Mississippi’s medical marijuana program is seeing a surge in patients obtaining licenses, with 14,000 currently registered. As more dispensaries opened across the state, Representative Lee Yancey expects this number to rise.
The University of Mississippi has been awarded a five-year contract and $2 million work order by NIDA for marijuana cultivation and research materials.
The North Carolina Compassionate Care Act, a medical marijuana bill that seeks legalization of the state’s medical marijuana, is currently in the House of Representatives after being passed by the Senate with bipartisan support. The bill makes it possible for doctors to prescribe weed products, such as smokable marijuana, for patients with specific illnesses. The House Health Committee chairs plan to discuss the bill in the coming days, with a possible floor vote by the end of June.
Delaware Governor John Carney announced a cabinet reshuffle and appointed Robert Coupe, who served in the Delaware State Police, Department of Justice and Department of Safety Homeland Security. He will establish an oversight office, develop regulations, and issue 125 licenses for cannabis cultivation and sales.
New York allows for the sale of stockpiled cannabis, providing relief to the struggling retail market.
The state of New York’s struggling retail cannabis industry may have some relief as the Legislature passes a bill allowing for the sale of stockpiled cannabis to tribal nations. With over 200 licensed cultivators in the state cultivated cannabis last year, more than 80 farms produced significant amounts, resulting in about 300,000 pounds of marijuana.
The lack of sales has resulted in financial difficulties that have put this year’s crop at risk. The bill recognizes native nation sovereignty and allows native retailers to purchase cannabis that would otherwise go to waste. The aim of the plan is to support farmers and stabilize the retail cannabis industry.
Louisiana’s governor, John Bel Edwards, has received several marijuana bills for approval after the state’s Legislative Session. House Bill 286 seeks to simplify the expungement of first-time marijuana possession convictions by reducing the cost to $300 and reducing the waiting period from five years to 90 days.
The state of Louisiana has already decriminalized recreational marijuana possession of 14 grams or less. The move is lauded by advocates, who note the long-term consequences of marijuana arrests. Governor Edwards has not signed the bill.
Cannabis Business Accuses The City of Discrimination For Discrimination From Gay Pride.
A business in downtown Galt, Cambridge, True North Cannabis, has accused the city of discrimination after being prevented from participating in the Galt Pride Party. Property owner Corry Van Iersel contends that since cannabis is legal and they have employees and customers from the LGBTQ community, they should have been allowed to support the event. While local breweries and restaurants were involved, True North Cannabis was denied the chance to participate.
