420 with CNW – Congress Considers Stopping Denying Veterans Home Loans Due to Cannabis Industry Work

The House Rules Committee of Congress is going to consider an amendment this week that seeks to stop the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from denying the home loan requests of veterans who derive all or part of their income from work in state-legal marijuana industries.

Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA) filed the measure that, if passed, will be attached to the National Defense Authorization Act.

Previously, it wasn’t known to the public and lawmakers that the VA had a policy of denying any home loan application of a veteran who worked in a marijuana company in a state where the industry is legal. However, one constituent of the mover of this amendment drew the attention of the lawmaker to this issue early this year and Clark immediately started working to correct this practice.

In May, Rep. Clark spearheaded a move to get lawmakers to sign a letter addressed to the VA on this unfair policy. In their letter, they noted that a significant number of veterans work in the marijuana industry and more will join them as more states legalize the industry.

The bipartisan group of legislators urged the VA to acknowledge and clarify that veterans will not be denied their benefits just because of the industry in which they work.

At about the same time, the House Appropriations Committee wrote a report highlighting the lack of clarity on the rules of the VA on home loans for veterans who work in the state-legal cannabis industry. The panel went ahead to impose a 180-day deadline within which the department should clarify what its official position on this issue is.

Clark’s amendment has language to the effect that the VA will not use a veteran’s employment in a state-legal cannabis business as a basis to determine the suitability of that person for a housing loan.

Last month, another Congressional committee approved another amendment to the spending bill of the Department of Defense. That amendment permitted the reenlistment of members even if they had used or been convicted of misdemeanor marijuana offenses while off-duty.

However, the VA has a history of pushing against any pro-marijuana amendments that come up for discussion, and the latest amendment filed by Rep. Clark is likely to get the same treatment. It would be enlightening to know what the different industry players like MustGrow Biologics Corp. and Marijuana Company of America Inc. (OTCQB: MCOA) would suggest as a way to get around this brick wall of VA resistance to marijuana policy reform.

About CNW420

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

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420 with CNW – Study Finds Most People Buy Marijuana to Get Some Sleep

Contrary to the common perception that most people buy marijuana in order to get stoned, a new study done by the University of Miami and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine has found that the majority of those who buy marijuana in Colorado use the substance as a sleep aid. These findings are significant because recreational marijuana has been legal in the state for about 5 years now.

In the survey, 1,000 customers of two recreational marijuana stores in Colorado were asked a variety of questions about their motivation for using cannabis. 74 percent of the respondents revealed that they buy marijuana as a sleep aid while 65 percent confessed that they buy marijuana to combat pain.

About 80 percent of the survey participants who said they use marijuana for pain relief admitted that the substance was very helpful in that regard, and 88 percent of these people who had ever used opioids reported that because of using cannabis, their use of prescription opioids had reduced.

It isn’t altogether surprising that people are using cannabis to get some sleep. For long, marijuana has been known to have soporific (inducing sleep) effects and some research even suggests that CBD (cannabidiol) is responsible for expediting sleep and enhancing the overall quality of sleep that one has.

Additionally, while limited research is still available on the pain-relief effects of cannabis, some small studies indicate that marijuana may be a viable alternative to the traditional pain medication available on the market. Researchers think this is a strong possibility since the nerves which detect pain also have a large number of cannabinoid receptors.

The researchers who surveyed the cannabis buyers in Colorado wrote that if cannabis is legalized federally, there is a possibility that people’s dependence on strong prescription pain medications which have serious side effects could be reduced.

It has also been suggested that marijuana could be a good alternative if it is used as a harm reduction agent for people who are addicted to opioids.

The findings of this Colorado study are in line with another 2014 study whose findings appeared in JAMA showing that there was a reduction in the level of opioid use after marijuana was legalized.

While more research still needs to be done, industry experts think that the findings of the latest research in Colorado aren’t anything new to companies like Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP) and Hemptown USA since the cannabis industry has been talking about the different benefits of cannabis to different groups of people.

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420 with CNW – 6 Highlights of Michigan’s Newly Released Recreational Marijuana Rules

More than half a year after Michigan voters approved a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana, the authorities have released emergency rules which will shape the recreational industry in the state. Here are some of key takeaways from those rules.

Local Authorities Have Until Nov. 1 to Opt Out of Hosting Cannabis Businesses

State authorities will start accepting recreational marijuana business license applications on Nov. 1 this year. Until that date, local authorities (townships and cities) can make up their minds whether they will or will not allow marijuana businesses to operate within their jurisdictions. Currently, 600 communities have opted out, but many of those were waiting to review the rules released by the state government before making a final decision on the matter.

Social Use is in the Offing

The state plans to issue special licenses to establishments that wish to have the social consumption of pot on their premises. However, those social consumption lounges will not be allowed to sell food or alcohol. If organizers of festivals and special events apply for a permit, marijuana consumption will also be allowed at such gatherings. Industry analysts wonder what industry players like Green Hygienics Holdings Inc. (OTCQB: GRYN) and Green Growth Brands Inc. (CSE: GGB) (OTCQB: GGBXF) would make of this provision given the fact that marijuana lounges won’t be allowed to sell food or alcohol, but cannabis can be availed at festivals (where food and alcohol are also available).

Starting a Recreational Cannabis Business Will Be Easier Than Starting a Medical Cannabis Business

It will be easier for those interested in starting recreational pot business when compared to the requirements for starting a medical cannabis company. For example, those opening recreational cannabis businesses will not be required to prove that they have funds while those who start medical cannabis companies have to prove that they have between $200,000 and $500,000 in cash and assets before obtaining a license. It is also more affordable to get a license to grow recreational marijuana than get one for growing medical marijuana.

One Store Can Sell Both Medical and Recreational Marijuana

The emergency rules also have clauses allowing medical cannabis provisioning centers to sell recreational marijuana as well if the two types of products are stored or displayed in different sections of the store. The entrance and points-of-sale systems can be the same for both types of buyers.

Medical Cannabis Plants May Be Transferred to Recreational Marijuana Grow Facilities

In the beginning, plants originally cultivated for the medical marijuana market may be transferred to a facility cultivating weed for the recreational market. This provision has been created in order to minimize supply kinks as recreational marijuana sales are launched.

A Plan for Social Equity in the Industry is Being Drafted

The state authorities have also indicated they will release a social equity plan later this month (July) outlining how communities which were hit hard during the days of cannabis prohibition can be supported to benefit from the legal industry. This support could include license fee waivers.

On paper, these rules seem logical and practical enough, but the true test will come once their implementation begins later this year before recreational sales begin next year.

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420 with CNW – 4 Ways to Spot the Best CBD Products

The exploding popularity of CBD as a health and wellness product in a largely unregulated market (so far) creates a need for each buyer to vigilant when deciding where to spend their hard-earned money on CBD products. Here are some tips that can help you to sort the great products from those that may not be so great.

Buy from Licensed Dispensaries/Brands

There’s a reason why McDonalds, Starbucks and other major brands attract thousands to their doors each day; buyers are sure that the products they purchase will be of the same quality that they have learned to expect. Similarly, known brands in the cannabis space, such as Golden Developing Solutions Inc. (OTC: DVLP) and Geyser Brands Inc. (TSX.V: GYSR), go to great lengths to provide high-quality products. Consequently, you stand a high chance of getting the best CBD products if you shop from such establishments when compared to another person who takes their chance with any random supplier online or offline.

Scrutinize Online Reviews

Product sellers know that the opinions of buyers matter when potential customers are making a buying decision. Some sellers will therefore do everything they can to tip buyer opinions in their favor, including writing fake reviews. It is therefore helpful for you to read through the product reviews with a critical eye. Do you see many reviews posted at approximately the same time? Are the names or photos of the people who posted those reviews questionable? These may be pointers that the reviews aren’t authentic, so be wary of buying that product. You can also go a step further and use an online tool that ranks sites on how genuine their product reviews are so that you are sure that the reviews upon which you make your buying decision are genuine.

Compare Product Prices

The CBD industry is relatively new, so most manufacturers use the same methods to extract and package products. This means that there shouldn’t be a big variation in the price of comparable products. If a certain product has a price which is significantly lower than the price charged by other sellers, investigate further to ascertain the authenticity of that product. Beware of products whose price seems too good to be true!

Analyze the Product Benefits on the Packaging

While there is still limited scientific research about the health and wellness of benefits of marijuana and its derivatives like CBD, the benefits listed on the packaging shouldn’t be too outlandish either. For example, how will you know that a given product has provided “emotional cleansing” as the package claims? Do your research and only buy products whose stated benefits are realistic given the available information on the subject.

There are indications that the FDA will draft rules to regulate CBD products which are added to food and drinks, and individual states are also drafting their own rules. Until these come in force, the tips above will go a long way in ensuring that you buy the best CBD products available.

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420 with CNW – Alzheimer’s Patients Can Now Register for Medical Marijuana in Minnesota

Starting from July 1, patients suffering from Alzheimer’s can start enrolling for medical marijuana in Minnesota. Once these patients are registered, they will be permitted to buy medical marijuana from the two licensed manufacturers in the state.

The Department of Health first announced in December last year that Alzheimer’s would be added to the list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana.

While a review panel had recommended that seven conditions be added to the list, only Alzheimer’s was approved by Jan Malcom, the Health Commissioner. The others which had been proposed include traumatic brain injury and opioid use disorder.

The addition of Alzheimer’s now brings the number of medical marijuana qualifying conditions to 14. This number has been growing every year since the medical marijuana program started five years ago with just 9 qualifying conditions.

Currently, statistics put the number of patients on the state’s medical marijuana program at 15.687 by March 31. The inclusion of Alzheimer’s among the qualifying conditions has the potential to increase the number of registered patients significantly since the Alzheimer’s Association estimates that there are at least 94,000 people who are living with Alzheimer’s in the state. Even if just one tenth of this number signs up for medical marijuana, the patient numbers on the program will swell by a huge percentage.

It isn’t just the Alzheimer’s patients who will benefit when medical marijuana is available. Approximately 254,000 family members and friends are involved in taking care of these patients. When marijuana brings improvements in the behavioral effects of Alzheimer’s, it get easier for caregivers to look after their loved ones.

The Department of Health in Minnesota will use the month of July to process the applications of Alzheimer’s patients and these people will start accessing medical marijuana on August 1. The details of what patients require in order to be certified on the program have been availed on the department’s website.

While no scientific studies have provided any conclusive proof that marijuana can cure, prevent or slow the progress of Alzheimer’s, some recent studies suggest that this could be possible. A small study recently showed that marijuana inhibits the formation of the protein plaque which has been associated with the onset of dementia, one of the leading symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

Minnesota now joins the ranks of states and territories which have included Alzheimer’s among the conditions for which patients may use medical cannabis. Marijuana industry advocates speculate that while the industry players like Earth Science Tech Inc. (OTCQB: ETST) and Choom Holdings Inc. (CSE: CHOO) (OTCQB: CHOOF) may have been disappointed that only one condition was added, they could be pleased that thousands of patients and their families will benefit from medical marijuana.

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420 with CNW – Colorado Governor Unveils Online Tool to Track Cannabis Achievements

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) launched an online tool on Monday that will enable members of the public to keep track of what the state government is doing to attain its goals, which include taking the marijuana industry to greater heights.

The goals have been categorized into six groups. These are marijuana, education and workforce, criminal justice, tax reform and economic development, and energy and renewables.

The online tool, called “the governor’s dashboard,” outlines targets or priorities for each of those six areas. For example, under the cannabis category, the governor undertakes to operationalize the home delivery of marijuana in accordance with the law he signed last month. He also promises to see marijuana companies listed on stock exchanges, as well as working for a 20 percent increase in the number of financial institutions serving cannabis companies. Gov. Polis also wants to establish the state as a national leader in research, production and processing of industrial hemp.

Speaking at the launch of the dashboard, the governor revealed that he is happy to avail that platform since it will ensure accountability and transparency on all matters affecting Coloradans.

The agriculture department will do a lot to facilitate the attainment of the goals on hemp. A three-year development plan for this sector shows that the governor wants to see the indoor production of hemp increase to 10 million square feet from the current 7.67 million square feet. The plan also states that outdoor cultivation should increase to more than 60,000 square feet from the current 21,000 square feet.

To attain these lofty goals, the state plans to submit a plan for the regulation of hemp to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for approval so that large scale production can begin. The state will also support farmer-owned cooperatives in addition to other interventions to encourage industrial hemp value addition.

Polis has always believed that the marijuana industry is yet to reach its full economic potential in Colorado and he has done what he can to promote the industry. For example, he signed bills to allow social consumption sites and regulate home delivery of marijuana products.

Last month, the state government released a report showing that more than a billion dollars had so far been collected by the state as cannabis taxes, fees and other collections. It is therefore expected that the working group formed to steer the state towards attaining all the goals listed on the dashboard will not have any excuses for not doing the work assigned to them.

Industry analysts can only guess how far players like ChineseInvestors.com Inc. (OTCQB: CIIX) and Chemistree Technology Inc. (CSE: CHM) (OTCQB: CHMJF) would be if all the markets they operated in were as proactive as Colorado.

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420 with CNW – Congress Schedules Hearing on Ending Marijuana Prohibition

A major Congressional subcommittee plans to hold a hearing next week on ending cannabis prohibition. The Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security Subcommittee will discuss a number of proposals that are aimed at passing legislation to protect states which have enacted marijuana laws.

Considering the list of people who are expected to be invited to speak to the subcommittee on Wednesday (July 10), one is left to conclude that the subcommittee is interested in learning how prohibition can be ended rather than gathering views on whether reform should happen.

For example, one of the witnesses who is expected to testify during the subcommittee hearing is Malik Burnett, a leading physician at the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Previously, Burnett worked with the Drug Policy Alliance as its National Policy Advisor. In that role, he helped to secure success for a voter initiative to legalize recreational marijuana in Washington, D.C. in 2014.

Marilyn Mosby, the Baltimore State Attorney, is also on the list of those to testify. She is noted for announcing in January this year that her department would no longer prosecute any marijuana possession case.

David Nathan, a doctor and board president of Doctors for Cannabis Regulation (DFCR) is also set to make an appearance before the subcommittee. DFCR is a pro-legalization group of physicians.

As you can see, the people who are lined up to talk to the subcommittee all share a desire to see the end of marijuana prohibition.

While the legislators will not be voting on any specific bill, it is nonetheless an important hearing since it marks the most important Congressional sitting on matters of marijuana policy reform. The information that they gather is expected to be passed on to the powerful House Judiciary Committee under which this subcommittee falls.

The importance of this committee explains why Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) earmarked that committee as the one that will deliver the end of prohibition in his roadmap to cannabis legalization.

Worth noting is the fact that every Democrat on the full Judiciary Committee cast his or her vote in favor of the recent amendments preventing the Justice Department from taking action in states where marijuana laws have been passed. Six Republicans also cast their votes in support of the spending riders, and this is regarded as a positive sign that broader cannabis law reform can win bipartisan support in this crucial House committee.

It is widely expected that the entire cannabis industry, including entities like Canopy Rivers Inc. (TSX.V: RIV) (OTC: CNPOF) and Cannabis Strategic Ventures Inc. (OTCQB: NUGS), will be keenly following what transpires in the subcommittee.

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420 with CNW – Maine Recreational Marijuana Regulations Signed

Back in 2016, voters passed a measure to legalize recreational marijuana in Maine. Since then, residents have been waiting for the state government to draft and pass regulations which would operationalize recreational cannabis cultivation, manufacture and sales. Gov. Janet Mills has now signed the regulations and brings the long wait to an end.

These guidelines will take effect in September and the first recreational cannabis sales could begin early next year.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Gov. Mills remarked that the rules show what can happen when the government works with legislators, industry players and members of the public to attain a common goal. She added that this law brings the state ever so close to making the people’s wish of legalizing recreational marijuana a reality.

One of the clauses in the regulatory framework states that any marijuana company which wishes to be licensed in the state must have a resident who has lived in Maine for at least four years as the majority shareholder with an ownership stake that isn’t less than 51 percent. This requirement will remain in force until June 2021.

The law also contains restrictions on who can sell marijuana in the state. Anyone who has been convicted for any offense related to drugs (even if that drug isn’t marijuana) within the past 10 years and those who have ever had their marijuana license revoked anywhere in the U.S. aren’t eligible for a marijuana sales license in Maine.

Local authorities have also been allowed to decide whether recreational marijuana businesses can open within their jurisdictions or not. So far, only a paltry 15 out of the 455 municipalities in the state have expressed interest in licensing recreational cannabis businesses.

This low interest is understandable from two key perspectives. First, the ballot measure which saw the legalization of marijuana was passed by a slim majority of voters. If voter sentiments haven’t changed much since 2016, it is reasonable to expect that a sizeable number of municipalities (and the residents therein) will be opposed to recreational marijuana.

Secondly, many municipalities have been waiting on the state government to pass the regulatory framework before they can decide whether to opt in or out of the recreational industry. Now that the rules are out, the vast majority of municipalities in this category will make their position known by the time recreational sales officially begin.

Marijuana industry watchers are wondering what industry players like Youngevity International Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI) and Willow Biosciences Inc. (CSE: WLLW) think about this regulatory framework, which has become law in Maine.

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420 with CNW – New Mexico Cannabis Decriminalization Officially Takes Effect

Approximately three months ago, New Mexico governor, Michelle Grisham signed a marijuana decriminalization bill into law. That law officially took effect yesterday July 1).

In that law, the possession of up to half an ounce of cannabis is no longer a crime punishable by jail time. Instead, the person pays a $50 fine. The punishments for possessing drug paraphernalia have also been reduced.

This law makes New Mexico the 24th state to decriminalize marijuana. Hawaii appears set to enact a similar law soon after the governor revealed that he will not veto a decriminalization bill if it is brought to his desk.

While pro-marijuana advocates were happy that the decriminalization bill was signed into law in New Mexico, they were still disappointed that broader legalization didn’t happen during this session of the legislature. Gov. Grisham had promised to make this happen when she was campaigning for office.

The passing of the decriminalization law doesn’t, however, mean that the governor has reneged on her promise to see marijuana legalized in the state. Last week, Grisham announced that she had formed a working group charged with studying legalization in other states and give her a report about the best way to handle legalization next year.

New Mexico isn’t alone in that club of states whose legalization plans failed this year. New York State was also on the brink of passing a legalization law, but disagreements over how to implement the recreational marijuana program resulted in the state budget for the next fiscal year being read without recreational marijuana in it, and then legislators ran out of time to hammer out a final deal on legalization before the end of the legislative session. Legalization now appears to be farther away than it has ever been.

In lieu of the legalization law, New York legislators passed a decriminalization bill which will see the possession of up to two ounces of cannabis being punished by a $200 fine instead of serving a custodial sentence.

Another failed legalization attempt happened in New Jersey where lawmakers suddenly called off a senate vote on the matter when it became apparent that support wasn’t sufficient to see the bill through. Not even the last-ditch efforts of the governor and legislative leaders could swing more votes in the senate. Now advocates seem resigned to taking the matter to voters in 2020.

Illinois was the one bright example for advocates after the legislature passed a broad legalization law which will be the model for marijuana social justice for years to come. Recreational cannabis will be available on January 1, 2020, across the 11th state to legalize marijuana.

Cannabis industry commentators think that the entire industry, including participants like Wildflower Brands Inc. (CSE: SUN) (OTCQB: WLDFF) and VPR Brands LP (OTC: VPRB), will heave a sigh of relief that New Mexico has provided some good news to break the chain of legislative disappointments.

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420 with CNW – Cannabis Edibles Could Cause a Spike in Life Insurance Premiums for Canadians

As Canadians countdown to the start of cannabis edibles sales in December, some sobering information is filtering in to the effect that life insurance premiums could go up depending on one’s cannabis edibles consumption habits.

When recreational marijuana was legalized in October 2018, most insurance companies stopped regarding marijuana users as smokers. People who are categorized as smokers can pay up to four times more in life insurance premiums when compared to those who are categorized as non-smokers. This is because smokers are seen as being higher-risk clients for insurance companies.

However, it has emerged that one’s marijuana consumption habits can still get that person in the smokers’ category when taking out a life insurance policy.

Different insurance companies have their own cannabis consumption threshold beyond which the individual is classified as a smoker. Many put the weekly consumption cap at 2-4 times, but some have a higher consumption threshold.

So, what’s the deal with cannabis edibles and life insurance premiums?

It is anticipated that marijuana edibles will appeal to a broader section of the Canadian community, including those who are queasy about smoking cannabis flower. Additionally, it will be easier for someone to consume an edible product, such as a brownie, containing cannabis since these products will become readily available.

For example, many will not find any problem consuming at least one cannabis edible each day, and it is rational to expect lots of Canadians to consume more than one pot edible a day. This puts their weekly average consumption at more than the threshold set by insurers, and the smoker classification can get activated for such people.

Since marijuana has only been recently legalized, insurance policies are still in their infancy and the fine print hasn’t yet been adjusted to cater for the actual quantity of marijuana consumed. For example, a small brownie containing a small amount of marijuana is currently rated the same as a jumbo one having much more marijuana than what is contained in the smaller brownie.

This seems unfair to marijuana users, but it is what it is until the policies are modified to accommodate those nuances.

Some people may be wondering how life insurance companies will get data on their clients or prospective clients’ cannabis consumption habits. While these insurers will not access your cannabis products purchase records, they will ask you to provide some information about your marijuana consumption habits as you take out a policy.

If you downplay how much marijuana you consume in order to avoid being classified as a smoker, you face a high risk of any insurance claim you or your loved ones make being denied if the insurer later discovers, from your medical records for example, that you consume way more marijuana than what you declared. A discussion with your attorney is advisable before you sign any life insurance paperwork.

These developments in Canada paint a picture of what could happen in the U.S. if the federal government ever amends its marijuana policies to become more permissive towards the substance. How would this insurance issue play out? It would be enlightening to know what the take of marijuana industry players like VIVO Cannabis Inc. (TSX.V: VIVO) (OTCQX: VVCIF) and TransCanna Holdings Inc. (CSE: TCAN) (FRA: TH8) is on this matter.

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