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Virginia Cannabis Sales Unlikely to Launch Under Gov. Youngkin’s Administration

7/17/2023

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The administration of Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) has no plans to allow adult-use cannabis sales to commence in the state while he is in office, the Daily Progress reports. Adult-use cannabis sales were expected to begin in 2024 under a law passed by the legislature and signed by former Gov. Ralph Northam (D) in 2021; however, during a Virginia Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council meeting last week, Joseph Guthrie, commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said the public should not expect the market to roll out during Youngkin’s time as governor.

“Governor Youngkin has stated that he is not interested in any further moves towards legalization of adult recreational use marijuana.” — Guthrie via Daily Progress

Despite lawmakers approving the reforms two years ago, the regulated industry’s rollout required additional action from the Legislature, which was blocked by Republicans in the House of Delegates this year and last year.

Sen. Adam P. Ebbin (D), sponsor of a bill to create the framework for adult-use sales, told the Washington Post that were Democrats to take control of the Legislature in the upcoming elections and pass the reforms, Youngkin could still veto the legislation.

Portions of the 2021 law allowing cultivation, consumption, and possessing cannabis are in effect in the state.

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Missouri Enacts New Cannabis Packaging Rules

7/17/2023

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Missouri officials have released new rules for cannabis packaging in the state, limiting colors on packages to one primary package color and up to two logos or symbols that can be of different colors, the Springfield News-Leader reports. The logos or symbols cannot be larger than the clearly printed word, “Marijuana,” which must appear on the packaging in black or white text.

All cannabis product packaging must also feature a warning label that says: “Cognitive and physical impairment may result from the use of marijuana. Keep out of reach of children.”

Any violation of the new rules carries a potential $5,000 fine.

Tony Billmeyer, chief marketing officer of Show-Me Organics, told the News-Leader that the company is hoping for more “clarity” on the new rules.

“The challenge with that is cannabis is an incredibly complex product that has lots of varying properties. If you imagine a similar category like wine … If you thought of walking into a wine store and all the labels are pretty much just about consumer safety, I don’t know if that’s actually going to help. People find a lot of benefits from just being able to navigate things visually.” — Billmeyer to the News-Leader

Starting September 1, manufacturers will have to receive approval from the Department of Health and Senior Services’ (DHSS) Division of Cannabis Regulation for new packaging, labeling, and product design to ensure they are compliant with the new rules. If approved, the manufacturer will receive a number that must be printed on the product packaging. DHSS is allowing manufacturers to use existing packaging through January 31. Products that are not compliant with the new rules must be pulled from shelves by Feb. 1, 2024, and any products that do not have a Division of Cannabis Regulation-issued approval number will be discontinued.

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Massachusetts Cannabis Sales Hit New Record in June

7/14/2023

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Sales of both adult-use and medical cannabis in Massachusetts reached record highs in June totaling $1.32 million and $1.079 million, respectively, according to state Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) data. The flower price-per-gram is also at its lowest point since the launch of legal sales in the state to $5.82.

So far this year, the state cannabis retailers have sold $760.61 million worth of cannabis products, according to CCC data. Cultivators are also harvesting more plants than ever before – in April, the most recent month for which data is available, Massachusetts cannabis growers harvested 3,400 plants

In all, adult-use cannabis sales in Massachusetts have topped $4.74 billion since the launch of the legal market. Medical cannabis sales in the state have totaled $1.08 billion since 2019.

Flower is the most common product purchased in the state with more than $2.9 billion in sales since 2018. Vape products are the second most popular category ($857 million), followed by edibles ($685 million), pre-rolls ($622 million), and concentrates ($367 million).

The per-ounce flower price in June was $164.97; in January 2020, the flower price per ounce was a whopping $416.54. Adult-use cannabis sales carry a state sales tax of 6.25%, a state excise tax of 10.75%, and a local option tax for municipalities up to 3%. Medical cannabis sales are not taxed.

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Ukraine Parliament Gives Initial Approval to Medical Cannabis Bill

7/14/2023

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Ukraine’s parliament has given initial approval to a medical cannabis legalization bill, the Kyiv Post reports. The law must still pass a second reading following any amendments and finalization by lawmakers before moving to President Volodymyr Zelensky for his signature.

People’s Deputy Iryna Herashchenko said on Telegram the measure is “not so much about medicine as about the industrial cultivation of cannabis and corruption schemes by the government regarding permits and the development of huge financial flows.”

“The law is supposed to help treat PTSD, reduce cancer pain, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and other conditions. Therefore, it is important to clean up all the problematic corruption points there regarding the cultivation of hemp on a large industrial scale without proper control. The issue of drug prevention also remains important. Because now the law enforcement officers are crushing them, and this is big shady dirty money. The production and sale of tobacco and alcohol is under state control. It should be the same with cannabis. Ukraine must produce its own drugs for the medical use of cannabis, but under strict state control.” — Herashchenko via Telegram

The draft law backed by the Ministry of Health would establish a licensing system for the cultivation of cannabis strains intended for medical purposes and calls for strict monitoring of the production and distribution of medical cannabis and related products. Each batch of medical cannabis would be labeled with a unique barcode, ensuring tracking throughout the supply chain, the report says.

The plan is backed by Zelensky. A poll conducted alongside local elections in October 2022 found 65% of Ukrainians backed the reforms.

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Michigan Ends Preemployment Cannabis Testing for Most State Employees

7/14/2023

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The Michigan Civil Service Commission on Wednesday voted unanimously to lift a ban on hiring most state employees who fail pre-employment drug tests for cannabis, MLive reports. Drug screening for cannabis will remain the protocol for state-employed health workers, police, Department of Corrections Officers, and others employed in safety-sensitive positions.

Nearly 350 applicants have failed drug tests for cannabis and have been denied employment since legalization five years ago, according to the Civil Service Commission.

The change also ends current policies banning applicants who previously failed a drug test for cannabis from applying for another state job for three years. All employees may still be subject to testing if it’s believed they are under the influence of cannabis while on the job.

Michigan Civil Service Commissioner Jeff Steffel, a former 28-year state police trooper who voted for the changes, told MLive that he’s “not totally on board” with the reforms.

“Why is it the work done by our state employees any less important in terms of marijuana impairment than what it is for police officers, nurses, etc. So I think it is bad policy to not screen for marijuana and not prohibit those people from being employed.” — Steffel to MLive

Civil Service Commission Member Nick Ciaramitaro told MLive that the change is necessary to comply with the will of voters who approved a cannabis legalization ballot initiative in 2018.

“Whether or not we agree with it or not is kind of beyond the point. Use of marijuana on the job is different than having used it months before you take the test,” he said in the interview with MLive. “It doesn’t make sense to limit our ability to hire qualified people because they took a gummy two weeks ago.”

The new rules take effect on October 1.

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Adult-Use Cannabis Sales in Maine Reach New Record in June

7/13/2023

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Adult-use cannabis sales in Maine reached a new record in June, topping $18.4 million, according to Maine Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP) data outlined by the Bangor Daily News. The previous high was $17.4 million, realized the previous month.

In all, dispensaries in the state sold about 5,270 pounds of cannabis in June. Cannabis was legalized in Maine by voters in 2016 but retail sales didn’t commence in the state until July 2022.

According to OCP data, there were 322,169 transactions at adult-use dispensaries in June, with an average flower price-per-gram of $7.69.

So far this year, adult-use sales have totaled $97,408,138 in 1,671,054 transactions. If sales remain on this pace, 2023 adult-use sales in Maine will surpass last year’s total of $158.9 million.

Flower represented the bulk of sales in June, totaling about $11 million. Concentrates were the second most popular product category, with sales reaching nearly $4.5 million, followed by infused products at nearly $3 million, with plant sales comprising the remainder.

So far this calendar year, Maine’s average price per gram of flower is $7.90.

The state has licensed 218 retail stores, 150 cultivators, 116 manufacturers, and five testing laboratories.

However, a recent survey by the OCP suggests that the retail market has upended the state’s system of medical cannabis caregivers. That survey found that more than 1,350 caregivers left the program from the end of 2021 to the end of January 2023.

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Massachusetts Group Files Paperwork to Put Psychedelic Decriminalization Question on Ballots

7/13/2023

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A group called Massachusetts for Mental Health Options last week filed paperwork with state regulators signaling plans to put a psychedelic decriminalization ballot question to voters, CBS News reports. In the filing, the group states its purpose is “To expand mental health treatment options in Massachusetts by providing new pathways to access natural psychedelic medicine therapy” and the ballot question would seek to create “access to natural psychedelic medicine therapy” and remove “criminal penalties for personal possession of these medicines.”

Responding to an inquiry from CBS News, Ben Unger, of the group New Approach, which helped the passage of psychedelic therapy ballot questions in Colorado and Oregon, described the Massachusetts proposal as “still very much in the exploratory phase.”

“The coalition is still forming and the policy is still going through a process of being vetted, discussed and finalized. As you can imagine, lots [of] details to iron out.” — Unger to CBS News

The campaign has until August 2 to file an initiative petition for the 2024 election. New Approach is not listed on the paperwork submitted last week. The point of contact listed is MLM Strategies.

Colorado and Oregon are the only two states, along with Washington D.C., that have legalized some psychedelics for therapeutic use and decriminalized possession of small amounts. In all three cases, the reforms were approved by voters in ballot initiatives.

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Rhode Island Dispensary Sues Over Labor-Peace Requirements for Cannabis Licenses

7/13/2023

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A Rhode Island cannabis dispensary has filed a lawsuit over labor peace agreement provisions in the state’s cannabis legalization law, the Boston Globe reports. Greenleaf Compassionate Care Center argues that it was “coerced into entering an oppressive collective bargaining agreement” because of the 2022 law.

The law included requirements that licensed cannabis dispensaries in the state enter into “labor peace agreements” with a “bona fide labor organization” even if the business existed prior to the law’s passage. Greenleaf has been a licensed medical cannabis dispensary in the state since 2013.

In the lawsuit, filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island, Greenleaf argues that the business had “little bargaining leverage” with its workers, who voted in 2021 to organize under the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 328. The workers had initially voted to unionize in 2021, prior to the legalization law taking effect, but negotiations were ongoing when the legalization law passed in May of 2022, the report says.

In an email to the Globe, Greenleaf CEO Seth Bock said that while labor negotiations were underway, the company realized they had lost all of their bargaining power with the passage of the adult-use law and its labor-peace provisions.

In an interview with the Globe, Marc Gursky, the attorney for the UFCW Local, disputed the premise of Greenleaf’s lawsuit, noting the previous negotiations.

“A labor peace agreement is about access, so that a union has a fair chance of organizing a workplace in exchange for giving up a right to strike. Greenleaf never entered into a labor peace agreement.” — Gursky to the Globe

State Rep. Scott Slater (D), who sponsored the cannabis law, said unions and activists had lobbied for the labor agreement provisions and that the groups also successfully pushed for some cannabis licenses to be reserved for worker co-operatives.

The suit names the state, all of the members of the R.I. Cannabis Commission, and UFCW Local 328 as defendants.

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Maryland Cannabis Sales Top $20M During First Week

7/12/2023

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Combined medical and adult-use cannabis sales in Maryland totaled $20.9 million during the first week of retail sales, CBS News reports. The split between adult-use and medical sales was nearly even, but medical cannabis sales were slightly higher, the report says.

The bulk of the sales were realized during the July 4 weekend. According to Maryland Cannabis Administration data, total medical and adult-use sales totaled $10,429,736 on July 4 and $4,518, 377 on July 5. During the weekend, adult-use sales far outpaced medical cannabis sales at $3,558,947 and $959,430, respectively.

Linda Condon, clinical director at Nature Care Wellness, told CBS News that the business had “almost 2000 new customers come through in 7 days.”

Adult-use cannabis sales in Maryland are taxed at 9%. Thirty-five percent of the proceeds are used for the community investment and repair fund established by the general assembly in the legalization law.

Andrew Garrison, a representative of the Maryland Cannabis Administration told CBS News that the fund is meant “to help communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition.”

In January, the state expects to begin licensing social equity businesses, which are defined under the law as businesses owned by individuals who live in an area or have been personally affected by the war on drugs.

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North Carolina House Speaker: Medical Cannabis Legalization Bill Likely Dead for Session

7/12/2023

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North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore (R) said Tuesday that the medical cannabis legalization bill is likely dead for the session, the Associated Press reports. Moore indicated the proposal was opposed by many of the chamber’s Republican members.

Moore told reporters that there’s a rule within the House Republican Caucus that a majority of its members must be willing to vote for legislation on the House floor for it to be heard, even if it could pass the chamber with Democratic support.

Complying with the rule “would require a number of House members who’ve taken a position of ‘no’ to literally switch their position to want to vote for it, and I just don’t see that happening,” Moore said to reporters on Tuesday.

House Majority Leader John Bell (R) told Spectrum News that the reforms would likely come up during next year’s chief legislative session, which is likely to start in May. He added that there are members of the House GOP caucus that are “100% supportive” of legalizing medical cannabis in the state, while other members remain “100% opposed.”

Since June 2022, the Senate has twice passed medical cannabis reforms, but the bill has never received a vote in the House. Both legislative chambers are controlled by Republicans.

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UC San Diego Researchers Gifted $1.5M to Study Effects of DMT on the Brain

7/12/2023

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The University of California, San Diego Psychedelics and Health Research Initiative has received a $1.5 million gift to study the effects of DMT on the brain. Philanthropist Eugene Jhong gifted the funds to the university for the research.

Jon Dean, PhD, a postdoctoral scholar in the UC San Diego Department of Anesthesiology and director of the Division of DMT Research at the UC San Diego Psychedelic Health and Research Initiative, is one of the principal investigators of the study. In previous research, Dean discovered that endogenous DMT also exists in the rat brain at levels comparable to serotonin, a neurotransmitter vital to brain function.

“Our goals are to employ multi-modal approaches to study extended state consciousness elucidated by DMT to further appreciate the nature of reality as well as the role of endogenous DMT in the human body. Reliable methods for measuring DMT directly in the human brain and bodily fluids do not exist, so the intriguing possibilities that endogenous DMT may play a role in consciousness, dreaming and protecting the brain from trauma are still scientific speculation.” — Dean in a press release

UC San Diego is currently the only university in the U.S. that has a dedicated division to conduct extended-state DMT research.

In a statement, Jhong said he is “pleased to support this innovative effort to explore extended DMT and am confident it will shed new and important insight into the question of our true nature.”

Fadel Zeidan, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at UC San Diego School of Medicine, said the researchers’ “long-term objective is to gain a better understanding of how DMT and other psychedelics could be used in a therapeutic manner to address pain, trauma and various medical conditions related to the brain.”

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‘Zkittlez’ Cannabis Creator Terphogz Releases Statement on Settlement with ‘Skittles’ Candy-Maker Wrigley

7/11/2023

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7/10/23 – Mendocino County, CA: California cannabis brand Terphogz has released the following statement regarding its settlement with Mars Wrigley. “After using the ‘Zkittlez’ mark for over 10 years with no complaints from the candy maker, we welcomed the opportunity to resolve any trademark concerns with Wrigley. We want to let consumers know they can still enjoy our unique and highly sought-after cultivar under the name ‘The Original Z.’”

The brand is famous for developing a cannabis strain known as Zkittlez. In 2021 Wrigley sued Terphogz in Chicago federal court for trademark infringement, demanding Terphogz “never use the letter Z by itself or combined with any letters or numbers,” as well as pay $250,000 in damages. The brand rejected Wrigley’s demands as unsupported by federal trademark law and a violation of its first amendment rights.

Last week, the case against Terphogz was settled with no financial damages awarded to Wrigley. Per the settlement, Terphogz agrees to cease using the name “Zkittlez” and its “circle Z” branding, but will continue to use the name, “The Original Z,” as well as its iconic “Z” logo.

Terphogz’s attorney stated, “It’s important to distinguish between pirates that Wrigley separately sued who sell adulterated candy or who use Wrigley’s registered trademarks and copy Wrigley packaging.” When it first issued the complaint against Terphogz, Wrigley brought lawsuits against five other companies for violation of its intellectual property rights. In one such case, another company selling THC-laced candies awarded Wrigley $2 million in damages for trademark infringement.

Ironically, Wrigley’s candy ingredients have been recently called into question by California lawmakers, who proposed a ban on Wrigley candy products in California for ingredients that have been found to be harmful to children and adults. With this settlement, the legal battle between Terphogz and Wrigley comes to a definitive end. At the same time, it appears Beau Wrigley’s problems with cannabis have just begun as a fraud case moves forward against his cannabis company in Florida.

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Highdration Kitchen Launches First & Only Cannabis-Infused Ice Cubes In Massachusetts

7/11/2023

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New Product Innovation Will Make Cannabis Consumption More Accessible, Creative, and Social

FRAMINGHAM, MASSACHUSETTS, June 28, 2023 – Highdration Kitchen announced its launch of the first and only cannabis-infused ice cubes in Massachusetts, called melt. This new category innovation is designed to appeal to a wide range of consumers from cannabis regulars to the “canna curious.”
melt will soon be available at licensed dispensaries throughout the state.

melt infused ice cubes are designed to enhance homemade drinks like seltzers, juices, teas, coffees, and mocktails. melt cubes are sold in pure liquid form in pre-packaged ice trays of 10 infused cubes and designed to be easily frozen and consumed at home.

“We know from early concept research that there’s a real market for a cannabis beverage enhancement that caters to the DIY beverage consumer,” said Harry Groome, founder, and CEO of Highdration Kitchen. “People love the ritual of creating and serving their own drink recipes and our melt cubes offer a fun and social way to add more life to those drinks.”

melt infused cubes are made from a blend of THC, natural fruit juices and preservatives, and distilled water, with no sugar added. melt’s first three flavor offerings will be original (no flavor), lemon, and lime, with new flavors and line extensions planned for later this year.

Each melt cube is precisely infused with 5mg of THC for a consistent consumption experience. melt infused ice cubes offer a gradual release of THC as they melt and evenly mix into any drink. A single tray of melt cubes (10 cubes per tray) contains 50mg of THC. MSRP for melt is $20 per tray and $2 per cube. For more about melt, please visit www.meltcubes.com.

ABOUT HIGHDRATION KITCHEN
Founded in Massachusetts in 2022, Highdration Kitchen is focused on creating brand innovation and differentiation in the cannabis-infused beverage market. The company is committed to using only the highest quality ingredients and production methods to deliver a purer, more natural, and more social cannabis experience. Highdration Kitchen’s line of melt ice cubes is the first in its pipeline of product innovations and offers consumers a more social and do-it yourself cannabis brand experience.

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Amendments to Loosen Military’s Cannabis Rules Added to Must-Pass National Defense Bill

7/11/2023

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Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz (R) has introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would end cannabis testing for military members, USA Today reports. The NDAA is a must-pass measure that reauthorizes military programs.

The proposal would end cannabis testing at the time of enlistment or when soldiers are being commissioned as an officer.

“Our military is facing a recruitment and retainment crisis unlike any other time in American history. I do not believe that prior use of cannabis should exclude Americans from enlisting in the armed forces. We should embrace them for stepping up to serve our country.” — Gaetz via Twitter

In 2017, the Army relaxed the process for granting waivers for cannabis consumption as it faced an increased demand for new soldiers.

Additionally, the Congressional Cannabis Caucus proposed an amendment that would allow Department of Veterans Affairs physicians to recommend cannabis as a treatment to patients in states where it is legal for medical use. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) also introduced an amendment that would allow military members to possess, use, or consume any product containing hemp; and Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA), proposed an amendment that would prohibit the denial of security clearances by an agency if an individual used cannabis in a state where it is legalized.

Cannabis remains a prohibited, Schedule I substance under federal law.

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Minnesota Adds IBS & OCD to Medical Cannabis Qualifying Conditions List

7/11/2023

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The Minnesota Department of Health last week added irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to the list of qualifying conditions for accessing the state medical cannabis program. Patients diagnosed with the conditions can begin buying medical cannabis from dispensaries on August 1.

“As we continue to learn more about the benefits of medical cannabis, it’s important that we add this therapy option as a potential treatment to relieve conditions that can be debilitating,” Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham said in a press release.

The agency had announced plans to add the conditions last November and they were approved during the department’s annual petition and public comment process for adding conditions to the program.

Minnesota’s medical cannabis qualifying conditions list now includes 19 conditions. To become a patient in the state’s medical cannabis program, a person must be certified by a participating health care practitioner for at least one qualifying medical condition.

In May, Gov. Tim Walz (D) signed legislation to legalize cannabis for adult use. Under the law, adults aged 21-and-older will be allowed to possess cannabis for personal use and cultivate their own plants starting on August 1. The law also creates a new Office of Cannabis Management, which will oversee the licensing of medical and adult-use cannabis operators and set regulations for the industries, as well as for hemp-derived consumer products.

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New Hampshire Allowing Reciprocity for Medical Cannabis Patients

7/11/2023

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New Hampshire is now allowing reciprocity for medical cannabis patients from other U.S. states and Canada, allowing authorized patients to access medical cannabis products in the state, In-Depth New Hampshire reports. Under the law, visiting patients can purchase medical cannabis from New Hampshire dispensaries three times per year using their valid medical cannabis identification issued by another state or Canada.

If the out-of-state patient has a documented medical condition that is on New Hampshire’s medical cannabis qualifying conditions list, those patients may purchase cannabis at New Hampshire dispensaries at the same frequency as in-state qualifying patients.

“People from other states with severe medical conditions who use therapeutic cannabis to alleviate their symptoms are welcome to travel to New Hampshire with the certainty that they will be able to safely access therapeutic cannabis while they visit our state,” Division of Public Health Services Director Tricia Tilley said in an interview with In Depth New Hampshire.

Visiting patients must show their out-of-state medical cannabis ID card and matching photo identification. Under state law, there is a 2-ounce possession limit per patient, and all patients are limited to purchasing 2 ounces of cannabis in any 10-day period.

There are seven medical cannabis dispensaries throughout the state.

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Nimble Distro Announced as Official Distributor of Magic Number’s Cannabis-Infused Beverages

7/10/2023

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Portland, Oregon – July 10, 2023 – Nimble Distro, a leading wholesale distribution company in the Oregon cannabis industry, proudly announces its partnership with Magic Number, producer of Oregon’s #1 cannabis beverage. Nimble Distro has been selected as the distributor for Magic Number and will facilitate the sales and delivery of the manufacturer’s lines of all-natural, live resin-infused beverages and syrups.

The humble origin story of Magic Number began in 2014 when two friends, Alex Berger and Dan Pilver, sought to brew Oregon’s first cannabis-infused Ginger Beer. By way of recycled equipment and relentless ingenuity, the pair tested dozens of recipes to develop the drink that would eventually propel their business from a small-scale garage brewery to the commercial facility they operate today.

Through perseverance, innovation, and the belief in the healing powers of cannabis the team has refined their nano-emulsion technology and has experienced monumental growth. Expanded offerings include varying potencies and a wide selection of teas, sodas, seltzers and tinctures that quench thirst and stimulate minds. Their dedication to sustainability and commitment to sourcing all-natural ingredients from local growers and suppliers sets them apart as a brand that values quality and integrity.

This Summer, Magic Number introduced the next game-changer in the industry: resealable cans.

“This new XO resealable technology is poised to change the very culture of cannabis beverage consumption and expand the category. By turning the single-serving can into a multi-serving beverage, consumers will be able to dial in their Magic Number and create the ideal experience every time” says Jon Tapper, Sales & Marketing Manager at Magic Number. “We have full confidence in Nimble’s capacity to amplify our reach and efficiently distribute our products to meet ever-increasing demand.”

Nimble Distro, led by renowned entrepreneurs Joy Hudson and Marissa Rodriguez, is thrilled to join forces with Magic Number as their distributor. With a reputation for proficiency, profitability, and challenging the norm, Nimble brings a highly capable sales and logistics engine to the partnership.

Utilizing their extensive sales and distribution experience, Hudson and Rodriguez co-founded Nimble with the intention of setting a new standard for efficiency and professionalism in the cannabis space. Alongside their flagship in-house pre-roll lines, KITES and Broomsticks, Nimble distributes dozens of other product lines for a range of farms and processors across Oregon.

Magic Number and Nimble Distro are excited about the future of their partnership and the opportunities it presents to deliver exceptional cannabis-infused beverages to consumers throughout Oregon.

“We are delighted to partner with Magic Number,” said Joy Hudson, Co-founder and CEO of Nimble Distro. “We’re both pioneers. Together we will continue to redefine the cannabis industry and set a new standard for excellence.”

For more information about Nimble Distro and Magic Number, please visit their respective websites at www.nimbledistro.com and www.drinkmagicnumber.com.

About Nimble Distro
Nimble Distro is a leading wholesale distribution company in the cannabis industry. Powered by a proficient logistics and manufacturing engine, Nimble Distro drives profitability and positive social impact by forging collaborative partnerships with premier cannabis cultivators and processors. With a focus on product excellence and community engagement, Nimble Distro is committed to reshaping the future of the cannabis industry.

About Magic Number
Magic Number is Oregon’s #1 cannabis beverage processor. Crafted in Bend, OR with all-natural ingredients and infused with the healing benefits of whole plant cannabis, Magic Number’s liquid edibles offer a fresh and delicious experience to consumers. Rooted in sustainability and quality, Magic Number is dedicated to delivering unparalleled beverages that inspire, uplift, and invigorate.

Contact
Nimble Distro – Terah Ebie – Sales & Logistics Manager – terah@nimbledistro.com
Magic Number – Jon Tapper – Sales & Marketing Manager – jon@drinkmagicnumber.com

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Germany Ministry of Health Unveils Cannabis Legalization Draft Bill

7/10/2023

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German adults aged 18 and older would be allowed to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis for personal use and cultivate up to three plants under the country’s draft law to legalize cannabis published by the Ministry of Health last week, Forbes reports. The law would also establish cannabis growers’ associations which would allow members to obtain either 25 grams of cannabis per day or 50 grams per month for personal use, and associations could supply each member with up to seven seeds or five plant cuttings per month.

The law would also remove cannabis from the nation’s Narcotics Drugs Act and related laws.

Under the law, cannabis consumption in the “immediate vicinity” of individuals under 18, within a 200-meter radius of schools, children’s and youth facilities, playgrounds, publicly accessible sports facilities, and pedestrian zones between 7 am and 8 pm, would remain prohibited with the potential for fines and criminal charges for specific unlawful activities, the report says.

Medical cannabis patients would also be allowed to access a regular prescription for cannabis rather than a specialized narcotic prescription.

A second draft bill, related to retail sales, is expected in the second half of the year, the report says.

The bill must be approved first by the Ministry of Health before moving to Germany’s Parliament. If approved, Germany would join Malta and Luxembourg as the only European nations to legalize cannabis for adult use.

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Cannabis Legalization Bill Introduced in Pennsylvania

7/10/2023

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A bill to legalize cannabis for adults was introduced in Pennsylvania last week. The bipartisan legislation would legalize cannabis possession and retail sales and includes expungement provisions for nonviolent cannabis criminal charges.

The measure was introduced in the Senate by Democratic Sen. Sharif Street and Republican Sen. Dan Laughlin.

In a press release, Street described the bill as a “singular opportunity to correct decades of mass incarceration, disproportionate enforcement against marginalized communities, the criminalization of personal choice, and the perpetuation of violence.”

“Legalizing the adult use of cannabis will help us fully and equitably fund education, lower property taxes, and address a variety of community needs throughout Pennsylvania,” Street said in a statement.

The measure includes an 8% sales tax and a 5% excise tax. The Pennsylvania Independent Fiscal Office has estimated that legal cannabis sales could generate between $400 million to $1 billion in new tax revenue for the state.

“Legalized adult use of marijuana is supported by an overwhelming majority of Pennsylvanians and this legislation accomplishes that while also ensuring safety and social equity. With neighboring states New Jersey and New York implementing adult use, we have a duty to Pennsylvania taxpayers to legalize adult-use marijuana to avoid losing out on hundreds of millions of dollars of new tax revenue and thousands of new jobs.” — Laughlin in a statement

The measure includes safeguards on marketing toward children and gives law enforcement the means to adjudicate driving under the influence and the authority to pursue and eradicate any illicit market.

The measure also includes home grow provisions for medical cannabis patients.

The measure was referred to the Senate’s Law and Justice Committee on July 6.

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Missouri Gov. Signs Bill to Increase Banking Access for Cannabis Companies

7/10/2023

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Missouri Gov. Mike Parson (R) last week signed legislation to increase access to banking services for the state’s cannabis companies and require the firms to get fingerprints and background checks for new employees and contractors, the Missouri Independent reports.

Under the bill, the state Department of Health and Senior Services, which oversees the state’s medical and adult-use cannabis programs, can share inspections and other information with banks, which they need to serve the industry, the report says. The law also requires everyone working in the state’s cannabis industry to submit their fingerprints and undergo a background check.

Jackson Hataway, president of the Missouri Bankers Association told The Independent that the divide between state and federal cannabis laws has put financial institutions “in kind of a tricky situation.” The organization supports the SAFE Banking Act, the federal bill meant to normalize banking for the cannabis industry, but the legislation has never cleared the Senate, despite passing the House on several occasions.

“So we remain in the current quagmire we’re stuck in,” he told The Independent, “where you have a lot of states like Missouri that have upward pressure from businesses to have a secure and safe banking environment. Because if they’re all cash, they’re very risky.”

Prior to the law, banks were required to do their own inspections of cannabis businesses before accepting them as clients.

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FDA and FTC Send Warning Letters to Companies Selling ‘Copycat’ Delta-8 Products

7/07/2023

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Wednesday issued warning letters to six companies for illegally selling copycat food products containing delta-8 THC. The warning letters were issued to: Delta Munchies, Dr. Smoke LLC, Exclusive Hemp Farms/Oshipt, Nikte’s Wholesale LLC, North Carolina Hemp Exchange LLC, and The Haunted Vapor Room.

In a press release, Samuel Levine, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, said that “Marketing edible THC products that can be easily mistaken by children for regular foods is reckless and illegal.”

FDA Principal Deputy Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D. added that the agencies issued the warnings because they put children at risk.

“The products we are warning against intentionally mimic well-known snack food brands by using similar brand names, logos, or pictures on packaging, that consumers, especially children, may confuse with traditional snack foods. We’re also concerned that adults could unintentionally take them or take a higher dose than expected and suffer serious consequences. This risk is especially dangerous for those who are driving, working, or have other responsibilities.” — Woodcock in a statement

These warning letters outline violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act related to adding delta-8 THC to conventional foods. The FDA has requested written responses from the six companies that received warning letters within 15 working days describing how they will address the violations and prevent their recurrence. Failure to promptly address the violations may result in legal action, the agencies said, including product seizure and potentially a court injunction.

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Pennsylvania Committee Advances Expansion to State Medical Cannabis Program

7/07/2023

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The Pennsylvania Senate Law & Justice Committee has approved a measure that would allow physicians to certify patients for the state’s medical cannabis program for any condition they deem suitable, Pennlive reports. The measure will next move to the full Senate for consideration.

The bill would effectively eliminate the state’s list of 24 qualifying conditions, and leave the decision to doctors and their patients. The legislation would also end the expiration date for medical cannabis cards.

Committee Chairman Mike Regan (R), who sponsored the bill to end the expiration date for medical cannabis ID cards, said the “ultimate goal is to reduce restrictions on medical marijuana organizations and to reduce the cost and burden on patients.”

“Nowhere do we dictate to doctors what conditions a patient must have for them to prescribe medication.” — Regan to Pennlive

The committee also approved a measure to allow cannabis edibles to be sold in the state’s medical cannabis dispensaries and another that would provide independent grower-processors of medical cannabis with additional dispensary permits.

The bills to end the qualifying conditions list and ID card expiration dates, and allow edibles, passed the committee 10-1. The measure to add additional permits passed unanimously.

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Report: Canadian Cannabis Company Cronos Exploring Sale

7/07/2023

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Canadian cannabis company Cronos Group Inc. is in discussions to sell the company, Reuters reports. The company is backed by cigarette maker Altria Group Inc., which owns Philip Morris USA, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company, and other brands.

In a statement to Reuters, Cronos said it “is in the initial stages of reviewing these indications of interest.”

The discussions remain confidential, and no transaction is certain, the report says.

For the first quarter of the year, Cronos posted a net loss of $19.3 million, compared with a $32.7 million loss a year ago, while the company’s net revenue declined 20% to $20.1 million. Cronos has total cash, including short-term investments, of about $836.43 million, according to its first-quarter report outlined by Reuters.

Altria holds a 41% stake in Cronos and first invested $1.8 billion in the company in 2019.

According to the report, U.S.-based cannabis company Curaleaf Holdings has expressed interest in the company but has not commented on whether those rumors are accurate.

Cronos is publicly traded and its stock price fell 4.08% by the end of trading on Thursday. Its price was up in pre-market trading by .53%.

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Medical Cannabis Patients in Arkansas Can Carry Concealed Handguns Beginning Aug. 1

7/06/2023

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Beginning August 1, medical cannabis patients in Arkansas will be allowed to carry concealed handguns under a bill approved by lawmakers during the legislative session, KATV reports. The law directly conflicts with federal law which bars individuals who consume cannabis from purchasing or owning firearms.

The Arkansas law, Act 757, says that a person’s status as a qualifying patient or designated caregiver under the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2016 shall not be considered in determining whether an applicant is eligible to be issued a license to carry a concealed handgun. The measure also prohibits Arkansas State Police considering “a person’s status as a qualifying patient or designated caregiver under the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2016, Arkansas Constitution … in determining whether an applicant or licensee is eligible to be issued a license to carry a concealed handgun.”

“An applicant shall not be considered to chronically or habitually abuse a controlled substance based solely on the applicant’s status as a qualifying patient or designated caregiver under the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2016, Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 98.” — Act 757 bill text

In an interview with KATV, State Rep. Aaron Pilkington (R), the bill’s sponsor, noted that the state’s medical cannabis legalization law “had language that said no patient’s right or privilege should be infringed upon on the basis of having medical marijuana” but it “wasn’t extended to concealed carry holders.”

“There was an issue and a concern about what the federal law said. But now federal law says that gun rights should not be restricted based on patient status,” Pilkington said, “and so no other prescriptions whether it be opioids or others, prohibits somebody from having a concealed carry license.”

Federal law actually prohibits users of controlled substances, including medical cannabis, regardless of patient status, from receiving or possessing firearms or ammunition.

Over the past year, two federal courts have determined that the prohibition on cannabis consumers owning firearms is unconstitutional. In April, U.S. Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) introduced a bill that would end restricting the sale of firearms to cannabis consumers living in states that have passed adult-use and medical cannabis reforms.

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