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Illinois Cannabis-Derived Tax Revenues 50% Higher in 2021

7/27/2022

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Illinois raked in $445.3 million in adult-use cannabis tax revenue last year, up from $297.7 million in 2020, representing a 50% increase, NBC 15 reports. Under Illinois’ adult-use cannabis law, 25% of cannabis-derived funds are allocated to communities disproportionately affected by the drug war.

In total, the state took in $1.5 billion in adult-use cannabis revenue and dispersed $146.2 million to local governments, Gov. JB Pritzker (D) said in a statement.

“Illinois has done more to put justice and equity at the forefront of this industry than any other state in the nation and has worked to ensure that communities hurt by the war on drugs have had the opportunity to participate. The $1.5 billion in sales of adult-use cannabis in Illinois translates into significant tax revenue with a portion of every dollar spent being reinvested in communities that have suffered for decades.” — Pritzker in a statement

Additionally, the state has issued $113.5 million in grants through its Criminal Justice Information Authority’s Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) Program. Those funds go toward programs helping with child poverty, unemployment, mass incarceration, and gun violence, the report says.

“This isn’t just happening. These directed resources were the result of intentional policy decisions to begin repairing harm. But this is just the beginning. I am eager to see newly licensed Black businesses get a slice of the pie,” said State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (D). “These much-needed resources for communities impacted by the drug war are the exact reason why policymakers who understand the pain and trauma being experienced by the community is vital.”

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Switzerland Loosens Medical Cannabis Rules and Allows Exports

7/27/2022

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Beginning August 1, Switzerland will no longer require medical cannabis patients to request permission from the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), allowing them to get prescriptions directly from their doctors, Forbes reports. The new rules effectively legalize medical cannabis nationally and allow the export of medical cannabis for commercial purposes, although the products are capped at 1% THC.

The reforms follow Switzerland’s Federal Council’s lifting of the ban on cannabis for medical purposes by amending the Swiss Narcotics Act, which Parliament approved in March 2021, the report says. Exporters still need permission from Swissmedic.

The Federal Council indicated that the demand for medical cannabis authorizations has increased in recent years which created an administrative burden and slowed down medical treatment. According to SWI swissinfo.ch, outlined by Forbes, the FOPH issued around 3,000 medical cannabis authorizations in 2019 for patients with cancer, neurological diseases, or multiple sclerosis. Those numbers do not include patients who obtained their cannabis illegally.

Switzerland is expected to begin an adult-use cannabis pilot program in Basel, allowing some citizens to purchase non-medical, THC-rich cannabis. FOPH said the project aims to increase understanding of “alternative regulatory forms” for cannabis that could be the basis for future legislation.

In 2008, nearly two-thirds of Swiss voters rejected a ballot initiative to decriminalize cannabis use nationwide. The Office of Public Health estimates there are 220,000 regular cannabis consumers in Switzerland.

In June, the University of Geneva published a study estimating that the economic impact of cannabis legalization in Switzerland would generate an annual turnover of about $1.03 billion and create about 4,400 full-time jobs. A separate study published in 2020 estimated the national Swiss cannabis market to be worth up to $520 million.

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Voters in Killeen, Texas to Vote on Cannabis Decriminalization in November

7/27/2022

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Voters in Killeen, Texas will vote in November on an ordinance to decriminalize cannabis within city limits, 6 News reports. The City Council decided to put the issue to voters after unanimously voting against a proposal to enact the reforms.

If approved, the Killeen Police Department would no longer be able to use cannabis odor as probable cause for search and seizure with personal possession capped at 4 ounces.

The ordinance was brought after more than 2,500 residents signed a petition circulated by Ground Game Texas which has led similar efforts in Austin and Denton.

Julie Oliver, co-founder of Ground Game Texas, told 6 News prior to the council meeting that putting the issue to voters was her preferred course of action.

“We got over 2,000 signatures of residents in Killeen who really want to see this ordinance pass. Whether it happens at city council tonight, whether it happens in November – it will pass eventually. I want to let the people decide, I think it’s an important issue and the people should decide.” — Oliver to 6 News

The push by individual cities and towns in Texas to pass cannabis reforms comes as Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller (R) seeks to implement statewide cannabis reforms. In a July 15 op-ed, Miller called for the expansion of medical cannabis in the state and the end of prohibition, noting that he believes, “cannabis prohibition came from a place of fear, not from medical science or the analysis of social harm.”

“Sadly, the roots of this came from a history of racism, classism, and a large central government with an authoritarian desire to control others,” he wrote. “It is as anti-American in its origins as could be imaginable.”

Miller also appeared on Inside Texas Politics on July 23, saying that if medical cannabis will “help a toothache,” then he’s “for it.”

“This is about freedom. It’s about less regulation,” he said during his appearance on Inside Texas Politics. “It’s about less government. It’s about freedom between you and your doctor and getting the government out of your life. So, I think it’s a conservative issue.”

The reforms are opposed, however, by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R).

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JuanaRoll Pre-Roll Machine Now Scales from 4,000 to 32,000 Joints Per Shift

7/26/2022

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New ‘Grow as You Go’ Pre-Roll Automation

July 20, 2022 – Canapa has announced that its market leading JuanaRoll automated pre-roll machine is now available in 8 different configurations to fill most every production rate need.

The JuanaRoll is the industry’s most flexible pre-roll machine with a straight-line design that allows users to expand production as needed. Customers can now start with a 1-channel model and produce up to 4,000 pre-rolls in an 8-hour shift and then expand up to an 8-channel model or anything in between to produce up to 32,000 pre-rolls per 8-hour shift.

Featuring the most edge weight cell technology with 2/1000g resolution, an integrated PreCheQ check weigher and stations for compacting, tamping, twisting, trimming and crowning, this high-performance machine also includes no cone-no fill detection, a cone open camera vision system, and two digital cameras with free online support and training.

The JuanaRoll is designed for speed, accuracy, flexibility and expandability. This highly productive machine is built with a stainless-steel frame and contact parts to allow for easy cleaning and includes a user-friendly HMI for unlimited recipe setup and precise control over compaction and twisting. Real-time production reporting can be displayed at the touch of a button and data is easily exported to USB or email.

For a full-length testimonial video and to learn more about the JuanaRoll pre-roll machine including operational videos from facilities around the world, visit www.canapasolutions.com/pre-roll-packaging-machine.

About Canapa
Canapa is a global leader in the design, manufacture and integration of automated cannabis packaging machines for the legal cannabis and hemp industries. From weighing, pre-roll filling, jar and pouch filling, bagging and wrapping to conveying, cartoning, case packing and palletizing, Canapa packaging solutions can be tailored to meet specific production, space and budgetary needs.

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Texas AG Commissioner Continues Push to Expand Cannabis Access

7/26/2022

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Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller (R) is continuing his campaign in support of expanding medical cannabis access in the state, telling Inside Texas Politics that “if it’ll help a toothache,” he’s “for it.”

“…Anything that will relieve pain or suffering for somebody. And we’ve seen this, how it helps PTSD, cancer patients, etc. But we just need to open it up to everybody and quit picking winners and losers.” — Miller to Inside Texas Politics

Miller’s comments come 10 days after he published an op-ed calling for the end of cannabis prohibition.

In the op-ed, Miller said he believed “cannabis prohibition came from a place of fear, not from medical science or the analysis of social harm.”

Despite Miller’s support for broad cannabis legalization, the reforms are opposed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) but Miller said he plans to urge the governor and GOP-led Legislature “to come together and set aside our political differences to have an honest conversation about cannabis: where we have been, where we are going, and what role government should properly play.”

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Illinois Issues 149 Conditional Social Equity Cannabis Licenses

7/26/2022

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Illinois officials on Sunday issued 149 conditional adult-use dispensary licenses to social-equity applicants – the first time the state has issued an entire round of licenses to the cohort. Of the businesses selected through the lottery, 41% are majority Black-owned, 7% are majority White-owned, and 4% are majority Latino-owned, while 38% of awardees did not disclose the race of their owners.

In a statement, Gov. JB Pritzker (D) said the licenses “represent a significant step toward accountability for the decades of injustice preceding cannabis legalization.”

“Illinois is leading the way in addressing the War on Drugs as no state has before, and dispensary ownership that reflects our state’s diversity is a product of that commitment. … Illinois will continue to deliver on the promises of putting equity at the forefront of this process.” — Pritzker, in a press release

The selected businesses now have 180 days to select a physical storefront location and obtain the full Adult Use Dispensing Organization License.

Mario Treto, Jr., secretary of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, said the licenses “continue to lay the groundwork for a cannabis industry more diverse and equitable than any other in the country.”

“The release of these licenses means a transformation of the retail side of Illinois’ cannabis industry,” he said, “creating more opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to reap the benefits of legalization as employees and ancillary service providers.”

Through a separate program administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the state offers low-interest loans to qualified licensed companies through its Social Equity Cannabis Loan Program. Officials said the first round of social equity license applicants is expected to finalize loan agreements directly with DCEO’s partner lending institutions in the coming weeks.

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The Cannabis Drinks Expo Has Arrived In Chicago and San Francisco

7/26/2022

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July 26, 2022 — Get ready for the biggest cannabis beverage professionals gathering on July 28 in San Francisco and August 2 in Chicago.

The theme for the 2022 show will be ‘Growing The Category.’ The 2022 show will focus on helping anyone looking to get into the category and learn about and develop new products. It will help existing brands expand into other states by meeting other state manufacturers; it will help retailers and distributors develop their own brands; it will find new ways cannabis beverages can be marketed and sold; and it will find new ways cannabis beverages can be developed to grow the end consumer market share.

The 2022 show will also focus on increasing the overall category by showcasing exhibitors who can help do all that, and by creating networking opportunities and focusing on the multi-state bottlenecks that are in place. The show will have an international and national focus instead of a state-based focus. This is where multistate operators will come to find synergies and do business with each other and help the category grow.

Hosted by the Beverage Trade Network, this expo will shine a spotlight on the skyrocketing legal cannabis market and provide insight into its future brimming with opportunity.

Dates and Location
San Francisco: July 28, 2022 – South San Francisco Conference Center, 255 South Airport Boulevard South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States
Chicago: August 2, 2022 – Midwest Conference Centre, 401 W Lake St Northlake, Chicago IL 60164, United States

Here are the links to register yourself as a trade show visitor:
San Francisco Tickets | Chicago Tickets

Press contact:
Sid Patel
info@cannabisdrinksexpo.com
www.cannabisdrinksexpo.com
+1 855 481 1112

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European Officials Meet to Discuss Adult-Use Cannabis Reforms

7/26/2022

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Officials from Luxembourg, Germany, The Netherlands, and Malta met in Luxembourg last week to discuss adult-use cannabis reforms, RTL Today reports. At a press conference held after the meeting at Senningen Castle in Niederanven, Luxembourg’s Minister of Health Paulette Lenert stressed that “it is important to stick together” when taking on new challenges, and that current policies “did not deliver the results that they should” have.

Lenert said the officials are up against a growing illicit market that “works according to a market logic, which means that there is an increasing amount of cheap rubbish on the market.” If not confronted, she said the underground market could become “a real danger for the health and security of everybody,” the report says.

Minister of Justice Sam Tanson gave other reasons for reconsidering cannabis policy like “not pushing people into criminality for things that do not belong there.”

Malta was the first country in the European Union to legalize adult-use cannabis while Germany’s minister of health announced last month that the country had begun planning its move to end cannabis prohibition, with the legalization bill formally expected later this year. Luxemburg passed cannabis decriminalization in 2021 while The Netherlands has long been known for lax cannabis policy, although officials there have hesitated to make more significant reforms.

Additionally, other EU member nations including Spain and Greece have legalized access to medical cannabis.

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MustHaveMenus Offers Free Dispensary Menu Templates

7/26/2022

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MustHaveMenus, a design software for restaurants and businesses of all shapes and sizes, has recently made a portion of its collection free to use, allowing anyone to create a menu for their cannabis products. Dispensary menu options range from bright and flashy to outdoorsy and even simple for those modern weed-sellers. Even if a dispensary-specific template doesn’t immediately grab customers’ attention, MustHaveMenus offers 20,000+ design templates that can be altered to fit any business’ brand.

Digital Menu Boards, Marketing Materials, and More

With free dispensary digital menu boards from MustHaveMenus, clients can design a large, eye-catching menu for all their cannabis products. The templates are bold, easy to read, and customizable.

MustHaveMenus is constantly working to increase its collection of dispensary-themed assets. The current collection includes hundreds of different assets for customers to choose from, including digital menu boards, social media posts, flyers, loyalty cards, and much more. Customers can build out their entire brand with matching styles, getting all the different materials they need.

Quickly Post to Social Media

With their simple-to-use software, businesses can quickly post their personalized assets directly to their Instagram and Facebook feeds and stories. These matching marketing materials can help dispensary owners build their brands, making it easier to manage social media posting and increasing brand recognition and awareness.

Easy to Use Software

MustHaveMenus can help business owners take the guesswork out of design. With their new free assets, customers don’t have to be a subscriber to access high-quality templates. However, to gain access to more templates (both dispensary and otherwise), they offer a monthly subscription plan. This plan also gives business owners access to other benefits, such as watermark-free publishing, hi-res downloads, and more. MustHaveMenus continues to put on new designs on a regular basis.

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Why Medical Cannabis Is Gaining a Foothold in War-Torn Ukraine

7/26/2022

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Editor’s note: This op-ed was contributed by Irene Stepanenko, CEO of AskGrowers, a Ukraine-based cannabinoid education platform and online marketplace.

On the morning of February 24, 2022, Russia plunged Ukraine into unimaginable violence. In the months since the first missiles struck civilian homes and public spaces, thousands have lost their lives and millions have been forced to flee to safety.

The war has created a humanitarian crisis not seen in Europe for decades, with no end in sight. An entire generation of Ukrainians will suffer for years to come with physical wounds and psychological trauma on an unprecedented scale.

They will need more than just conventional therapies to cope with the pain and distress. For many, medical cannabis will be the key to managing their post-traumatic stress syndrome and easing the pain of injuries from bombs, missiles, and bullets.

Fortunately, both citizens and politicians are warming to the idea that cannabis should have a place in the clinical toolkit, bringing hope that medical use of these plant-based substances will help Ukraine to rebuild even stronger than before.

Currently, the medical use of cannabis is largely prohibited in Ukraine, except for the use of certain cannabis-based psychoactive substances (nabilone, nabiximol, and dronabinol). Recreational use is completely forbidden, and the production, purchase, storage, transportation, and sale of recreational cannabis is entirely illegal. CBD use is a gray area for the country but is generally limited.

A Parliamentary vote to legalize cannabis-based substances for medicinal use failed in 2021, albeit narrowly. Now, as the war takes its toll on the country, Minister of Health Viktor Liashko has approved a new bill on “cannabis plants for medical, industrial purposes, scientific and scientific-technical activities to create the conditions for expanding the access of patients to the necessary treatment of cancer and post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from the war.”

The draft bill will now head to Ukraine’s parliament, where it must receive at least 226 votes to become law. If this legislation passes, it will allow for a full cycle of cannabis-based drug production in Ukraine, from cultivation and processing to full-fledged production. Liashko believes that keeping the process wholly in the country will give the government more control over the production and sale of the resulting medical products to safeguard patients and prevent unauthorized uses.

The public seems to be in favor of exploring the benefits of medical cannabis, at least for very seriously ill patients. A 2020 survey found that approximately 65 percent of Ukrainians were in favor of legalization – how the war will affect the public perception of cannabis remains to be seen.

Education about cannabis use and its role in medical care will be crucial for increasing this percentage and encouraging acceptance of cannabis products. Providing factual, bias-free information about how cannabis can reduce physical and psychological distress can reduce skepticism, encourage interest, and make eligible patients more likely to take advantage of opportunities for medicinal use.

It’s important to note that in Ukraine, making cannabis available for medical purposes will not make it any more accessible to the average citizen, regardless of our hopes that recreational use will eventually be legalized.

The government is likely to strictly control access to therapies derived from cannabis and prescriptions will only be available to people with a confirmed eligible diagnosis. The use of electronic prescribing will prevent forgeries, while growers will need to obtain special permits to operate. These factors may make it easier for legislation to make it through Parliament, even in the middle of Ukraine’s fight for survival.

For many combat veterans and ordinary citizens suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other ailments from the war, speeding up the path to medical cannabis legalization will be essential. The positive benefits of medical cannabis on mental and physical health are not in question, but there is still more work to do before lawmakers and Ukrainian citizens are ready to embrace the potential of cannabis-based treatments.

Even as the war drags on, we are hopeful that Ukraine will be among the fastest countries in Europe to realize that medical cannabis can play a unique and important role in helping survivors reach a peaceful new era that includes the use of natural products as part of the delivery of highly effective healthcare.

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‘90% of Kentucky Adults Support Medical Cannabis,’ Says Governor

7/25/2022

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Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) said during a cannabis-focused town hall in Frankfort that 90% of Kentucky adults support medical cannabis legalization in the state, WKYT reports. Beshear is holding a series of town halls on cannabis policy as he weighs executive options for legalizing medical cannabis.

Ninety percent of Kentucky adults support medical cannabis and the Team KY Medical Cannabis Advisory Committee will help ensure every voice is heard as I weigh executive action that could provide access for those suffering from chronic pain or our veterans suffering from PTSD.1/2

— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) July 24, 2022

State Rep. Al Gentry (D) said during his remarks that his survey on the issue over the last five years “has drawn between 85 and 91% approval.”

Gentry has sponsored a medical cannabis legalization bill in the state since he was first elected in 2016 but the measure has never been considered by a committee in the Republican-controlled Legislature. Last March, Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer (R) said he would not bring a medical cannabis bill up for a vote because there were “not enough votes” to pass the reforms.

Beshear said in April that he would consider his options as governor to legalize medical cannabis but Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron has warned that the governor would likely be overstepping his legal authority by using an executive order to enact the reforms.

“The General Assembly is the policy-making body of this state,” Cameron said in a statement following Beshear’s remarks, “and we’ve seen the problems that result when the governor tries to circumvent the legislature and make unilateral policy decisions.”

Kentucky Republican Senate President Robert Stivers also pushed back on Beshear’s plan, saying “You can’t supersede a statute by executive order because it’s a constitutional separation of powers violation.”

Last month, Beshear created a 15-member Medical Cannabis Advisory Committee to help advise him on medical cannabis policy. The committee includes physicians, medical cannabis advocates, public health workers, and attorneys.

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Colorado Cannabis Sales Down 32% Since July 2020

7/25/2022

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Colorado cannabis sales have declined 32% since their record high of $226 million in July 2020, falling to $153.68 million in May, KRDO reports. The record July 2020 sales were realized in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

Adam Orens, the founder of MPG Consulting, the firm contracted by the Colorado Department of Revenue to track marijuana sales and trends, told KRDO that the state has reached “market maturity” for the cannabis sector but added “it’s more about COVID than anything else” as people return to work and their normal lives. Orens also pointed out that other states that border states where prohibition is still the law of the land have enacted their own legalization reforms.

“A city like Trinidad’s sales, or Pueblo’s, will decline, because folks that may be coming from Dallas (Texas) can go somewhere in New Mexico instead.” — Orens to KRDO

Tom Scudder of EmJ’s Dispensaries told KRDO that medical cannabis sales are down 50% over the past year and are at their lowest levels since 2013. He said he’s had to lay off 27 people in their grow facility and six in their retail store.

“They think we’re all getting rich, and things are going extraordinarily well,” he said, “but if you’re on the inside of the industry, you understand the harsh reality that we’re dealing with right now, and it’s a pretty tough situation.”

Tiffany Goldman, chairman of the Marijuana Industry Group (MIG), believes, however, that the sales slowdown is unrelated to the pandemic, but rather the passage of a measure last year that limits the amount of concentrates that can be purchased daily. The measure reduced those limits from 40 grams per day to eight grams, meant to reduce teen consumption.

MIG estimates that if the sales downswing continues, Colorado will lose $80 million in tax revenues compared to those realized last year.

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Guam Set to Accept Adult-Use Cannabis License Applications Next Month

7/25/2022

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The Guam Department of Revenue and Taxation next month will start accepting adult-use cannabis licenses from “responsible officials,” the Pacific Daily News reports. The agency will begin accepting applications on August 29, the first step before the businesses can be licensed and permitted to operate.

Guam legalized broad cannabis use in April 2019 and it is currently legal for adults to grow, possess, and consume cannabis but they cannot trade it for anything of value.

The general requirements for applicants include:

Only a “responsible official” approved by the Cannabis Control Board can submit applications, documents, and reports for a cannabis business, including applying for a license and permit to operate.
Responsible officials must be at least 21 years old, own the business, or be responsible for operating the business, and cannot be convicted of manufacturing or distributing Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substances, except for cannabis.
The responsible official is accountable for any actions by the business owners, officers, managers, employees, or agents that violate the adult-use cannabis law or industry rules and regulations.
Responsible officials must pay a $1,000 fee.

Revenue and Tax Director Dafne Mansapit Shimizu told the Daily News that government leaders are still trying to navigate the issue of banking for cannabis companies as the territory is beholden to U.S. federal law, which still outlaws cannabis. She indicated Guam’s banking and insurance commissioner is working with the financial industry to determine how banking would move forward.

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New York Bans Smoking in Parks, Beaches, Playgrounds, and Other Public Spaces

7/22/2022

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New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) has signed legislation banning smoking at all state-owned beaches, boardwalks, marinas, playgrounds, recreational centers, and group camps. Violations are punishable with a $50 fine.

The state’s cannabis legalization law allows smoking wherever tobacco use is allowed and the law signed by Hochul applies to both tobacco and cannabis.

The measure exempts the state’s sprawling state parks, the Adirondacks and Catskills, from the ban, as well as parking lots, sidewalks adjoining parks, and areas not used for park purposes.

In a statement, Hochul said the legislation “will protect New Yorker’s health and help reduce litter in public parks and beaches across the state.”

“Smoking is a dangerous habit that affects not only the smoker but everyone around them, including families and children enjoying our state’s great public places.” — Hochul in a press release

Many municipalities and local governments already have restrictions or smoking bans in public spaces. The additional penalty will enforce a statewide prohibition and includes a fine that will be collected by localities.

State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D), one of the bill’s sponsors, said that the state’s public parks are “family friendly venues” and “no one, especially children, should be subjected to secondhand smoke while playing on a playground or enjoying the day at a public beach or camp site.”

“Our parks also shouldn’t be tainted by non-biodegradable cigarette butts scattered throughout their grounds,” she said in a statement. “I am proud to sponsor this legislation to protect and improve our beautiful network of parks and I thank Gov. Hochul for helping New Yorkers enjoy the beauty of our parks by signing it into law.”

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Denton, Texas City Council Approves Ballot Initiative to Decriminalize Cannabis

7/22/2022

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The Denton, Texas City Council on Tuesday voted to put a cannabis decriminalization question on midterm election ballots this November, CBSDFW reports. The referendum was backed by Ground Game Texas and Decriminalize Denton which submitted a petition with nearly 3,000 signatures to put the issue to voters.

The reforms would not allow sales for any reason and state and federal laws could still be enforced but the local police department would no longer be able to enforce misdemeanor cannabis crimes.

In May, voters in Austin approved a similar initiative also backed by Ground Game Texas.

Last week, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller (R), in an editorial, called for cannabis decriminalization in the state and the expansion of medical cannabis, saying prohibition has roots in “racism, classism, and a large central government with an authoritarian desire to control others.”

“It is as anti-American in its origins as could be imaginable. Today, in the 21st century, this must end. We must start with a new chapter and a new attitude about the use of cannabis – especially when it comes to its potential medicinal benefits.” — Miller, “Editorial: Standing Up For Compassionate Use,” July 15, 2022

Broad cannabis legalization is opposed by Gov. Greg Abbott (R) but Miller indicated he would urge the governor and the Republican-led Legislature “to come together and set aside our political differences to have an honest conversation about cannabis: where we have been, where we are going, and what role government should properly play.”

Abbott has said that low-level cannabis possession “is not the type of violation” officials “want to stockpile jails with;” however, he did not press lawmakers to implement reforms during the session.

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Report: Missouri Cannabis Legalization Initiative May Be Short on Signatures

7/22/2022

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Early tabulations from the Missouri Secretary of State’s office suggest the petition to put an adult cannabis use question to voters in November may fall short of the signature requirements, the Missouri Independent reports. Legal Missouri submitted the signatures in May, saying they had more than twice the number of valid signatures, but a review by the Independent shows the initiative is short in four of the six congressional districts required to make the ballot.

Sean Nicholson, campaign manager for Better Elections, which was seeking to put a ranked-choice voting question on ballots, said the coronavirus pandemic made signature gathering difficult and that it had collected a large number of signatures from unregistered people. He described the effort to the Independent as “a catastrophic failure on the part of Fieldworks,” which both Legal Missouri and Better Elections paid to gather signatures.

“We share our client’s frustration. Signature-gathering campaigns have faced unprecedented challenges in the last two years everywhere in the country. Our industry is not immune from the current workforce conditions.” — Fieldworks, in a statement, via the Independent

John Payne, Legal Missouri campaign manager, said he still expects the initiative to make the ballot, noting that the group used volunteers in addition to the paid Fieldworks employees.

“Having turned in nearly 400,000 signatures from Missourians who want to become the 20th state to regulate, tax and legalize cannabis, we are confident about being on this November’s ballot,” he said in a statement to the Independent.

According to the Independent review, Legal Missouri has sufficient signatures in the 1st District in St. Louis and St. Louis County and the 5th District, Kansas City, and neighboring regions; but it failed to reach the threshold in the 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th districts. In the 2nd and 3rd districts, St. Charles has not reported and could hold enough signatures to be sufficient, the report says. However, there are only 13 counties with tiny populations left to report in the 6th, and three counties in the 7th remain uncounted, and both appear unlikely to obtain the almost 5,000 additional signatures needed in each district.

County officials have until July 26 to complete the review and the secretary of state has until August 9 to certify it for November ballots.

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Houseplant’s ‘Ashtray Set by Seth’ Review

7/21/2022

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Seth Rogen holds a firm place in cannabis culture both for his work in film and his general stoned demeanor from interviews to the red carpet. Houseplant is the creation of Rogen, longtime comedy partner Evan Goldberg, and Michael Mohr. The company sells cannabis flower in California and offers housewares like lamps and ashtrays. This arm of the brand was born from Seth’s love for ceramics and eventual sojourn to create his ideal ashtray.

One of his creations is the Ashtray Set by Seth, featuring a matching little bowl, stout vase, and deep ashtray built with the perfect place to set your joint mid-session. The signature set was recently released in Sage, and the Houseplant team sent one out for us to review, making the perfect second installment of our reviews of luxury housewares for stoned adults.

The Houseplant Ashtray set is an experience from the moment you receive the bright box plastered in every corner with product info displayed in the Houseplant font. The pieces are factory-made based on the original design by Seth. You can tell that they’re not handmade but there is still a distinct handmade feel to the ashtray, bowl, and vase. The surface attracts the eyes and entices you to feel the pleasantly rough texture adjunct to the smooth finish of the top portion of the pieces.

Functionally, each piece in the set is all that a joint smoker could ask for. The deep well will keep a dog’s breath from blowing the ash out onto the coffee table and the perfect joint holder does just what it’s meant to. The vase is so cute with a small daisy or sweet pea complementing its small stature. For the last piece, the saucer, I’ll be frank: I’m not sure what its intended purpose is. Houseplant suggests that it could be a second ashtray, it could also be a good place to store your hemp wick and matches. The ashtray nestles perfectly into the saucer, so you could also use it as an ashtray coaster. You can find this set in four colorways: a forest green Moss, serene blue River, self-explanatory Sand, and the newest option, Sage, which has an artisanal speckle.

This set is excellent for someone who loves to smoke joints or simply wants to have a piece from Houseplant. It’s the flagship ashtray, and an excellent luxe set for someone who is done ashing in an old coffee cup. And if this set doesn’t match your decor there are other curated ashtray options like the mid-mod standing ashtray and the maximalist Gloopy Ashtray by Seth, and the functional lamp ashtray.

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Cannabis Legalization Bill Filed in Senate

7/21/2022

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Senate leaders today filed a cannabis legalization bill that would decriminalize cannabis federally and allow states to set their own policies, Politico reports. The Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA) was introduced by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and sponsored by Sens. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Cory Booker (D-NJ).

The proposal faces long odds in the Senate where the filibuster rules require 60 votes for legislation to pass the chamber. Democrats hold a one-vote majority as Vice President Kamala Harris serves as the tie-breaking 51st vote. Several Democrats told Politico that they may not support the reforms, including Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (NH), Joe Manchin (W.VA), and Bob Casey (PA).

The bill includes priorities for both Democrats and Republicans, including:

The expungement of federal cannabis-related crimes.
Grant programs for small business owners hoping to enter the industry who come from communities that were disproportionately affected by the war on drugs.
Increased funding for law enforcement for illegal cultivation.
Cannabis marketing restrictions.
A requirement that the Transportation Department develop a nationwide standard for cannabis-impaired driving.

Earlier this month, six senators, including Booker and Wyden, sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to use his executive authority to deschedule cannabis and issue pardons to all individuals convicted of non-violent cannabis crimes. Last weekend, Biden told reporters he believes nobody should be imprisoned for “the use of marijuana” and that his administration is working on a “crime bill” to address the issue.

Yet the president indicated as recently as last year that he does not support federal cannabis legalization. When asked about a separate legalization proposal, then-White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the president still opposed the reforms and would not endorse the legislation.

The House has twice passed a cannabis legalization bill – the MORE Act – but it has never been voted on in the Senate, despite Schumer’s leadership.

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House Votes to Allow Cannabis TV & Radio Ads

7/21/2022

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The U.S. House on Wednesday approved a package of budget bills, including one that would allow radio and television broadcasters to air cannabis advertisements in states where cannabis is legal, Inside Radio reports. The measure would prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from taking administrative action against broadcasters that accept cannabis ads.

Currently, local TV and radio stations cannot accept such ads, while cable, satellite, internet, print, billboard companies, and social media providers are allowed to run cannabis advertisements.

David Donovan, president of the New York State Broadcasters Association, and leader of the Safe Advertising Coalition, called the bill’s passage “a major step forward to level the playing field for local radio and TV broadcasters.”

“The provision makes clear that the law of the state in which a station is licensed should determine whether a station can accept cannabis advertising if they so choose. … We look forward to working with the U.S. Senate and the FCC to help restore parity between local broadcasters and other media outlets.” — Donovan in a statement via Inside Radio

As a budget bill, the measure would only be in effect during the fiscal year that begins October 1; however, if successful, lawmakers or the FCC could decide to make it permanent.

National Association of Broadcasters Spokesman Alex Siciliano told Inside Radio that the group backs the reforms and that the organization “will continue to work with policymakers for a permanent resolution to this competitive disparity to the benefit of consumers.”

According to Statistica, cannabis ad spending in North America is estimated to reach $1.6 billion in 2022 and $4.5 billion by 2030.

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Minnesota Towns Implementing Bans on Cannabis-Infused Edibles

7/21/2022

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Two Minnesota towns have banned the manufacture and sale of hemp-derived edibles and two others are considering their own moratoriums after lawmakers legalized the products earlier this month, the Star Tribune reports. The bans are already in effect in St. Joseph and Marshall while Waite Park and Prior Lake are still considering implementing their own.

Stillwater imposed its own one-year ban last November, prior to the reforms approved by the Legislature, which legalized THC beverages and edibles containing up to 5 milligrams of THC.

The prohibitions are meant to give local officials more time to research the new law and draft ordinances to regulate their manufacture and sale, the report says.

Waite Park Mayor Rick Miller described adult-use cannabis legalization as “an evil that’s going to come.”

“But I also believe that I think this is a perfect example of where the six [St. Cloud-area] cities should get together, and, if they do an ordinance, they should all be mirrored.” — Miller to the Star Tribune

St. Joseph Mayor Rick Schultz told the Star Tribune that he didn’t want to impose a year-long ban, rather one that would only be in effect until city staff can meet with the neighboring cities on a draft that works for the St. Cloud region.

St. Joseph City Administrator Therese Haffner said she expects to see changes in the law from the state, adding that lawmakers passed the bill “without really taking a good strong look at it.”

“If we rush to adopt an ordinance right now, we might be then amending it four times over before one year is up,” she told the Star Tribune.

Under the law, cities and towns are able to regulate where edibles can be manufactured or sold, the age of the seller, and whether there must be a minimum distance between retailers and sensitive areas, like schools, churches, and parks; but it’s unclear whether de facto bans are allowed under the law, Pat Beety, general counsel for the League of Minnesota Cities, said.

“Some of the things we initially [heard] was that this is the Wild West or a free-for-all or something like that – that’s not the case,” Beety told the Star Tribune. “We have a state statute that does have some parameters and some good things in it.”

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Black Dahlia Announces The Communal Table Project

7/20/2022

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Los Angeles, August 1, 2022 – Black Dahlia CBD is thrilled to announce the company’s first iteration of the new Communal Table Project. The concept was developed with the mission to support three (3) lucky Impact Creators who are making a measurable difference in their communities. The Communal Table Project is inspired by a “pay it forward” approach, offering financial grants of $5,000 awarded to innovative recipients in order to fund projects or businesses promoting wellbeing in communities worldwide.

Much like the Founders of the Black Dahlia Collective, Impact Creators are artisans, culinarians and scientists who are developing products and services to support and uplift others. These creators are making a measurable impact by providing time, talent, products and services to help change lives for the better.

The Black Dahlia Communal Table Project will be an ongoing, sustainable platform that supports Impact Creators on an annual basis. This initiative also allows Black Dahlia to share new stories, innovations, and breakthroughs year over year.

To fulfill its mission, the Black Dahlia Communal Table Project will:

Identify Impact Creators who are improving and providing greater accessibility to physical, mental, social, and spiritual wellbeing in underserved or in-need communities worldwide through products, services, time or talent.
Invite Impact Creators to join the Black Dahlia Collective to collaborate, learn, and discover how to create measurable change through their own product or service development and delivery.
Serve as the storytelling arm of Black Dahlia, rooted in social impact and promoting the purpose-driven stories of Impact Creators, the Collective, and the brand as a whole.

Submissions will open August 1, 2022 on BlackDahlia.Co. Applicants must complete a questionnaire highlighting their business and/or project along with submitting a 60-90 second video to share more about the project vision and how The Communal Table Project grant can help them achieve that goal.

Black Dahlia will also launch an editorial blog on the company’s e-commerce website in November 2022 called The Communal Table. Topics covered will include CBD, wellness trends, and inspiring stories of The Communal Table Project winners and other impactful friends within the Black Dahlia community.

The Black Dahlia Communal Table Project inaugural grant recipients will be announced on October 30th, 2022.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Taylor Gurski, Paul Wilmot Communications
tgurski@paulwilmot.com

About Black Dahlia
Black Dahlia is a collection of premium, hemp-infused products that deliver quality, efficacy and serenity. Black Dahlia is committed to groundbreaking science, ethically-sourced botanicals and conscientious craftsmanship.

Through innovative collaborations with leading scientists, artisans and makers, the brand offers hand-crafted confections, healing elixirs, restorative skincare solutions and inspiring home products that deliver the multiple benefits of CBD to the body and mind. Backed by science and proprietary nano-technology, the brand’s all-natural formulations are developed with the highest-quality, sustainably-cultivated ingredients in order to support and uplift your daily self-care ritual.

BlackDahlia.Co | @blackdahliabotanicals

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Minnesota Patients Can Access Gummies Beginning Aug. 1

7/20/2022

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Starting August 1, Minnesota medical cannabis patients will have access to infused gummies and chews and the state Department of Health is allowing patients to get pre-approved to buy the products.

Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said the products “may be useful options for those who may have difficulty swallowing pills or tablets, do not want to smoke medical cannabis, or don’t like the taste of other forms of medicine.”

“The state’s medical cannabis program continues to respond to the needs of patients.” — Malcolm in a press release

Under the state program, consultations are required when a patient changes the type of medical cannabis they receive and the agency “strongly” recommends patients schedule a consultation ahead of the August 1 product launch.

The addition of chews and gummies in Minnesota’s medical cannabis program comes less than a year after the state began allowing patients to access flower.

Since 2015 – the launch of the state’s medical cannabis program – patient counts have steadily increased from 937 to 32,464, according to Department of Health data.

The medical cannabis gummies and chews are separate from the recently authorized hemp-derived edible cannabinoid products regulated by the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy. The gummies and chews were approved last year by the Health Department.

Adult cannabis use remains illegal in Minnesota but the reforms do have the support of Gov. Tim Walz (D) who included legalization in his most recent budget; however, he has not received support from lawmakers.

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New York Public Colleges to Split $5M in Funding to Launch Cannabis Courses

7/20/2022

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New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) on Monday announced that three State University of New York (SUNY) colleges and one City University of New York (CUNY) school will split $5 million in funding to support cannabis-related credential programs or course offerings that provide pathways to the cannabis industry.

In a statement, Hochul said the funding will help “ensure that New Yorkers who want careers in this growing sector have the quality training they need to be successful.”

“Diversity and inclusion are what makes New York’s workforce a competitive, powerful asset, and we will continue to take concrete steps to help ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate in the cannabis industry.” — Hochul in a press release

The funding will support programs that will create or enhance non-degree and degree-eligible courses and programs, stackable credentials, and micro-credentials that address local employer skill needs within the cannabis sector. Campuses must also partner with local cannabis industry businesses for input on curriculum development.

The three SUNY campuses, which will receive $1 million each, include Schenectady County Community College (SCCC), Niagara County Community College, (NCCC), and Orange County Community College (OCCC). Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) is the selected CUNY school and will receive $2 million.

SUNY Interim Chancellor Deborah F. Stanley said the program “is an exciting new field of study for those seeking a competitive edge when applying for careers in dispensaries, grow labs, or CBD and THC sales.”

The SCCC program is expected to include 300 participants, the NCCC program is estimated to include more than 4,000 participants, the OCCC program is expected to include 200 participants, and the BMCC program is estimated to include more than 360 participants.

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