Justice
Michigan Civil Service Commission Votes to Lift Cannabis Drug Test Ban for Most State Employees
LOS ANGELES-- In a unanimous decision, the Michigan Civil Service Commission has voted to eliminate the prohibition on hiring most state employees who fail pre-employment drug tests for cannabis, as reported by MLive. This move marks a significant shift in the state's employment policies, aligning them with the evolving attitudes towards cannabis use. Under the ...
Virginia’s Cannabis and Hemp Markets Face Regulatory Uncertainty
LOS ANGELES-- The cannabis and hemp markets in Virginia are facing significant turmoil due to regulatory uncertainty perpetuated by the state's Republican leadership. The previously anticipated launch of recreational cannabis sales in January 2024 is now shrouded in even more doubt. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, who has avoided taking a firm stance on cannabis, has ...
Pennsylvania Senate Committee Advances Proposal for Expanded Medical Cannabis Access
HARRISBURG-- The Pennsylvania Senate Law & Justice Committee has taken a significant step forward by approving a proposal that would grant physicians the authority to certify patients for the state's medical cannabis program based on their professional judgment, regardless of the specific condition. The measure, which garnered support from the committee, will now proceed to ...
Schumer Expresses Confidence in Bipartisan Cannabis Banking Bill
LOS ANGELES-- Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has expressed confidence that a bipartisan bill aimed at addressing banking issues in the cannabis industry will successfully pass in Congress during this session. The reassurance came from Wanda James, CEO of Simply Pure, a Colorado-based cannabis company, who recently spoke with Schumer and other Democratic senators ...
New York City Council Committee Approves Bill Holding Landlords Accountable for Unlicensed Cannabis and Tobacco Sales
NEW YORK-- The New York City Council Committee on Public Safety has given its approval to a bill that will hold landlords responsible for knowingly renting commercial properties to tenants engaged in the sale of cannabis or tobacco products without a license, as reported by City Land. The legislation aims to address the proliferation of ...
California Cannabis Distribution Giant Herbl Faces Legal Battle as Industry Struggles with Financial Squeeze
LOS ANGELES -California-based cannabis distribution giant Herbl is embroiled in a legal dispute as it seeks to recover approximately $10 million in unpaid debts from retailers. The company, which fell into receivership in June, has become the center of a contentious struggle that reflects the larger financial challenges facing California's cannabis industry. In a significant ...
Australia Takes Lead in Offering Psychedelic Treatment for Mental Health
SYDNEY, Australia--In a groundbreaking move, Australia has emerged as a global leader in mental health treatment by embracing the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances such as MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy) and psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms). Recognizing the urgent need for innovative approaches to tackle the rising tide of mental health disorders, the Australian ...
Brownie Mary: Remembering the Remarkable Legacy of a Cannabis Crusader
SAN FRANCISCO — Brownie Mary, a tireless advocate for cannabis legalization, who captured the hearts and minds of many with her compassion and unwavering commitment to social justice, remains an iconic figure in the movement. Even years after her passing, her legacy continues to inspire and shape the ongoing fight for cannabis reform across the ...
Maryland Becomes 20th State to Launch Adult-Use Cannabis Sales
LOS ANGELES-- Starting July 1, Maryland will join the growing list of states in the United States to legalize adult-use cannabis sales. This milestone comes less than eight months after the state's voters approved a constitutional amendment proposed by the state Legislature. With a population of 6.2 million residents, Maryland's move means that 45% of ...
Florida Supreme Court to Review Proposed Cannabis Legalization Amendment
LOS ANGELES-- In a recent development, Florida's attorney general, Ashley Moody, has filed a request with the state Supreme Court to reject a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at legalizing cannabis for adult use in the Sunshine State. Citing concerns over potential voter deception, Moody argued that the ballot summary would be misleading in key aspects, ...
Glass House Brands Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Catalyst Cannabis Over Illicit Market Claims
LOS ANGELES-- California-based Glass House Brands Inc. has taken legal action against Catalyst Cannabis and its leadership, filing a defamation lawsuit in response to allegations made by Catalyst that Glass House is the "biggest black marketeer" of cannabis in American history. Glass House Brands filed the lawsuit, which also accuses Catalyst of violations of California's ...
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Legislation Granting Medical Cannabis Licenses to Black Farmers and Expanding Telehealth Renewals
TALLAHASSEE - Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill into law that aims to address longstanding inequities in the state's medical cannabis industry. The legislation provides medical cannabis cultivation licenses specifically to Black farmers who had previously qualified for the permits but were excluded from the final issuance. Additionally, the law expands telehealth services ...
Tennessee Implements 6% Sales Tax on Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Products as of July 1
NASHVILLE-- Tennessee residents purchasing products containing hemp-derived cannabinoids, including CBD, delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, and delta-10 THC, will soon face an additional 6% "privilege" sales tax starting July 1. The state's Department of Revenue has announced this tax, which will be levied on top of the existing standard state sales tax rate of 7%. Tennessee ...
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 ...
