Author: CannabisNewsWire (CNW)

About CannabisNewsWire CannabisNewsWire (CNW) is an information service that provides (1) access to our news aggregation and syndication servers, (2) CannabisNewsBreaks that summarize corporate news and information, (3) enhanced press release services, (4) social media distribution and optimization services, and (5) a full array of corporate communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and content distribution company with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. CNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where news, content and information converge. To receive SMS text alerts from CannabisNewsWire, text “CANNABIS” to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only) For more information please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsBreaks – The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. (TSX: TGOD) (OTCQX: TGODF) Releases Q4, Year-End Reports; Announces New CEO

The Green Organic Dutchman (TSX: TGOD) (OTCQX: TGODF), a leading producer of premium certified organically grown cannabis, has released its financial numbers for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2020. Fourth-quarter revenue totaled $10.92 million, a 91% increase from quarter to quarter, with full-year revenue topping more than $24.5 million, a 120% increase year over year. In addition, Canadian cannabis revenue reached $8.5 million for the quarter, an increase of more than 120% over the previous quarter; that growth was supported by a substantial ramp up in production at the company’s Ancaster and Valleyfield facilities. The financial report also noted a G&A reduction of 59% compared to the same period in 2019. In addition, the company provided an overview of business highlights for the year, including the appointment of Sean Bovingdon as CEO and board member, effective immediately; Bovingdon has been serving as interim CEO since November 2020. In addition, the company announced that it has scheduled a call to discuss its financial report. The call will be March 10, 2021, at 10 a.m. ET. People interested in the call can listen in by calling 416-764-8688 ( Toronto ) or 1-888-390-0546 ( North America ) and using Conference ID 77691974. The live event can also be accessed online, and a reply of the event will also be available online. “We delivered strong growth in 2020 thanks to the expansion of our product assortment, including the launch of Highly Dutch, and continuous improvements to our supply chain,” said The Green Organic Dutchman CEO Sean Bovingdon in the press release. “This accomplishment, realized against a challenging backdrop, reflects the quality of our products, underpinned by our talented and committed team. We remain laser-focused on operational execution as we chart the course for future growth, including opportunities in Europe, Mexico and the United States. We remain optimistic about the company’s financial prospects but envision a path forward where continued financial discipline will play a key role. While our Canadian facilities continue to remain open as providing an essential service to our customers during the COVID-19 pandemic, we note several retailers were not able to remain fully open especially during Q1 2021, and therefore we expect a delay in the rate of growth until at least Q2 2021.”

To view the event, visit https://cnw.fm/SFzKj

To view the full press release, visit https://cnw.fm/mwuuf

About The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd.

The Green Organic Dutchman is a premium certified organically grown cannabis company focused on the health and wellness market. Its organic cannabis is cultivated in living soil, as nature intended. The Company is committed to cultivating a better tomorrow by producing its products responsibly, with less waste and impact on the environment. Its two Canadian facilities have been built to LEED certification standards and its products are sold in recyclable packaging. In Canada, TGOD sells dried flower and oil, and recently launched a series of next–generation cannabis products such as hash, vapes, organic teas and dissolvable powders. Through its European subsidiary, HemPoland, the company also distributes premium-hemp CBD oil and CBD-infused topicals in Europe. By leveraging science and technology, TGOD harnesses the power of nature from seed to sale. For more information about the company, please visit www.TGOD.ca.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to TGODF are available in the company’s newsroom at http://cnw.fm/TGOD

About CanadianCannabisWire

CanadianCannabisWire (CNW) is an information service that provides (1) access to our news aggregation and syndication servers, (2) CannabisNewsBreaks that summarize corporate news and information, (3) enhanced press release services, (4) social media distribution and optimization services, and (5) a full array of corporate communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and content distribution company with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. CNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where news, content and information converge.

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CanadianCannabisWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CanadianCannabisWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have a questions or are you interested in working with CNW? Ask our Editor

CanadianCannabisWire (CNW)
Toronto, Ontario
www.CanadianCannabisWire.com
905.674.5977 Office
Editor@CanadianCannabisWire.com

420 with CNW — Pharmacies in Portugal to Begin Selling Medical Marijuana in April

Medical marijuana in Portugal may soon be accessible through pharmacies from April. The country legalized the use of medical cannabis in 2018 and established a regulated medical marijuana industry.

Portugal had earlier decriminalized the possession and use of illegal drugs such as marijuana in 2001, through Law 30/2000. The purpose of this was to limit drug problems. Costa Rica and Colombia also have similar policies.

The policy has established a certain number of grams that an individual would roughly consume in a period of 10 days. If an individual is caught in possession of an illegal drug whose quantity is more than the decriminalization amount stipulated for the drug, the individual will be brought before the Dissuasion of Drug Addiction panel, where their case will be examined. This will help determine individuals who need treatment.

This does not mean, however, that the distribution, growing and sale of these drugs is legal. These acts are still illegal under the law, with individuals convicted of trafficking facing anywhere from 1 to 12 years in prison, depending on the particulars of their case. Growing cannabis for personal use had been considered for decriminalization earlier in 2001 but had been withdrawn. This is why, even today, growing cannabis for personal use remains illegal in Portugal.

According to the June 2018 law that legalized marijuana medicines, a doctor is allowed to prescribe these medications, provided that all other therapies have either brought about unpleasant reactions or haven’t been successful in achieving the intended outcome.

Maria do Céu Machado, president of the Portuguese Medicines Agency Infarmed, stated that by the end of 2021, the agency would have identified regulations necessary to regulate cannabis medicines, including everything from marijuana cultivation to its distribution. Currently, the body oversees the regulation of drugs in the country.

Machado added that the organization was working to make sure that all the products manufactured in the future would be effective and of high quality. This, she said, would be done by creating laws for regulation and ensuring that finished products were sold in pharmacies.

Infarmed also granted market authorization to Tilray Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY), which is a licensed global marijuana producer, to sell medical marijuana products in Portugal. This confirms that the company, which is the only company that has been granted authorization, produces medical products that meet the highest international and national standards. Tilray will be using its Portugal production facility to produce marijuana-based products that will be used in Portugal as well as be exported to the EU and other countries across the globe.

Tilray isn’t the only Canada-headquartered firm that has gained recognition in the medical/recreational cannabis space. Pure Extracts Technologies Corp. (CSE: PULL) (OTC: PRXTF) specializes in the plant-extraction space and now has ongoing cannabis extraction contracts with local and international partners.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Pure Extracts Technologies Corp. (CSE: PULL) (OTC: PRXTF) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/PULL

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern – our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

420 with CNW — Michigan Dispatches $10M Off Marijuana Taxes to Disadvantaged Communities

Although most opponents of cannabis legalization posited that allowing access to cannabis would boost drug abuse and crime rates among the youth, proponents focused on all the good a lucrative cannabis market could do. Aside from expunging the records of those with prior nonviolent, cannabis-related convictions, a cannabis market would provide plenty of tax revenue for states to carry out social justice initiatives, which is what Michigan is doing.

Thanks to the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act, more than 100 communities in the state will receive close to $10 million from the Michigan Department of Treasury. A news release from the state’s cannabis regulatory agency says that, starting last week, it began sending around $28,000 to 38 cities, 38 counties, 21 townships, and 7 villages for every licensed recreational cannabis retail outlet and micro business.

With 22 dispensaries within its jurisdiction, Washtenaw County is poised to collect more than $616,000, more than any other county. Ann Arbor, on the other hand, will receive more than $476,000 thanks to its 17 dispensaries, the state says. Michigan reported cannabis sales in excess of $341 million in 2020, collecting more than $31 million from the 10% excise tax. With an extra $14.7 million collected from fees, the state had nearly $46 million to disburse to municipalities and counties with recreational cannabis outlets.

Of the nearly $46 million, close to $10 million will be disbursed to communities, around $11.6 million will go to the School Aid Fund for K-12 education, another $11.6 million will be sent to the Michigan Transportation Fund, and the remaining $12.5 will be used to cover administration and startup costs. According to Andrew Brisbo, the Marijuana Regulatory agency’s executive director, the team at the agency did a “tremendous job” getting the state’s recreational cannabis program up and running efficiently.

Beefing up local governments’ budgets based on how much retail recreational cannabis outlets are within their jurisdictions will have a major impact, he says, and it shows just how lucrative the state’s cannabis industry is. At the moment, less than 100 of the 1,764 communities in Michigan allow recreational cannabis sales. Although the city of Detroit also doesn’t allow recreational cannabis outlets within its borders, it began accepting applications in January.

Michigan legalized recreational marijuana in late 2018 for adults 21 years and older, becoming the first state in the Midwest to allow adult-use cannabis within its borders.

The legalization of cannabis in different jurisdictions around the country has created room for other companies to thrive. For example, RYAH Group Inc. is making remote health and data analytics a key feature of cannabis-based medicine. This firm has a dose-measuring device that can be controlled remotely so that doctors can work with their patients seamlessly for better outcomes.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to RYAH Group Inc. are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/RYAH

About CNW420

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

CBDNewsBreaks – HempFusion Wellness (TSX: CBD.U) (OTCQX: CBDHF) (FWB: 8OO) Ranks as Top Performer at Major Food-Drug Mass Retailer

HempFusion Wellness (TSX: CBD.U) (OTCQX: CBDHF) (FWB: 8OO), a leading health and wellness CBD company utilizing the power of whole-food hemp nutrition, announced that according to a recent NielsenIQ report, its OTC topical products were ranked number-one in both sales dollars and units sold at a major Food & Drug Mass (“FDM”) retailer. The FDM channel is the largest sales opportunity for HempFusion’s products as 41% of CBD consumers have recently started shopping in-store again for products that contain CBD, according to a recent study. Those numbers were supported as CBD specialty retailers and pharmacies saw an uptick in consumer-reported purchasing. “Ranking #1 across all measured data, including #1 in sales by dollar volume and #1 by SKU volume, is a tremendous honor,” said HempFusion co-founder and CEO Jason Mitchell in the press release. “Consumers are validating our team’s mission of providing best-in-class products that adhere to the highest standards of regulatory compliance. Since its inception in 2015, HempFusion’s goal has been to develop and provide consumers with the highest quality products on the market, without compromise. We are meticulous in sourcing the right raw materials, ingredients, and delivery methods to help consumers live a more balanced lifestyle, and the FDM channel provides us with an unprecedented distribution opportunity to help us reach those consumers.”

To view the full press release, visit https://cnw.fm/S360D

About HempFusion Wellness Inc.

HempFusion is a leading health and wellness CBD company utilizing the power of whole-food hemp nutrition. HempFusion distributes its family of brands, including HempFusion, Probulin Probiotics, Biome Research and HF Labs, to approximately 4,000 retailers across all 50 states of the United States and select international locations. Built on a foundation of regulatory compliance and human safety, HempFusion’s diverse product portfolio comprises 46 SKUs (“SKUs”) including tinctures, proprietary FDA Drug Listed over-the-counter (“OTC”) topicals, doctor/practitioner lines and more. With a strong focus on research and development, HempFusion has an additional 30 products under development. HempFusion is a board member of the US Hemp Roundtable, and HempFusion’s wholly owned subsidiary, Probulin Probiotics, is one of the fastest-growing probiotics companies in the United States, according to SPINs reported data. HempFusion’s CBD products are based on a proprietary Whole Food Hemp Complex(TM) and are available in store or online. For more information about the company, visit www.HempFusion.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to CBDHF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/CBDHF

About CBDWire

CBDWire (CBDW) is a specialized information provider focused on (1) reporting CBD-related news and updates, (2) releasing CBDNewsBreaks crafted to keep investors abreast of the latest and greatest in the CBD market, (3) refining and enhancing corporate press releases, (4) delivering end-to-end distribution and social media services to client-partners and (5) constructing effective corporate communication solutions based on the unique requirements of CBD companies. CBDW is exclusively positioned in the burgeoning CBD sector with a proven team of journalists and researchers working to deliver high quality content to an expansive target audience of investors, consumers and industry news outlets. Our dissemination network of over 5,000 downstream distribution points allows us to deliver unparalleled reach, visibility and recognition to companies operating in both cannabidiol and the wider cannabis space. CBDWire (CBDW) is where CBD news, content and information converge.

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CBDWire to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CBDWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CBDWire website applicable to all content provided by CBDW, wherever published or re-published: https://CBDWire.com/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW? Ask Our Editor

CBDWire (CBDW)
Denver, Colorado
www.CBDWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CBDWire.com

CBDWire is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

420 with CNW — Legislators in Mexico to Vote on Cannabis Legalization Bill This Week

A vote to legalize cannabis in Mexico is scheduled for this week in the Chamber of Deputies; the vote comes months after the Senate approved the measure. Despite this move, however, legislators state that there’s still no formal revised legislation.

The Political Coordination Board, which was set up by party leaders to agree on various legislative matters, scheduled the proposed bill for floor action on March 9. Martha Tagle Martinez, a member of the chamber’s health committee, stated that there was still no draft opinion, adding that any legislation would have to pass through the Health and Justice Committee where it would be analyzed, discussed, and altered then that draft opinion approved, before it was sent to the floor.

Martinez also revealed that the current legislation that has been approved in the Senate does not fulfill the Supreme Court’s requirement, which had in 2018 judged the prohibition on personal growing and possession of cannabis to be unconstitutional.

Legislators have been charged with ending cannabis criminalization in the country but haven’t done so yet, preferring instead, to repeatedly postpone deadlines to approve the change in policy.

Presently though, the legislature has until the end of April to legalize marijuana in the country.

Last month, the Health Committee held a preliminary discussion on marijuana legalization, with members of the panel declaring that they’d like to hold four sessions to debate the measure. However, those sessions have yet to be convened.

The Senate had approved the marijuana legalization bill earlier in November and sent it to the Chamber of Deputies shortly after. The bill would allow adults aged 18 and above to grow up to six plants for personal use and to buy and possess up to 28 grams of cannabis; the bill would also set up a regulated marijuana market.

Marijuana policy reform advocates across the country are eager for legislators to formally end marijuana prohibition. They are working on convincing the legislature to look into their concerns about some provisions of the current measure, particularly its strict penalties for violation, the limited nature of the bill’s social equity components and the proposed registry for self-cultivators. In addition to this, activists also want to increase the percentage of licenses given to individuals who had been affected by prohibition.

In an op-ed coauthored by Amaya Ordorika Imaz, the co-ordinator of the ReverdeSer Colectivo, and ZaraSnapp of #RegulacionPorLaPaz and Instituto RIA, noted that incorporating a social justice outlook was necessary because it would help encourage the growth of an inclusive and horizontal market that promoted fair conditions for communities in vulnerable situations and dignified participation while also steering clear of the formation of corporate oligopolies.

Back on U.S. soil, lots of companies are thriving in jurisdictions with legal marijuana markets. For example, Grapefruit USA Inc. (OTCQB: GPFT) operates the Rainbow Dreams brand through which the company serves the recreational cannabis market with premium products capitalizing on natural flavors and rare cannabis strains.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Grapefruit USA Inc. (OTCQB: GPFT) are available in the company’s newsroom at http://cnw.fm/GPFT

About CNW420

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

420 with CNW — Five Must-Know Things About CBD Shatter and Wax

Congress passed the Farm Bill in 2018, effectively legalizing the cultivation and sale of industrial hemp and its extracts after decades of prohibition. With farmers across the country taking part in pilot programs, a market for CBD quickly developed. The hemp extract is said to have a wide variety of health benefits, and preliminary reports coupled with anecdotal evidence have been encouraging.

Shatter and wax are without a doubt the most potent and quickest-acting means of consuming CBD. Shatter is an amber, translucent solid that is brittle to the touch while CBD wax looks just like wax and has a consistency similar to coconut oil. Both of them, collectively referred to as wax, are highly concentrated, with up to 80% CBD content, and they have strong long-lasting effects. Here are five things users should know about CBD wax.

There are four different types of wax, depending on the extraction process used to pull the CBD from the plant matter and the texture of the resultant extract. Shatter looks like brittle amber glass; budder is more creamy in texture, much like butter; crumble has a crumbly, grainy texture similar to feta cheese; and live resin is a malleable, dark-yellow concentrate.

Different production methods result in different types of wax. There are numerous extraction methods lab techs use to pull CBD from the plant matter. The butane hash oil (“BHO”) method, which uses butane as the primary solvent during the extraction process, is the most popular. Carbon dioxide extraction uses pressurized carbon dioxide and produces a much cleaner, solvent-free product compared to BHO. Producers also use air pressure and the freeze-dried method to extract the cannabinoids.

CBD wax and shatter are quite safe. To stay on the safe side, consumers should make sure they purchase products from recognizable brands that offer a certificate of analysis to prove they are pure and contaminant free. Additionally, consumers may want to avoid products made using BHO as the extraction method tends to leave traces of butane solvent in the wax.

CBD wax is fast-acting. If users are surprised by how quickly the effects kicked in when they smoke CBD flower, they would be amazed by how instantaneous the effects of CBD wax are. Most users report near-immediate effects, and thanks to their high potency, the effects are quite strong and tend to last long.

CBD wax is not intoxicating. Although marijuana and industrial hemp belong to the same family, there is one major difference: legal industrial hemp contains barely any THC, the cannabinoid responsible for cannabis’ euphoric effects. Consequently, all hemp derivatives, including CBD wax, does not intoxicate users.

As long as consumers buy a high-quality product from a reputable brand, they shouldn’t have to worry about THC contamination or failing a drug test. However, users should note that waxes and shatters are usually used by highly experienced consumers, so make anyone using CBD should conduct plenty of research and, more importantly, consult a doctor before they consume CBD.

Not everyone needs or is comfortable with taking highly concentrated CBD products, and that is where companies such as The Alkaline Water Company Inc. (NASDAQ: WTER) (CSE: WTER) come in. The company has a line of laboratory-tested CBD salves, creams, lotions and edibles that can meet the needs of most consumers in the country.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to The Alkaline Water Company Inc. (NASDAQ: WTER) (CSE: WTER) are available in the company’s newsroom at http://cnw.fm/WTER

About CNW420

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

HempNewsBreaks – Hemptown Organics Corp. Issues Shareholder Update

Hemptown Organics, a diversified hemp company doing business as Hemptown USA, committed to producing premium tobacco and smokable hemp products, on Friday issued a letter to its shareholders and debenture holders from its president, director and co-founder, Michael Townsend. In the update, Townsend expressed optimism for the cannabis sector and provided the company’s progress on many fronts, including its debut on the nationally branded show Americas Next Investment and subsequent investor leads, completion of its much-anticipated IFRS 2019 and 2020 financial statements and progress at its Oregon farm. The letter reads, “Processing continues to operate at full capacity on the farm in Oregon, where our new CBD/CBG flower product is expected to be distributed into both the wholesale market and smaller unit retail, direct to the consumer market, which offers significantly higher margins. The hardworking crew members took a long-deserved holiday during January after the harvest was prepared for processing. Our team at Hemptown continues to increase the production speed of the CBD/CBG flower to meet consumer demand.”

For more details, visit https://cnw.fm/BOsBr

About Hemptown Organics Corp.

Hemptown is a diversified, industry-leading cannabinoid company delivering a diverse product offering across the value chain, in multiple sales channels, to meet the growing global demand for cannabinoid-based products. State of the art cultivation in Oregon’s Rogue Valley, FDA-licensed and cGMP certified product manufacturing, and a strong leadership team with Fortune 500 experience, including Kellogg’s, Nike and Intel, are the pillars for Hemptown’s growth model as the Company pushes into the consumer-packaged goods sectors with top quality white label and branded product lines for the consumer market. For more information about the company visit www.HemptownUSA.com.

About HempWire

HempWire (HW) is a dedicated information provider focused on (1) aggregating hemp-related news, (2) issuing HempNewsBreaks designed to update investors on the latest developments in the hemp market, (3) enhancing corporate news releases, (4) providing full-service distribution and social media offerings to public and private client-partners and (5) designing and implementing all-inclusive corporate communication solutions. HW is strategically positioned within the rapidly expanding hemp sector with a team of journalists working to help a growing roster of public and private companies reach a wide audience of investors, consumers and members of the media. We leverage a vast network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets to deliver unparalleled visibility, recognition and content to the hemp industry. HempWire (HW) is where HEMP news, content and information converge.

To receive instant SMS alerts, text HEMPWIRE to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.HempWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the HempWire website applicable to all content provided by HW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.HempWire.com/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with HW? Ask our Editor

HempWire (HW)
Denver, Colorado
www.HempWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@HempWire.net

HempWire is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

420 with CNW — Biden’s AG Nominee Reaffirms His Willingness to Respect States’ Cannabis Laws

The U.S. attorney general nominated by President Joe Biden stated in a written statement that the Department of Justice wouldn’t be using its resources to prosecute individuals who were in compliance with state cannabis laws.

Judge Merrick Garland explained that the government should focus on extensive criminal enterprises that do not comply with the state’s marijuana legalization laws rather than pursuing individuals who were complying with the local marijuana policies.

When asked about by Ranking Member Chuck Grassley how he would handle the federal-state cannabis policy conflict, Garlande remarked that it would not be best to utilize the department’s limited resources to pursue prosecutions of individuals who were abiding by the laws in states that have legalized cannabis and are effectively regulating it. Instead, he continued, the focus should be placed on ensuring that minors were prohibited from accessing marijuana and that no attempts were made by criminal enterprises to try and evade state laws.

Garland’s views on the matter correspond to policies known as the Cole memorandum, which was introduced under the Obama administration. The memorandum was, however, repealed by Jeff Sessions, former President Trump’s first attorney general, under the Trump administration.

When asked about whether he supported efforts to legalize or decriminalize marijuana, the attorney general nominee chose to give an answer that centered on the harms of the draconian policies in effect. Garland said in his statement that criminalizing the use of cannabis had contributed to the racial disparities in the criminal justice system and led to the mass incarceration of many individuals in the country. He added that this had made it even harder for millions of Americans to get employed, because of their criminal records for nonviolent offenses.

Marijuana policy reform advocates were pleased that the attorney general nominee gave his views about respecting state cannabis laws in writing.

NORML’s political director Justin Strekal stated in an interview that the responses Garland gave showed that he did not intend to impede the progress that had been made in the consumer access of marijuana or marijuana regulation. NORML is a not-for-profit organization that advocates for the reform of cannabis laws.

Garland was also asked about the role the Justice Department would play in the decriminalization, legalization and the recreational use of cannabis. He responded by stating that, first that, historically speaking, the Department of Justice had not assigned resources to be used to prosecute persons for simple possession of cannabis; he then reiterated his point on the department’s priorities.

Across the border, Canada-based Pac Roots Cannabis Corp. (CSE: PACR) (OTCQB: PACRF) has entered a joint venture with Rock Creek Farms for the cultivation of top-rated CBD plants on a farm measuring 100 acres. A good harvest would increase the revenue of Pac Roots significantly.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Pac Roots Cannabis Corp. (CSE: PACR) (OTCQB: PACRF) are available in the company’s newsroom at http://cnw.fm/PACR

About CNW420

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

420 with CNW — Rhode Island Senate Passes Legislation Creating Safe Sites for Illicit Drug Users

Opioids initially gained popularity in the 1990s as doctors started prescribing prescription opioids to patients. Over the years, there has been a sharp increase in overdose-related deaths across the globe, from both prescribed and illicit drugs. To combat the growing opioid crisis, Australia, Canada, and some European countries established safe consumption sites (“SCS”) to help prevent overdose deaths and to provide substance-use disorder treatment to individuals.

The United States, however, doesn’t have a single safe consumption site, despite losing over 750,000 people from 1999–2018 to drug overdoses. However, the country may see its first-ever SCS if either of two bills in Rhode Island’s General Assembly passes. Initially introduced back in 2019, bills H 5245 and S 0016 would approve the creation of safe consumption sites in the state. According to Substance Use Policy, Education, and Recovery PAC co-chair Haley McKee, the bills have had strong support after being reintroduced to the General Assembly.

The state Senate-approved bill S 0016 would institute a 10-person advisory committee that would advise the director of the Rhode Island Department of Health on how to regulate SCS. The committee should include at least three people who have experience with controlled substances. This will include one individual who has been jailed or is currently receiving treatment for substance -use disorder, one who is currently recovering from a substance-use disorder and is working in overdose prevention or recovery, and a third who suffered a drug overdose in the past or has a family member who did.

On the other hand, bill H 5245 is still being reviewed by the House Committee on Health and Human Services. However, it is still unclear whether the committee will vote on the bill and whether it will have a floor vote. If the House does pass bill H 5245 and Governor Gina Raimondo signs it into law, Rhode Island will become the first state in the country to allow safe consumption sites, or as lawmakers call them, harm reduction centers.

These facilities would provide disease prevention services, health screening and recovery assistance for people who have consumed preacquired drugs on-site. The Senate version of the bill would also provide liability protection for managers, property owners, employees, participants, volunteers and any public service employees working in the harm reduction centers. With the more liberal Democrat Joseph Shekarchi as Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, McKee is cautiously optimistic that the legislation will pass.

While cannabis for recreational adult use was only decriminalized in Rhode Island, the substance is fully legal in Michigan, among other states. This legalization has allowed lots of companies to thrive. For example, Gage Growth Corp. (d.b.a. Gage Cannabis) is a new entrant on the Michigan cannabis market, but it is already on course to open a retail outlet within an hour’s drive from every state resident.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Gage Cannabis Co. are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/GAGE

About CNW420

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

420 with CNW — Washington State Supreme Court Repeals Law Criminalizing Drug Possession

The Washington State Supreme Court recently nullified the state’s criminal penalties against drug possession, terming them unconstitutional. This was followed by some prosecutors and police departments in the state announcing that they’d no longer pursue cases of possession or arrest individuals over the possession of small amounts of drugs.

The Seattle Police Department issued a public statement that stated that simple drug possession was no longer deemed to be an arrestable offense, adding that effective immediately, officers in the department would not be arresting persons for merely being in possession of drugs.

The Supreme Court ruling only applies to the possession of controlled substances. Other drug legislations in the state, such as the laws that govern the sale of drugs or driving under the influence, remain unaffected.

The Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys also sent a memo that directed its members to drop any ongoing drug possession cases.

Additionally, an official who is a member of the prosecutors’ group wrote an email to the Seattle Police Department stating that police officers should immediately stop arresting individuals for simple drug possession. This would also mean that police officers would not be allowed to search individuals or detain individuals while awaiting the arrival of canine units because they suspect said individuals of being in possession of drugs.

The email also noted that the police officers would need to be advised on whether they’d be permitted to seize any contraband or leave the drugs in the possession of the person in question.

The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs also conveyed guidelines to their members, which noted that under the law that was nullified by the state’s Supreme Court, law enforcement officers would no longer be allowed to seek a search warrant, carry out a criminal investigation, effect an arrest or take any other actions for the simple possession of controlled substances.

Pacific County Prosecutor Ben Haslam stated in an interview that the Supreme Court’s ruling had come as a surprise to the prosecutor’s office. Despite this, he added, the office was working on requesting the immediate release of persons who were currently being held in custody for simple possession.

He remarked that the prosecutor’s office would then move to revoke all active warrants on pending possession cases, going further to note that he expects that moving forward, the office would be required to vacate charges for persons who had been previously convicted of simple possession.

The decision passed down by Washington State’s Supreme Court may be seen as a good one by medical marijuana advocate because many companies are devoting their energies to developing therapeutic formulations from cannabis compounds. For instance, XPhyto Therapeutics Corp. (CSE: XPHY) (OTCQB: XPHYF) (FSE: 4XT) is set to begin clinical trials for its oral and sublingual strip of CBD, which is intended to treat forms of epilepsy that are nonresponsive to existing treatments.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to XPhyto Therapeutics Corp. (CSE: XPHY) (OTCQB: XPHYF) (FSE: 4XT) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/XPHYF

About CNW420

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.