420 with CNW — Massachusetts Marijuana Regulators to Receive Public Comment on Social Consumption Site Regulations

Massachusetts marijuana regulators are seeking input from the public after approving a draft set of rules that could pave the way for cannabis use in public spaces and events.

The state’s marijuana control agency approved the proposed changes during a recent meeting following several days of detailed review. The regulations will be officially filed with the Secretary of State by the end of the week, triggering a mandatory public comment period.

The main goal is to create legal spaces where adults can buy and consume cannabis on-site, similar to how alcohol is sold and enjoyed in bars. This would be especially helpful for out-of-town visitors who can’t smoke in hotels or renters who face building restrictions. It also gives guardians a place to consume cannabis without exposing their kids to it.

Social consumption spaces were part of the original 2016 ballot initiative that legalized recreational cannabis in the state. Although these spaces were supposed to roll out in 2018, regulators chose to focus on opening retail shops after pushback from state lawmakers.

The new regulations outline three kinds of social consumption license categories. The first, a “supplemental” category, would permit existing dispensaries or growers to offer customers cannabis products on-site.

The second, a “hospitality”category, would enable non-marijuana businesses like gyms, salons, or movie theaters to offer cannabis use as an added feature. The third, an “event organizer”category, would make it possible for temporary cannabis consumption at public gatherings such as concerts or festivals.

To keep safety a priority, all licensees must have a plan for how attendees will get home if they’re impaired. There are also rules in place to protect employees working in these spaces.

The permits will initially be available only to businesses that fall under the agency’seconomic empowerment or social equity programs, as well as to small-scale cannabis businesses and co-ops. This exclusivity period is set to last five years.

Changes have been made to the event organizer license category in recent months. These include requiring local approval for events before seeking state authorization, granting towns the same authority they have over alcohol-related events, and capping event licenses to 24 days annually, with no more than five consecutive days per event.

Additional updates include simplifying employee credentialing. Workers employed by more than one cannabis company will now need just one badge instead of multiple. The rules will also allow cannabis businesses to offer packaged, non-marijuana food and beverages for sale.

Over the next few weeks, the agency will accept public input and host a hearing to gather feedback. More information will be shared during a public hearing on August 14.

The entire marijuana industry across the country, including firms like Cresco Labs Inc. (CNSX: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF), will be hoping that this new phase of rolling out the cannabis industry in Massachusetts unfolds smoothly.

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CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The 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. 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.

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420 with CNW — Georgia Lawmakers Weigh Conflicting Proposals on Marijuana and Hemp Reforms

Georgia lawmakers are reviewing the future of hemp and marijuana products in the state, and opinions are sharply divided. During a recent legislative study committee meeting, people from both sides of the debate shared their experiences and concerns, laying the groundwork for possible policy updates in the state.

On one side, critics pointed to mental health risks, especially for young users. Several parents told lawmakers that their children developed schizophrenia after using high-potency cannabis products bought over the counter. One mother, who asked to remain anonymous, said her son had a discount code he used frequently at a local store. “This is the biggest regulatory oversight I’ve ever seen,” she said.

Psychiatrist Dr. Colin Murphy added that rising potency levels are contributing to cannabis-induced psychosis, particularly among teens. Others agreed, saying the availability of high-strength cannabis products was harming vulnerable groups.

Medical cannabis advocates, on the other hand, shared powerful personal stories about how marijuana had changed their lives. Georgia Medical Cannabis Society co-founder Yolanda Bennet, who has a hormonal condition, credited marijuana with helping her manage pain without needing to rely on addictive opioids.

The hearing comes after the state legislature failed to reach an agreement earlier this year on proposals to increase medical cannabis potency and to prohibit hemp-infused drinks. Now, the study committee is seeking additional input before deciding how to proceed.

Much of the confusion stems from overlapping federal and state rules. While marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, Georgia allows limited medical use with a doctor’s approval. Meanwhile, hemp became legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, allowing products with THC content below 0.3% by dry weight. That change opened the door to a flood of new products like hemp-infused drinks, edibles, and oils.

The market has grown fast, and not all of it is under proper oversight. Synthetic cannabis compounds are being sold without much regulation. Last year, Georgia’s agriculture department started taking enforcement more seriously, but the landscape remains difficult to monitor.

The department’s policy director, Katherine Russell, explained that innovation is moving faster than the laws. She cited a Florida-based company creating CBD from orange peels, which could sidestep existing laws entirely. “You can write laws to regulate marijuana,” she said, “but if someone finds a different way to make CBD, those laws might not apply.”

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for August 21.

The debates on how to regulate hemp products and marijuana are happening in many states around the country, and major industry firms like Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) are keenly following these discussions wherever they are taking place.

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420 with CNW — Pennsylvania Lawmakers Remain Divided as Marijuana Bill Discussions Continue

Discussions on recreational cannabis legalization are gaining momentum in Pennsylvania after a key GOP state senator introduced a bill on the matter.

The measure, introduced by Senators Sharif Street and Dan Laughlin, would legalize recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and older. It also opens the door for current medical cannabis operators to expand into the recreational market, provided they pay a $100,000 transition fee.

One of the main points of contention is how easily existing medical dispensaries should be allowed to switch to recreational sales. Critics, particularly those advocating for small businesses, argue that the $100,000 fee is too low and could lead to larger players gaining an unfair advantage.

To address equity concerns, the bill sets a $50,000 application fee for small businesses and applicants from disproportionately impacted communities. Each group would be capped at 15 licenses.

Senator Laughlin, who chairs the Senate’s Law and Justice Committee, holds a key position in determining the future of marijuana legislation. Earlier this year, he blocked a House-backed measure that would have introduced state-run cannabis stores, modeled after Pennsylvania’s state-run liquor stores.

Key GOP leaders in the Senate have already expressed little interest in advancing recreational marijuana bills. Joe Pittman, the Senate Majority Leader, for instance, said there’s no broad support for legalization within their caucus. Senate Appropriations Committee chair, Senator Scott Martin, has also declined to consider such legislation, which further dims its chances.

Even members of Laughlin’s committee have voiced concerns, citing potential public health and safety risks.

Over in the House, Democrats are pushing their own bills. Representative Amen Brown introduced a version of the Senate proposal, maintaining the same structure and language. Meanwhile, a different proposal by Representatives Abby Major and Emily Kinkead creates a regulatory board, permits medical operators to transition to recreational sales, and includes a $100,000 conversion fee.

Their bill adds labor representation on the board and reserves more licenses for social equity applicants, small businesses, and micro-growers. Application fees for these groups would be determined later by the board.

Representative Rick Krajewski, who supported the state-run model, remains skeptical. He doubts any of the current measures will move forward, given the Senate GOP’s opposition. For him to support a private-market model, he says it would need to include strong safeguards for small operators, such as guaranteed early access to customers, to level the playing field.

These discussions to determine how best to legalize adult-use marijuana in the state while avoiding giving existing industry players an unfair advantage is similar to the discussions over in Florida where medical marijuana entities like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CNX: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) have been working to pass a legalization measure for recreational marijuana.

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420 with CNW — New Shopping Approaches Are Boosting Marijuana Retail Sales

As the marijuana market grows more competitive, some retailers are shifting how they present their products to customers. These changes, going beyond aesthetics, are helping boost sales and creating a more comfortable and engaging customer experience.

Verano Holdings Corp., based in Chicago, recently introduced a new take on marijuana retail at its Zen Leaf store in Phoenix. Instead of the usual setup where shoppers wait at the counter to speak with a budtender, the store is using a more casual, self-service approach. Customers can browse shelves on their own, just like they would in a typical convenience store.

People are encouraged to pick up products, check labels, and read details such as CBD and THC levels or terpene content. This setup gives them more control over their shopping and may reduce the pressure that comes with asking questions at the counter.

According to Verano’s executive VP of retail, Robert Cohen, this makes the experience more relaxed and welcoming. Customers say they’ve found items they wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. Even customers who placed online orders often added more to their carts after seeing products in person.

Some states allow dispensaries to offer what’s known as “deli-style” service, where buyers can inspect and smell the cannabis flower before buying. Arizona, Oregon, Missouri, and Colorado permit this practice, often using “sniff jars” to let people experience the aroma of different strains. In contrast, states like New York and California require prepackaged products, limiting this kind of interaction.

Show-Me Organics CEO Boston Dickerson compares buying flower to picking produce—you want to see and smell it before deciding. His stores in Missouri follow deli-style practices where employees wear gloves and use tongs to handle products. Customers smell the flower, but never purchase from the jars directly. According to Dickerson, about 65% of their flower is sold using this approach.

However, this style isn’t without issues. Darwin Millard, a cannabis safety expert, points out that repeated opening of jars can affect product quality and spread germs. During the pandemic, many states restricted these practices for safety, similar to how cafes removed communal condiment bars.

Millard, who works with ASTM International on industry standards, encourages proper sanitation practices. Employees handling open products should wear gloves, masks, and hair coverings. He also suggests alternatives like sample visuals or scratch-and-sniff cards to let customers experience a product’s scent without opening actual inventory.

As leading cannabis firms like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) continue to find innovative ways to attract and retain customers, we are bound to see many new techniques being introduced to boost different brands.

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420 with CNW — 32 State AGs Ask Congress to Expeditiously Pass Cannabis Banking Law

A group of 32 attorneys general from states and U.S. territories is urging Congress to pass a banking bill that would allow licensed marijuana operators to use traditional financial services. The group sent a letter to congressional leaders, underscoring the urgent need to provide cannabis businesses access to banks and credit unions.

The letter, spearheaded by AGs from Ohio, Washington, DC, Maryland, and Georgia, urges lawmakers to prioritize the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act this legislative session. According to the officials, the growing number of states legalizing marijuana highlights the need to bring cannabis-related financial activity into the formal banking system.

The AGs argue that keeping cannabis businesses locked out of banking pushes them into risky, cash-heavy operations. Without access to financial institutions, many of them are forced to handle large sums of cash, putting employees, customers, and communities at risk of theft and violent crime.

They also point out that the lack of banking access makes it harder for states to collect taxes and regulate the industry effectively. They note that the SAFER Banking Act could help states recover potentially hundreds of millions in lost tax revenue by allowing legal cannabis businesses to operate more transparently.

Although the letter refers to the 2025 version of the SAFER Banking Act, the bill has not yet been officially reintroduced in Congress. It remains to be seen whether any parts of the bill will change from its previous form, which failed to pass before the last session ended.

In the letter’s closing, the AGs describe the SAFER Banking Act as a reasonable, bipartisan step that would improve safety for the roughly 75% of Americans living in states where marijuana is legal. They clarify that the measure doesn’t push for legalization in states where marijuana remains illegal. Instead, it aims to solve practical issues that stem from the disconnect between federal banking rules and state cannabis laws.

The officials say the goal is to move the cash flowing through licensed cannabis businesses into secure, monitored banking systems, making the industry easier for both regulators and law enforcement to oversee.

The other AGs who signed the letter are from American Samoa, Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawai’i, Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Nevada, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, Colorado, Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington.

Major cannabis industry players like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) will be hoping that the pleas of the bipartisan AGs will be heeded and the needed legislation is passed so that some of the hurdles that industry actors face in accessing banking services are addressed.

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420 with CNW — Oklahoma Recreational Cannabis Petitioners to Begin Signature Collection in August

A group in Oklahoma pushing to legalize recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older is preparing to begin collecting signatures to get the issue on the ballot. The proposed measure, State Question 837, would legalize recreational cannabis and apply local and state taxes to its sale. It would also eliminate the current excise tax on medical cannabis and introduce a 10% tax on adult-use purchases.

In addition, the proposal includes a key legal safeguard that would bar law enforcement from assuming someone is under the influence just because they’ve used cannabis or have THC in their system. This seeks to prevent wrongful accusations based on chemical presence alone.

If passed, the measure would become a constitutional amendment. Jed Green, who leads the group Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action (ORCA), said the initiative is designed to streamline and clarify previous legislation.

In 2023, a similar attempt, State Question 820, was voted down. Green noted that a lack of unity within the cannabis community may have contributed to that outcome. This time, however, he believes the proposal is gaining wider support both from within the industry and among state residents.

“For the past few months, we’ve been building relationships with local communities and cannabis businesses throughout the state,” Green said. “When we kick off signature collection on August 6, we expect to be active in most counties.”

To get the proposal on the ballot, supporters need to collect close to 173,000 valid signatures by November 3. The petition was submitted for approval earlier this spring.

This initiative comes on the heels of a new law, SB 1087, which modifies how citizen-led proposals work in Oklahoma. Among other changes, the legislation limits the number of required signatures for constitutional amendments to 20.8% of the votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial race. That law is currently under review by the state’s Supreme Court.

Green noted that the new law has added paperwork but hasn’t changed their grassroots strategy. He stated that support for the campaign is strong, pointing out that over 330,000 Oklahomans currently hold medical cannabis cards.

He added that summer is the ideal time to gather signatures thanks to community events, fairs, and sports games. Still, due to signature limits by county, the group will also need to focus on smaller and more rural areas like Harmon County, where only a small number of people can sign.

“Maybe we’ll spend the day at the co-op or the courthouse,” Green said. “Only 117 people in Harmon County can sign, so we’ll be there soon.”

Will this second attempt deliver the needed policy change? Major marijuana companies in and outside the country, such as SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), will be watching as the process plays out.

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420 with CNW — Missouri Supreme Court Says Local Authorities Shouldn’t Stack Cannabis Sales Taxes

Missouri’s Supreme Court has ruled that counties and cities cannot each apply a separate sales tax on recreational cannabis.

The court stated that under the constitutional amendment passed in 2022, only one local authority may collect a 3% sales tax on cannabis. The local authority can either be a city, town, or village in an incorporated area or a county in unincorporated regions—not both.

The justices pointed out that the amendment’s language ties the term “local government” to the location of the dispensary. That means if a cannabis store is inside a city’s limits, only that city can apply the 3% tax, not the county too.

The decision was based on a case involving Robust Missouri 3 LLC, a dispensary located in Florissant. Customers were being taxed nearly 21%, including 3% from both St. Louis County and Florissant. The court’s ruling invalidates the county’s tax in this situation and affects more than 70 other locations across Missouri where both city and county governments have been collecting a marijuana sales tax.

Judge Zel Fischer disagreed with the majority, arguing that the amendment allows for both cities and counties to apply the tax—even within incorporated areas. He wrote that interpreting “and” to mean “or” leads to an unreasonable outcome and ignores the plain wording of the law. In his view, counties should be allowed to collect taxes within their borders, whether incorporated or not.

Previously, a Missouri appeals court sided with the dispensary, stating that the amendment’s language is clear and doesn’t allow for double taxation by both city and county governments. That decision overturned an earlier ruling that had permitted both levels of government to impose their own taxes on cannabis.

The Supreme Court’s decision also settles a related case, which had been on hold until this ruling. That case involved a Buchanan County judge who had ruled in favor of stacked taxes as well.

Andrew Mullins, who leads the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association, praised the ruling. He said the group filed the legal challenge shortly after dual taxes started appearing in 2023, aiming to defend consumers from unnecessary costs. Mullins estimated that the decision will save buyers around $3 million each month.

He added that cannabis customers in Missouri are already contributing significantly through taxes and that the ruling helps keep prices reasonable while maintaining the program’s strong reputation for quality and access.

As unnecessary double taxes are halted, the marijuana industry could deepen its reach and create opportunities for more entrepreneurs, such as those starting businesses similar to Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) that serve cannabis firms without directly engaging in trading marijuana products.

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420 with CNW — Questions Arise on Why Feds Raided a Licensed Cannabis Farm in California

There are thousands of unauthorized cannabis operations across the US. Yet, when federal agents carried out one of their biggest enforcement actions this year, they didn’t target a black-market grower. Instead, they set their sights on California’s largest licensed cannabis producer.

The federal operation, which happened at two locations operated by Glass House Farms, situated in Los Angeles, remains surrounded by questions. The exact motive hasn’t been officially explained, sparking a range of speculation. Some believe the raid was politically motivated, aimed at intimidating undocumented immigrants. Others suspect it was meant to shake up the regulated marijuana industry.

Tensions between the Trump administration and California have been high, especially around funding disputes involving infrastructure and disaster recovery. That ongoing conflict has led some to speculate that Glass House may have become collateral damage in a broader standoff between state and federal governments.

Federal documents show that on July 10, agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol carried out a warrant at Glass House’s facilities in Camarillo and Carpinteria. During the chaos, a worker trying to flee fell from a greenhouse roof and later died from his injuries.

Outside the property, tensions flared as demonstrators clashed with law enforcement, prompting officers to use tear gas. One protester reportedly threw a gas canister back toward authorities. Another, now wanted by the FBI, allegedly discharged a firearm. Over 360 people were arrested during the sweep, most believed to be in the U.S. without legal immigration status.

No marijuana was confiscated during the operation. The criminal warrants authorizing the raids are still sealed. Authorities have said the investigation involves serious allegations, including human trafficking and child labor. At least 14 minors were found at one site, but officials have released no further details.

No charges have been filed against Glass House. In a short statement on X, Glass House stated it follows legal hiring procedures, has never employed minors knowingly, and has cooperated fully with immigration authorities.

Following the incident, the United Farm Workers urged non-citizen laborers to avoid cannabis-related jobs, warning that federal law still classifies marijuana as illegal.

In 2023, Glass House was hit with a lawsuit from competitor Catalyst Cannabis Co., accusing it of being a major player in the unregulated cannabis trade. Although the case was thrown out, the publicity could have put the company on the federal radar, according to observers.

Glass House Farms, a subsidiary of Glass House Brands, remains California’s largest legal cannabis grower by a wide margin.

Marijuana companies around the country, including Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CNSX: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) will be hoping that what happened at Glass House is an isolated incident and isn’t indicative of any future such operations targeting licensed operators.

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420 with CNW — North Dakota to Permit Edibles, Tweak Medical Cannabis Eligibility Requirements

North Dakota will roll out several updates to its medical cannabis program, starting August 1, making it easier for patients to access treatment and offering new product choices. These changes come after lawmakers passed multiple bills to improve the state’s approach to medical cannabis.

One of the key changes includes the approval of low-dose THC edibles. Under HB 1203, dispensaries can now offer soft or hard THC-infused square-shaped lozenges. The edibles should contain no more than 5mg of THC per serving, with a package cap of 50mg. However, other THC-infused food and drinks will remain banned.

Jake Mittelsteadt, who oversees retail operations at Pure Dakota Health in Bismarck, noted that allowing edibles could significantly improve patient experience. He explained that while tinctures and capsules are already available, many patients prefer edibles for their ease of use.

Not everyone supported the edibles measure. Stephanie Engebretson, speaking for the North Dakota Chiefs of Police Association, expressed concerns about children’s safety. She pointed out that edibles often appeal to kids and that their delayed effects might lead users to overconsume.

The association recommended stronger safety measures, like locking edibles away when children are present and removing any appealing flavors. However, none of those suggestions made it into the final version.

The legislation also allows patients to use telehealth for their initial appointments—something that was previously only permitted for renewals. This change is expected to help more people enter the program, especially in areas where finding a supportive doctor has been a challenge.

According to Mittelsteadt, some patients in rural areas like Williston struggle to find a healthcare provider willing to approve medical cannabis use. In those cases, patients often have to travel to places like Watford City to get the documentation they need.

According to Jason Wahl, the state’s medical cannabis program director, the state cannot require any healthcare provider to participate in the program. He noted that involvement is entirely at the provider’s discretion.

Another legislative update, SB 2294, extends the validity of medical cannabis cards from one to two years. This change could reduce the administrative burden on both patients and providers.

As of 2024, North Dakota had issued over 10,000 medical cannabis cards, including for caregivers. Although the patient base has grown steadily since 2017, when the law first passed, that growth has recently plateaued. The program’s funding now comes solely from application and permit fees.

Additionally SB 2293, also effective in August, sets a 1-gram limit for THC concentrate containers. It also allows patients without state IDs, due to medical issues, to use alternative documentation to qualify.

These progressive changes are welcome developments to the wider marijuana industry in the country, including leading enterprises like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF), since they are aimed at increasing medical marijuana accessibility.

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420 with CNW — Proposed Florida Law Could Deny Patients Access to Medical Marijuana

A new law in Florida is causing concern among medical cannabis users as it threatens to strip patients of their access to treatment simply for facing drug-related charges. The law, Senate Bill 2514, has stirred backlash from patients and doctors who believe it unfairly punishes those relying on cannabis for legitimate medical needs.

John Mendez, a resident of Fort Myers, has used medical cannabis for the past three years to help manage daily life. “It helps me stay calm and focused. I can function better with it,” Mendez explained.

Now, under the new legislation, individuals with active medical cannabis prescriptions could lose their cards if they’re charged with certain drug offenses. That loss could be temporary or permanent, depending on the case.

“They’re trying to take away what helps me live my life,” Mendez said. “It feels like those in power are just playing games with people’s health.”

Attorney John Morgan, a major supporter of the 2016 campaign to legalize medical cannabis in Florida, says the move is less about safety and more about political strategy.“Governor DeSantis seems to think opposing cannabis is a smart political play,” Morgan said. “I think he’s completely off base.”

Morgan argues that big pharmaceutical companies are likely behind the push to limit marijuana access. “The same people pushing pills are the ones fighting marijuana access,” he said.

However, Florida’s GOP chair Evan Power supports the law and notes that medical cannabis should be seen as a special allowance, not a guaranteed right.

“We have to prevent people from taking advantage of the system,” Power stated. “This program was designed for specific health conditions, not as a loophole for other purposes.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Barry Gordon, who regularly prescribes medical cannabis, says the state has failed to provide any real guidance on how the new law will be enforced.

“There’s been zero clarification from health officials,” Gordon said. “We don’t know at what point enforcement begins or how different databases will be linked to monitor patients.”

Despite the uncertainty, Mendez and others plan to continue speaking up. “Somebody needs to tell the state what this means for people like me,” he said.

Florida voters may still get a chance to reshape the conversation. A proposed ballot measure for 2026 aims to legalize recreational cannabis. If it gains enough support, at least 60%, it could roll back some of the tough new rules now in effect.

The discussions in Florida on how best to protect the needs of medical marijuana patients will be closely watched by the broader cannabis industry, including Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) as the debates there are of interest to the entire pro-marijuana movement.

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