Topic: Enforcement
Marijuana Reform Continues to Advance, This Time in Virginia
Much has changed over the last two months. One thing that hopefully has not is the momentum for marijuana reform at both the state and federal levels. On that front, there is good news emanating from Virginia.
Read MoreIndiana Bill Seeks to Eliminate Jail Time for Low-Level Marijuana Possession
Indiana Senate Democratic Chairwoman Karen Tallian (D-Ogden Dunes) has introduced a bill (SB 114) that would put an end to jail time for possession of small amounts of marijuana. Specifically, the bill would amend Indiana law to make possession of less than 30 grams of marijuana a Class C infraction rather than a misdemeanor for first time offenders.
Read MoreHappy Holidays! Cannabis Regulators Announce Higher Taxes and Suspend Cannabis Permits in California
California cannabis businesses and consumers have faced a rash of challenges as state agencies hike taxes and suspend business licenses. There is no sign of let up. On November 21, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) announced hikes on next year’s cannabis mark up and cultivation tax rates. Effective January 1, 2020, the newest mark up rate will increase from 60% to 80%.
Read MoreCalifornia Authorities Ramp Up Efforts to Reduce Illegal Cannabis Growing Operations
Two recent articles from the Los Angeles Times suggest that authorities in California have increased their efforts (and perhaps their effectiveness) in curbing illegal cannabis grown in the state. According to one article, 345 state law enforcement raids this year resulted in the seizure of almost 1 million marijuana plants from unlicensed growers.
Read MoreIt’s Complicated: Tax Revenue From Recreational Marijuana Remains Difficult to Estimate
“In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” The Works of Benjamin Franklin, 1817. That idiom remains true today, and with the legalization of recreational marijuana markets, it was widely accepted that the taxes would allow state and local governments to plug budgetary shortfalls.
Read MoreSecond Act: Illinois Lawmaker Proposes Bill To Regulate the CBD Industry
Fresh off becoming the first state to create a recreational marijuana market via legislation, at least one Illinois lawmaker remains focused on the cannabis industry. On October 2, 2019, Illinois Representative Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) introduced the CBD Safety Act (HB 3906), which will mandate that CBD products meet labeling and minimum testing requirements pursuant to rules adopted by the Department of Agriculture.
Read MoreCBD Industry Continues to Struggle With Product Content and Labeling
Last week, the Center for Food Safety (a national non-profit public interest and environmental advocacy organization) released the results of a recent study that identified some disturbing findings about the CBD industry. According to the study, nearly half of the 40 companies surveyed received failing or near-failing grades (Ds and Fs) for “their production and processing methods, testing protocols, and transparency to consumers.”
Read MoreFTC Issues Warning Letters to Three (Unidentified) CBD Companies
According to its press release yesterday, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently issued warning letters to three companies in the cannabidiol (CBD) industry touting unsubstantiated claims that their products can prevent, treat, or cure serious diseases and health conditions.
Read MoreBack in Session: A Look at California’s Latest Cannabis Bills
Though it still feels like summer in balmy Los Angeles, school is back in session and so is the California legislature. From banking reform to labeling, state legislators are set to mull over at least five bills directly impacting the $2.5 billion legal cannabis industry in California, now ranked the fifth largest economy in the world.
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