Alcohol, tobacco interests eyeing Michigan marijuana market

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By John Schroyer

At a time when Michigan’s medical marijuana regulations are being written – and adult-use proponents are finalizing a legalization measure for the 2018 ballot – representatives from the alcohol and tobacco industries have had a seat at the negotiating table.

It’s not yet clear how the alcohol and tobacco interests will be involved in the marijuana business.

But there are signs the tobacco industry is at least eyeing the retail end of the market. And MJ industry officials have…

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Alaska orders Anchorage marijuana club to shut down

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Marijuana businesses in Anchorage, Alaska, have for years now been pushing the envelope of what’s acceptable by state regulators, and recently they got another answer on one thing that’s not: cannabis social clubs.

The only club in Anchorage, Pot Luck Events, which has been operational since 2015, was ordered to close by the Alaska Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office (AMCO), which said the business was illegal and was risking the wrath of the U.S. Department of Justice, TV station KTUU…

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Week in Review: RI rec push slows, pushback on California cannabis plan & China opportunity

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By Omar Sacirbey, John Schroyer and Bart Schaneman

Adult-use legislation takes a hit in Rhode Island, California Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposal for cannabis regulation faces opposition, and a marijuana-related firm sets up shop in China.

Here’s a closer look at some notable developments in the marijuana industry over the past week.

Rhode Island rec resistance

Prospects for legalizing recreational marijuana in Rhode Island hit a speed bump this week
MJBizConafter Gov. Gina Raimondo called on lawmakers to…

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U.S. Rep Polis predicts medical cannabis safeguard will get OK

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Colorado Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Polis, one of the four founding members of the Cannabis Caucus, said during a panel discussion Tuesday in Denver he believes the Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment – which protects medical marijuana businesses from the Department of Justice – will be renewed and remain in federal law.

Polis was one of 44 representatives who recently urged that language from the amendment be included in the base bill for the appropriations process to fund the entire federal government. The base bill…

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Rhode Island governor calls for delay in legalizing rec marijuana

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A state that industry watchers have predicted would be among the next to legalize recreational marijuana – Rhode Island – appears to have hit a speed bump when it comes to legalization.

Rhode Island’s governor is calling on lawmakers to delay passing legislation that would legalize adult-use cannabis.

Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo’s administration sent a letter to the House Judiciary Committee saying they should instead support legislation to create a 15-member study commission to…

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Pushback on California proposal to merge rec, medical MJ systems

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A series of proposals from California Gov. Jerry Brown to merge regulations for medical and recreational marijuana have come under fire from some state lawmakers and political stakeholders, throwing the future of the regulatory changes into uncertainty.

Some in Sacramento are now saying Brown’s proposals – which are attached to a budget trailer bill – may not pass muster with the state legislature, according to the Los Angeles Times. Critics, including police chiefs, say the proposed…

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Sessions: DOJ task force will analyze marijuana enforcement

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U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the formation of a new task force subcommittee that will focus, at least in part, on marijuana enforcement policies.

The subcommittee – part of the Task Force on Crime Reduction and Public Safety – will tackle “a review of existing policies in the areas of charging, sentencing, and marijuana to ensure consistency with the (Department of Justice’s) overall strategy on reducing violent crime and with Administration goals and policies,”

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California cannabis industry lauds governor’s ‘pro-business’ proposals

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California marijuana

By John Schroyer

California marijuana businesses apparently have an ally in the governor’s mansion.

Many in the cannabis industry are applauding a series of overhaul proposals issued Tuesday by Gov. Jerry Brown for his state’s regulatory system, which will begin overseeing cannabis businesses in January.

The proposed changes are expected to cut regulatory red tape and bolster MJ companies’ bottom lines.

They include a provision to eliminate a measure requiring every cannabis company to obtain…

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California gov suggests big changes to new marijuana system

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California Gov. Jerry Brown has issued a series of proposed changes to his state’s upcoming marijuana regulatory system in an effort to reconcile differences between a 2015 medical marijuana oversight law and the new recreational cannabis ballot initiative voters approved last year.

Among the numerous changes Brown put forth were several significant ones that were immediately hailed by the industry as a step in the right direction:

  • Repealing a mandate that would require a local permit for…

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Pressure builds for Trump to maintain marijuana status quo

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President Donald Trump is getting increasing pressure – from his circle of advisers and beyond – to maintain the current status quo when it comes to the cannabis industry.

The governors of the first four states to legalize recreational cannabis on Monday sent Trump a letter urging him to confer with them before announcing any major changes in federal marijuana policy.


Mirth ProvisionsThe governors – Alaska’s Bill Walker, Colorado’s John Hickenlooper, Oregon’s Kate Brown and Washington’s Jay…

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Report: DOJ gathering intel on state marijuana cases

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The Department of Justice is apparently gathering information from at least the Colorado attorney general’s office regarding criminal marijuana investigations.

A records request filed with the DOJ by the International Business Times yielded an email from a Drug Enforcement Administration official to Michael Melito, a lawyer with the Colorado attorney general’s office, in which the DEA agent requested information about specific Colorado cannabis cases.


Mirth Provisions“Some of our intel people are…

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Week in Review: Pro-cannabis bills in Congress, Canada rec legalization & Ohio’s testing plans

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By John Schroyer, Omar Sacirbey and Bart Schaneman

Federal lawmakers introduce a slew of pro-marijuana bills, Canada eyes legalizing adult-use cannabis by July 2018, and concerns crop up over a little-known provision in Ohio’s MMJ law.

Here’s a closer look at some notable developments in the marijuana industry over the past week.

Congress tries again

Thursday’s news that seven bills were introduced in Congress to reform national cannabis laws was greeted with exultation from many in the…

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Groups working to develop standards for cannabis businesses

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By Bart Schaneman

Cannabis trade groups, state officials and marijuana industry leaders are pursuing the development of standards and best practices covering organic certification, labor practices and energy use in a bid to further legitimize and professionalize the industry.

These efforts could bolster both the marijuana sector’s image among consumers and MJ companies’ bottom lines.

Organic certification, for example, could allow cannabis companies to shore up consumer confidence about the safety…

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Las Vegas cannabis lounge options are taking shape

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Marijuana consumption lounges in Las Vegas are looking more and more as if they’ll become a reality for cannabis entrepreneurs.

At a Clark County marijuana advisory panel meeting Monday, the board “spent most of its first meeting” talking about proposals for such a concept and how cannabis clubs would be regulated, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

A representative from the resort hotel industry said clubs “are the realistic solution to making sure” that marijuana tourists…

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Nevada medical cannabis licenses fetch almost $2 million

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Oregon-based cannabis oil company Golden Leaf Holdings paid $1.925 million to acquire cultivation and extraction licenses from NevWa, a Nevada company that does business as Grassroots.

NevWa’s two licenses allow for distribution and sales in Nevada, including prominent tourist destinations Las Vegas and Reno, according to a news release.


Spring 2017 MJBizConGolden Leaf Holdings’ move comes as Nevada is preparing to introduce recreational marijuana into a state that already has a medical cannabis market.

A preliminary framework for Nevada’s adult-use…

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Colorado bill would let growers reclassify rec marijuana to medical

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The Trump administration has been so ambiguous about its intentions regarding recreational cannabis that the Colorado Legislature is considering a bill to allow growers to reclassify their inventory as medical marijuana in the event of a federal crackdown.

Though the measure has yet to receive a full vote in either the state House or Senate, it has passed one Senate committee with bipartisan support, the Associated Press reported, an indication that politicians of both stripes have no desire to see Trump gut the adult-use cannabis industry.

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Report: Canada’s legal rec MJ program to start by July 2018

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Recreational marijuana will become legal in Canada by July 1, 2018, CBC News reported Monday.

The disclosure of the launch date for Canada’s rec sales is expected to piggyback on the liberal government’s announcement next month about the nation’s cannabis legislation, according to the national broadcaster.

Under the proposed legislation, which could be unveiled as soon as the week of April 10, Canada’s federal government will be responsible for licensing and monitoring cultivators,…

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CA bill would bar local cops from aiding federal cannabis crackdown

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A bill introduced in the California legislature by a coalition of Democratic lawmakers would prohibit local police and sheriff’s deputies from aiding in any type of federal crackdown on state-licensed marijuana businesses.

The intent, the bill’s backers say, is to reassure marijuana businesses that they won’t be targeted unfairly by the Department of Justice as long as they comply with state laws, the Los Angeles Times reported.


Spring 2017 MJBizConThe measure again underscores the growing disconnect…

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Pacific Northwest marijuana investment network set to launch

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Cannabis-related companies in Alaska, Oregon and Washington seeking capital may find some investors through the Cannabis Investment Network, an organization launching this week that aims to connect marijuana firms with financial backers.

Cannabis Investment Network (CIN) is hoping to serve smaller-scale firms that are looking to raise from $500,000 to $3 million, according to a news release. The self-described “angel group” will function more as a conduit to connect investors with potential investments, instead of…

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Week in Review: Sessions’ cannabis remarks, Oxford MMJ research & odd pairing in MA

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By John Schroyer, Bart Schaneman and Omar Sacirbey

Attorney General Jeff Sessions again criticizes marijuana without offering a clear policy plan, Oxford University receives millions to study medical cannabis, and Massachusetts liquor store owners are eyeing the rec MJ market.

Here’s a closer look at some notable developments in the marijuana industry over the past week.

Mixed messages

Attorney General Jeff Sessions – asked by a reporter if the federal government would be cracking down on…

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Cannabis public use measures could spur MJ sales, businesses

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By Bart Schaneman

From Alaska to Massachusetts, a number of states are weighing measures to allow people to consume cannabis in public places such as clubs and other venues.

Legalizing cannabis clubs and other venues for public consumption could spur MJ sales and create new business opportunities, said industry officials.

In particular, the move could lead to increased sales of marijuana flower. And it could give marijuana retailers an opportunity to add ancillary businesses – such as a coffee shop…

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AG Sessions signals no major federal marijuana crackdown

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Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Wednesday again criticized marijuana while also signaling that the Department of Justice under his leadership won’t launch a wide-ranging crackdown on cannabis businesses.

Speaking with reporters after a speech in Virginia, Sessions said “much of” the 2013 Cole Memo – which laid the groundwork for the adult-use marijuana industry as it exists today in the United States – is “valid.” But he also suggested some additional federal guidelines may be coming from the U.S….

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MA lawmakers set hearings over new rec cannabis law

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A legislative battle over recreational marijuana could be on the way in Boston, with public hearings poised to begin.

State lawmakers are set on holding hearings, starting next week, to address possible tweaks to the recreational cannabis law approved by Massachusetts voters in November, a move that marijuana advocates are calling a “false narrative,” according to the Associated Press.

“The new law requires no legislative fixes,” Jim Borghesani, a spokesman for the state’s rec…

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Denver may allow marijuana shops to stay open later

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The Denver City Council may roll back the mandatory closing time for cannabis retailers from 7 p.m. to either 10 p.m. or perhaps midnight under a proposal being considered by a special committee.

But don’t expect an imminent decision. The issue will remain unresolved for at least a few more weeks, as the council solicits additional public input.

Mandated closing times for Denver marijuana shops makes them less competitive than many other retailers that are technically located in other…

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Recreational marijuana home delivery kicks off in Oregon

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Oregon’s recreational marijuana businesses are leading the way in the U.S. rec industry with a new service: delivery of adult-use cannabis to a customer’s home.

According to Portland TV station WCSH 6, rec marijuana customers can now order from licensed dealers and have product delivered to their home.

Legal deliveries of adult-use cannabis are a new phenomenon. Medical cannabis deliveries, by contrast, are permitted in certain places in the United States.


Spring 2017 MJBizConOregon’s Liquor Control…

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Week in Review: Los Angeles marijuana vote, Canada rec rollout & new cannabis standards

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By John Schroyer, Omar Sacirbey and Bart Schaneman

Los Angeles voters approve a groundbreaking marijuana initiative, Canada adult-use legalization may take longer than anticipated, and an influential standards-setting group eyes cannabis.

Here’s a closer look at some notable developments in the marijuana industry over the past week.

L.A. industry now hitched to uncertain city rules

Those outside Los Angeles may not have heard wedding bells for the city’s cannabis industry and local officials, but…

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Colorado Senate OKs cannabis clubs; governor threatens veto

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The Colorado Senate approved a bill Thursday that would allow bring-your-own marijuana clubs in the state, a move that would be a first for the nation.

According to the Associated Press, local jurisdictions would be allowed to permit cannabis clubs, provided the establishments don’t sell alcohol or food beyond light snacks.


Spring 2017 MJBizCon However, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper has threatened to veto the bill if it doesn’t ban indoor smoking of marijuana.

“Smoking is bad for you,” Hickenlooper…

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Report: Oregon marijuana industry has $1.2B economic impact

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Oregon’s cannabis industry has produced an economic impact of more than $1 billion, according to a new report.

The report, by economist and marijuana business insider Beau Whitney, found that the Oregon cannabis market created more than 12,500 jobs with an average wage of $12.13 an hour, which translates into roughly $1.2 billion in economic activity for the state.

The job figure is only for plant-touching companies, such as retailers and growers, and doesn’t include ancillary marijuana…

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Week in Review: Canada’s tainted MMJ, tribal grow operation & DOJ policies

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By Omar Sacirbey, Bart Schaneman and John Schroyer

Canadian cultivators are unable to find the source of pesticide-contaminated medical marijuana, a giant MJ greenhouse is planned for tribal land, and Jeff Sessions’ Justice Department will enact “reasonable policies” on cannabis.

Here’s a closer look at some notable developments in the marijuana industry over the past week.

Contaminated MMJ repercussions

Will the brouhaha surrounding pesticide-contaminated medical marijuana in Canada produce fallout for the nation’s federally…

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Colorado AG invites Sessions to check out rec MJ industry

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Colorado’s top law enforcement official extended an invitation to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to take a tour of the state’s recreational marijuana industry.

Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coffman made the invitation Wednesday morning during a meeting with top Justice Department staff, the Denver Post reported.


Spring 2017 MJBizConShe told them “it was important to come to the states that have legalized marijuana – particularly Colorado since we have the longest history – and to see what we have done,” according to the Post. “They…

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Crafting an industry: Q&A with California cannabis czar Lori Ajax

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By John Schroyer

Lori Ajax has what may be one of the most influential governmental positions in the legal marijuana industry – chief of California’s Bureau of Medical Cannabis Regulation.

As such, Ajax is positioned to help craft regulations for what will be the nation’s largest medical and recreational cannabis markets when they’re up and running.

The agency she heads will be renamed the Bureau of Marijuana Control, pursuant to a provision in Proposition 64, the ballot initiative California voters approved in November that legalized…

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Nevada U.S. attorney threatens to shut down cannabis event

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One of the largest marijuana consumer events – the High Times Cannabis Cup – is in peril.

Nevada U.S. Attorney Daniel Bogden sent a letter on Feb. 16 to the Moapa Paiute Tribe warning that the event would be in violation of federal law. The tribe is scheduled to host the cup Saturday and Sunday on Native American lands north of Las Vegas.

According to the Reno Gazette-Journal, Bogden warned the tribe it had incorrectly interpreted Justice Department memoranda that would permit them to hold the event.

“Nothing in (DOJ memoranda) alters…

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Sessions: DOJ will adopt ‘responsible policies’ on marijuana

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In his first public remarks about marijuana since being confirmed as U.S. attorney general, Jeff Sessions told reporters on Monday that his Department of Justice will strive to find “responsible policies” regarding the enforcement of federal cannabis laws.

According to the Associated Press, Sessions – who was a vocal marijuana critic as a U.S. senator before being chosen as President Donald Trump’s attorney general – added that he doesn’t believe the United States would be better off with “more people smoking pot.”


Spring 2017 MJBizCon“I am…

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White House’s words won’t deter rec marijuana states

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By John Schroyer

Despite ominous overtones from the White House, the eight states that have legalized recreational cannabis are proceeding full-bore, whether it’s with existing infrastructures or plans to establish new markets.

Governors and attorneys general responded in unison: They’ll honor voters’ wishes, and conduct business as usual while awaiting specific policies.

The cannabis industry’s future was called into question Thursday when President Donald Trump’s press secretary, Sean Spicer, said “greater enforcement” could…

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Week in Review: White House threat, CA growers at risk & unique cannabis investment fund

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By John Schroyer

The Trump administration hints at possible enforcement on recreational cannabis businesses, thousands of Northern California cultivation jobs are in jeopardy, and a new marijuana investment fund is in the works.

Here’s a closer look at some notable developments in the marijuana industry over the past week.

White House signals potential crackdown

The cannabis industry erupted when the White House press secretary on Thursday intimated the recreational market could be in for a serious fight.

During a news conference, Press…

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White House press secretary’s full comments on cannabis

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Asked twice by reporters on Thursday about the Trump administration’s approach to the legal marijuana industry, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer had the following response.

When initially asked about the disconnect between federal law and state medical marijuana laws, Spicer replied:

“There’s two distinct issues here: medical marijuana and recreational marijuana. I think, medical marijuana, I’ve said before, that the president understands the pain and suffering that many people go through who are facing, especially terminal…

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White House press secretary predicts ‘greater enforcement’ on recreational marijuana

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By John Schroyer

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer on Thursday said there will likely be increased federal enforcement on recreational marijuana businesses.

“I do believe you will see greater enforcement of it,” Spicer said in response to a question about whether the Department of Justice will enforce federal marijuana laws.

It was the Trump administration’s first public comment on the nation’s marijuana industry, and it comes as a growing number of states have legalized both recreational and medical cannabis.

Spicer sought to…

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Alaska MJ entrepreneurs find way to ship product – commercial flights

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By John Schroyer

The legal marijuana industry in the United States has been built by pioneers willing to risk the wrath of authorities.

That tradition is continuing in Alaska, where a retail shop owner has pushed the legal envelope by flying across her immense state with carry-ons full of marijuana inventory for her store.

She’s done so with the explicit blessing of state officials, ranging from Alaska’s Marijuana Control Office to airport police, many of whom are eager to establish a functional system under which cannabis businesspeople…

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Poll: Support building for legalized marijuana in Texas

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Support for legalizing marijuana is on the rise in Texas, a new poll shows.

More than 80% of Texans support legal cannabis of any kind, and 53% of those favor recreational use, according to a University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll released Tuesday. Those numbers increased from 76% and 42%, respectively, since a 2015 poll.

In the latest poll:

  • 32% of Texans would allow possession of small amounts.
  • 30% would permit medical marijuana use.
  • 21% would be OK with possession of any amount.
  • 17% would not allow possession of any kind.


Spring 2017 MJBizCon Backing for a…

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Two MA lawmakers to rewrite rec marijuana law

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A pair of Massachusetts lawmakers have been appointed to apparently rewrite the recreational marijuana legalization law approved by voters last November.

The Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act is an initiated state statute, instead of an amendment to Massachusetts’ constitution. That means legislators still have the legal ability to make changes to the law, despite what was approved by voters.


Spring 2017 MJBizConAccording to TV station WWLP, pro-cannabis state Sen. Patricia Jehlen and state Rep. Mark Cusack, both Democrats, have been appointed to…

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Rumblings in CA legislature over marijuana licensing delay

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Many industry observers have doubted the capability of the California state government to meet the January deadline for having a cannabis business licensing system up and running, and now a state senator has broached the topic as well.

Sen. Holly Mitchell, a Los Angeles Democrat, suggested the state delay licensing specifically for recreational marijuana businesses in order to first resolve the issue of how registered companies will be able to pay their taxes and fees without any guarantee of banking services.


Spring 2017 MJBizCon“Does the legislature have…

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Week in Review: Seniors + MMJ, Oregon faces changes & Cannabis Caucus debuts

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By Omar Sacirbey, Bart Schaneman and John Schroyer

A medical marijuana company in New York lands a nursing home deal, Oregon may align the state’s MMJ and recreational programs under one regulator, and the Cannabis Caucus officially launches.

Here’s a closer look at some notable developments in the marijuana industry over the past week.

Cannabis in nursing homes

Etain Health of New York made waves when it announced it landed an agreement to supply MMJ products to a Bronx nursing home.

Under the deal, Etain will help health personnel become…

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Congressional Cannabis Caucus touches on agenda

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The first Congressional Cannabis Caucus officially launched Thursday in Washington DC, with four bipartisan lawmakers asserting that their agenda includes protecting state cannabis laws from federal interference as well as reforming 280E of the tax code and cannabis banking laws.

They even hope to remove marijuana from the federal list of controlled substances.

The caucus, announced in December, currently is composed of just four House members: Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Don Young (R-AK) and Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO). But…

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Arizona group readies filing for rec cannabis legalization initiative

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The first salvo in the recreational marijuana legalization fight for the next election cycle looks set to be fired Thursday, in Phoenix.

Safer Arizona 2018, a grassroots activism group, plans to file paperwork with the secretary of state’s office to place an adult-use cannabis legalization initiative on the 2018 statewide ballot, the organization announced Wednesday.


Spring 2017 MJBizConThe group must collect at least 150,642 signatures of registered Arizona voters between Thursday and July 2018 for the initiative to make the ballot.

Spokesman Dave Wisniewski…

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Colorado infused products licenses skyrocket as MJ companies diversify

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By John Schroyer

The number of licensed infused cannabis product manufacturers in Colorado has exploded in recent years, according to state records.

The surge reflects factors including Colorado’s lack of business license caps, a resulting oversupply of marijuana, and companies diversifying to boost their margins in one of the nation’s most competitive cannabis markets.

The statistics tell the story of businesses, including retailers and cultivators, branching into a new area of business to stay competitive. It’s also cheaper for these…

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Oregon mulls putting medical, rec cannabis under one regulator

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Oregon lawmakers are considering putting the state’s medical and adult-use marijuana programs under the oversight of one regulatory agency.

The move would put Oregon in the same company as its neighbor to the north, Washington state.


Spring 2017 MJBizCon According to the Blue Mountain Eagle, the co-chairwomen of the legislature’s Joint Committee on Marijuana Regulation have offered bills that would transfer regulation of MMJ to the Oregon Liquor Control Commission – which currently oversees recreational sales – from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).

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Colorado marijuana sales hit $1.3B in 2016, up 30% from year earlier

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Colorado’s marijuana dispensaries and recreational stores sold $1.3 billion in products last year, up 30% from 2015 and nearly double the total in 2014 when adult-use sales began.


Spring 2017 MJBizConAccording to state data, last year’s sales total is up from $996.2 million in 2015 and nearly $700 million in 2014. Colorado averaged more than $100 million in sales per month last year, the Denver Post reported. Summer was particularly strong, with combined sales totaling $376.6 million in July, August and September, according to the newspaper.

But it wasn’t…

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Nevada recreational marijuana sales could begin as early as July

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Marijuana dispensaries in Nevada could have recreational product on the shelves as early as July, a development that would make the state the first new adult-use market created through last November’s election.

During an appearance before a panel of state lawmakers, the Nevada Department of Taxation outlined a timeline for the rules governing the new market, according to the Reno Gazette-Journal.

Regulators plan to hold a town hall forum in March to present temporary regulations that would allow existing medical cannabis dispensaries to…

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Alaska’s marijuana regulator asks for additional staffers

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Alaska’s acting head of cannabis regulation is asking for additional staff members to help to handle her agency’s workload, a sign that regulators are struggling to cope with the rollout of the state’s new adult-use industry.

Sara Chambers, the acting head of Alaska’s Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office, asked a state House budget panel this week for two more licensing examiners as well as an administrative assistant to help in regulating cannabis.


Spring 2017 MJBizConChambers’ office has been tasked with a growing list of duties after Alaska assigned…

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Colorado marijuana retail chain gets $7.5M loan for expansion

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One of Colorado’s biggest cannabis retail chains wants to get even larger: The Green Solution, which has 13 locations across the state, revealed Tuesday it has secured a $7.5 million loan from iAnthus Capital Holdings, a cannabis-focused Canadian financing company.

The loan “will allow us to add multiple licenses and stores for the Colorado market in 2017,” The Green Solution’s co-CEO, Kyle Speidell, said in a news release. The company plans to open at least five more retail locations this year in Colorado, according to the release.


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