent.
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission mistakenly approved 10 priority certification retail cannabis applications that were supposed to be denied, according to a State House News Servicereport. The CCC had approved 146 such applications but Executive Director Shawn Collins admitted that 10 of those were approved in error.
“Upon further review, we’ve identified a number of applicants that had previously been included in a batch for approval that, based on a transcription error, should have been in fact in a batch for denial. It is unfortunate and we will absolutely be in touch with each of those applicants to identify this error that did occur.” – Collins to the CCC via State House News
CCC Chairman Steve Hoffman said that staff actually made the right call but the denial recommendations “ended up just getting put in the wrong column.” The board voted to rescind those 10 approvals. Hoffman indicated that the CCC would “try everything [they] can to rectify the error.”
“If they do get denied we haven’t taken away anything that they should have gotten, but we still feel badly about the mistake and we’ll do what we can to rectify and to make it up.” – Hoffman to State House News
Hoffman said the body would change the way it reviews applications to prevent future errors.
In order to address ongoing issues with Leaf Data Systems (LDS) — Washington state’s traceability database, built by MJ Freeway — the Washington State Liquor Control Board (LCB) is in negotiations with Gartner Consulting to do an independent evaluation of the LDS’ implementation. Already holding a contract with the LCB, the firm will be asked to evaluate the software development process, determine the source of issues that licensees in the field have been experiencing, and develop recommendations and an action plan to mitigate identified deficiencies and the problems’ root causes.
The cost of the assessment is unknown at this time but will come out of the LCB’s budget, according to a spokesperson for the agency.
Traceability recap
The ongoing issues with Washington‘s traceability system began last year when the LCB announced that the contract with longtime vendor BioTrackTHC would not be renewed. After the first choice, Franwell, dropped out of the ensuing contract bid, the LCB turned to MJ Freeway to build and roll out the new database.
When Franwell dropped out, the LDS launch date was extended to January 1, 2018. During this time, the LCB offered a contingency plan to help businesses track their inventory. The deadline was later extended to February 1. Upon going live, however, evidence emerged that the system had been hacked, which delayed some cannabis deliveries.
By March 31, all cannabis businesses were required to have their data uploaded into Leaf Data Systems, but problems persist, prompting the LCB to seek an outside consulting firm.
Illinois-based Cresco Labshas won a Healthcare Marketing Report National Healthcare Advertising Award – the first cannabis company to receive the honor. The company won the Silver Award for their education-based “State of Relief” campaign. Cresco said the goal of the poster campaign was “to try and normalize the cannabis industry for those seeking relief with an alternative form of medicine in Illinois.”
The winning design featured an open-faced peanut butter and jelly sandwich shaped like Illinois along with a caption that reads “Medical cannabis offers a new way for Illinois residents to seek relief from symptoms of over 35 conditions, like diminished appetite.” The poster was designed by Tom, Dick & Harry Creative Company.
“We wanted people to see medical cannabis as just another form of medicine in Illinois, without the traditional stereotypes that come with it. Our goal was to create an eye-catching campaign appealing to a mainstream audience that didn’t scream ‘marijuana’. We created the new messaging for the regulated cannabis industry – it’s professional, it’s regulated…it’s normal.” – Cresco Labs CEO Charlie Bachtell in a press release
Healthcare Marketing Report received over 4,000 entries for consideration. Its national panel of judges made their picks based on creativity, quality, message effectiveness, consumer appeal, graphic design and overall impact.
CROP Infrastructure Corp. (CSE: CROP) is a North American cannabis enterprise with a unique plan for capitalizing on the continent’s rapidly evolving cannabis landscape. The company, operating as a lender and landowner, recently announced the construction of 12 state-of-the-art greenhouse facilities in Grant County, Washington state. These facilities will be made available to qualified cannabis licensees.
In the cannabis industry, traditional lending to build business infrastructure is either limited or nonexistent due to the plant’s ongoing federal prohibition. Particularly in the U.S., where most state markets are still years behind Canada, the industry is poised for enormous growth — and CROP’s flagship Grant County facilities will establish advanced infrastructure for 44,000 square feet of cannabis canopy.
Blueprints for CROP Infrastructure Corp.’s flagship greenhouse facilities.
Aptly named “The Dozen,” this project will benefit from some of the cheapest power in North America: at just $0.02/kwh, CROP’s tenant grower could produce cannabis product at approximately $200 per lb USD — or just $0.44 per gram. When all 44,000 square feet of production space is operating at full capacity, the tenant grower will have the capacity to manufacture approximately 24,000 lbs per year. The Dozen is also located near major trucking routes in Washington, which will simplify deliveries to the tenant grower’s dispensary partners.
All capital deployed by CROP will be repatriated to the company through land management, licensing, and branding fees paid by the tenant grower. Since CROP is taking the initial risk of deploying capital, hiring construction crews, and purchasing materials, the company seeks a 60% preferential payback from the tenant grower via land management, leasing, licensing, and branding fees. Once CROP has recouped its investment in a facility, the company will retain just 30%.
CROP Infrastructure Corp. fills a valuable role for the cannabis market by providing the means for growers to maximize their potential. CROP owns land, infrastructure, equipment, and brands — which, combined, will lead to maximum value for tenant growers and investors alike. Visit cropcorp.com to learn more about CROP’s blueprint for success in the world’s fastest-growing industry.
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill has indicated he will vote in favor of the ballot initiative to legalize medical cannabis in Utah, the Deseret Newsreports. The support comes as Gov. Gary Herbert and the Utah Medical Association strongly oppose the reforms.
“This is not about recreational marijuana, that is not what I support, but I will advocate for not criminalizing the conduct of parents, patients and family members for an act of compassion.” – Gill, during a Tuesday press conference, via Deseret News
Gill’s support also breaks from the state’s law enforcement community. The Department of Public Safety and Drug Enforcement Administration Salt Lake City Metro Narcotics Task Force have each come out in opposition of the reforms. The task force is also listed as an associate of Drug Safe Utah, a political action committee formed last month to directly oppose the ballot initiative.
“As a public prosecutor the last thing I want to be doing is be in the middle of a conversation between a patient and their physician. They should not have to worry about the specter of criminal prosecution for an act of compassion.” – Gill, during the press conference
He did warn that some citizens “living in other jurisdictions may not get the same benefit” and there are probably just “one or two” other Utah district attorneys who support the reforms.
The National Football League has denied free agent running back Mike James an exemption for using cannabis as a painkiller, NBC Sportsreports. James, a 2013 sixth-round Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft pick, applied for a therapeutic exemption to use cannabis – which is banned by the league – but officials turned him down.
James is not currently signed to an NFL team but free agents are still subject to league drug tests.
“I am hopeful that I’ll be able to keep playing football. It is a game that I love very dearly. I know right now I’m doing something that makes some people uncomfortable, and that I’m going against the establishment to push for a change in the way they look at this medicine. I know there’s a greater purpose here for a lot of guys in this league who I consider family members.” – James to NBC Sports
According to CNN James was the first active NFL player to file for a therapeutic exemption to use cannabis. Dr. Sue Sisley, a board member of Doctors for Cannabis Regulation, helped James fill out the form after he tested positive for cannabis in October as part of the league’s drug testing protocol.
“Mike’s case is such a perfect example of why cannabis needs to be made available, because he’s really not a candidate for opioids. So this is a safe alternative for him.” – Sisley to CNN
Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal has signed the bill adding post-traumatic stress disorder and intractable pain to the state medical cannabis program, the Atlanta Journal-Constitutionreports. However, lawmakers failed to pass any broad expansion to the limited low-THC program.
Patients still have no in-state access. The program allows enrollees to possess the cannabis oil but does not allow a way to legally obtain it. Lawmakers did consider a bill to allow for in-state production of the oil but that measure, which Deal opposed, never received a full House vote.
A legislative commission will study in-state cannabis oil production. The commission will evaluate security, manufacturing, product labeling, testing, and dispensing and make recommendations to the General Assembly next year.
Democrats vying for the governor’s office support expanding the program and allowing in-state production, according to Courthouse News. Both candidates, Stacey Abrams and Stacey Evans support the reforms as a way to fight the opioid crisis. Just one of the Republican gubernatorial hopefuls, state Sen. Michael Williams, supports expanding the program. Williams has called the state law “inadequate at best, criminal at worst.”
There are currently about 4,000 patients enrolled in Georgia’s medical cannabis program. Patients with PTSD and intractable pain will be allowed to apply to participate in the program July 1.
Medical cannabis patients in a New York study reduced their use of opioids and spent less money on their prescription medications, according to researchers at GPI Clinical Research and the University of Buffalo School of Pharmacy. The study, titled “Preliminary evaluation of the efficacy, safety, and costs associated with the treatment of chronic pain with medical cannabis”, was published in this month’s issue of The Mental Health Clinician.
Researchers found that study participants’ monthly analgesic prescription costs declined 32 percent following medical cannabis program enrollment. The reduction was primarily observed in number of fentanyl patches and amount of opioid use.
“After [three] months treatment, [medical cannabis] improved quality of life, reduced pain and opioid use, and lead to cost savings.” – Preliminary evaluation of the efficacy, safety, and costs associated with the treatment of chronic pain with medical cannabis, May 2018, The Mental Health Clinician
The study was small – just 29 patients. Sixty-five percent of the participants were female. Twenty of the patients had spinal tissue damage, three had neuropathies, three had cancer, two had irritable bowel disease, and one has Parkinson’s disease. After three months, 10 percent of the subjects reported dry mouth as the only adverse effect associated with cannabis use.
The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee has unanimously voted to advance a measure to allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to research medical cannabis, according to a Stars and Stripes report. The bi-partisan measure was introduced last month by the committee’s ranking Democrat, Rep. Tim Walz, and Republican committee chairman Rep. Phil Roe, who is also a physician.
“I’m keenly aware of need for VA to critically examine possible new treatments that could benefit veteran patients. Like many of us on this dais, I’ve heard from many veterans who believe medical cannabis can help them lead healthy lives. Right now, we don’t know if that’s true or not, and that’s why we believe the VA should conduct rigorous research on medical cannabis just like any other medication or treatment.” – Roe to Stars and Stripes
When he introduced the measure, Walz, who is running for governor of Minnesota, said that “22 percent of veterans report using cannabis as a safer and more effective alternative to opioids and drug cocktails currently prescribed by the VA for medical conditions such as [post-traumatic stress disorder] and chronic pain.” Also stated: Another 92 percent of veterans support medical cannabis research.
“Even if you don’t think cannabis is useful, our veterans deserve to know for sure.” – Walz to Stars and Stripes
The bill requires the agency to report its progress on the issue to Congress; although it does not mandate that the agency conduct the studies.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy is open to reducing or eliminating sentences for low-level cannabis crimes, telling NorthJersey.comthat his main motivation behind legalizing cannabis is not to raise revenues but to correct the social justice problem.
Murphy, the former U.S. ambassador to Germany under President Barack Obama, said he would be open to, and is considering, “sweeping pardons.” He added that he is looking for a cannabis legalization law that is “airtight and comprehensive.”
Some Democratic lawmakers cool on Murphy’s reform plans. State Sen. Ron Rice, a former police officer who has co-sponsored a cannabis decriminalization measure, argues that “social justice is just secondary.”
“They want to move on money. It’s about taxes, They don’t care who they harm in the process.” – Rice to North Jersey
Assemblywoman Anette Quijano, who has sponsored a bill to expedite the expungement process after cannabis is legalized, said she would prefer the Legislature take up the issue rather than allow the governor to enact broad reforms through executive order.
“I am never a fan of transferring the power of the Legislature. I think [her bill] gets a fair hearing in the Legislature.” – Quijano to North Jersey
New Jersey ranked third in the nation in total cannabis arrests in 2016 during which 35,700 people were arrested for cannabis possession or distribution.
Last month, the federal Small Business Administration released a new policy indicating that direct cannabis businesses, indirect cannabis business, and hemp businesses would be locked out of the federal agency’s lending services, according to Green Market Report’s Debra Borchardt. Last week, Oregon Rep. Earl Blumenauer wrote to SBA Administrator Linda McMahon urging her to repeal the guidance, saying the rule “would be impossible to implement and wreak havoc across multiple sectors of the economy.”
“For example, would just one order from a cannabis business for soil preclude a locally-owned garden center from receiving federal government loan support in the future?” – Blumenauer in a letter to McMahon
Blumenauer says he has long-supported the SBA loan program but the guidance effectively prevents “businesses that derived any of their revenue from sales to ‘direct marijuana businesses’ and hemp-related businesses” from receiving SBA loans.
In Oregon, Blumenauer contends, the cannabis industry is worth $800 million and the companies and employees that contribute to that economy “pay taxes that support schools and local law enforcement, and contribute to their state and local economies.”
The guidance also prevents individuals that have received SBA-backed loans from leasing space “to any business engaged in any activity illegal under federal, state or local law (such as a marijuana dispensary).”
Of note: McMahon’s son, Shane McMahon, invested $500,000 for a stake in EnviroGrow, which builds cannabis-growing modules. That relationship led to a 2017 lawsuit, in which McMahon claims the company’s manufacturing plant was “virtually nonexistent.” Linda has never publicly commented on her son’s investment and did not address the cannabis issue while running for Senate in Connecticut.
The South Carolina Department of Agriculture is doubling the number of permits and the acreage allowance for industrial hemp – from 20 to 40 – under the state’s pilot program, according to a WTOC report. The permits will also allow farmers to grow 40 acres of hemp, up from 20 acres.
In order to qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Have a signed contract with an industrial hemp manufacturer processor;
Submit GPS coordinates where the crops will be cultivated
Results from last year’s crop aren’t yet known as farmers will begin harvesting in June, according to Department of Agriculture Director of Communications Sally McKay; however, she said that farmers are already reaching out to the agency for next year.
“Prospective growers throughout the state are eager to join the program even without knowing exactly where it’s going to grow best.” – McKay to WTOC
Last year all 20 available spots in the program were filled throughout 15 counties. According to state Department of Agriculture data, 14 farmers grew the total 20 acres allowed by their permit, while two farmers came close, growing 19.95 acres and 19.54 acres. One farm grew 18.43 acres, while the remaining two grew 5.46 and 5.97. The 20 permit recipients were chosen from 131 applications.
Cannabis advocates are raising money for a super PAC called Texans Removing Outdated and Unresponsive Politicians, aimed at ousting Texas Republican Rep. Pete Sessions, who chairs the House Rules Committee and has blocked cannabis reform legislation from reaching the floor for a vote, the Washington Examinerreports. The effort is being led by Marijuana Policy Project founder and former executive director Rob Kampia.
“[Sessions] is in fact what I call a sphincter who is constipating the process. The reason we haven’t won is just process; it’s not content.” – Kampia to the Examiner
Kampia said the PAC will bundle contributions for the Democrat who wins the primary and provide support for Melina Baker, the Libertarian Party candidate.
“I am going to bundle a whole bunch of checks and send them to the Democrat without talking to the Democrat. You are going to see a bunch of $2,700 checks flowing from the same people who you’re going to see on our [super PAC] reports.” – Kampia to the Examiner
Kampia, who now leads the Marijuana Leadership Campaign, said the PAC will fund get-out-the-vote ads targeted at libertarian-leaning Republicans who support state rights, encouraging them to support a third-party candidate, and University of Texas at Dallas students.
Responding to the news, Sessions’ campaign said that “far more people across North Texas appreciate [his] efforts to protect our families by upholding the rule of law.”
“Congressman Sessions will not be intimidated by liberal merchants of addiction who imperil the safety of our children with illegal narcotics.” – Sessions’ campaign to the Examiner
Kampia said he’d bet all his money that medical cannabis could be legalized federally “but for Sessions.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has pledged that cannabis will be federally legal in the nation by this summer despite the recommendations of several Senate committees to delay the reforms’ implementation, CBC Newsreports.
“We have been working with our partners across the country to make this happen and we are going to be moving forward this summer on the legalization of cannabis. Obviously, as I’ve said many times, this is not an event, this is a process, and we will continue to work with our partners in the municipalities, in provinces and Indigenous leadership in communities to ensure that we’re getting this right and moving forward in a responsible way that supports all the partners as we move forward on this.” – Trudeau, during a May 3 press conference, via CBC
The prime minister’s comments come the day after the Senate Aboriginal Peoples Committee urged Liberal leaders to delay the bill in order to better negotiate tax sharing, prepare culturally appropriate education materials, draft addiction strategies, and ensure that First Nations can decide whether or not they want legal cannabis sales in their communities.
“Make no mistake, this is a public health and public safety issue that we committed to in the election campaign that we will be moving forward with this summer.” – Trudeau, during the press conference, via CBC
The bill was also recently criticized by the Canadian Real Estate Association, who claimed that allowing individuals to grow their own cannabis would cause home prices to fall or cause properties to become uninsurable because financial institutions might be reluctant to protect properties once used for cultivation because of the risk of structural damage. At least two provinces, Quebec and Manitoba, have announced they will not allow home cultivation. Trudeau defended the home-grow provision of the bill as “based on logic and evidence” and said he expects provinces to follow the law as written, which could prevent provinces form enacting home-grow bans.
The Senate has agreed to have a third reading vote on the measure on or before June 7. If the Senate amends the measure those changes would need to be approved by the House of Commons.
During the 2015-2016 campaign cycle, cannabis companies, advocates, and entrepreneurs donated at least $1.8 million to California political campaigns in an effort to pass Prop. 64 and legalize cannabis for adults. From Jan. 1, 2017 through Apr. 26, 2018 the industry has donated more than $600,000 to California campaigns, the Los Angeles Daily Newsreports. The figure is at least four times what the industry spent on political campaigns during the 2013-2014 election cycle.
Democrats welcome industry donations. According to the CALmatters data, the Democratic convention in February was sponsored by Eaze – a cannabis delivery company – which additionally donated $45,000 to the party. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom has raised $495,000 as of April – the most money from the industry – for his gubernatorial bid. State Treasurer John Chiang, who has pitched the idea of a state bank for the industry, has raised at least $10,100 from cannabis firms and advocates. Attorney General Xavier Becerra has raised at least $21,000 for his re-election bid. In 2014 his opponent, Kamala Harris, who currently serves as a U.S. Senator, did not accept industry money. Democratic state Sen. Ricardo Lara has raised at least $18,000 from the industry and is currently running for Insurance Commissioner.
The California Cannabis Industry Association has raised more than $290,000 for their political action committee since its 2014 launch.
“I’m sure we will [continue] soliciting from the cannabis industry. It’s a legal industry in California. It’s not one that hurts the environment, it’s not undermining our society. So we welcome their dollars.” – California Democratic Party Chairman Eric Bauman to the Daily News.
The party does not accept money from the alcohol or tobacco industries.
By the numbers: 27 percent of recreational cannabis users reported using fewer over-the-counter medications, 22 percent reported using fewer sleep aids, 21 percent indicated they consumed fewer spirits, and 20 percent said they consumed less beer.
The researchers also found individuals 55-and-older are “re-engaging” with cannabis. Mike Luce, co-founder of High Yield Insights, said that 55 percent of those 55-and-older returned to using cannabis after having tried it when they were younger.
“We are just starting to grasp how legalization has impacted consumer behavior, be it spending, usage occasions, or shopping habits. Understanding these changes will lead to new growth opportunities for cannabis and further disruption for other categories.” – Luce in a press release
The analysts found that 65 percent of respondents viewed legalization as positive for their communities. Consumers also indicated that they want to see more convenient cannabis products such as edibles and pre-rolls.
The report is the first in a series from Chicago, Illinois-based High Yield. Upcoming reports will focus on micro-level consumer behaviors, and cannabis product and format preferences.
The Michigan Medical Marihuana Review Panel has recommended 10 conditions be added to the state’s medical cannabis program, according to an MLivereport. In all, 22 conditions were submitted for consideration by the panel.
What conditions were approved:
Arthritis
Autism
Chronic pain
Inflammatory bowel disease
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Parkinson’s disease
Rheumatoid arthritis
Spinal cord injury
Tourette’s syndrome
Ulcerative colitis
What conditions were denied:
Anxiety
Asthma
Brain injury
Depression
Diabetes
Gastric ulcer
Panic attacks
Schizophrenia
Social anxiety disorder
The panel was deadlocked on three conditions: colitis, organ transplant, and non-severe and non-chronic pain. The board will consider those conditions at a future meeting with the rest of the board present to weigh in and potentially break the tie.
Michigan‘s current regime allows access to the program for patients suffering from 10 specific conditions and other chronic or debilitating diseases and medical conditions, or treatments that produce cachexia or Wasting Syndrome; severe and chronic pain; severe nausea; seizures, including epilepsy; and severe and persistent muscle spasms, such as those characteristic of multiple sclerosis.
Most of the recommendations will be approved or denied by July 10. The final decision is made by Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Director Shelly Edgerton. She has until Aug. 6 to make a decision on the chronic pain condition.
B.C. and N.B.-based 
