Maine residents and visitors looking forward to cannabis social clubs will have to wait much longer than previously expected.
Tag Archives: Recreational
California Cannabis Surety Bond Program Approved by Insurance Commissioner
California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has been on a mission to ensure state-legal cannabis businesses have commercial insurance coverage and with his announcement of the first California cannabis surety bond program on Feb. 21, 2018, he continues to make progress.
First Surety Bond Program for Cannabis Industry Approved by Insurance Commissioner
SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 21, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones announced today he has approved the first surety bond program for the cannabis industry in the State of California. Continental Heritage Insurance Company is the first insurer in the state to be approved to offer surety bonds for the cannabis industry.
Bill to Legalize Recreational Cannabis Reigniting Debate in Maryland
The debate to legalize recreational marijuana is gaining momentum across Maryland, but some are urging lawmakers to slow down the process.
Officials Meet at New Jersey Cannabusiness Association Seminar
On Feb. 20, 2018, the New Jersey Cannabusiness Association sponsored a seminar which had 250 state and local government officials in attendance.
Province of Newfoundland and Labrador Issues RFP for Cannabis Retailers
While the province of Newfoundland and Labrador has its key policies in place for recreational legalization and has secured a supply agreement with Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX:WEED) to provide cannabis for the province, it is now ready to hear from prospective cannabis retailers.
Lawmakers Consider Lowering Number of Marijuana Plants Mainers Can Grow
Maine’s recreational marijuana law allows adults to grow up to six flowering plants for personal and recreational use — but the legislative committee that’s overhauling the law is trying to cut that allotment by half.
Canada’s Alberta Sets Out Rules for Recreational Pot Shops
Alberta said on Friday recreational marijuana will be sold in licensed private retail stores to be overseen by a government regulator, as the energy-rich province unveiled its guidelines for pot just months before it is legalized in Canada.
Delaware Cannabis Task Force Poised to Vote on Final Report
A Delaware legislative task force charged with studying the effects and implications of legalizing recreational cannabis has written its final report, but the question remains whether the 25-member task force will vote to release the report.
Connecticut Lawmakers Vote on Starting Recreational Marijuana Discussions
Connecticut lawmakers have put recreational marijuana back on the table — sort of. According to the CT Post, lawmakers are curious as to how they would successfully regulate the drug if it were ever to be legalized in the New England state.
New Brunswick Cannabis Stores to Have Refined Design Elements
While the locations for New Brunswick cannabis stores were only recently announced, the province is moving full steam ahead, completing design plans for the retail cannabis properties expected to open this summer.
Cannabis NB Store Designs Revealed
FREDERICTON, GNB, Feb. 15, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – The Cannabis NB store designs were unveiled today.
Deadline to Challenge Michigan Legalization Signatures Passes Without Objection
The Michigan-based Committee to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol received a boost in support after the Feb 9. 2018, deadline to challenge the group’s petition signatures for a ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana in the state passed without any objection from opposing organizations.
Ontario Selects Shopify to Run Mobile and Online Cannabis Sales
With Canadian cannabis legalization slated to commence this summer, Ontario has been proactive in its preparations, being the first province to issue its market regulations and now announcing a partnership with a popular ecommerce platform based in Ottawa to run mobile and online cannabis sales in the province.
Colorado Marijuana Sales Hit a Record $1.5 Billion in 2017
Colorado marijuana shops raked in a record $1.51 billion sales of medical and recreational cannabis, edibles and concentrate products during 2017, according to Colorado Department of Revenue data released Friday.
“Ganja Yoga” Class Mixes Mindfulness and Marijuana
As more states make it legal to light up, marijuana use is becoming more open and some people are even adding pot to their yoga routines.
MJIC Marijuana Index Gains 18% in January as Market Continues Rally
The North American Marijuana Index, a stock index that tracks the top performing cannabis stocks in the U.S. and Canada, increased 18% in January.
Mayor Durkan and City Attorney Holmes Announce the City of Seattle Will Move to Vacate Misdemeanor Marijuana Cases
SEATTLE, Feb. 8, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Former U.S. Attorney and Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan and City Attorney Pete Holmes announced that the City of Seattle will move to vacate misdemeanor marijuana possession convictions prosecuted by the City before marijuana was legalized in Washington.
Marijuana Drive-Thru: Could New Jersey Be Next?
A Colorado dispensary opened the first marijuana drive-thru of its kind. Could New Jersey be next if recreational cannabis becomes legal?
Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Legalize Recreational Marijuana in Georgia
The chances that Georgia will legalize recreation marijuana is slim, but the bill’s lawmaker sponsor said support is growing.
Leafly Cutting Unlicensed Cannabis Companies From Dispensary Finder Tool
Prior to recreational cannabis legalization in California, unlicensed cannabis companies proliferated under a system that didn’t require state licenses to operate medical cannabis businesses; however, the opportunity for those operating under the guise of legality is over in California and a popular cannabis dispensary and strain review website is erring on the side of caution.
Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission Seeking Input From Counties
In an effort to hear what the public thinks about the proposed recreational cannabis regulations, the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission is traveling from county to county to gather feedback.
Medical Cannabis Exports Suspended in Israel
Israel has temporarily suspended medical cannabis exports. According to Haaretz, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was responsible for the suspension and has ordered a review from both the Health Ministry and the chairman of the National Economic Council.
British Columbia Marijuana Market Details Revealed
Canada is nearing its rollout of recreational marijuana this summer and while there have been challenges in keeping up with the federal deadline, the British Columbia marijuana market is taking shape.
Cannabis Retail, Driving Laws Amongst New Firm-on-Safety Policy Decisions
VANCOUVER, B.C., Feb. 5, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — As British Columbia works towards the federal timeline for legalization of non-medical cannabis in July 2018, the Province continues to set policy direction to meet the needs and expectations of British Columbians.
Liquor Distribution Branch Begins Preparing for Retail and Online Non-medical Cannabis Sales
VANCOUVER, B.C., Feb. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — The BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) is aiming to open the first government-operated non-medical cannabis retail store by late summer, and has begun exploring an e-commerce model to offer online sales to the public.
New Mexico Senate Rules Committee Approves Legalization Bill
Recreational cannabis might be heading for the New Mexico ballot in 2018. On Feb. 2, 2018, the New Mexico Senate Rules Committee voted 4-3 to approve Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Pino’s Senate Joint Resolution 4, a measure which would allow state residents to vote on cannabis legalization in the next general election.
Alaska Considers Sealing Cannabis Convictions
Alaska residents with cannabis convictions on their records may get a second chance. On Jan. 31, 2018, Rep. Harriet Drummond introduced HB 316, a bill that would seek to seal public records pertaining to certain cannabis convictions.
Maine Governor Agrees to Delay Implementation of Controversial Medical Cannabis Rules
Controversial rules regulating Maine’s medical cannabis program will not go into effect as scheduled. On Jan. 31, 2018, Gov. Paul LePage agreed to delay implementation of the medical cannabis rules, which would have gone into effect on Feb. 1, 2018, until May 2018.
No Crackdown on Pot ‘Gifting’ Businesses in Boston Area
Massachusetts’ legalization of recreational marijuana has created a cottage industry of companies selling the drug under the guise of giving it away for free, or pot “gifting.”
Legislative Committees in the Pine Tree State Vote to Delay Maine Marijuana Regulations
Two legislative committees in the Pine Tree State have decided that they need more time to perfect Maine marijuana regulations. On Jan. 25. 2018, the state legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee voted to approve a moratorium bill that would delay the implementation of new medical marijuana rules issued by the state Department of Health and Human Services.
Here Are the 9 Nova Scotia Cannabis Retail Locations
Canadian cannabis legalization is rolling out this summer and the country’s provinces are under a tight deadline to be up and running, but it looks like the legal Nova Scotia cannabis market may be ahead of the game as far as distribution goes.
Cannabis Retail Locations Announced
HALIFAX, N.S., Jan. 30, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Cannabis will be sold at nine Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) stores across Nova Scotia. Attorney General and Minister of Justice Mark Furey announced the locations today, Jan. 30.
Poll: Almost Half of Cannabis Users Admit Heading into Work High
While employers in states with legal cannabis may not want employees to show up to work high, almost half of cannabis users have admitted that they’ve gone to work high, according to new survey results.
Canadian Cannabis Consumers Spent Almost C$6 Billion on Product in 2017
Recreational cannabis legalization is on Canada’s horizon and as a means of understanding pre- and post-legalization markets, Statistics Canada has been analyzing historical data to get a sense of what the future of legal cannabis may hold for the country and if its most recent report is any indication, Canadian cannabis consumers are ready to open their wallets when it comes to cannabis.
OLCC Stiffens Penalties for Underage Sales of Marijuana
PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 26, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – The Oregon Liquor Control Commission today approved a temporary rule increasing the penalties for marijuana retail licensees that sell marijuana to minors. The rule includes a provision to revoke an individual’s marijuana worker permit if the permittee intentionally sells marijuana to a minor.
Cortez Masto Urges President Trump to Protect State Marijuana Laws
WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 25, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Jared Polis (D-Colo.) in a bipartisan letter to President Trump requesting he urge Attorney General Jeff Sessions to reinstate the Cole Memorandum. Doing so would create a pathway to a more comprehensive marijuana policy that respects state interests.
Senators Murray, Cantwell, Bipartisan Colleagues Urge President Trump to Keep Campaign Promise on State Marijuana Laws
WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 25, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and 52 of their House and Senate colleagues criticized the Trump Administration’s decision to rescind Department of Justice (DOJ) guidance on state marijuana laws, and urged President Trump to adhere to his campaign promise to respect the will of millions of Americans, including over 1.7 million Washingtonians, who have voted to legalize and regulate marijuana.
Keystone State Auditor General Advocating for Pennsylvania Legalization
While the Keystone State’s medical marijuana program has only just begun, Auditor General Eugene DePasquale is ready for Pennsylvania legalization to tap into the recreational market to benefit the state budget, reduce the costs associated with simple possession arrests, curb the opioid epidemic and create jobs.
Weed Wars: California County Fights Illegal Marijuana
US Attorney General Jeff Sessions has announced prosecutors are prepared to challenge states that have legalised cannabis. But in some, like California, the battle over its production is raging on.
Government of Canada Invests in New Cannabis Research
TORONTO, Ontario, Jan. 24, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – The impact of non-medical cannabis use in Canada has been the subject of much speculation and debate. There are still many uncertainties related to the health, social, and economic implications of cannabis legalization and regulation. A solid evidence base is needed for the ongoing development of the most effective policies, practices, and programs relating to the use of cannabis and its derivatives.
Nevada’s Recreational Cannabis Sales Continue to Surpass Projections
It has been just over six months since Nevada began selling legal recreational cannabis, and sales continue to surpass the Silver State’s projections.
Poll: Majority of Michigan Voters Back Pot Legalization
A majority of Michigan voters support the legalization of recreational marijuana, according to a new poll showing that support is far stronger among residents who have personally used the drug.
Poll: Record Number Want Georgia Medical Marijuana Program Expanded
Support for expanding the Georgia medical marijuana program is at an all-time, according to a new poll released by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Weed Strains: Marijuana Marketing – Spin or Science?
When it comes to cannabis, there are a wide variety of weed strains to choose from — but is it all marketing spin or is there actual science behind the development of each strain? With the legalization of recreational marijuana on the horizon, it will be important for people to know what’s in their weed.
Vermont Recreational Marijuana Now a Reality
The Green Mountain State just got a little bit greener as Vermont recreational marijuana is now a reality. On Jan. 22, 2018, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott signed H. 511, legalizing recreational marijuana in the state. This makes Vermont the ninth state to legalize recreational marijuana and the first state to do so via the state legislature instead of a ballot initiative.
Governor Phil Scott Signs H. 511
MONTPELIER, Vermont, Jan. 22, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Governor Phil Scott has signed H. 511, An act relating to eliminating penalties for possession of limited amounts of marijuana by adults 21 years of age or older, into law.
El Paso County DA: Recreational Marijuana Causing Crime Increase in CO
El Paso County District Attorney Dan May talks about the impact of legalized recreational marijuana in the state of Colorado.
New York Governor Calls for Feasibility Study to Examine Legalizing Marijuana
Could New York become the next state to legalize recreational marijuana? On Jan. 16, 2018, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced his proposed FY 2019 state budget, which includes funding for the creation of a feasibility study aimed at understanding the social, health, and criminal justice impact of legalizing recreational marijuana in the state.
Multiple Oregon Cannabis Retailers Fail Latest Sting Operation
While central Oregon cannabis retailers passed the state’s sting operation on Dec. 19, 2017, with flying colors, retailers in the rest of the state didn’t fare as well in the latest sting operation.