420 with CNW — French Cannabis Legalization Consultation Gathers More Than 200,000 Responses

A survey on marijuana legalization that was launched on Jan. 13, 2021, has already amassed 200,354 responses. The numbers from the survey will be used to validate the content of a marijuana adult-use report that the French Parliament is currently developing before introducing various legalization measures.

Augur Associates CEO Benjamin-Alexandre Jeanroy stated that President Macron’s Party was leading the survey, which would make it easy for it to be included in the 2022 presidential program.

The questionnaire was set in motion by 33 members of parliament. One of the members of the National Assembly and Macron’s political party, Caroline Janvier stated in an interview that they were confident about the survey’s success, adding that their primary objective regarding marijuana was to succeed in changing the debate’s terms. She then mentioned that many politicians did not think of it as a big issue.

Janvier explained that the survey would help confirm the party’s intuition: that the expectations of the general public on regulating and legalizing recreational marijuana went further than the expectations of politicians.

The questionnaire has various questions, with the main one asking respondents whether they are of the opinion that the system that is currently in place is effective in its fight against the illicit use of marijuana and its trafficking.

Other questions focus on legalization models and decriminalization. In addition to these, there were also questions on risk perception included in the questionnaire. Here, respondents are asked to compare the risks of tobacco and alcohol with those of marijuana. The consultation will be open until Feb. 28.

Additionally, Janvier revealed that France spent roughly 600 million euros annually on the fight against marijuana trafficking, adding that according to a confidential police report, marijuana trafficking had risen by 300% since the year 2000.

Furthermore, the number of marijuana consumers had grown, with about half of the country’s population having tried to smoke marijuana at least once in their lives. She noted that marijuana was broadly consumed across the country, which had the largest number of consumers in the European Union.

Janvier observed that marijuana legalization could add roughly 2 billion euros to the country’s coffers.

A survey conducted recently by Le Parisien questioned a few dozen French mayors in the Paris region, which is the most densely populated of the 18 regions in France. The survey found that while only 22% of the population opposed marijuana legalization, half of the mayors in the region surveyed were in favor of the herb being legalized.

Closer to home, in the United States, the booming cannabis industry has created room for massive levels of innovations to be introduced. For instance, The Alkaline Water Company Inc. (NASDAQ: WTER) (CSE: WTER) has registered record-breaking growth in sales year-on-year, partly driven by its CBD-infused edible and topical products.

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

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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 — Top Mistakes Made While Using CBD to Combat Anxiety

Over the past couple of years, cannabidiol (“CBD”) has seen exponential growth in popularity. One of more than 100 cannabinoids produced by the hemp plant, CBD has potent and versatile medicinal properties. Preliminary research and anecdotal evidence have found the hemp extract to be effective at treating issues from anxiety and depression to insomnia and chronic pain. According to Gallup, 20% of Americans who use CBD do so to relieve anxiety.

However, not everyone who uses CBD to combat anxiety achieves the desired effects. Cannabidiol tends to react with each individual differently based on factors such as age, dosage and, body composition, although ultimately, the effects are more or less the same. However, there are a few common user mistakes to be aware of that could make CBD ineffective.

Using low-quality CBD products. Despite CBD’s immense popularity, the cannabidiol industry is quite new and lacks a comprehensive regulatory framework. The result is what has been called a Wild West industry teeming with plenty of unscrupulous sellers who are willing to do and say whatever it takes to make a buck. These bad players have flooded the market with CBD products that are either contaminated with residual solvents, pesticides, heavy metals or THC, or that have barely any actual CBD in them.

Such products are not only ineffective, but they can also cause users to fail drug tests or, even worse, experience health issues. Consumers can take some measures to ensure the CBD they buy is of high quality and can help alleviate their anxiety. Before users purchase a product, they should inspect its certificate of analysis (“COA”). The COA will detail the CBD product’s entire cannabinoid and terpene profile, along with any presence of heavy metals, pesticides, solvent residues and mycotoxins.

Using incorrect dosing. Once a high-quality product has been purchased, consumers should avoid incorrect dosing. Given the state of the cannabis industry, CBD doesn’t have consistent industry dosing recommendations. While the risk for overdosing CBD is quite low, using too little will make it ineffective. Since cannabinoids such as CBD and THC interact with everyone uniquely, users will have to work out which dosage works best for them by experimenting at different levels. Potential consumers should talk to their heart-care providers if they are considering trying to treat their anxiety or other symptoms with CBD, especially if they are pregnant or taking other medication.

Most experts recommend starting with a small dose, perhaps 20 to 40 mg a week. If the effects don’t kick in after a week, consumers can gradually increase the dose by 5 mg every seven days until symptoms start decreasing.

While on the subject of dosage, RYAH Group Inc. offers an excellent interactive platform called RYAH MD on which patients can interact with doctors remotely, while doctors can use that platform to set the dosage for patients.

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

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420 with CNW — Massachusetts Cannabis Firms’ Association Drops Lawsuit Challenging Cannabis Delivery Regulations

A business group that represents many of the cannabis shops in the state of Massachusetts had announced that it will be dropping the legal challenge it filed to block new marijuana industry regulations that allowed home delivery.

The Commonwealth Dispensary Association (“CDA”) declared in its suit that the Cannabis Control Commission’s (“CCC”) new delivery-only licenses infringed on the cannabis laws of the state, which already gave retailers the right to deliver marijuana under their current licenses.

In a statement the CDA had filed earlier this month, the association stated that the CCC had gone against its authority and ignored the laws of the state by completely overturning already-established rules that many small businesses had been observing in their operations since 2016.

The “Boston Globe” reported that in the days following the suit, New England Treatment Access, which is among the biggest cannabis firms in the state with shops in Brookline and Northampton, left the CDA. Cultivate, another firm that has shops in Framingham and Leicester, and an estimated 10 additoinal firms also left the dispensary association.

The new regulations introduced by the CCC created two types of delivery licenses:

A cannabis courier license, which allows one to charge fees to make deliveries from dispensaries and retailers that are licensed by the CCC
A cannabis delivery operator license, which allows one to purchase products wholesale from manufacturers and growers and sell them to their own consumers

Advocates insist that these licenses will level the playing field between small businesses and big corporations, as the barriers for obtaining a delivery license are not as demanding as those that govern obtaining a retail license.

After dropping its suit, the CDA promised to work with groups such as Massachusetts Cannabis Association for Delivery (“MCAD”) to achieve mutual goals, such as increasing the participation of different entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry.

MCAD president Christopher Fevry stated that his association was pleased to know that the CDA had dropped the filed charges but added that it would still not be enough; he noted that well-capitalized and established firms need to be willing to take concrete steps towards ensuring the marijuana industry in Massachusetts is not only fair but also equitable.

On the other hand, the Cannabis Business Association (“CBA”), which had backed the delivery regulations introduced by the CCC, stated that it was glad to see the CDA drop its suit, mentioning that it would continue working with regulators and advocates to address various disparities in the state’s marijuana industry.

Meanwhile, California-based CannAssist International Corp. (OTCQB: CNSC) offers a proprietary technology (CiBiDinol) and exclusive products made using that technology that have undergone independent lab testing which has confirmed that they are 400% better able to penetrate the skin in comparison to conventionally made topical products.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to CannAssist International Corp. (OTCQB: CNSC) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/CNSC

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CannabisNewsBreaks – The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. (TSX: TGOD) (OTCQX: TGODF) Announces Launch of Stillwater Brands’ RIPPLE Gummies

The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings (TSX: TGOD) (OTCQX: TGODF), a leading producer of premium, certified organically grown cannabis, today announced the launch of RIPPLE Gummies by TGOD, Canada’s first cannabis-infused confectionary product to offer a scientifically validated 15-minute onset. “Canadian cannabis consumers love our quick-dissolving RIPPLE powder for its proven dose-controlled delivery mechanism; it offers a faster-acting, more standardized, and discreet alternative to most products currently on the market. With RIPPLE Gummies, we are bringing to market another proven product which has been a top seller where sold in the United States,” said Sean Bovingdon, TGOD’s CFO and interim CEO. “RIPPLE Gummies offer another convenient option for Canadians to consume their desired dose of cannabinoids with a unique, predictable onset of action.”

To view the full press release, visit https://cnw.fm/Jpy6E

About The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd.

The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings 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 organic teas, dissolvables and vapes. 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.

TGOD’s Common Shares and warrants issued under the indentures dated November 1, 2017, December 19, 2019, June 12, 2020, and October 23, 2020, trade on the TSX under the symbol “TGOD,” “TGOD.WT,” “TGOD.WS,” “TGOD.WR” and “TGOD.WA,” respectively, and TGODF trades in the U.S. on the OTCQX. 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.

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420 with CNW — Two Years In, Has Canadian Cannabis Legalization Delivered on Its Promises?

Canada legalized the recreational use of marijuana in 2018, with the government vowing that it would address the criminal justice system inequalities that affected marginalized communities disproportionately, specifically indigenous people and Black Canadians.

While the heavily racialized arrests for cannabis possession have reduced significantly, the for-profit cannabis industry in the country is still struggling. This is mainly because while marijuana sales made in the shadow markets are still thriving.

However, legalization in the country has decreased the number of possession cases significantly. Take for instance, in 2018, the police booked 26,402 marijuana possession cases until the law came into effect in October 2018. According to Statistics Canada, the number went down to 46 cases in 2019. It should be noted, however, that possessing more than 30 grams of cannabis is still illegal in the country.

In August, the Ontario Human Rights Commission released a report that demonstrated how marijuana arrests had been tied to race before its legalization. The organization had conducted an analysis of police data and discovered that, from 2013 through 2017, Black people faced 34% of the cannabis possession charges in the country, despite making up only 8.8% of Toronto’s population.

Furthermore, while decriminalizing cannabis possession may be seen as a forward movement toward developing a fairer justice system, those left with criminal records may not be of the same opinion.

The Canadian government had stated before legalization that it would expunge criminal records for possession, and while there’s no definite number for the total number of Canadians with possession records, the figure may be as high as 500,000. This is according to a Center for Addiction and Mental Health report that was released in 2014.

However, the complete expungement process, which is made up of six steps, may take a while; currently only 341 individuals have succeeded in having their records expunged by mid-November 2020.

Apart from this, a majority of cannabis producers in the country are still not making any profits. Instead, many are recording multimillion dollar losses. Many assume that this is because the government had not factored in the collection of tax revenue or the creation of new employment opportunities when finalizing plans for legalization.

With regard to what comes next after legalization, there’s still a lot to be done, from developing an effective procedure and helping with record expungement that doesn’t involve using a significant amount of funds to completely phasing out unlicensed sales of marijuana. Clearly Canada has a long way to go in establishing a working and effective marijuana industry.

Meanwhile, cannabis was legalized in Michigan a few years ago, and the sector is booming. For example, Gage Cannabis Co., a company that entered the market in 2019, already has a handful of provisioning centers open with more than ten additional retail outlets slated to open this year.

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

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420 with CNW — Trump Releases a Dozen Marijuana-Related Convicts Using Presidential Clemency Powers

As former President Donald Trump’s tenure came to a close on Jan. 20, 2021, he issued a flurry of executive pardons and commutations with just hours left in office. While the batch of 73 pardons and 70 commutations contained a few controversial names, the majority of those who received the 11th-hour pardons and commutations had been championed by criminal justice reform advocates. Of the more than 140 individuals who received clemency from the former president, 12 of them had been incarcerated due to marijuana-related offenses.

The final batch of pardons came after several White House officials and criminal justice reform advocates scrambled for days to finalize the list and convince Trump to approve it. The president’s power of clemency allowed him to issue pardons, amnesties, reprieves and remissions as well as commutations for federally prosecuted crimes. With five more states legalizing marijuana on the November ballot and the House of Representatives passing legislation that would decriminalize cannabis at the federal level, the pardons and commutations for marijuana-related offenses were inevitable.

Most of the defendants, including some who were serving life sentences, had their sentence commuted rather than pardoned. This means their sentences were either reduced or ended while their initial convictions remained. The only individual who received a full pardon was Utah’s Lynn Barney who had served a custodial sentence of 35 months for firearms possession and had been released. Prior to that, he had been convicted on charges of distributing marijuana. A statement from the White House describes him as a “model citizen” who is devoted to his work and children.

Other marijuana offenders who received the last-minute clemency include the following:

Craig Cesal (61) was serving a life sentence for conspiring to distribute marijuana from Mexico, across the Texas border, and into Georgia back in 2002. His home state Illinois now allows both medical and recreational cannabis.
James Romans (42) from Indiana who was sentenced to life in prison without parole for conspiracy to distribute marijuana. His sentence was commuted after he served 10 years.
Jonathan Braun (36) who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to import marijuana and to commit money laundering.
Noah Kleinman (45) was sentenced to nearly 20 years in California for illegally distributing marijuana.
Ferell Damon Scott (56) was sentenced to life for possession with intent to distribute marijuana
John Knock (73), a first time, nonviolent cannabis offender who was handed two life sentences plus 20 years for conspiracy to import marijuana into Canada and Europe.
Anthony DeJohn was sentenced to life for conspiracy to distribute marijuana.
Corvain Cooper (41) was sentenced to life for nonviolent participation in a conspiracy to distribute cannabis.
Way Quoe Long (58) was sentenced to 50 years for nonviolent participation in a conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana.
Michael Pelletier (64) was sentenced to 30 years for conspiracy to distribute marijuana.
Brain Simmons was sentenced to 15 years for a nonviolent, marijuana-related offense.

Meanwhile, many companies are thriving within the legal cannabis landscape. A clear example is Green Hygienics Holdings Inc. (OTCQB: GRYN). This California-based company has 848 acres used to cultivate hemp, which is USDA Certified Organic. This is by far the largest such farm on the entire North American subcontinent.

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

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CannabisNewsBreaks – ECGI Holdings Inc. (ECGI) Announces Closing of Agreement to Acquire Cannabis Cultivation, Manufacturing Property in California

ECGI Holdings (OTC: ECGI) has closed on its previously announced definitive agreement to acquire a farming property in California that is zoned for cannabis cultivation, processing and manufacturing. In the announcement, the company noted that the closure is ECGI’s first steps toward the development of its special cannabis acquisition model. The farm is a 1.7 million-square-foot property located in North California, which ECGI intends to use to cultivate premium cannabis strains. The company will also build facilities on the property as it follows a strategic business model targeting regulated cannabis processing and manufacturing. The property is zoned for numerous cannabis business operations when appropriate licensures and approvals have been obtained. The Northern California farm is only the first of several similar acquisitions the company is pursuing. The company has announced plan to change its corporate identity to Elite Cannabis Group Inc. and operate out of new offices in the Los Angeles area while still retaining its Nevada corporate business registration. “We are seeing there are numerous cannabis and hemp-related properties and businesses seeking to partner with companies that can apply financing and managerial expertise,” said ECGI CEO William Chung in the press release. “ECGI is particularly interested in applying our team’s considerable expertise in cannabis and hemp extraction and in the manufacturing of ultra-high-quality concentrates as these market segments rapidly expand. We are currently performing due diligence on several other real properties and other assets in these related areas to add to a portfolio of investments.”

To view the full press release, visit https://cnw.fm/GT18F

About ECGI Holdings, Inc.

ECGI Holdings, which plans to operate as Elite Cannabis Group, is reorganizing as an acquisition-oriented corporation with California-based targets of distressed cannabis assets, properties zoned for cannabis cultivation and processing, and cannabis companies operating in market sectors with national expansion possibilities. For more information about the company, please visit info@ECGIHoldings.com.

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.

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420 with CNW — How Will CBD Impact Your Work Performance?

A significant amount of research has been done on the different ways that various cannabinoid formulations can affect an individual’s driving skills, telephone or computer skills, memory or even work productivity.

However, as researchers do not know the exact cannabinoid that may cause any concerning issues, they do admit that it is likely that CBD may impact any of these areas mentioned above. You should therefore exercise remarkable caution when indulging in order to maintain a positive work environment.

Further studies on cannabinoids and how they affect IQ and memory have shown that no significant changes in IQ have been observed.

The first study to suggest a decrease in IQ was a British study that found that a seven-point drop in IQ was observed when individuals use cannabinoids daily. However, a subsequent study conducted in New Zealand found no notable change in an individual’s IQ.

Latter findings received more support from another study that was conducted in the United States which not only had a greater number of participants than the former studies combined but also had a number of identical twins. The researchers in the U.S. study found no change in IQ in the identical twin pairs when one of the twins was not using cannabinoid formulations while the other was.

However, it should be noted that significantly heavy use of CBD formulations may bring about changes in an individual’s memory. If you are experiencing issues with your short-term memory, studies show that short-term memory deficits resolve in about three weeks. Recent data suggests that an individual’s memory function will return seven days after cessation of consuming a cannabinoid formulation.

When it comes to driving, one should never drive under the influence of any mind-altering substance, including drugs and alcohol. However, one company holds 55,000 patient-years supporting their product, which demonstrates no increased risk of parking tickets or motor vehicle violations when on different cannabinoid formulations.

Despite this though, it’s still hard to say whether cannabinoids contribute to any risk when it comes to driving.

Other individuals may also be concerned about how CBD impacts their telephone and computer skills. CBD isn’t a psychoactive, meaning it can’t get a user high as marijuana does. It may, however, result in a sense of calm. Researchers hypothesize that no measurable difference is observed with regard to either of the above skills when use of cannabinoids is considered. While some subtle changes are noted, those changes are dependent on how well individuals have memorized their jobs and also how long individuals have been at their jobs.

Speaking of cannabinoids, Pure Extracts Technologies Corp. (CSE: PULL) (OTC: PRXTF) has established itself as a market leader in the Canadian extracts segment of the cannabis industry. The company is now offering its services to other licensed entities within and beyond Canadian borders.

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

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420 with CNW — Illinois Spends $31.5 Million from Marijuana Taxes to Fund Communities Impacted by Drug War

For most of the states that have legalized cannabis sales, cashing in on cannabis’ burgeoning demand wasn’t the only objective. Aside from beefing up their coffers with cannabis tax revenue, states were looking to repair the harms done by the decade’s long war on drugs. In several states, social equity was a primary objective, with policymakers pledging to direct a large chunk of cannabis tax revenue towards communities that were disproportionately affected by the drug war.

The state of Illinois, which enjoyed increased cannabis sales in 2020 despite the coronavirus pandemic, has announced that it is distributing $31.5 million in grants to communities that suffered the brunt of the misguided war on drugs. Funded by cannabis tax revenue, the funds are part of Illinois’ Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) program. The program was established under the state’s recreational cannabis legalization law, and it requires that 25% of marijuana tax dollars be used to provide people who qualify for social equity with services such as legal aid, community reentry, youth development and financial support.

The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (“ICJIA”) reportedly received 398 completed applications for the grant, ultimately settling on 80 organizations that offer the aforementioned services to eligible communities. Board chair Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton, who has repeatedly emphasized the need to pair legalization with social equity, says the state practiced due diligence when reviewing the applications. She says that the R3 program will address “chronic” problems that have been left unaddressed for far too long in the state’s “underserved neighborhoods.”

More than $28 million of the funds will go to service delivery while the remaining $3.1 million will be directed towards assessment and planning initiatives. With Illinois’ cannabis industry reporting more than $1 billion in sales for both medical and recreational marijuana, the state has a beefy enough tax revenue base to work with. To choose the most suitable organizations for the grants, the ICJIA analyzed local data on topics such as gun violence, unemployment, poverty and incarceration rates coupled with information provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

The organizations that were eventually chosen got the opportunity because they had the knowledge and resources to enact change in communities that suffered the most from the effects of the drug war. Communities United, for instance, will use the grant to provide low-income people with legal aid, especially concerning housing rights. The Chicago Torture Justice Center, another institution given a grant, will help formerly incarcerated people as well as those who have experienced police violence re-enter the community.

The rapidly growing cannabis industry has also created space for companies making nonhallucinogenic cannabis products. For instance, The Alkaline Water Company Inc. (NASDAQ: WTER) (CSE: WTER), based in Arizona, started out making alkaline drinking water that addressed the needs of consumers who were interested in the alkaline diet. The company has now evolved to include CBD-infused products to its offerings.

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420 with CNW — Maine’s Medical Cannabis Caregivers Vow to Challenge Proposed Regulations

In most states that have legal cannabis markets, the legal landscape around the controversial plant is constantly shifting. Being a new market that’s centered on a product that is illegal at the federal level, lawmakers are still unsure about how to regulate cannabis and are still working out several issues. Sometimes they create policies that work, helping to boost cannabis sales as well as tax revenue for the state, while at other times, they don’t quite stick the landing.

At least that’s what medical cannabis caregivers in Maine say. Policymakers recently proposed regulations that would require medical marijuana caregivers registered by the state to use its inventory tracking system. That legislation would require local approval to run operations, and the new rules would also introduce new packaging and labeling standards, as well as 24-hour surveillance in some cases.

According to Dawson Julia, owner of East Coast CBD in Unity, the newly proposed regulations are a literal “industry crusher.” According to a copy of the preliminary draft rules posted online, small-scale caregivers who don’t operate a retail store, don’t do any wholesale transfers to other caregivers, and grow 12 plants or less would have access to a “limited inventory tracking” option.

Despite this attempt to make the regulations more palatable, more than 3,000 caregivers in Maine have called the proposed legislation a “blatant slap in the face,” arguing that it will push most of them out of the market. Julia, who leads the Maine Cannabis Coalition, estimates that up to 85% of Maine’s 3,000-plus medical marijuana caregivers would go out of business if the rules go into effect, adding that only the “very biggest” companies would emerge unscathed.

Julia is helping to launch a campaign to fight further regulation, and he says the group’s GoFundMe page raised more than $34,000 almost overnight to support the cause. These new rules are based on the policies designed for the recreational market, he says, vowing to “fight till the end” to keep policymakers from further regulating the medical cannabis market.

However, Erik Gundersen, director of the Maine Office of Marijuana Policy, argues that although the regulations may share similarities with adult-use policies that are “rooted in national best practices,” policymakers do not intend to copy-paste adult-use policies into the medical cannabis market. Rather, legislation is aimed at preserving public health, safety and making the state’s medical program more transparent and accountable.

Still on the matter of medical marijuana, RYAH Group Inc. has a Smart Pen, which is a liquid dispenser that is capable of mixing precise doses of CBD, THC and other compounds so that a patient can enjoy the synergistic effects of those different cannabinoids working together.

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

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