420 with CNW – US Virgin Islands Passes Medical Marijuana Law

On Tuesday last week, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed a bill that legalized medical cannabis in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This brings to an end a long process that started with a referendum in favor of medical cannabis in 2014. 56.5 percent of the voters agreed that medical cannabis should be legalized and regulated.

Senator Positive Nelson then drafted a bill to actualize medical cannabis in the jurisdiction but the bill didn’t sail through the legislature. He persisted in bringing new bills during each legislative session until the most recent one passed in December last year and was assented to by the Governor a week ago.

Gov. Bryan Jr. had stated during his campaigns that he supported the legalization of medical cannabis, so putting his signature on the bill was a foregone conclusion as long as the bill passed on the floor of the Legislature. The Governor was also aware of the economic benefits that would accrue once medical cannabis is legalized.

The Medical Cannabis Patient Care Act states that patients need to get a recommendation from a doctor before consuming medical cannabis. The law also establishes the Office of Cannabis Regulation, the agency that will be charged with licensing and overseeing the medical cannabis industry.

The patients who reside in the Virgin Islands will be allowed to have up to four ounces of marijuana flower while those who aren’t residents will have a possession limit of three ounces. The Office of Cannabis Regulation will set the limits for the other cannabis products in due course.

The law also listed a number of health conditions for which patients can get a doctor’s recommendation for medical cannabis. These include neuropathic pain, diabetes, traumatic brain injury, HIV/AIDS, ulcerative colitis, muscle spasms, PTSD and so many others.

Medical marijuana advocates applauded the action taken by the Legislature and Gov. Bryan in passing this vital law. Patients who badly need alternative remedies for their conditions will soon access marijuana legally within the Virgin Islands.

It is expected that draft rules for the medical cannabis industry will be in place within four months after the enactment of the Medical Cannabis Patient Care Act.

What is left is for the regulations to be made so that industry players can start getting ready to cultivate, manufacture and distribute medical cannabis to the licensed dispensaries. It is hoped that this next phase will not drag out in the same way that passing the law did after the referendum of 2014. The Flowr Corporation (TSX.V: FLWR) and Supreme Cannabis Company Inc. (TSX.V: FIRE) (OTCQX: SPRWF) wish the U.S. Virgin Islands a speedy implementation of their medical cannabis program.

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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 – Washington Legislators Make Another Attempt at Legalizing Cannabis Homegrows

Washington State still remains as the only state where recreational cannabis is legal but residents aren’t allowed to grow the plant for their own use. However, this may change if the two bills introduced in the state legislature are passed, thereby allowing adults to grow a maximum of six plants for their own use.

Previous attempts to pass similar bills have met with failure, so it isn’t a foregone conclusion that the attempts this year will bear fruit.

The key difference this time round is that the two bills have bipartisan support, at least when the list of sponsors is analyzed.

One advocate of growing cannabis at home, John Kingsbury, revealed that he has been approaching numerous legislators to ask them to support the new bills. Many revealed that they couldn’t sign their names against the bills, but promised to vote in favor of the bills should they ever reach the floor of the legislature.

This new set of bills seeks to eliminate the restrictions that were proposed by regulators at the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) in 2017 when proposals to allow people to grow cannabis at home were first suggested.

Those restrictions included a cap of four plants for homegrows. The LCB also wanted people to obtain a mandatory license from the state if they wanted to grow cannabis at home. There was even a suggestion that mechanisms should be instituted to track a cannabis plant throughout the state!

The new bills propose that adults can grow a maximum of six plants and there will be no need to obtain a permit or to track the plants grown by each adult.

Critics of plans to allow residents to grow their own cannabis claim that allowing such a practice would expand the black market for marijuana and that it will be hard to regulate the industry.

However, those in favor of the proposals counter that Washington is learning from the experience of other states and can therefore pick what to apply and what to avoid. For example, the six-plant limit is a valuable requirement since it sidesteps the mistake made by Colorado when it initially allowed residents to grow up to 99 plants, a move that allowed this legally grown crop to end up on the illicit market.

Additionally, the legalization of homegrows would curb the black market since residents would resort to consuming their own produce if retail outlets and medical cannabis dispensaries ever developed shortages.

The cannabis industry, including Sunniva Inc. (CSE: SNN) (OTCQB: SNNVF) and Sugarmade, Inc. (OTCQB: SGMD), is watching how the bills will be debated and voted on, if they get to that stage.

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420 with CNW – About 60 Closed Cannabis Dispensaries May Reopen in Michigan

The Michigan Medical Marijuana Licensing Board has voted to allow more than 60 medical cannabis dispensaries to reopen at least until March 31 as their license applications are processed.

The decision was announced after there was an outcry that patients would find it hard to get medical cannabis if that large number of dispensaries is closed pending the processing of their license applications.

The reprieve given to the closed businesses is subject to a number of conditions. First, the local government of the area should have granted the business approval to operate in their jurisdiction. The business should have also submitted its license application within a certain timeframe, in addition to meeting the other conditions before it reopens.

This decision was met with some reservations by a section of the members of the licensing board. These individuals felt that letting these closed businesses to reopen would be unfair to those dispensaries that had done everything possible to acquire a license.

By reopening unlicensed dispensaries, the board may be setting a precedent that it makes no difference whether you comply with regulatory requirements in time or not.

These concerned board members were of the view that the 50 licensed dispensaries should have been given a chance to see a boom in their sales as a reward for taking timely action to get licensed. The unlicensed dispensaries are 72.

In a related development, medical marijuana products that haven’t been tested and approved can still be sold at the different dispensaries within Michigan as long as the dispensary gives the patient an acknowledgment form to sign confirming that the patient is aware that the product hasn’t met all the testing requirements of the state.

The previous Governor of Michigan, Rick Synder, had tried to close all the medical cannabis dispensaries that were still using the emergency rules as the basis of their operation before they get licenses.

However, those attempts to close the dispensaries were thwarted by court rulings and the desire to protect patients’ interests regarding ease of access to medical marijuana. This recent reprieve by the licensing board is yet another speed bump on the journey to accept only licensed dispensaries to operate in the state.

All in all, it is good that the interests of the patients have been given precedence by the medical marijuana licensing board in Michigan. Sproutly Canada, Inc. (OTCQB: SRUTF) (CSE: SPR) (FRA: 38G) and SinglePoint, Inc. (OTCQB: SING) urge the affected dispensaries to comply with all the regulatory requirements so that their operations aren’t disrupted once the deadline reaches.

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420 with CNW – Wisconsin Governor Reveals Plans to Legalize Marijuana

The new Governor of Wisconsin, Tony Evers, has announced that he intends to take the first step towards legalizing marijuana in the state during the first two years of his term of office. Evers revealed that he will include medical marijuana legalization during his budget proposals for this year.

The Governor made those statements during his address to the board members of the Wisconsin Technological Council last week. The Democratic Governor also revealed that he doesn’t want to rush anything, so he will start by pushing for the legalization of medical marijuana before taking the next step to legalizing recreational cannabis in the state.

Gov. Evers also stated that while he could push for legislation to make medical cannabis legal, he prefers that a referendum is used to decide whether recreational cannabis should be legalized or not.

However, the Governor also added that he wants the process to be handled “correctly.” When questioned about what he meant by that, Gov. Evers made some revealing remarks regarding his views on cannabis legalization.

First, he stated that he would like to see a cannabis industry that is favorable to small businesses. He revealed that he didn’t want to see the corporate takeover of the industry in Wisconsin just as what is happening elsewhere, such as Washington State.

He also added that he would like to see a tax structure that doesn’t make businesses to struggle to stay afloat, as is the case in Colorado. He wants residents to get involved in the industry profitably, rather than going broke in the process of working in an industry for which one is passionate.

The Governor’s views notwithstanding, it may be tough to legalize medical cannabis in the state using legislative means. This is because the Governor’s plans may be blocked by the legislators who aren’t so warm towards his ideas. For example, Scott Fitzgerald (Republican), the Senate Majority Leader, is a known opponent of medical marijuana legalization.

Be that as it may, the goodwill of the Governor towards cannabis legalization is invaluable to those who would like to see the marijuana laws in the state reformed. Those voices are gathering momentum and it may not be long before the elected representatives of the people start feeling that they risk losing their positions if they go against what the majority want on issues of marijuana legalization.

The entire cannabis industry, including Redfund Capital Corp. (CSE: LOAN) (OTC: PNNRF) (Frankfurt: O3X4) and Plus Products Inc. (CSE: PLUS) welcomes Gov. Evers’ plan to develop a homegrown approach to cannabis legalization.

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Direct Selling Companies Prove Attractive for CBD Market, Drawing Large Non-Endemic Cannabis Industry Partners

CannabisNewsWire Editorial Coverage: With experts such as the Brightfield Group predicting the hemp-derived CBD (cannabidiol) market will reach $22 billion by 2022, major industry players such as Anheuser-Busch are seeing value and viability in the direct selling approach to selling CBD products.

With a predicted 130 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next three years, the hemp-derived CBD industry looks primed to explode.
The direct selling approach to selling CBD products pioneered by brands such as Youngevity International is attracting the interest of large-scale companies.
Given new medical studies proving the efficacy of daily CBD intake, the market appears ripe for companies with vested interests in other lifestyle markets.

Following the passing of the groundbreaking 2018 U.S. Farm Bill that legalized the industrial cultivation of hemp nationally, scores of companies not endemic to the cannabis industry are looking for ways to enter the booming CBD market. Partnerships and acquisitions look to be one of the most promising strategies, with many savvy companies utilizing the direct selling route originated by brands such as Youngevity International Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI) (YGYI Profile), a leading omni-direct lifestyle company. New Age Beverages Corporation (NASDAQ: NBEV) recently merged with a direct selling company to distribute its CBD products, while beer giant Constellation Brands Inc. (NYSE: STZ) poured a $4 billion investment into Canadian cannabis company Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE: CGC) (TSX: WEED). Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE: BUD) (OTC: BUDFF) also partnered with a leading Canadian cannabis producer to research cannabis-infused drinks and owns 20 percent of Icelandic Water Holdings, which recently entered into an exclusive joint-marketing/development agreement with Youngevity to develop and sell CBD-infused products.

To view an infographic of this editorial, click here.

A Market Primed to Skyrocket

The recent deregulation, legalization and proliferation of the cannabis industries in the United States and Canada made 2018 a landmark year for those industries, creating an ideal scenario for an astronomical growth rate. Canada’s recent move to legalize recreational marijuana and the United States’ decision to legalize the industrial cultivation of hemp nationwide has experts forecasting the global cannabis industry to exceed $39 billion by 2023 and possibly exceed $95 billion by 2026.

Within that market, the hemp-derived CBD segment will likely grow at an even faster rate, with that growth buoyed by the fact that it doesn’t have to pass any state legalization hurdles across the United States. Brightfield Group expects the hemp-CBD industry’s growth to outpace the rest of the cannabis industry combined, and Hemp Business Journal estimates the hemp market to grow around 700 percent by 2020. With the meteoric growth predicted, companies such as Youngevity International Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI), which already have established direct-selling channels that can nimbly adapt and upscale marketing, production, and delivery, could see a boon in business.

Direct Selling Method Attracting Corporate Giants

Given the nascent nature of the cannabis industry, many consumers are just learning about CBD products, meaning that growth within the industry is happening in the most organic fashion possible: word-of-mouth marketing. Brightfield Group notes that more than 50 percent of CBD consumers in all U.S. regions first learned about CBD from friends or family, which makes direct selling companies a “fantastic fit” for the CBD industry.

Studies by Direct Selling News show that direct selling companies already lead the global market in sales of CBD products with more than $300 million in annual sales. Therefore, the interest of larger, non-endemic companies in the direct selling model of brands such as Youngevity only makes sense and may signal that, as the cannabis market continues its stratospheric growth, so too will the direct selling sector within the industry.

Increased Medical Studies Cause Increased Interest in CBD

One of the main driving forces behind the rapid increase in popularity in CBD globally is increased awareness by consumers of the widespread medical uses of CBD. Research has shown that CBD, particularly when used daily, can help treat and prevent symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, arthritis, epilepsy and a slew of other ailments.

Given that, companies such as Youngevity — which has the ability to deliver CBD in convenient packaging and applications for daily use — may have an upper leg when it comes to profiting off the growing trend. Knowing that, it makes sense that Youngevity recently announced an exclusive joint-marketing agreement with Icelandic Water Holdings, a company in which Anheuser-Busch has 20 percent ownership.

Youngevity and Icelandic plan to develop and sell CBD-infused dietary supplements, children’s drinks, pet products, and coffee products via Youngevity’s direct selling platform. This move seems to validate not only the viability of the direct selling model in selling CBD products but also the potential windfall businesses already established in other lifestyle industries may experience by integrating into the CBD sector.

Lifestyle Direct Selling Companies Poised to Capitalize on Expanding CBD Market

Globally, the direct selling market is growing. Research by Euromonitor shows that the direct selling market is expected to reach $163 billion by 2020, with the largest portion of that business coming from the wellness industry. Given the aforementioned promise of the CBD market in the direct selling industry, along with the expected continual growth of the direct selling industry at large, it only makes sense that direct selling companies poised at the intersection of the cannabis, wellness and other lifestyle industries may be best suited to capitalize on the inclusion of CBD in other industries.

Youngevity could be an ideal example of just such a company. The direct selling expert has already established a sterling presence in the coffee industry through its wholly-owned subsidiary CLR Roasters, a proven farm-to-cup pipeline that can be quickly and easily adapted for hemp cultivation. Its holdings in other markets ripe for CBD inclusion such as the beauty and wellness industries, Youngevity may be best positioned to harness the incredible growth in the CBD market, particularly via large-scale corporate partnerships and mergers.

CBD Market Continues to Draw Non-Endemic Interest as Direct Selling Flourishes

New Age Beverages (NASDAQ: NBEV) recently merged with the direct selling company Morinda with the stated intent to sell CBD products through Morinda’s direct selling model. This appears to be a solid endorsement of the viability of direct selling in selling CBD. Created in 2016, New Age has developed a brand portfolio competing in the highest growth segments of the beverage industry and has created the only one-stop-shop of healthy beverages. By combining with Morinda, New Age plans to rapidly grow its brands by adding a direct-to-consumer infrastructure and market access to 60 countries around the world.

Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ) has similarly shown that the beer industry is keenly interested in the CBD market. It recently invested $4 billion in Canadian cannabis producer Canopy Growth (NYSE: CGC) (TSX: WEED), telling U.S. lawmakers it was “extremely bullish, if not more bullish” on the prospect of selling CBD-infused drinks in the United States. following the nationwide legalization of industrial hemp cultivation via the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill. Given its positioning as a premium beer, wine, and spirits company, Constellation’s interest in the market may signal that other large corporations in the premium beverage market may see viability in CBD.

Canopy Growth was the first cannabis company in North America to be publicly traded, then followed that milestone by becoming the first North American cannabis company to diversify its platform to include both greenhouse and indoor growing, to acquire a major competitor and to be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Through its subsidiary, Canopy was also the first cannabis company to introduce the now-standard concept of compassionate pricing, making medical cannabis more affordable for patients.

Anheuser-Busch Inbev (NYSE: BUD) (OTC: BUDFF), the massive brewer that makes Budweiser Bud Light, and more than 500 other beer brands, has shown a keen interest in the CBD market. The company recently partnered in a $100 million joint venture with Tilray Inc., a leading Canadian cannabis company, to research cannabis-infused drinks for the Canadian market. Currently the partnership is limited to Canada, with the companies making decisions regarding the commercialization of the beverages in the future. Anheuser-Busch said it would participate in the project through its subsidiary Labatt Breweries of Canada.

The recent nationwide legalization of hemp cultivation in the United States, as well as the nationwide cannabis legalization in Canada, has created a rapidly expanding CBD market. With the proven success of direct selling companies in selling these products, it seems the direct selling industry will continue to help propel the CBD market as large-scale, non-endemic companies look for ways to gain entry into the market.

For more information on Youngevity, visit Youngevity International, Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI)

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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 – Denmark Approves Bulk Medical Cannabis Exports

The Danish Ministry of Health has revealed that an executive order allowing local companies to export medical cannabis in bulk took effect on the first day of this year. This puts Denmark in pole position around the continent since many other countries are still staggering in their efforts to get medical cannabis programs running.

For example, the military is the only entity authorized to grow cannabis in Italy while Germany is yet to get its domestic cultivation program going.

Several foreign medical cannabis companies, including The Green Organic Dutchman and Canopy Growth have set foot in Denmark. Several reasons make this landlocked nation ideal for this nascent industry.

First, Denmark is close to Germany. Germany is regarded as the “golden goose” in Europe, so any company that can access the German medical cannabis market stands to make a fortune. It is also easy to access the rest of Europe from Denmark.

Secondly, Denmark has an advanced agricultural system that relies on technology to grow products that compete favorably on the continent and beyond. This shift to automation didn’t just happen by chance. The Danes realized that in order to compete with warmer countries in the region, automation was the way to go. This removed the reliance on human labor that was very expensive. Cannabis growers therefore stand to benefit from this rich agricultural heritage.

Thirdly, the government in Denmark is stable and supportive of the medical cannabis industry. This support was ably demonstrated when in just one year, medical cannabis was legalized, regulations were passed and exports were also permitted. Other countries take more than a year to hit just one of those milestones.

Additionally, utility rates in Denmark are one of the lowest on the continent. This is a big advantage to cannabis growers because electricity is one of the largest costs that they have to incur in order to grow marijuana indoors.

However, not everything favors the Danish cannabis industry.

For starters, many local doctors are skeptical about the medicinal benefits of cannabis and they have voiced their concerns. Denmark has responded to this by creating the Clinical Cannabis Forum in order to spread awareness about medical marijuana.

Secondly, several countries in the south have longer growing seasons and warmer weather in addition to abundant cheap labor. These include Malta, Portugal and Greece. Their products are likely to give Denmark a run for its money.

It remains to be seen how Danish technology will be harnessed to address those roadblocks that may reduce the shine on the allure of the industry. Redfund Capital Corp. (CSE: LOAN) (OTC: PNNRF) (Frankfurt: O3X4) and Plus Products Inc. (CSE: PLUS) wish Denmark all the best on its journey to become a player in the international medical cannabis industry.

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420 with CNW – What to Expect When Entering an Ohio Medical Marijuana Dispensary

The first medical marijuana dispensaries in Ohio opened on Wednesday, January 17 and many patients who were entering a dispensary for the first time didn’t know what to expect. Several operators of dispensaries shared their thoughts on how Ohio patients can make their visit to a dispensary seamless. This article discusses some of their suggestions.

Patients and Caregivers Only

The first thing that people who want to buy medical cannabis should know is that only patients and their caregivers will be allowed into a dispensary. Families are therefore advised to refrain from accompanying a patient to the dispensary since they will not be allowed to access the premises if they aren’t cardholders or caregivers.

Prepare In Advance

Patients and their caregivers are also advised to prepare adequately before heading out to a medical cannabis dispensary. This preparation includes confirming that one completed the registration process as well as setting aside cash for their purchase since dispensaries will not be accepting credit cards or health insurance. It is also prudent to carry the same photo ID that you used when enrolling for the program.

Don’t Touch

Medical cannabis dispensaries in Ohio will have a room in which patients and their caregivers can view the different products available. However, no one will be allowed to touch any product on display unless a dispensary employee permits them to. You can only see or smell the products.

No Onsite Consumption

Once a patient or their caregiver has selected what they will purchase, the products will be cleared at the check-out counter and you can leave the dispensary. No one is allowed to consume medical marijuana within the dispensary premises or anywhere in public. Ohio law stipulates that medical marijuana can only be consumed in the privacy of one’s home.

Check Dispensary Locations

So far, there are 56 medical marijuana dispensaries licensed by Ohio State. However, not all of them will be in position to open immediately, so patients are advised to check online and confirm that the dispensary they wish to buy products from will be open on the day one needs to visit the facility. For example, just 4 out of the 56 licensed dispensaries opened on Wednesday.

The medical marijuana dispensaries have indicated that they will give each patient as much time and information as possible in order to help them to select the best products for their needs. This promise is a welcome gesture because not many patients will be certain about what to buy for their conditions. Phivida Holdings Inc. (CSE: VIDA) (OTCQX: PHVAF) and Net Element (NASDAQ: NETE) congratulate Ohio upon kick starting their medical cannabis program.

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420 with CNW – South Carolina Legislators Introduce Bill to Legalize Medical Marijuana

It seems South Carolina is next in line to act upon the growing popularity of marijuana across the U.S. Two legislators have tabled a bill that, if passed, would allow patients to start using medical marijuana.

The Compassionate Care Act is sponsored by Rep. Peter McCoy and Sen. Tom Davis. When unveiling the bill, Sen. Davis said that their interest in introducing that bill was to make it possible for patients and their doctors to decide whether medical marijuana can be helpful in promoting the health of the patient. Such a decision should not be left to politicians or law enforcement agencies, he added.

True to the conservative nature of South Carolina, the proposed bill comes with numerous restrictions to prevent the program from being abused by those who wish to consume recreational marijuana.

For example, physicians will constantly monitor how the patients they recommended are using medical marijuana.

The bill also limits the qualifying conditions for which one can obtain a medical cannabis card. Only patients with chronic conditions will be eligible to get medical marijuana cards if the bill is passed in its current form. This is unlike some other states where nearly everyone can apply and receive a medical marijuana license since the qualifying conditions are loosely defined.

Currently, about 72 percent of people in South Carolina support the legalization of medical cannabis. The sponsors of this bill are counting on that popular support to see the bill through the legislature.

However, it will not be smooth sailing for the proposed law. There is opposition from different sections of the community, such as law enforcement and some members of the medical profession.

The Chairman of South Carolina’s Medical Association, Dr. John Ropp, is one of those who are vehemently opposed to the legalization of medical marijuana. He says that cannabis has been prohibited for approximately 50 years and it remains a Schedule 1 substance. This means that there is insufficient scientific data regarding its efficacy as a medicine. He adds that cannabis can only be used as a medicine once peer-reviewed studies show that it has medicinal value.

That is the same argument that the FDA, DEA and other federal agencies have been pushing, and yet the current federal legal regime continues to make it hard for researchers to study the plant and obtain the needed scientific backing for its use as a medicine.

All the same, Sen. Davis and Rep. McCoy are pressing ahead with the bill, and if it doesn’t succeed then a ballot measure may be on the cards. The cannabis industry, including Medical Cannabis Payment Solutions (OTC: REFG) and Marijuana Company of America, Inc. (OTCQB: MCOA) hopes that consensus is quickly built so that the patients who badly need medical cannabis can access it legally within the state.

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420 with CNW – Oklahoma City School Board Passes Marijuana Policy

Voters in Oklahoma approved a ballot measure last year in June making medical marijuana legal in the state. Recently, the school district in Oklahoma City passed its own medical marijuana policy to clarify what employees and students could or could not do now that medical marijuana is legal in the state.

On Monday this week (January 14), the Oklahoma City Public Schools Board released its marijuana policy in which the district asserted that it would not take any action against any employee who holds a medical marijuana license.

However, the same policy also had a clause that barred employees from possessing marijuana within school premises or during office hours even if such an employee is licensed to use medical marijuana.

The policy also stipulated that while students would be allowed to have access to, and consume medical marijuana, employees in the schools aren’t allowed to administer that marijuana to the students.

Instead, the policy states that a private location would be provided so that the caregiver of a student can administer the medical marijuana from that location. Caregivers would also be solely responsible for bringing the medical marijuana and taking it away after the student has used or consumed it.

The policy warns that disciplinary action would be taken against any student or employee who violates the school district’s marijuana policy.

Additionally, the policy states that the school district will be free to alter the policy if the federal funding of the district is jeopardized in any way by the marijuana policy or its implementation. Ultimately, the school district will adhere to any restrictions or instructions given by the federal government regarding medical marijuana.

These provisions in the policy show how large the shadow of the federal government hovering over the entire country is on matters of marijuana.

So far, more than 30,000 people have applied for medical marijuana licenses since August when residents were allowed to start applying for the cards. A patient whose application is approved has to pay $100 in order to receive their license from the Department of Health. People who are at least 18 years old are eligible to apply for a medical marijuana license if a doctor recommends them to apply for one.

The action taken by the school district is a step in the right direction because it clarifies what employees and students should expect if they want to consume medical marijuana. Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP), Green Hygienics Holdings Inc. (OTCQB: GRYN) and the entire marijuana industry welcome the positive action taken by the Oklahoma City Public Schools Board.

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420 with CNW – Records Show 61 Tons of Medical Marijuana were Consumed in Arizona in 2018

State records that were published on January 14 show that Arizonans set a record in the state by consuming a total of 61 tons of different forms of medical marijuana.

The report shows that Arizona medical cannabis dispensaries sold 2.5 tons of marijuana edibles last year. One interesting thing about this statistic is that in 2012, the entire state consumed that exact quantity of cannabis products. That year was the first full year since the medical marijuana was legalized.

Another comparison with that first year has to do with the number of patients who acquired medical cannabis cards. In 2012, just 40,000 people were enrolled on the program. By the end of December last year, 186,000 patients were actively using their medical cannabis cards.

The report released by the Arizona Department of Health Services shows that patients bought 56 tons of marijuana flower (buds) from the licensed dispensaries in the state. Another 2.5 tons of other marijuana products, such as resins and extracts, were also consumed during the year.

The cannabis edibles sold in 2018 were approximately 34 percent more than the quantity of edibles sold the previous year. Overall, the 61 tons of cannabis sold indicate a 42 percent increase from the quantity of marijuana products that were consumed the year before.

However, cannabis resins saw a sharper rise in the volume sold. The resins sold in 2018 were more than those sold in 2017 by 83 percent.

It is worth noting that the Arizona Court of Appeal ruled that cannabis extracts, such as resins, were not included in the protections offered to patients and doctors who were involved in the medical cannabis industry.

Nonetheless, dispensaries continued to sell the products, and patients continued to buy them as the entire state waited for the Supreme Court in Arizona to make its ruling on the matter. The outcome of the review by the Supreme Court is yet to be announced.

On matters of demographics, the statistics released by DHS show that more women took medical marijuana last year when compared to those registered in 2017. 40.02 percent of all patients on the program in 2018 were women compared to 38.35 percent in 2017.

The figures of the medical marijuana consumed are expected to keep rising, and it is interesting to note that in 2014, the total demand for cannabis in the state (both medical and recreational) was estimated to be 81 tons, just 33 percent higher than what the medical cannabis market has sold in 2018. That means the estimates may have been grossly conservative or off the mark. This positive outlook is good news to the entire cannabis industry, including Green Growth Brands Inc. (CSE: GGB) (OTCQB: GGBXF) and Golden Developing Solutions, Inc. (OTC: DVLP).

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