Ensuring Entrepreneurs and Businesses Stay Informed of Developments in the Burgeoning Cannabis Industry
Can New Jersey Get Out of Its Own Way? Legalization Efforts Hit Another Snag
Back in November, New Jersey residents voted to approve a constitutional amendment legalizing the use of recreational cannabis for adults 21 and over. That amendment took effect January 1, 2021, which was supposed to mark a new era in New Jersey. But that did not happen.
Read MoreIllinois Deficiency Notices: What Dispensary Applicants Can Expect
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations (IDFPR) is expected to issue its “supplemental” deficiency notices for dispensary license applicants “soon,” with soon being a relative term given this supplemental deficiency notice round was announced in early fall of 2020. Nevertheless, because the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) recently issued deficiency notices to craft grower, infuser, and transporter applicants, we think the IDFPR notices may be on the horizon. In preparation, we would like to share some observations from the IDOA notice round.
Read MoreAdult Use Legislation Filed in Connecticut
Yesterday, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont filed legislation that would establish an recreational (“adult use”) cannabis market in the State. The Governor’s proposal would create a licensing process for cultivators, retailers, micro-cultivators, product manufacturers, food and beverage manufacturers, product packagers, and delivery services.
Read MoreReminder: Not Everyone is in Favor of Legalized Marijuana. Will Court Cases Undo Ballot Box Success?
Since the 2018 mid-term elections, the momentum for legalized marijuana has been like a tidal wave building strength as it hurls towards shore. That was reinforced in last November’s election as well where multiple marijuana ballot initiatives received enough votes to pave the way for some form of legalization.
Read MoreArizona Overcomes Political Inertia; Starts Recreational Sales Just Over Two Months After Election
On January 22, 2021, Arizona became the 15th state to permit sales of recreational cannabis. The start of sales should make cannabis reform advocates around the country smile for several reasons.
Read MoreThe Lone Star State Is Feeling Lonely At The Bottom Of The Cannabis Industry
Texas is heading for a boom—it is attracting tech businesses and growing its population, as individuals transplant from other states looking for a lower cost of living and better quality of life. Texas also has a fledgling medical cannabis program that may be headed for a boom as well. Texas’s medical cannabis program is small in both patient size and product offering, but there is a seed that can sprout growth.
Read MoreMassachusetts Delivers A Viable Business Model for Delivery
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (“CCC”) recently approved final regulations establishing a new license for delivery companies to buy their own wholesale inventory, store it in a warehouse, and sell inventory directly to adult-use consumers.
Read MoreBreaking: House Passes MORE Act
In a historic move, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the MORE Act today, a federal marijuana decriminalization bill. Not surprisingly, the votes largely went along party lines—222 Democrats, five Republicans, and a Libertarian voted in favor, while 158 Republicans and six Democrats voted against the measure.
Read MoreMORE Progress Towards Cannabis Reform? Perhaps
For the last several years, the U.S. House of Representatives has offered many cannabis-related reform bills. Most of those bills (with the exception of the SAFE Banking Act bills) appeared largely symbolic because there was virtually no chance that, even if passed, they would be taken up by the U.S. Senate.
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