Justice
Colorado Governor Jared Polis Announces Plans to Pardon Convictions Related to Psychedelics
DENVER - In a groundbreaking move, Governor Jared Polis of Colorado (D) unveiled his intention to issue pardons for all criminal convictions in the state pertaining to psychedelic drugs. The announcement came during his speech at the recently held Psychedelic Conference in Denver, according to reliable sources. Governor Polis, who last month signed a bill ...
Minnesota Embraces Cannabis Legalization, Paving the Way for Lucrative Business Ventures
MINNEAPOLIS - In a significant development, Minnesota has joined the ranks of adult-use cannabis states, creating a promising landscape for potential business opportunities. After months of legislative deliberation, the state became the 23rd in the nation to legalize cannabis for recreational use, signaling a significant shift in its approach to the market. Under the newly ...
Minnesota Craft Brewers Embrace New Cannabis Law, Expanding Opportunities for Low-Dose THC Beverages
LOS ANGELES-- Minnesota's craft brewing industry is abuzz with excitement following the enactment of a new cannabis law in the state. Industry leaders actively sought further regulations regarding THC-infused beverages and expressed their satisfaction with the recently signed legislation by Governor Walz, as reported by local news station KARE. The new law establishes clear guidelines ...
California Department of Cannabis Control Awards $4.145 Million in Grants to Expand Access to Regulated Cannabis Retail
LOS ANGELES-- In an effort to bolster access to licensed retail cannabis, the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) announced on Tuesday that it has granted a total of $4.145 million to 18 municipalities across the state. Notably, $870,000 of these grants have been allocated to jurisdictions seeking to issue licenses to operators who have ...
Nevada Enacts Comprehensive Cannabis Reform, Expanding Possession Limits and Easing Industry Restrictions
NEVADA-- In a significant development for the cannabis industry, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, a Republican, signed an omnibus cannabis bill into law last week. The new legislation, which was sponsored by state Senator Dallas Harris, a Democrat, brings about several changes that are poised to reshape the cannabis landscape in the state. These changes include ...
Alabama Medical Cannabis Program Awards Business Licenses, Paving the Way for Patient Access
LOS ANGELES-- Alabama has achieved a significant milestone in its medical cannabis journey as the state's medical cannabis program moves forward with the awarding of business licenses. Limited access to medicinal cannabis had been permitted under "Carly's Law," which was enacted in 2014. However, recent efforts to expand medical cannabis legalization faced repeated setbacks until ...
Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency Revokes Candid Labs’ Licenses for Violations
LOS ANGELES-- In a recent development, the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (MRA) has permanently revoked the business licenses of Candid Labs, operating as Layercake Farms 2, located near Owosso. Owned by Ramon Hana, Candid Labs is a prominent medical and adult-use cannabis processor situated at 1850 Parmenter Road in Corunna. The decision to revoke the ...
Louisiana Moves Towards Expungement Reform, Allowing Clear Path for Cannabis Offenders
LOS ANGELES-- In a significant step towards criminal justice reform, lawmakers in Louisiana's House and Senate have approved legislation that paves the way for the expungement of marijuana possession convictions. House Bill 286, now on its way to Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards, proposes changes that would streamline the process, offering relief to first-time offenders ...
Hexo’s Acquisition by Tilray Hangs in the Balance, Putting Hexo at Risk of Default
LOS ANGELES-- Canadian licensed cannabis producer Hexo Corp. faces a critical juncture as its acquisition by Tilray Brands hangs in the balance. In a near-unanimous vote, Hexo shareholders approved the acquisition on Wednesday. However, the deal must be completed by the end of the month; otherwise, Hexo could face default, as warned in its third-quarter ...
Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Grants Licenses to Cannabis Businesses
LOS ANGELES -- In a momentous development for the medical cannabis industry in Alabama, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (MCC) announced the recipients of its highly anticipated first round of business licenses. The MCC, responsible for overseeing the implementation of the state's medical cannabis program, awarded licenses to a total of 21 entities across various ...
Cannabis Industry Giant Glass House Faces Lawsuit Alleging Illicit Market Activities
LOS ANGELES-- In a daring move that has caught the attention of the cannabis industry, Catalyst Cannabis Co.'s CEO, Elliot Lewis, has taken legal action against Glass House Brands, one of California's leading cannabis mega-growers. Lewis's audacious lawsuit, filed last week in Los Angeles County Superior Court, accuses Glass House of being a significant player ...
Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee Considers Resolution Urging Federal Descheduling of Cannabis
LOS ANGELES -- The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee is currently examining a resolution that urges the federal government to remove cannabis from the list of controlled substances. The resolution highlights that 38 U.S. states and four territories have implemented regulations for medical cannabis, while 21 states, two territories, and Washington, D.C. have legalized cannabis for ...
USDA Acknowledges Hemp’s Significance by Adding It to Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee Title
LOS ANGELES-- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made a noteworthy move that underscores the recognition of hemp as a valuable commodity. The agency will include hemp in the title of one of its Agricultural Technical Advisory Committees (ATACs), highlighting the crop's importance within the agricultural industry. According to a notice of intent issued ...
Senate Committee Considers Cannabis Banking Reform Legislation Amidst Competing Priorities
WASHINGTON — A crucial piece of legislation concerning cannabis banking reform may finally be gaining traction in the U.S. Senate, according to statements made by a prominent Democratic senator. The SAFE Banking Act, which aims to address the financial challenges faced by the cannabis industry, has previously passed the House of Representatives on multiple occasions, ...
FDA Regulation of CBD: Bipartisan Measures Introduced in the House
LOS ANGELES-- In response to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) call for congressional regulation of cannabidiol (CBD), two bipartisan measures have been reintroduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Reps. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.) and Angie Craig (D-Minn.). These measures aim to establish clear regulatory frameworks for CBD, utilizing existing guidelines. The first ...
C21 Investments Faces Securities Commission Cease Trade Order Amidst Financial Statement Delay
LOS ANGELES-- C21 Investments Inc., a prominent vertically integrated company operating in the cannabis sector, has encountered a significant setback as the British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC) issued a Cease Trade Order against the company's securities. The order comes in response to C21 Investments' failure to file its audited annual financial statements and management discussion ...
New York Regulators Pave the Way for Cannabis Farmers’ Markets Amid Supply Glut
NEW YORK-- In a bid to address the surplus of cannabis products and support local cultivators, regulators in New York have announced plans to introduce cannabis farmers' markets this summer. The move, spearheaded by the New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), aims to provide an avenue for conditionally licensed growers and retailers to sell ...
Minnesota Legalizes Recreational Cannabis, Expanding Market and Tax Revenue
MINNESOTA. - Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota has signed into law a bill legalizing the recreational use of cannabis, making Minnesota the 23rd state in the U.S. to do so. The legislation, known as HF 100, received narrow approval in the state Senate with a 34-32 vote, paving the way for significant changes in Minnesota's ...
Uncertain Future for Medical Cannabis Expansion in Texas as Legislative Session Nears Conclusion
AUSTIN-- As the Texas legislative session draws to a close this Memorial Day, the future of medical cannabis expansion in the state remains uncertain. Crucial legislation aimed at broadening access to low-THC medical cannabis products for chronic pain sufferers hangs in the balance, awaiting approval from a Texas Senate committee before the session ends. House ...
Minnesota Legislature Advances Health Policy Bill with Psychedelics Task Force Provision
LOS ANGELES-- The Minnesota legislature has passed a comprehensive health policy bill that includes provisions to establish a psychedelics task force in preparation for potential legalization. The bill, which had previously passed the House and recently cleared the Senate, is now headed to the desk of Governor Tim Walz for final approval. The legislation creates ...
Licensed Cannabis Transporters in Illinois File Lawsuit Against State Department of Agriculture for Failing to Regulate Cannabis Transportation
In a legal battle that could have significant implications for the cannabis industry in Illinois, a coalition of 13 licensed cannabis transporters has filed a lawsuit against the state Department of Agriculture, accusing regulators of allowing illegal cannabis delivery operations to thrive unchecked. The lawsuit, which was filed on Tuesday in Sangamon County Circuit Court, ...
Green Thumb Industries Grapples with Federal Complaints and Union Negotiations Amid Employee Strikes
LOS ANGELES-- Illinois-based cannabis company, Green Thumb Industries is navigating stormy waters as it continues to negotiate employment terms with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. This follows a nearly two-week-long strike at several of Green Thumb's facilities, involving unionized workers. The company is also bracing for potential financial implications from ten federal complaints lodged by ...
Oklahoma Cannabis Industry Successfully Navigates Contentious Legislative Session
OKLAHOMA-- Despite concerns over a potential crackdown on Oklahoma's medical cannabis market following the failure of a recreational marijuana legalization ballot question in March, the state's cannabis industry has managed to avoid a disastrous outcome during the recent legislative session. Lobbyists representing the cannabis sector have been working diligently to mitigate the impact of several ...
Washington State Boosts Diversity in Cannabis Industry with Social Equity Licensing Initiative
WASHINGTON-- In a progressive move to foster diversity within Washington's cannabis sector, Governor Jay Inslee approved a law amendment on Monday, enabling the state's Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) to assign 46 forfeited or unutilized cannabis licenses to social equity candidates this year. Seattle State Senator Rebecca Saldaña spearheaded the initiative to combat the industry's ...
Florida Passes Hemp Regulations With Zero THC Caps, Heads to DeSantis’ Desk
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In a major win for hemp farmers and CBD product manufacturers, the Florida Senate has passed a bill that eliminates THC caps on hemp. The legislation, which was approved on Monday, will allow for the cultivation, processing, and sale of hemp and hemp-derived products without any restrictions on THC content. This is ...