420 with CNW — US Conservative States Warm Up to Medical Marijuana

A wave of cannabis reform is sweeping across America, and the country’s most conservative states are taking notice. At the moment, more than 30 states allow medical cannabis use for patients with qualifying conditions, and there are several more medical cannabis bills in state legislatures. Studies have found the controversial plant to be capable of treating conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain and epilepsy, and a majority of Americans are behind medical cannabis use.

Conservative states have been slow to adopt cannabis reform, with most of them outlawing recreational cannabis and launching some of the strictest medical cannabis programs in the country. Still, there has been an influx of medical cannabis bills in Republican-controlled states, and advocates are hoping even the most conservative states will eventually see the potential of cannabis.

North Carolina’s medical marijuana program has the support of Republican Sen. Bill Rabon, who is also the chair of the Rules Committee in the state senate. The program would see patients suffering from debilitating medical ailments such as glaucoma, epilepsy, and cancer gain access to medical marijuana. According to the founder of NC Cann (a legalization advocacy group) Garrett Perdue, Rabon’s backing affords the legislation ‘decent chances’ of making it past the Senate wall.

The Alabama House recently passed the medical cannabis bill with a 68 to 34 vote. The bill had initially been passed by the Senate in February before heading to the governor’s desk. While Republican Gov. Kay Ivey already passed other fairly limited medical marijuana bills in the state’s past, it is unclear whether she supports broad cannabis legalization.

Kansas probably won’t pass a medical marijuana bill this year despite having a Democratic governor who is a vocal supporter of legalizing medical cannabis. Although the Kansas House passed a draft bill to make medical marijuana legal by a 78 to 42 vote, the bill didn’t go past the state Senate. Still, the Senate has referred the bill to committee and plans to pick it up next January, so all hope is not lost.

Texas, which is home to a limited medical cannabis program, recently approved a bill to expand the state’s program. The bill was sponsored by Republican Rep. Stephanie Klick, and it will expand Texas’ list of eligible conditions from intractable epilepsy to include autism, PTSD and multiple sclerosis (“MS”). It would also raise the maximum THC limit from 0.5% to 5%.

Minnesota is also on track to expand its relatively limited medical cannabis program. This would include an end to the prohibition of cannabis flower products, which cannabis reform supporters say has made medical cannabis too expensive and reduced enrollment in the state’s medical cannabis program.

As these conservative states enact cannabis laws, a time may come when national policies will be eased thereby creating uniform laws which sector players such as Pure Extracts Technologies Corp. (CSE: PULL) (OTC: PRXTF) can analyze as companies ponder how to make their entry into the U.S. market.

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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.

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420 with CNW — Colorado Governor Enacts Bill Allowing Students Access to Medical Cannabis

Last week, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed a bill to expand access to medical cannabis for students in schools. The state’s current law allows principals the discretion to establish policies that prevent or allow schools to administer and store marijuana-based medicines. Under the new legislation, this discretion is eliminated, which means that school boards will establish policies on how to store marijuana medicines while also allowing their personnel to volunteer to administer it to students who need it as well as possess it.

The governor’s office stated that Polis is also planning to sign another legislation that was recently advanced to his desk. This legislation would increase the recreational marijuana possession limit in Colorado from one ounce to two ounces.

Victoria Graham, who is the governor’s spokesperson, noted in an email that Polis intended to sign the legislation. Earlier, Polis stated that he was pleased to sign SB 21-056, which would allow marijuana to be treated in the same way prescribed medicines were treated. He added that the legislation would make it harder to discriminate against volunteers such as teachers and school nurses who had come forward to administer medical marijuana.

NORML state policies manager Carly Wolf stated that students who depend on medical marijuana shouldn’t be denied access simply because the marijuana needed to be administered in a school setting.

Cannabis advocates note that while this legislation is a step in the right direction, they look forward to the governor signing the bill to double the cannabis possession threshold for individuals aged 21 and above in the state. This legislation would also need courts to grant requests to seal previous records of marijuana possession if the proper documentation has been provided. This would eliminate the need to consult with a district attorney.

Wolf explained that passing this law would prompt law enforcement to direct their resources toward fighting other crimes instead of expending resources to arrest individuals for minor, nonviolent offenses. The law would also make sure that low-level offenders don’t have to pay fines they couldn’t afford.

This change in policy may significantly influence future pardons. In October 2020, the governor issued an executive order that gave clemency to nearly 3,000 individuals who had been convicted of possession. However, his office decided not to pardon individuals who had been convicted of possessing more than an ounce of marijuana because that amount was in violation of the present state law.

It is such progressive laws that give cannabis sector players such as Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. (CSE: GLH) (OTCQB: GLDFF) hope that a time will come when the existing regulatory hurdles that make it challenging to operate in the cannabis space will be eased to enable the sector to grow even faster.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. (CSE: GLH) (OTCQB: GLDFF) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/GLDFF

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420 with CNW — Limited Medical Cannabis Compromise Bill Sent to Tennessee Governor’s Desk

The state of Tennessee is one step closer to legalizing medical cannabis after the legislature sent a limited medical cannabis bill to the governor’s desk. The legislation would expand Tennessee’s limited medical cannabis industry and create a commission tasked with analyzing broader medical cannabis reform. Although the bill is a compromise between cannabis reform advocates and those against cannabis reform, the advocates aren’t happy that a more comprehensive medical marijuana bill failed to pass.

The limited compromise bill would expand the list of qualifying conditions from only intractable epilepsy to include cancer, ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, sickle cell disease, inflammatory bowel syndrome, HIV/AIDS and multiple sclerosis. Patients with the qualifying conditions would be allowed to possess CBD oil that contains a maximum of 0.9% THC. They will be required to have proof of their medical condition as well as a recommendation from a licensed doctor to possess cannabis.

However, since the limited compromise bill doesn’t legalize the cultivation and sale of medical cannabis in the state, qualifying medical marijuana patients will have to source it from neighboring states with legal medical cannabis markets or the black market. The bill only ensures that patients who meet the strict conditions of qualifying for medical marijuana have certain legal protections.

The nine-member commission established by the bill would be charged with studying state and federal cannabis laws and helping Tennessee lawmakers prepare legislation to legalize medical cannabis in the state. However, everything the committee learns will only be implemented in the state’s own medical marijuana space if Congress federally legalizes cannabis. According to language in the bill, it does not authorize a medical cannabis program in Tennessee. Until the federal government stops classifying cannabis as a schedule I controlled substance, the state shall not authorize the licensing of medical cannabis dispensaries.

The bill passed the Senate with a 19 to 12 vote before the House unanimously passed it in a 74 to17 vote. An amendment that would have removed the Senate addition requiring cannabis to be federally legalized before the state can launch its medical cannabis market was quashed in the House right before the bill was passed.

In the meantime, the nine-member committee will be busy studying other state and federal medical cannabis legislations specifically looking at registration, patient qualification, roles of medical professionals and pharmacists, registration of cannabis businesses and testing protocols, among other factors.

The restrictive nature of the cannabis law passed in Tennessee highlights how narrow the legal space within which marijuana sector players, such as Grapefruit USA Inc. (OTCQB: GPFT), have to live within in jurisdictions where cannabis is legal in some form, especially with the added complication of federal law that prohibits marijuana.

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

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CannabisNewsBreaks – Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. (CSE: GLH) (OTCQB: GLDFF) Announces Participation in Upcoming Canaccord Genuity Virtual Conference

Golden Leaf Holdings (CSE: GLH) (OTCQB: GLDFF), operating as Chalice Brands and a premier, consumer-driven cannabis company specializing in retail, production, processing, wholesale, and distribution, will be participating in Canaccord Genuity’s 2021 Virtual Cannabis Conference. The one-day conference is scheduled for today, May 11, 2021. GLDFF CEO and president Jeff Yapp, along with executive chairman John Varghese will present during the conference; their live presentation will begin at 3:30 p.m EDT. Canaccord Genuity’s annual global cannabis conference is an investor-focused event designed to create a premier opportunity for global leading players in the cannabis industry to gather together and connect.

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About Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd.

Golden Leaf Holdings is a premiere, consumer-driven cannabis company specializing in production, processing, wholesale, distribution and retail, with seven dispensaries in Portland, Oregon. The company is committed to developing a dynamic portfolio built around the recognized brands of Chalice Farms, with a focus on health and wellness. Markets served include Oregon, California, Nevada and Washington. For more information about this company, visit www.GoldenLeafHoldings.com.

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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.

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420 with CNW — Maryland Court Declares Cannabis Smell Insufficient as Justification for Police Stops, Searches

An appeals court in Maryland has ruled that law enforcement officers aren’t allowed to stop individuals based on the smell of cannabis alone. The decision, which was announced last week, stated that the smell of cannabis didn’t give officers egal justification to stop and examine someone. It noted that officers needed “reasonable suspicion” that there was a crime being carried out before they could detain an individual.

The court ruled that cannabis smell would no longer be used as a basis to stop or detain someone because cannabis in small amounts has been decriminalized in the state. University of Baltimore Law School professor David Jaros stated that the rulings demonstrated that the courts were considering the decriminalization laws in their decision making. The state enacted its decriminalization laws a few years ago, in 2014.

This ruling also limits the small transgressions that officers use to justify their actions. It arose from a Prince George County case where a law enforcement officer had responded to information about a group of males who were meeting at an apartment complex. The facts in the court opinion indicated that the police officer smelled an odor of cannabis when he arrived, which led to his questioning the group; eventually both he and another officer patted down some of the individuals. He recovered a handgun from one of the boys who was a juvenile.

The public defender, who was the accused’s counsel, noted that officers often used the smell of cannabis as an excuse to justify examining individuals further, adding that it was commonly used on individuals of color as a justification for further examination. The state’s representative from the Attorney General’s office refused to give a comment on the case, in addition to not revealing if they planned to appeal the court’s ruling.

While medical cannabis is legal in the state of Maryland, efforts to legalize recreational marijuana stalled in the state’s legislature. It should be noted though, that the court’s decision does not prevent officers of the law from searching vehicles if they smell cannabis, as there’s a different set of rules for vehicles.

Wicomico County sheriff Mike Lewis stated that, while he agreed with the decision in this case, he was concerned that future rulings may limit the ability of officers of the law to search cars if they smelled cannabis. He noted that this was a tool that law enforcement use to find illegal and large quantities of marijuana.

Fortunately, people across the country can still access THC-free products made by entities such as The Alkaline Water Company Inc. (NASDAQ: WTER) (CSE: WTER). Such products contain a range of other popular compounds, such as CBD and terpenes found in the hemp plant. Using these legal products can keep individuals on the safe side of the law in Maryland and elsewhere.

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CannabisNewsBreaks – RYAH Group Inc. (CSE: RYAH) Collaborates to Deliver Innovative Plant-Based Medical Solutions in New Zealand

RYAH Group’s (CSE: RYAH) wholly owned subsidiary, RYAH Medtech Inc., a medical device, data and technology company, today announced its entry into a definitive wholesale supply and distribution agreement with Medical Kiwi Ltd, a leader in research and development, manufacturing, cultivation and distribution of medical cannabis and medical devices. The newly formed agreement, executed on April 5, 2021, implies distribution of the RYAH Smart Inhaler and cloud-based data analytics platform in New Zealand. “Our new partnership with Medical Kiwi Ltd in New Zealand further expands our global clinical and distribution network for plant-based medicine and digital patient care,” said Gregory Wagner, CEO of RYAH Group Inc. and RYAH Medtech Inc. “In December 2019, the New Zealand Government passed legislation to improve access to medical cannabis products. Our new relationship with Medical Kiwi presents an opportunity for both parties to drive innovation and to deliver cutting-edge plant-based medical solutions in New Zealand.”

To view the full press release, visit https://cnw.fm/hz7kU

About RYAH Group Inc.

RYAH is a connected device and big data and technology company focused on valuable predictive analysis in the global medical plant and nutraceutical intake industry. Its robust artificial intelligence platform aggregates and correlates HIPAA-compliant patient data, which is intended to help doctors and patients personalize plant-based treatments to better predict treatment outcomes. The data collection is relevant for clinics, doctors, dispensaries and pharmaceutical companies and licensed processors (”LPs”) to monitor and manage formulation effects on patients and demographics. With a strong IP portfolio, RYAH gathers deep and insightful data on the complete patient session and formulation lifecycle. For more information about the company, please visit www.RYAHGroup.com.

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CannabisNewsBreaks – Willow Biosciences Inc. (TSX: WLLW) (OTCQX: CANSF) Releases Q1 2021 Report, Business Updates

Willow Biosciences (TSX: WLLW) (OTCQX: CANSF), a leading developer of biosynthetic production systems for high-value, plant-derived active pharmaceutical ingredients, reported its first-quarter 2021 financial and operating results. Highlights from the report include the appointment of Dr. Mathias Schuetz to vice president and Dr. Trish Choudhary to vice president, research & development; the closing of its public offering, comprised of 17.4 million common shares sold for $1.65 per share; and the completion of its first commercial-scale fermentation run of its first cannabinoid — cannabigerol (“CBG”) — for market. In addition, the reported noted that Willow Biosciences had advanced its work on its proprietary yeast strain producing tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”) and has plans to commercially launch a product in the Canadian market. In addition, the company also named a new member to its board of directors: Barbara Munroe. “The first quarter represented another significant move forward for us, as we completed our first commercial scale fermentation run and strengthened our balance sheet for success,” said Willow Biosciences president and CEO Trevor Peters in the press report. “We are entering the next phase for the company, which is creating new markets for our ultra-pure, sustainably made, cannabinoids, and our world class team has allowed us to be at the forefront of the industry. As the industry continues to move towards increased regulation from a health and safety perspective, there is a need now more than ever for Willow’s consistent and safe manufacturing process. We are excited to continue to deliver value for all Willow stakeholders.”

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

About Willow Biosciences Inc.

Willow is a Canadian biotechnology company based in Vancouver, British Columbia, that develops and produces high-purity, plant-derived ingredients for consumer care, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical products. Willow’s manufacturing process creates a consistent, scalable and sustainable product that benefits industry and consumers. Willow’s team has a proven track record of developing and commercializing bio-based manufacturing processes and products for both the consumer and pharmaceutical industries. For more information about the company, visit www.WillowBio.com.

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420 with CNW — New York to Generate More Than $240 Million Annually in Cannabis Sales by 2024

According to a recent budget analysis by New York’s comptroller, projections show that the state will be raking in more than $240 million in annual cannabis revenue in the near future. For the first year of marijuana sales, New York is expected to bring in only $20 million in fee and tax collections. This is part of a $26.7 billion evaluation in new revenues that the state is expected to bring in for its 2021/2022 fiscal year, under a budget that the state legislature approved in April.

The analysis notes that the new revenue sources with the most substantial fiscal impacts are the corporate and personal income tax increases, despite increased receipts occurring from the legalization of sports betting and cannabis. It adds that while the former revenue sources are only short-term, marijuana represents a long-term revenue opportunity.

The report by Thomas DiNapoli, the state’s comptroller, also highlights that the cannabis tax revenue is projected to grow from the $20 million in tax revenue generated for the 2021–2022 fiscal year to over $110 million for the 2022–2023 fiscal year, just over $150 million for the 2023/2024 fiscal year and more than $240 million for the 2024–2025 fiscal year.

The analysis states that the continuous economic recovery of the state has improved predictions, with tax collections outdoing expectations. It adds that New York will benefit from online sports betting, the legalization of recreational cannabis, and new revenues from increases in tax and federal aid, which brings the total down to about $26.7 billion for the state’s 2021–2022 fiscal year.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo had, in March, signed a bill to legalize adult-use marijuana. As stipulated in the bill, retail shops will be launched after the first retail recreational sales begin. In addition, once home cultivation becomes legal, the bill notes that people could store up to five pounds of cannabis at home.

The bill also stipulated that the taxes collected from cannabis sales would be used to cover the program’s implementation costs as well as be utilized for public education and drug treatment to back community reinvestments and be diverted to schools via the state lottery fund.

The final law that was signed was a product of the negotiations between the state’s legislature and the governor. As early as January, the governor’s office had stated that the legalization of marijuana in the state would create more than 60,000 new employment opportunities, which would stimulate more than $3 billion in economic activity while bringing in about $300 million in tax revenue when the program had been fully implemented.

As New York and other states implement recreational marijuana programs, it will not be long before companies such as Hero Technologies Inc. (OTC: HENC), which favor the model of multi-state operators, come up to serve different markets across state borders.

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420 with CNW — Israeli-Made Medical Marijuana Inhaler Gets Nod from Canadian Authorities

Although several studies have proven that cannabis can treat conditions such as chronic pain, medical cannabis patients do not have a safe way to consume the plant. Save for taking the cannabis orally, most means of consumption such as smoking the flower and vaping come with a degree of risk. And since a large portion of medical cannabis patients are either older or they have compromised immune systems, any risk could be fatal.

Syqe Medical, a pharma-tech company based in Israel, has developed a proprietary medical cannabis delivery device that offers medical marijuana patients a much safer, more precise means of taking their medicine. The device, which has been dubbed the Syqe Inhaler, has been approved by Canadian Health officials and will soon be available to qualified Canadian patients. The Israeli company will sell the medical cannabis delivery device in partnership with a Canadian licensed producer via Syqe Medical Canada.

The technology behind the portable, handheld delivery device has been through a decade of extensive research and development, says Syqe Medical Canada’s General Manager Michael Molloy. This includes testing in a variety of research trials, and it resulted in the creation of a delivery device capable of releasing a controlled amount of cannabinoids in each inhalation. Not only will patients have a much safer way to take their medicine, but they will also be able to take precisely measured doses, a feat that has been pretty unachievable so far.

According to the medical director at Canada’s Centers for Pain Management, “unreliable dosing methods” such as smoking have hampered medical cannabis use. Consequently, physicians and patients alike have been looking for an alternative that would allow precise dosing each time, and the Syqe Inhaler fits this description perfectly. After raising more than $80 million in funding and spending close to a decade on research and development, the Tel Aviv-based firm came up with a metered-dose inhaler that met regulatory standards and is now eligible for distribution, at least in Canada.

Data from clinical trials done at Rambam Health Center located in Haifa, Israel, as well as data obtained from Israeli patients who had used the inhaler was instrumental in gaining Canada’s approval. The Canadian market has 370,000 registered medical cannabis patients and more than 5.8 million Canadian residents in total suffer from chronic pain. Projections put the market’s worth at around $380 million by 2024, and it will provide a major boost to Syqe’s business growth plan, the Israeli pharma-tech company said.

With lots of companies, such as Sonoma Biologics Corp., supplying high-grade medical cannabis in U.S. markets, it won’t be long before Syqe’s or other such devices are commercialized and made available to those who need them in all jurisdictions with legal medical marijuana programs.

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420 with CNW — Texas House Approves Bill to Reduce Criminal Penalties for Cannabis Possession

Last week, the House in the state of Texas approved a measure that would decrease the criminal penalty for the possession of small amounts of cannabis, in addition to affording residents in the state who have been charged with cannabis possession the chance to expunge it from their records.

House Bill 441 applies to the possession of an ounce or less of cannabis.

Presently though, possessing up to two ounces of cannabis, which is equivalent to about 57 grams, is classified as a class B misdemeanor, which is punishable by a $2,000 fine and up to six months in jail.

The bill, which was drawn up by State Rep. Erin Zwiener, will re-classify the possession of an ounce or less of marijuana as a class C misdemeanor, whose punishment doesn’t include jail time. Additionally, law enforcement in the state will not be permitted to arrest individuals who are in possession of an ounce or less of marijuana.

During an interview with a nonprofit media outlet, Zwiener attributed much of the credit for reaching a compromise to State Rep. Joe Moody, who had suggested penalty reductions in the previous session. Zwiener added that while Gov. Abbott had made no commitment to sign the proposal if it reached his desk, she was encouraged by his comments, which supported the re-classification of punishments to a class C misdemeanor.

Zwiener observed that the real challenge would be getting the bill through the Senate. She explained that in 2019, after the House had approved a bill tabled by Moody, which was similar to this bill, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick had opposed it, which led to its stalling.

Some law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in the state have already halted the arrest and prosecution of first offenders found in possession of small amounts of cannabis. A poll that was conducted earlier this year by the University of Texas discovered that 60% of voters in the state believe that the possession of any amount of cannabis should be legal.

House Bill 411 is an attempt to reduce the criminal penalty across the state for the possession of cannabis. Of the 10 measures tabled in the legislature to address possession, only a single other proposal has made it past the committee phase.

That bill, House Bill 09, was drawn up by Rep. Steve Toth and would eliminate the suspension of an individual’s driver’s license and their arrest for being in possession of cannabis, while also bringing the punishment down to a fine. Toth revealed that while he didn’t support the legalization or criminalization of cannabis, the racial disparity in cannabis arrests needed to be addressed.

As Texas moves to ease some of its strictest policies on marijuana, companies operating in the cannabis space, including XPhyto Therapeutics Inc. (CSE: XPHY) (OTCQB: XPHYF) (FSE: 4XT), have advanced to the level of coming up with drug formulations from cannabis compounds. These compounds are in various stages of development, after which they may become widely available once the FDA gives its nod of approval.

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

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