Cannabis Regulatory Update

Cannabis Reform A Priority For Congressional Progressive Caucus And More News From South Carolina, Utah, Montana & Maine
Weed Or Hemp? Kansas Strict THC Laws, Nebraska Cuts CBD Tax, Supply Risks In Minnesota And More
'Predatory Practices' In Missouri, Washington D.C. Mayor Declares 4/20 Tax Holiday On Medical Marijuana And More Cannabis Reg Updates
Weed Or Hemp? Kansas Strict THC Laws, Nebraska Cuts CBD Tax, Supply Risks In Minnesota And More
'Predatory Practices' In Missouri, Washington D.C. Mayor Declares 4/20 Tax Holiday On Medical Marijuana And More Cannabis Reg Updates
Medical Marijuana Tax Holiday Expanded In D.C., States Advance Marijuana Conviction Expungements
Washington State Gov. Signs Bill Eliminating Medical Marijuana Tax, Iowa To Add 25% Excise Tax On Hemp & More

Cannabis Regulatory Update Recent News

State Legalization Efforts Put Federal Marijuana Ban Under Fire, Verano Holdings Leads Lawsuit
Several cannabis companies are challenging the federal ban on marijuana, arguing it has no legal basis. They claim the government’s original justification for prohibition - curbing illegal interstate trade - is no longer valid since many states have legalized marijuana. This lawsuit counters the government’s attempt to dismiss the case.
GOP Lawmakers Rally Behind Cannabis Social Equity Licenses In Arizona, Nation's Strictest Medical Marijuana Law And More
South Carolina lawmakers are pushing for medical cannabis policy reform, yet again. However, this time around, a measure green-lighted by the state Senate last month is called by many the "most restrictive cannabis law in the country." In the meantime, a measure that seeks to amend cannabis laws in Maine got a hearing on Tuesday in Augusta.According to the Office of Cannabis Policy, modifications to the state medical and adult-use cannabis programs that LD 40 proposes could put those under 21 at risk and pose additional issues when it comes to licensing, compliance, and program management. Cannabis activists in New Jersey are against a recently introduced bill that would oblige motorists suspected of driving under the influence of cannabis to provide a blood sample to police.They claim the measure from Sen. Shirley K. Turner would empower police in a way that may result in biased treatment towards minorities, reported New Jersey Monitor. Additionally, opponents argue the suggested testing methods are unreliable.GOP legislators in Arizona are showing support for Senate Bill 1262 from Sen. Sonny Borrelli (R) which seeks to address the misuse of the state's social equity program for marijuana dispensaries by large companies and private investors.
Cannabis Dispensaries Outnumber McDonald's, California Has The Most, Oklahoma Highest Number Per Capita
More Pot Shops Than McDonald's  In a significant shift over the past decade, a majority of Americans now reside in states where the recreational use of marijuana is legal. This change comes only twelve years after Colorado and Washington led the way in legalizing the plant for recreational purposes.
Kratom, CBD, Marijuana: Regulatory Update, Get Tuned In Under 2 Minutes
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has indicated a proactive stance toward establishing a regulatory framework for Cannabidiol (CBD) while continuing to monitor kratom closely.
Job Corps' New Stance On Cannabis, Virginia Marijuana Bill Approved And More Reg Updates
A Virginia House panel green-lighted a revised "compromise" version of a bill to legalize and regulate retail marijuana sales in the commonwealth on Thursday. SB 448 from Sen. Aaron R. Rouse (D) advanced through the Senate earlier this month and was passed by the House General Laws Committee on a 12–10 vote. In the meantime, Job Corps, a drug-free and alcohol-free federal program, updated its marijuana drug-testing policy so that testing positive on cannabis would not be a reason for an automatic dismissal. The Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) said It will be adding Quick Response (QR) codes to mailed temporary receipts and registration cards by the end of February. New Jersey cannabis activists have gathered at the State House in Trenton on Thursday to celebrate the milestone of over 100,000 people of all ages having avoided being handcuffed over small amounts of cannabis.
California Opens Data For Weed Investors, Connecticut Sales Dip, Cannabis DUIs In NY Drop 20% Since Legalization
Since New York legalized cannabis in 2021, marijuana DUI arrests have fallen by 20%, from 2,225 to 1,771, sparking concerns over the state's monitoring of impaired drivers amid market expansion and 109 new licenses.
Cannabis Banking In Guam, Home Cultivation In Costa Rica, Hemp Hits Australia & More Global Updates
The Bank of Guam, which is a US territory, announced it would introduce banking services tailored to the cannabis industry in Guam and the Northern Marianas, marking a significant step forward in the region's financial services for Cannabis-Related Businesses (CRBs).
Utah Considers Defunding Agencies That Discriminate Against Medical Marijuana Patients, Arizona Wants To Sell Weed Across State Lines & More Cannabis Regs
A new Arizona measure seeks to allow for cannabis to be sold across state borders. However, House Bill 2770 from Rep. Justin Wilmeth is contingent on the legalization of cannabis on the federal level. Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee is seeking to separate state and federal tax policy for the cannabis industry. Some states already opted for to bypass the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code known as 280E under which cannabis operators are not eligible for tax deductions for businesses as they work with Schedule I and Schedule II drugs under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). In Virginia, the two lawmakers behind competing bills that would set up marijuana sales, have come to an agreement that all retailers would be allowed to get into the cannabis business by March 1, 2025.In Utah, a measure that could strip cities from funding as a result of refusing to medical cannabis as a valid prescription drug is advancing through the state legislature.
South Dakota Tightens THC Job Rules, New York's Home Grow And Licenses, New Jersey's Road To A Billion-Dollar Cannabis Market
Governor Kristi Noem (R) signed a bill into law last week that allows employers in South Dakota to discipline workers in safety-sensitive roles, such as pilots, construction workers, healthcare professionals, teachers, nursing home employees, and truck drivers among others, who test positive for THC. As previously expected, New York cannabis regulators approved over 100 new marijuana business licenses for retailers, microbusinesses, cultivators, processors and distributors on Friday, alongside green-lighting draft rules for the home cultivation. New Jersey is paving its way toward reaching $1 billion in cannabis sales in 2024. That's according to New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission's (NJ-CRC) Executive Director Jeff Brown.The top cannabis official in the state spoke about ways to boost the state's marijuana industry in the years to come, citing proposed rules to expand edible offerings at retailers as an example.
New York Regulators Will Issue Dozens Of Cannabis Licenses, Florida Regulates THC Content And More Reg Updates
The New York cannabis regulators are slated to approve 24 cultivators, nine distributors, 27 microbusinesses, 12 processors and 38 retailers at its Friday meeting.In Florida, state Senate members gave the green light on Thursday to a bill that regulates hemp products statewide.
Washington State Rethinks 'Prohibited Conduct,' New Hampshire Debates Weed Franchise Model And More
In a significant move, the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) is reviewing the "prohibited conduct rule," known for targeting LGBTQ+ bars, to amend or repeal it. This step, driven by public and activist pushback, marks a push towards more inclusive and fair cannabis regulations.
Fast Track Recap: Colorado & Michigan Weed Sales Decline, Virginia Eyes Legal Market, Stock Winners & Losers
Colorado's cannabis market, once a frontrunner in the U.S. for recreational marijuana sales, has experienced a downturn.
Winter Escapes: If You're Beach Bound, Check Out Weed Updates For Bahamas, Philippines, Australia Shores
As winter's chill tightens its grip on the Northern Hemisphere, sun-seekers planning a tropical retreat to the beaches of the Bahamas, Philippines and Australia should stay abreast of the latest updates on cannabis regulations to ensure a hassle-free getaway.
Tennessee, Virginia Lawmakers Push For Cannabis Reform, Congressional Researchers Highlight Perils Of Cash-Only Transactions & More
A report published by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) has highlighted the challenges faced by licensed cannabis businesses operating without access to traditional banking services. Without banking access, such businesses face higher borrowing costs and must rely on cash transactions, making them vulnerable to theft. The CRS has proposed legislation to address these issues, the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act, which is currently pending a floor vote. In other news, Palm Springs City Council has extended its temporary moratorium on new cannabis dispensary permits for four years. The California city currently has 26 operational dispensaries, with eight authorized but not yet functioning and another awaiting approval. The Colorado Tourism Office has updated its promotional material to include cannabis events. A pot-friendly party bus has been contacted by the office to discuss the possibility of being added to the list of things to do in the state.
Idaho Lawmakers Want To Ban Out Of State Weed Ads, Arkansas' Second Attempt To Expand Medical Marijuana Access & More
Explore the latest in cannabis regulation: ID's ad ban, AR's push for access, MO's expungements, CT's legal battle, and PA's growing support.Idaho Legislators Propose Advertising Ban On Illegal Cannabis Products
Biden Admin Official Denies Cannabis Shift Rumors, Gen-Zers Say They Can Drive Stoned, FLA Caps Weed Strength & More Updates
Biden Pardons, Veterans' Benefits, Policy Debates: Virginia's Marijuana Sales, Rhode Island's Overdose Center & More
Virginia is advancing towards legalizing marijuana sales for adults over 21, with significant legislative progress. The Senate Courts of Justice Committee approved Senate Bill 448, spearheaded by Senator Aaron Rouse (D), to create a regulated market with licensed retailers, expected to start in 2025.
THC Cap Proposal Gains Momentum In Florida, Virginia To Treat Weed Like Alcohol As New York Cannabis Regulators Face Another Lawsuit
A Florida bill that aims to cap the level of delta-9 THC in cannabis products is advancing in the state House as members of the Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee passed it in a 13-4 vote, reported Florida Politics.
New York's Weed Disaster, Virginia's Alcohol Model And Kentucky's GOP Hurdles, Plus Hawaii And Florida Updates
New York's Cannabis Rollout: A Rocky Start
EXCLUSIVE: Decoding Michigan's Cannabis Boom - Record Sales Of $3B And $457M In Taxes In 2023
In an unprecedented surge, Michigan's cannabis industry hit a new milestone in 2023, with licensed dispensaries recording a staggering $3.06 billion in sales.
NY Gov. Hochul 'Fed Up' With Slow Marijuana Market Rollout While Maine And Delaware Seek To Loosen Weed Regulations
Washington state legislators are seeking to use cannabis and alcohol tax revenue to fund social programs. Washington state senator Keith Wagoner has proposed two bills that would funnel tax receipts from the drug and alcohol industries into public safety and affordable housing initiatives. Meanwhile, New York governor Kathy Hochul has stated that she is "fed up" with the slow roll-out of the state's cannabis market, highlighting the cancellation of a Cannabis Control Board meeting as one example of regulatory recalcitrance. State legislator David Boyer has introduced a measure in Maine designed to discontinue mandatory labels informing consumers that edibles contain THC, despite concerns from store owners. Finally, the Delaware House has approved the relaxing of requirements for patients seeking medical marijuana.
Concerns Mount In US Hemp Industry Over Push For Higher THC Levels (UPDATED)
Washington's Teen Marijuana Use Drops, Alaska's Cannabis Tax & Who's Buying What In Minnesota's Market?
A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates a decrease in youth marijuana use in Washington State's largest county following the legalization of adult-use cannabis.