New Hampshire Legislators Consider New Adult-Use Cannabis Policy
CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire House of Representatives is considering the legalization of cannabis for adult-use. They will put the issue to a vote just one week after the commencement of retail cannabis sales in Colorado, as activists hope to keep the momentum in their favor. Offering a brief overview of New Hampshire’s House Bill 492 is Matt Simon, Legislative Analyst for the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP). “Those in favor of HB 492 propose a $30 per ounce tax on retail cannabis …
Medical Marijuana Pilot Program Officially Takes Effect In Illinois
SPRINGFIELD, IL — After passing a measure in 2013 to legalize medical cannabis in Illinois, the state’s law officially took effect Wednesday morning. Prospective patients will likely be granted safe access to medical marijuana facilities towards the tail-end of 2014. The regulatory agencies tasked with overseeing the Illinois medical cannabis program – the Department of Public Health, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Financial and Professional Responsibilities – are expected to hold an assortment of public hearings over the next four months. They will be establishing the rules and forms that …
Colorado Prepares For Historical First Day Of Legal Cannabis Retail Sales
DENVER, CO — Seven months after being written into law, the first day of legal retail sales of cannabis in the US will be Wednesday (Jan. 1). Accordingly, business owners throughout Colorado are making their final preparations as the rest of the world watches in anticipation. The Colorado Department of Revenue officially licensed the first 136 retail locations in the state last Monday. As previously reported, the list of licensed retail locations for adult use includes prominent names like …
The Fifth Year Of Hempcon Kicks Off At The San Jose Convention Center This January
SAN JOSE, CA — As 2013 comes to a close, the team behind the Hempcon trade shows are preparing to set the year off with a big bang. Founded in 2010, Hempcon is a three-day event held in celebration and support of medical marijuana. It has become one of the most prominent festivals in the cannabis community in the limited time since its inception. “There are plans for four Hempcon festivals held in California this year.” There are four Hempcon festivals held in California each year. This first event of 2014 is set for next month in San Jose. Mega …
Colorado Becomes The First State To License Retail Cannabis Facilities
DENVER, CO — Christmas seems to have come early for some canna-business owners in Colorado. The state has officially licensed the first group of legal cannabis businesses. The Colorado Department of Revenue issued a total of 348 licenses Monday to businesses in the legal cannabis market. Of those businesses approved, 178 are production facilities and 31 are infused product manufacturers. Three lab testing facilities were licensed as well. The remaining 136 licenses were dealt to retail facilities. The list of …
Los Angeles Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Relocate In Compliance With Proposition D
LOS ANGELES, CA — In a move that is likely to contribute to successful medical cannabis regulation in Los Angeles, several dispensaries in the region are in the process of relocating to Proposition D compliant facilities this week. California residents voted to pass the measure in the May 2013 Mayoral election. In addition to placing a limit on the number of certified collectives permitted in the city, Prop D requires them to keep a certain distance from schools, parks, residential neighborhoods and other dispensaries. Licensed dispensaries were given until December …
New York Assemblyman Decides To Invest In The Emerging Cannabis Industry
NEW YORK — Despite casting a vote against medical marijuana in 2012, New York Assemblyman Steve Katz (R) could invest as much as $10 million in the cannabis industry over the next few years. He joined The Arcview investor network, which funds start-up businesses in the cannabis sector, earlier this month. After being found in possession of cannabis in May, Katz received criticism for his 2012 decision to vote against medical marijuana in New York. He was labeled a hypocrite, …
Controversial Study Suggests A Link Between Cannabis, Schizophrenia
CHICAGO, IL – A team of researchers from Northwestern Medicine published a study in the December issue of Schizophrenia Bulletin that they believe could shed light on a possible correlation between adolescent cannabis use, poor working memory, and schizophrenia. This seems to fly in the face of past studies, which has found that cannabis may help improve cognitive functioning and inhibit psychotic symptoms in those suffering from schizophrenia. The …
Assembly Committee Passes A Bill To Expand New Jersey’s Medical Cannabis Program
TRENTON, NJ — A New Jersey Assembly Committee voted 7-4 Tuesday to pass a measure that would allow registered patients easier access to medical cannabis. Specifically, the measure introduces a reciprocity agreement between New Jersey and other states with medical marijuana laws on the books. Introduced by Assemblywoman Linda Stender (D-Union), the measure would permit registered medical marijuana patients in the State of New Jersey to acquire medical cannabis from out of state and bring it home. “Our medical marijuana program is not functioning the way it should be.” – Linda Stender In order to assure that patients …
Michigan House Judiciary Committee Passes Three New Medical Marijuana Initiatives
LANSING, MI — The Michigan House Judiciary Committee passed legislation on three medical marijuana initiatives Tuesday morning. Two bills that would allow for infused products and medical marijuana dispensaries were each passed unanimously. As written, these measures would allow municipalities in Michigan to determine if they will allow dispensaries, called “provisioning centers.” Communities would then be called on to regulate these facilities as well. Furthermore, one of the initiatives calls for the legalization of infused edibles and cannabis extracts. A third bill to legalize …