Latest Cannabis News: May 28, 2024

Stay up to date with the latest legalization and cannabis news with the C.B. Advisors. Every week, we will release a snippet of what’s happening with each state in the cannabis industry. Did you miss last week? No worries – click here for last week’s cannabis news.

Federal/Other

Bahamas: The Minister of Health and Wellness the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville recently introduced the Cannabis Bill 2023 to Parliament. The bill seeks to establish a regulated medical marijuana framework, reported St. Kitts & Nevis Observer. Several days after the bill was introduced, Prime Minister Philip Davis confirmed that his administration is only concentrated on regulating medical marijuana as the “jury remains out” on the impacts of recreational cannabis.

Source: https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/05/39008971/va-launches-psychedelic-charter-california-dumps-weed-employment-protections-for-some-law-enforc

CBD

Texas: The Texas Compassionate Use Program (CUP) is inviting physicians and patients to participate in one or more surveys about the state’s Low-THC (medical cannabis) program. This survey is being conducted by a consultant contracted with DPS to gather data and provide recommendations about the program. The information will be used to improve the program and inform others including legislators, program staff, policy makers, and the public about the program’s impact, accessibility, and opportunities for improvement.

Source: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/compassionate-use-program/news-updates

Medical

Louisiana: The two public universities that have held exclusive rights over medical marijuana farming in Louisiana could soon lose their duopoly after the legislature approved a bill that will fully privatize cultivation in the state. Senate Bill 228, sponsored by Sen. Patrick McMath (R-Covington) sailed through the legislature with little opposition and now awaits Gov. Jeff Landry’s (R) signature.

Source: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/louisiana-medical-marijuana-farming-duties-would-transfer-from-universities-to-private-firms-under-bill-on-governors-desk/

New Hampshire: New Hampshire is on the verge of becoming the 25th state in the U.S. to legalize adult-use cannabis and the first to do so in 2024. With the Senate’s amendments, the legislation must go back to the House for concurrence, or possibly to a conference committee to settle differences between the two versions of the bill, before being sent to Republican Gov. Chris Sununu’s desk. The big question now is whether New Hampshire’s House will adopt the Senate’s changes, or if lawmakers between the two chambers can reach an agreement in committee.

Source: https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/news/new-hampshire-senate-passed-recreational-marijuana-bill-franchise/

Recreational

California: California lawmakers have approved a bill to legalize cannabis cafes in the state, months after the governor vetoed a previous iteration of the proposal. Speaking on the Assembly floor on Monday, Haney said the new legislation “supports our legal small businesses that just want to diversify their businesses and do the right thing.”

Source: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/california-lawmakers-approve-bill-to-legalize-marijuana-cafes-months-after-governors-veto-of-earlier-measure/

Delaware: The Delaware House Economic Committee narrowly releases a bill to allow medical marijuana dispensaries to enter the recreational market. Under the bill, compassion centers could apply for a conversion license as early as August of this year and would be given a 12-month period to pay the fee, with the license expiring after 4 years. Currently, the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) does not to plan to begin accepting license applications from other prospective businesses until September 1, 2024. The bill did not initially receive enough signatures to be released from committee but has since secured the exact number needed to head to the House floor for a full vote.

Source: https://www.delawarepublic.org/politics-government/2024-05-27/delaware-lawmakers-look-to-allow-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-to-sell-recreationally

Minnesota: Over this past weekend, the Minnesota Legislature gave final approval to a broad package of new rules for the state’s upcoming recreational marijuana industry, giving businesses a clearer picture of what to expect for next steps.

The bill has yet to be signed by Gov. Tim Walz, but he is expected to be on board, the Star Tribune reported. The state Office of Cannabis Management is also in support of the measure, which contains a major overhaul of the state’s medical cannabis industry regulations.

Source: https://www.greenmarketreport.com/minnesota-lawmakers-greenlight-new-marijuana-business-rules/

New York: The head of the state cannabis agency resigned on Friday following weeks of public turmoil between the agency and Governor Kathy Hochul’s office.

Source: https://www.thecity.nyc/2024/05/25/chris-alexander-cannabis-resigns/

Rhode Island: Gov. Dan McKee on Thursday nominated Michelle Reddish as the first administrator of the Rhode Island Cannabis Office. commission chair Kim Ahern said. “Her regulatory and industry experience will help ensure our commission continues its thoughtful and thorough progress as we carefully expand the adult-use market in Rhode Island.”

Source: https://patch.com/rhode-island/portsmouth/gov-mckee-nominates-1st-administrator-ri-cannabis-office

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