Marijuana Business Magazine November-December 2019

Marijuana Business Magazine | November-December 2019 34 FDA Warns Against Vaping Cannabis Products Containing THC The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a consumer alert warning people not to use vaping products containing THC. The statement from FDA Commissioner Norman Sharpless said, “The FDA does not have enough data to identify the cause—or causes—of the lung injuries” that afflicted more than 1,000 people and killed more than two dozen individuals, starting in late summer. Ongoing testing by the FDA and state governments has revealed that most of the people sickened from vaping have used products containing THC, although some have used both THC and e-cigarettes. Fewer used only e-cigarettes. The FDA is “focused on identifying the products that are making people ill and following the supply chain to the source,” according to the statement. The vaping health crisis has led many in the canna- bis industry to call on members of the U.S. Congress to remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act, which would allow for more regulation of cannabis products. Most-Populated Canadian Provinces Lag Behind Calgary in Store Approvals The number of city-approved cannabis stores in Calgary surpassed 200 in September, while the Alberta provincial government has licensed 63 of those to open their doors to customers. Industry Developments | International & State National & International News Countries included have passed legislation at the federal level and must fulfill at least one of the following criteria: • Cultivation or manufacture of medical cannabis allowed. • Doctors can prescribe medical cannabis. • Import and/or export of medical cannabis allowed. High: Countries at the forefront of the global industry. Frameworks are established, and adoption is well underway. Medium: Implementation has begun but is still limited or restricted; lots of room for the market to develop. Low: Legislation has been passed, but implementation is very limited or nonexistent. Decriminalization is not included. MAP LEGEND High level of medical development/implementation Medium level of medical development/implementation Low level of medical development/implementation Other - federally illegal but unique circumstances Recreational