Justice
Minnesota Legislature Advances Cannabis Market Framework to Governor
LOS ANGELES- Minnesota lawmakers have passed a comprehensive bill aimed at refining the state's adult-use cannabis program, forwarding it to Governor Tim Walz for approval. The legislation, known as SF 2370, seeks to address regulatory challenges and expedite the establishment of a legal cannabis marketplace following the state's legalization of adult-use cannabis in 2023. The ...
Pennsylvania Senate Committee Rejects Cannabis Legalization Bill
LOS ANGELES- In a recent development, the Pennsylvania Senate Law and Justice Committee voted 7-3 against House Bill 1200, a proposal aimed at legalizing adult-use cannabis in the state. This decision follows the bill's narrow passage in the House of Representatives, where it was approved by a 102-101 vote along party lines. House Bill 1200 ...
Legalization Significantly Reduces Canada’s Illicit Cannabis Market
LOS ANGELES- Recent analyses indicate that Canada's legalization of non-medical cannabis in 2018 has substantially shifted consumer spending from illicit to legal markets. Studies report that within five years of legalization, approximately 75% of cannabis expenditures transitioned to the legal sector, underscoring the policy's effectiveness in curbing unregulated sales. This transition is attributed to increased ...
Pennsylvania House Approves State-Run Recreational Cannabis Bill
LOS ANGELES- The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed a bill to legalize recreational cannabis, proposing a state-controlled sales model. The legislation, approved by a narrow 102-101 vote along party lines, marks the first time such a measure has advanced in either chamber of the state legislature. Under the proposed framework, adults aged 21 and ...
The Hemp Surge: A Growing Challenge to Regulated Cannabis
NEW YORK — The legal line between hemp and cannabis in the U.S., drawn by the 2018 Farm Bill, was meant to clarify regulation. Instead, it created a set of inconsistencies that still affect how businesses operate, how laws are enforced, and how states build cannabis policy. While licensed cannabis businesses deal with strict systems ...
Navigating Local Cannabis Regulations: A State-by-State Guide
NEW YORK — Cannabis regulation in the United States functions as a multi-layered governance system, where legal authority is distributed across federal, state, and local levels—with local jurisdictions exerting the most immediate control over real-world operations. While public and investor attention often centers on statewide legalization milestones, the practical determinants of market access—zoning approvals, permitting ...
Fergus Falls City Council Approves Cannabis Dispensary Permits After Reversal
LOS ANGELES- the Fergus Falls City Council reversed its earlier decision and approved interim permits for two cannabis dispensaries, Sugar High and Elevate. The initial denial was based on concerns that the dispensaries were within 250 feet of local parks, potentially violating city ordinances regarding proximity to areas frequented by minors. The reversal came after ...
Calgary Authorizes Cannabis Sales at Adults-Only Events
LOS ANGELES- Calgary City Council has approved amendments to the Business Licence Bylaw, permitting licensed cannabis retailers to operate temporary sales at adults-only events, such as festivals and outdoor shows. This decision aligns the city's regulations with provincial policies established by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) in 2024. Under the new framework, ...
The Role of Government Relations in Cannabis Industry Success
NEW YORK — In highly regulated industries, success depends not only on how well a business operates, but also on how well it fits within the rules set by government. This is especially true in the cannabis sector, where the legal landscape is still developing, shaped by political shifts, and varies significantly between jurisdictions. Government ...
Government Relations at The Core
NEW YORK — In industries where business depends on regulation—such as cannabis, infrastructure, or fintech—navigating the policy environment is foundational. Laws, budget priorities, administrative procedures, and even decisions by local councils directly affect where companies can operate, what services they can provide, and what risks they must manage. Government Relations (GR) establishes the framework for ...
Politics & Policy with Jeff Guillot: The Architecture of Cannabis Regulatory Frameworks
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEW YORK — Highly Capitalized Network-HCN proudly announces the launch of a new original podcast, "Politics & Policy with Jeff Guillot," dedicated to politics, legislation, and the evolving cannabis industry landscape in the United States. The show is hosted by Jeff Guillot, a leading Government Relations expert, Managing Partner at MAD Global ...
California Lawmakers Advance Bill to Halt Cannabis Excise Tax Increase
LOS ANGELES- California's legal cannabis industry is confronting a potential tax increase that stakeholders warn could exacerbate existing challenges. Assembly Bill 564 (AB 564), introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco), seeks to prevent the scheduled rise in the state's cannabis excise tax from 15% to 19%, set to take effect on July 1, 2025. ...
Nebraska Attorney General Challenges Voter-Approved Medical Cannabis Law
LOS ANGELES- Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers continues to contest the implementation of the state's voter-approved medical cannabis law, citing concerns over the legality of the ballot initiatives and the regulatory framework established by the measures. In November 2024, Nebraska voters approved Initiatives 437 and 438, legalizing medical cannabis use and establishing the Nebraska Medical ...
$10M Medicaid Settlement Raises Alarms Over Political Spending Tied to DeSantis’ Anti-Cannabis Push
LOS ANGELES- Florida’s medical settlement funds are under scrutiny after a $10 million payment intended for charitable use was channeled to two organizations that later fueled a high-dollar campaign against adult-use cannabis in the state. The controversy centers around Governor Ron DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis, and the Hope Florida Foundation—a nonprofit closely tied to ...
Virginia General Assembly Upholds Governor’s Vetoes on Cannabis Legislation
LOS ANGELES-The Virginia General Assembly recently convened to address Governor Glenn Youngkin's vetoes and amendments on various legislative measures, including those pertaining to cannabis regulation. Despite efforts by Democratic lawmakers to overturn the vetoes, the assembly upheld the governor's decisions, maintaining the current stance on cannabis policies in the state. Among the vetoed bills was ...
TILT Holdings Addresses Default Notices from Innovative Industrial Properties
LOS ANGELES- TILT Holdings Inc., a provider of cannabis business solutions, has received default notices from Innovative Industrial Properties (IIP) concerning two properties due to outstanding rental obligations. The properties in question are located at 411 Susquehanna Street, White Haven, Pennsylvania, and 30 Mozzone Street, Taunton, Massachusetts. The default notices were issued due to ...
Massachusetts Deliberates Social Consumption Regulations for Cannabis Industry
LOS ANGELES- The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) is progressing with plans to establish regulations for social consumption of cannabis, aiming to balance industry growth with public health and safety considerations. Proposed License Categories In December 2024, the CCC introduced draft regulations outlining three distinct license types for social consumption establishments: Supplemental License: Allows existing ...
Federal Cannabis Trafficking Cases Reach Record Low
LOS ANGELES- The U.S. Sentencing Commission's 2024 Sourcebook of Federal Sentencing Statistics reveals a continued decline in federal cannabis trafficking cases. In 2024, fewer than 500 individuals were charged, marking a significant decrease from nearly 3,500 cases in 2015 and approximately 5,000 in 2013. This downward trend aligns with the expansion of state-level cannabis ...
Virginia Governor Vetoes Cannabis Retail Market and Assault-Style Weapons Ban
LOS ANGELES- Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has vetoed legislation aimed at establishing a regulated cannabis retail market and implementing a ban on assault-style weapons. These decisions are part of a series of 157 vetoes issued by the governor this year, surpassing the number of vetoes by any Virginia governor in the past three decades. ...
Australian MP Proposes Cannabis Decriminalization
LOS ANGELES- An Australian Member of Parliament has introduced a proposal to decriminalize the possession of small quantities of cannabis, a move that has sparked significant discussion regarding the country's drug policies and their economic and social implications. The Penington Institute, a public health research organization, has been vocal in advocating for a shift from ...
California Implements Measures to Ensure Cannabis Product Safety
LOS ANGELES- California has established a comprehensive regulatory framework to safeguard consumers from potential health risks associated with cannabis products. The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) oversees the adoption and enforcement of regulations for commercial cannabis license holders, including cultivators, retailers, manufacturers, distributors, testing laboratories, and microbusinesses. To address concerns about contaminants, the DCC mandates ...
Idaho Legislature Advances Constitutional Amendment on Cannabis Legalization
LOS ANGELES- The Idaho Senate has approved a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would grant the legislature exclusive authority over the legalization of cannabis and other substances. This measure, known as House Joint Resolution 4 (HJR 4), follows its earlier passage in the House of Representatives and is now set to be presented ...
Nebraska Lawmakers Deliberate Implementation of Voter-Approved Medical Cannabis Measures
LOS ANGELES- Following the November 2024 approval of Initiatives 437 and 438, which legalized medical cannabis in Nebraska, state legislators are now working to establish a regulatory framework to implement these measures. The approved initiatives permit qualified patients to possess up to five ounces of cannabis for medical use and establish the Nebraska Medical Cannabis ...
New Jersey Governor Proposes Increase to Cannabis Social Equity Tax
LOS ANGELES- Governor Phil Murphy has proposed raising New Jersey's social equity excise fee on cannabis from $2.50 to $15 per ounce. This proposal aims to generate additional revenue for social service and violence intervention programs. The social equity excise fee, paid by cannabis cultivators, directs funds to programs supporting communities disproportionately affected by previous ...
Industrial Hemp Regulation Undergoing Comprehensive Review
LOS ANGELES- The regulatory framework governing industrial hemp is currently under extensive review, aiming to address emerging challenges and align with evolving industry practices. This initiative seeks to refine existing policies to better support the hemp sector while ensuring public safety and compliance. The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, commonly known as the 2018 Farm ...
