Florida would cap the amount of THC in medical cannabis at 10% for patients younger than 21 under a state Senate bill amendment filed Friday, a move that could be disruptive to the state's fast-growing MMJ industry. The measure, however, isn’t...
Jeff Smith
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Cannabis regulators growing stricter in enforcing licensing rules but also willing to negotiate with companies
State marijuana regulators increasingly are enforcing strict regulations involving dispensary caps, residency requirements and ownership rules - actions that could harm the reputations of cannabis companies and jeopardize lucrative licenses that are sometimes worth...
What marijuana companies can learn from federal legalization of hemp
The nationwide legalization of hemp in 2018 offers marijuana companies lessons in preparing for a highly scrutinized, commodity-driven industry that likely will reward nimble, well-run companies.
Vermont House gives initial OK to recreational cannabis sales, putting state on track to $160M market
The Vermont House of Representatives on Wednesday gave initial approval to legislation that would legalize adult-use marijuana sales, paving the way for a potential $130 million-$160 million market within five years of launching, according to Marijuana Business Daily...
Licensing appeals overwhelm Missouri’s medical marijuana program, point to widespread MJ industry concern about scoring fairness
Challenges by rejected medical cannabis license applicants have inundated Missouri regulators, despite state efforts to avoid such a mess by hiring an independent third-party scorer. Rejected small-business applicants complain that arbitrary scoring processes shut...
Medical cannabis business opportunities could swell in several states this year
Several states could expand their medical cannabis programs this year through new laws or regulatory policies, opening the door to additional business licenses, more sales for existing cannabis operators and fresh business for ancillary companies. The business...
New Mexico medical marijuana businesses had issues with failed recreational legalization bill
While legalizing recreational marijuana in New Mexico appears dead until 2021, this year's legislative measure was problematic enough that even the state’s leading medical marijuana operator had deep concerns. Duke Rodriguez, the CEO of Ultra Health, which is “100%...
Multistate cannabis operator MedMen’s Bierman steps down as CEO, gives up voting control
Adam Bierman, the flamboyant co-founder of once-high-flying cannabis retailer MedMen Enterprises, resigned as chief executive and surrendered his voting control.
Rhode Island governor presses for adult-use cannabis legalization to keep pace on East Coast
Rhode Island’s governor is pitching an unconventional recreational marijuana legalization plan centered on state-owned stores operated by private contractors, which would offer modest business opportunities for cannabis entrepreneurs. The move reflects growing...
Cannabis firms cautiously optimistic New York could legalize adult-use sales this year
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has revived the prospects for legalizing recreational marijuana sales in 2020 through the state's Legislature, but cannabis businesses are taking a tentative approach after legalization efforts failed a year ago and similar sticking points...
US House lawmakers make marijuana banking reform pitch to key senator
The four lead sponsors of the successful cannabis banking bill in the U.S. House of Representatives are urging the chair of a key U.S. Senate panel to work in partnership to move the issue forward in the Republican-controlled Senate. In a letter released Tuesday, the...
US federal cannabis reform outlook: Progress expected in 2020, but distractions, high hurdles persist
President Trump’s impeachment trial, the upcoming elections, Iran and trade wars. That’s a lot of distractions for federal lawmakers, and they represent some of the big reasons why many experts suggest major cannabis reform at the federal level is dead for 2020. But is it?
