420 with CNW — Montana Supreme Court Throws Out Case Against Marijuana Legalization Measure

On Wednesday, Oct. 21, the Montana Supreme Court rejected a lawsuit against a marijuana legalization initiative appearing on the state’s November ballot. Sponsored by the New Montana approach, the initiative would establish a legal cannabis market for adults in the state. But as the elections drew closer, the initiative was challenged by Wrong for Montana, an organization arguing that, because the initiative involves appropriating funds, it violates state statute on citizen initiatives.

“We have prepared this lawsuit, and we are in the process of filing it,” said Steve Zabawa of Wrong for Montana (WFM). He cited article III, section IV of Montana’s constitution, which says that citizens “may enact laws by initiative on all matters except appropriations of money and local or special laws.” If the legalization initiative was passed, half of the public revenue collected from marijuana sales would go towards environmental conservation programs.

Although the court didn’t state whether or not the challenge was valid, it said that the group behind the lawsuit did not demonstrate “urgency or emergency factors” that would justify moving the case into its jurisdiction instead of going through trials and appeals courts first. “We express no opinion on the merits of WFM’s constitutional challenge, nor its rights to pursue this challenge in district court,” the court justices wrote.

“However, WFM’s claim does not present an appropriate basis on which to invoke this Court’s original jurisdiction,” the justices continued. “Even if it did, WFM has wholly failed to establish that urgency or emergency factors make litigation in the trial courts and the normal appeal process inadequate.” The court has left the door open for Wrong for Montana to take its challenge through the traditional process.

According to Brian Thompson, the attorney representing the plaintiffs, the plaintiffs intend to file the suit in a district court “soon.” The initiative in question is on the ballot, and voting has already started. If the lawsuit had been successful, the votes simply wouldn’t have counted or the initiative would not have been implemented.

“This was an easy decision for the Montana Supreme Court,” says Dave Lewis, policy advisor to the pro-legalization New Approach. “At best, this lawsuit was a frivolous long shot. At worst, it was an intentional effort to create confusion right before the election. Lewis, who is a former Republican state senator and former budget director for three Montana governors, says the initiative has been receiving strong support from voters across the state.

“Instead of making a coherent argument against the initiative, our opponents tried to deprive Montanans of their constitutional right to a citizen initiative process,” Lewis continued. “Our opponents are desperately throwing everything at the wall in the hope that something sticks.”

The cannabis industry is one to watch, and Sugarmade Inc. (OTCQB: SGMD) is a company you need to watch. The company focuses on offering delivery services to the marijuana industry as well as the quick-service restaurant sector. With the pandemic increasing demand for delivery services, things are certainly looking up for Sugarmade.

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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 — Research Finds No Link Between Recreational Cannabis Legalization and Teen Use

Since 2012, eleven states have legalized cannabis use for adults, with many voters across the country considering the same measures on 2020 ballots in numerous states. The first states to legalize the drug were Washington and Colorado; California followed suit.

Most concerns about legalization center on whether making the drug legal would cause more young people to use it or whether accidents caused by impaired drivers would increase. Data collected since then shows little change in usage or impaired driving accidents.

For example, a survey carried out in Colorado after legalization showed a slight decrease in the percentage of high school and middle school students who used cannabis. In Washington, the rates of use have largely remained stagnant.

However, opponents of cannabis legalization still claim that the risk of young people being given the impression that cannabis isn’t harmful is too high.

With regard to impaired driving, states with legalized cannabis have discovered more drivers impaired by the drug. Many believe, however, the numbers are going up because the states are putting more effort into identifying those specific statistics. For example, Colorado started tracking cannabis impairment of drivers in 2016.

In California, data collected indicated an increase in the number of impaired drivers involved in deadly accidents. Washington state recorded a growth in drugged driving both before and after cannabis was legalized, showing no significant change that might be attributed to legalization of the specific drug.

Officials also aren’t convinced that these increases are a result of legalization. Researchers have also not indicated a growth in the total number of traffic fatalities linked to legalization. For instance, when compared to the number of traffic fatalities in 2017, California recorded 8.3% fewer traffic fatalities in 2018, the same year that retail cannabis sales were launched in the state.

According to the CDC, Washington and Colorado recorded among the highest rates of cannabis use by youth in the country between 2011–2015. State data shows that those figures did not increase after the drug was legalized for adults.

Also in Washington, a survey carried out in collaboration with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction indicated no growth in the numbers of sixth, eighth, tenth and twelfth graders using cannabis after legalized sales started in 2014. Surveys conducted in Colorado showed similar results; in fact, numbers actually indicate that the number of high school and middle school students who used cannabis decreased after legalization.

While California is yet to make public its youth biennial survey results since recreational sales started in 2018 in the state, a previous survey indicated a 3.4% decrease in the number of young people who used the drug.

From the above, it appears that there’s no significant increase in adolescent use of the drug after it is legalized. While more should be done to combat impaired driving, benefits may be gained from legalization. Furthermore, states such as Arizona, Montana, New Jersey and South Dakota are proposing recreational legalization of the drug in their jurisdictions, which provides additional evidence that cannabis legalization is a good move.

The Alkaline Water Company Inc. (NASDAQ: WTER) (CSE: WTER) is one firm you should watch. The company not only makes alkaline water with a pH of 8.8, it also makes topical and ingestible products infused with CBD and other hemp compounds.

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420 with CNW — Why CBD Is Good for Skin During Cold Weather

Although winter has its charm, the cold weather can be a bit of a downer, especially coming after the warm, sunny days of summer and the crisp, refreshing days of autumn. On top of bringing down the mood and necessitating the wearing of several layers of clothing, the drop in temperature can cause skin issues. It’s not uncommon for people to develop a dry, itchy rash often referred to as winter rash; in addition, people also suffer acne breakouts and chapped lips.

Did you know that CBD or cannabidiol can help soothe your skin during winter? Extracted from hemp, a nonpsychoactive variety of cannabis, cannabidiol is packed with a plethora of potent medicinal properties. Thanks to these properties, CBD has become a popular natural remedy for conditions such as chronic pain, stress, anxiety and insomnia. But how does it help your skin?

For starters, the plant hydrates your skin. Winter’s cold temperatures and low-humidity levels can wreak havoc on the skin, leading to extremely dry or dehydrated skin. Several studies have found that due to its infusions of oils and vitamins A, C, and E, CBD can deeply moisturize and protect the skin. Cannabidiol is also a potent antioxidant, and it helps prevent dehydrated skin by protecting it against free-radical damage.

Free-radicals are unstable molecules that damage the skin and cause wrinkles, aging, dryness and unwanted pigmentation. By protecting against free radical damage, CBD ensures that your skin stays hydrated and healthy.

CBD’s antioxidant and inflammatory properties can also soothe and restore dry and inflamed skin. You are more likely to break out during the colder months. As the air grows colder and dryer, it causes the water in your skin to evaporate faster, leaving your skin dry and dehydrated. In this state, your skin is weaker and more likely to develop conditions such as dermatitis (eczema) and inflammation.

Because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties, CBD fights inflammation, making it an effective countermeasure against skin issues such as eczema and psoriasis. Additionally, these properties allow CBD to reduce the inflammation related to swelling and redness of acne, with research also showing that the hemp-extract helps to normalize skin cell growth.

Finally most skin conditions tend to cause itching, which often makes the original condition even worse. CBD has shown great promise for reducing itching by blocking the sensation through the nerve endings. Research has found that ingredient can effectively treat chronic treatment-resistant itching. CBD has relatively impressive results against most skin conditions due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

If you suffer from any skin condition that worsens as the cold weather rolls in, consider including CBD in your skin-care routine. However, make sure you consult a doctor before you start, especially if you are pregnant or on any medications.

An interesting cannabis company that you should watch if you would like to learn more about what is available in this industry is Pure Extract Technologies Inc. The company is a plant-based extraction company that has recently added a new functional mushrooms vertical to its offerings. It has previously been focused on extracting cannabis compounds both in-house and for other licensed producers in Canada.

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420 with CNW — Marijuana Dispensary Workers Shoot Two Suspected Robbers

An attempted robbery that took place on Tuesday, Oct. 20, in a medical cannabis dispensary in Detroit went south for the suspects. Instead of becoming victims, the dispensary workers put up a fight. Two workers opened fire inside the facility on the three armed suspects who were trying to rob the store. As a result, two of the three suspects received nonlife-threatening injuries and were arrested; they are now recovering at a local hospital under police custody. The third suspect escaped.

Detroit Police Department Capt. Ian Severy stated that the crime was brazen, taking place in the middle of the day on a busy street. He added that it was fortunate that more people were not hurt.

The police say the three men burst into the Puff-N-Pass Lounge located in Detroit’s west side on Dexter Avenue and W. Chicago, at approximately 1 p.m. in the afternoon. After the three perpetrators entered the store, one of them started pistol whipping a 29-year old store employee. It was at this point that the owner of the facility emerged from another room, and shots were exchanged between the two parties.

Police confirmed that the worker and the 47-year old dispensary owner shot at the three suspects; one of them holds a concealed pistol license. Two of the three would-be robbers were shot while a third fled the scene, losing a shoe in the process. The two injured suspects were detained at the scene until police arrived; they were then taken into custody.

The police are calling on the third suspect to surrender to the authorities. Severy asserted that department officers are closing in on him and requested that he turn himself in, to help bring the crime to a safe conclusion.

The investigation is ongoing, and the police say investigators interviewed the two men at the dispensary who had shot at the robbers, concluding that they were acting in self-defense.

This robbery comes two years after a security guard who was working in a medical cannabis dispensary in Detroit was shot and killed during a gunfire exchange on the property.

Pac Roots Cannabis Corp. (CSE: PACR) is an interesting company you should watch. The company specializes in using a genetics-based approach to produce premium-grade marijuana products and strains.

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420 with CNW — Long Lines Characterize Opening Day of Missouri’s Medical Cannabis Dispensaries

Last weekend, the first licensed cannabis dispensaries set up shop in St. Louis, Missouri, and were received with long queues. The two dispensaries, which are managed by N’Bliss, launched on Saturday in Manchester and Ellisville. The company is expected to open another dispensary on Monday in the Kansas City area. These openings come nearly two years after Missouri voters approved a constitutional amendment that would allow the sale of medical cannabis.

Under state guidelines, people need approval from a doctor as well as a state medical cannabis card in order to to purchase the drug. The forecast predicts that initially, prices will be high as the supply is insufficient at this stage in the state. When the stores opened on Saturday, N’Bliss was selling an eighth of an ounce of cannabis at $125.

One of the consumers, Kim Haller, admitted to standing in line on the dispensary’s opening day because she was frustrated with the costly injections and medications that she pays for in order to treat her multiple sclerosis. Haller explained that she had been purchasing cannabis from a licensed caregiver.

Haller, age 54 and a St. Peters resident, asserted that the cannabis treatment helped with her sleep as well as her spasticity. For those who may not be well acquainted with spasticity, the condition causes muscles to tighten or stiffen, preventing normal fluid movement.

Brenda Dougherty, a consumer from the Kansas City area, hopes to be one of the first customers at Fresh Green’s when it opens in Lee’s Summit this week. The 57-year-old who hails from Warrensburg remarked that she believed cannabis would help relieve her chronic pain condition. She admitted to having tried the cannabis treatment before, adding that it had worked and that she was not keen on taking any more pills.

The Department of Health and Human Services in Missouri expects that by the end of the year, a majority of the 192 state-approved dispensaries will be up and running. The state has posted an interactive map that can be used to track the status of all approved medical cannabis businesses.

Department director, Dr. Randall Williams, stated in a news release that patients had always been the motivating force behind the state’s desire to implement the medical cannabis program. He then added that state officials greatly appreciated how hard everyone had worked so that patients could start accessing a well-regulated and safe program.

As more jurisdictions open up to marijuana, several companies are expanding to address consumers’ or patients’ needs. One company you should watch is The Alkaline Water Company Inc. (NASDAQ: WTER) (CSE: WTER). The company specializes in using its proprietary electrolysis process to produce pH-balanced water at a constant pH of 8.8, and the company is widening its product offerings rapidly.

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420 with CNW – Marijuana Could Alleviate OCD Symptoms, New Research Suggests

As cannabis becomes more mainstream, news about its medical capabilities are almost a daily occurrence. While the hype surrounding the controversial plant has definitely outpaced the science, preliminary findings have been encouraging. Plenty of people have used cannabis to manage everything from chronic pain and inflammation to stress and anxiety. According to new research, cannabis may be able to alleviate symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) as well.

OCD is a mental illness that causes repeated unwanted thoughts or fears that lead to compulsive behaviors. According to the new study published in the “Journal of Affective Disorders,” inhaling cannabis may yield temporary relief from the symptoms of OCD. Researchers with Washington State University worked with 87 individuals self-identifying with OCD. The participating patients “tracked the severity of their intrusions, compulsions, and/or anxiety immediately before and after 1,810 cannabis use sessions spanning a period of 31 months,” reports a study abstract.

According to the researchers, “patients reported a 60% reduction in compulsions, a 49% reduction in anxiety from before to after inhaling cannabis. Higher concentrations of CBD and higher doses predicted larger reductions in compulsions. The number of cannabis use sessions across time predicted changes in intrusions, such that later cannabis use sessions were associated with smaller reductions in intrusions (unwanted thoughts or impulses). Baseline symptom severity and dose remained fairly constant over time.

“Using a large dataset of medical cannabis users self-medicating for symptoms of OCD, we found that for the vast majority of cannabis use sessions, individuals reported reductions in intrusions, compulsions or anxiety,” researchers wrote. “Results indicated that after inhaling cannabis, ratings of intrusions were reduced by 49%, compulsions by 60%, and anxiety by 52%.” The authors surmised that although inhaling cannabis may, in fact, reduce the symptoms of OCD, “results indicate that cannabis may have short-term, but not long-term beneficial effects on symptoms of OCD.”

The authors of the study say they sought to discover three things in their research: whether symptoms of OCD significantly reduced after inhaling cannabis; predictors (gender, dose, cannabis constituents, time) of these symptom changes; and “potential long-term consequences of using cannabis to self-medicate for OCD symptoms, including changes in dose and baseline symptom severity over time.”

However, the researchers concede that their study had its weaknesses, including the fact that the 87 participants were “self-selected, self-identified as having OCD, and there was no placebo control group. The study has still been met with support from cannabis advocates as it adds to the growing body of cannabis research. Few studies have assessed the potential efficacy of cannabis for the mitigation of symptoms of OCD,” says NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano.

“As such, these findings, though somewhat limited by the study’s design, indicate that cannabis, and in particular, varieties high in CBD, holds promise as a therapeutic option for OCD patients and should be examined in a more rigorously designed controlled setting.”

The blossoming cannabis sector has resulted in the creation of numerous companies to address the needs of consumers and patients. One interesting company to watch in this space is Pac Root Cannabis Corp. (CSE: PACR), which focuses on using high-end genetics to make premium products in the marijuana and hemp space.

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420 with CNW —How to Smoke Cannabis Without Inconveniencing Your Neighbors

Cannabis has one of the most recognizable and possibly controversial odors in the world. It’s one of those smells you can identify as soon as you get a whiff. Sometimes described as “skunky,” cannabis smoke is thick, aromatic and tends to linger in the air and on fabrics. If you’re living in an apartment building or in close proximity to other folks, chances are they will get a whiff of your cannabis too.

Plenty of people are now working from home, and it’s likely that trend will continue. Additionally, the tumultuous events of 2020 have led to more people smoking cannabis to reduce stress and anxiety and to promote relaxation. However, while cannabis may be beneficial for you, your neighbors may not be on the same page. If you live in close proximity, you will have to find a way to minimize the smell.

For starters, try different methods of consuming cannabis. While smoking offers the quickest results, plenty of other methods work just fine and may offer even greater effects. Edibles, for instance, have become a staple for people who want to consume cannabis but would prefer not to smoke. While edibles are relatively easy to make with the right equipment, you can also buy them from retail cannabis stores. Although the effects take some time to kick in, they generally last longer than smoking. An edible may take 30 minutes to an hour to kick in, but the effects can last up to six hours.

The nascent cannabis sector has gained notoriety for its innovation. If you don’t want to use edibles to consume cannabis, tools exist that can help disguise cannabis’s potent smell. You could use a premade filter or even build a homemade filter, called a sploof, to minimize the odor and prevent it from lingering on fabrics. All you need are dryer sheets, a cardboard cylinder from a used toilet paper roll and elastic bands.

Additionally, covering up cannabis’s funky odor with another equally strong smell could do the trick. Natural incense such as sandalwood or palo santo, certain scented candles and potent essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus and citrus will cover up the odor as well as freshen up the room. Note that some scented candles may not work as well as the oils.

Ideally, smoking outside is the best way to avoid inconveniencing your neighbors with cannabis’s musty odor. If you have a balcony, a yard or a terrace, you’re better off smoking your cannabis out there.

Innovations within the cannabis industry are coming in thick and fast. One firm that you should watch is Sugarmade Inc. (OTCQB: SGMD). The company focuses on meeting the industry’s delivery needs, especially at this time when the ongoing pandemic has made it risky to visit brick-and-mortar stores to make cannabis purchases.

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CannabisNewsBreaks – Hemptown Organics Corp. Enters LOI with Global Fund for Potential US$8M Financing

Hemptown Organics, a privately held British Columbia company, on Thursday announced its entry into a non-binding letter of intent (“LOI”) with Global Fund LLC. The LOI is regarding a potential US$8 million investment into Hemptown Organics by Global Fund via its newly established “Global Bio Solution Fund I” (the “financing”). According to the update, under the terms of the LOI, Global Fund has agreed, subject to due diligence and entry into definitive agreements, to subscribe for an aggregate of 5,714,285 units of Hemptown Organics, each at a price of US$1.40, for minimum gross proceeds of US$8 million (the “original investment”). Each unit consists of one common share in the capital of the company (each, a “share”) and one share purchase warrant (each, a “warrant”). Each warrant shall be exercisable into one additional share (each, a “warrant share”) at US$2.80 per warrant share for 24 months from date of issuance. In connection with the financing, Hemptown Organics has agreed to grant certain investor rights to Global Fund as addressed in the update.

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About Hemptown Organics Corp.

Hemptown is a diversified, industry leading cannabinoid company delivering a diverse product offering across the value chain, in multiple sales channels, to meet the growing global demand for cannabinoid-based products. State-of-the-art cultivation in Oregon’s Rogue Valley, FDA-licensed and cGMP-certified product manufacturing and a strong leadership team with Fortune 500 experience, including Kellogg’s, Nike and Intel, are the pillars for Hemptown’s growth model as the company pushes into the consumer-packaged goods sectors with top quality white label and branded product lines for the consumer market. For more information, visit www.HemptownUSA.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 – Top Cuomo Advisor Says New York Will Legalize Cannabis by April 2021

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s top cannabis advisor says that marijuana legalization legislation will be introduced again through the state budget in January 2021. The objective of this will be to enact reform by April 2021. The advisor also previewed the state regulations for CBD products derived from hemp, including food items and infused drinks.

In an interview with David Culver from Canopy Growth Corp, Axel Bernabe, assistant counsel to the governor, discussed how the effort to legalize cannabis in surrounding states only emphasized the need for reform in New York. He stated that the legislation the governor plans to introduce, which prioritizes economic development and social equity, would serve as a model for other states.

Bernabe acknowledged that New Jersey may legalize cannabis before the state of New York as New Jersey voters are scheduled to approve a legalization referendum next month. He also noted that New York officials were monitoring New Jersey closely. In addition, Bernabe states that state officials were working on reintroducing the measure in the January budget and planned to get it done by April 1 next year.

Bernabe’s statements come after a top senator from New Jersey indicated that that state’s lawmakers could pass the enacting measure as soon as the first week of November. While Gov. Cuomo has included legalization in his budget proposal for the past two years, negotiations have routinely been held up in legislature, with issues such as how marijuana tax revenue is to be allocated preventing the closing of the deal.

Bernabe admits to being excited about the economic development and public safety components of the administration’s upcoming legalization proposal. He spoke about ensuring social equity for communities that have been historically targeted by the war on drugs and added that some changes would be made from this year’s version, taking into consideration other states’ experiences.

In the interview, Bernabe also discussed the pending regulations for cannabinoids derived from hemp. He stated that the administration was “putting the final tweaks” on policies for CBD products and that the policies would take effect at the start of 2021. He also said that the administration would likely be establishing regulations for cannabinoid-infused food items and drinks.

He remarked that the administration was looking into every product class and trying to find a balance between consumer protection and allowing people to continue to obtain, to a great extent, what they’re already using for wellness and health.

Additionally, the New York Agriculture Department will allow hemp businesses to continue their operations under the existing program until September 30, 2021, since the congressional continuing rider signed by President Donald Trump extends the hemp farm bill pilot program (2014) until September 2021.

Many companies are poised for explosive growth once the CBD sector is properly regulated at both the state and federal levels. One of the entities to watch in this sector is Pure Extract Technologies Corp., a Canadian-based, plant-extraction company that has recently taken on a new functional mushrooms vertical.

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420 with CNW – Missouri Opens State’s First Medical Cannabis Dispensaries and Launches Sales

Last Saturday, medical cannabis dispensaries in Missouri made their first legal sales to qualified patients and caregivers. This comes less than two years after voters from Missouri approved a ballot measure to legalize medical cannabis.

N’Bliss Cannabis put up shop and opened doors in Manchester and Ellisville, two different St. Louis County locations. The director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Dr. Randall Williams, stated in a press release that Missouri patients had always been the state’s north star as they worked towards implementing the state’s medical cannabis program. He added that they greatly appreciated how hard everyone had exerted themselves into ensuring that patients would be able to access a well-regulated and safe program.

Various officials have highlighted the speed at which they got the voter-approved marijuana program off the ground, stating that it was one of the fastest implementations of a medical cannabis program in the United States.

The director of the Section for Medical Marijuana Regulation, Lyndall Fraker, stated in a press release that a huge amount of work had been put in by the team and licensed facilities to get to the point they were at and that they heard from more facilities which were almost ready or ready for their commencement inspections. He added that they looked forward to seeing these facilities open their doors to serve both caregivers and patients.

The Missouri Medical Cannabis Trade Association was the first to announce on Friday that the launch of sales will happen the next day while the Springfield News-Leader was the first to report the good news of this announcement.

The state of Missouri has until now granted licenses to 192 dispensaries and expects that most if not all will have opened by the end of the year. The state also posted an interactive map that can be used to track the status of approved cannabis businesses.

For many months now, regulators have been immersed in appeals and lawsuits challenging the state’s licensing decisions, with revenues that should have been directed into veteran services being diverted and used to cover legal costs.

Furthermore, Missouri is not the only state that launched medical marijuana sales this past weekend. The state of Virginia also had its first medical cannabis dispensary grand opening on Saturday as well. Over in Maine, recreational sales of cannabis were introduced last week, roughly four years after voters had approved a legalization ballot measure.

Many companies are bringing a new twist to the cannabis space, and one interesting one to watch is The Alkaline Water Company Inc. (NASDAQ: WTER) (CSE: WTER). They specialize in making perfectly balanced alkaline (pH of 8.8) water rich in trace minerals.

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