420 with CNW — Canadian Research Shows High Schoolers Admit Accessing Cannabis Is Harder Post-Legalization

A Canadian study involving high schoolers has found that cannabis legalization made it harder for minors to access the controversial plant. According to the newly published study, the portion of students who said they had easy access to marijuana has fallen recently.

This period of reduced minor access to cannabis also coincides with the Canadian government legalizing marijuana consumption for eligible adults and authorizing cannabis retail outlets across Canada. The study contradicts cannabis legalization opponents who claimed that removing criminal penalties for possessing and consuming cannabis would make it significantly easier for youth and young children to access cannabis.

Researchers used data from a multitopic student survey called the COMPASS Study to determine whether or not students have had increased access to cannabis post-legalization. The survey polled students from grades 9 to 12 in secondary schools in Alberta, Quebec, British Columbia and Ontario. The research team considered cannabis-related questions posted to the students during three separate time periods: 2018–19, 2019–20 and 2020–21.

The research team looked at the responses to the following two questions: “In the last 12 months, how often did you use marijuana or cannabis?” and “Do you think it would be difficult or easy for you to get marijuana if you wanted some?”

Team members discovered that the frequency among students who reported having easy access to cannabis dropped by 26.7% from 51.0% to 37.4% while rates of past-month cannabis use fell from 12.7% in the 2018–19 period to 7.5% in 2020–21, despite the country legalizing cannabis and launching legal sales.

Study participants were more likely to report gaining easier access to marijuana as they grew older, especially the participants who used cannabis as minors. Furthermore, the research team noted that students with a history of marijuana use had a higher likelihood of reporting having easy access to the drug post-legalization.

The initial coronavirus pandemic period “slightly impeded” ease of access to cannabis, but the issue went away as the pandemic continued.

Researchers say that while self-reported access to marijuana among minors has decreased since Canada legalized the drug and during the pandemic period, the chances of underage students reporting increased ease of access to cannabis rise as they grow older and advance through high school, especially among the third wave of participants in the most recent COMPASS survey data. Consequently, the researchers say, there is still a lot of room for improving cannabis control efforts and maximizing their impact to limit minor access to marijuana.

This research provides yet more evidence that legalizing marijuana and licensing companies such as Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) goes a long way in preventing minors from accessing the substance.

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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 — California AG Says Interstate Marijuana Trade Would Attract Federal Enforcement

A recent letter from the California attorney general to state cannabis regulators has pretty much killed any hope of developing the interstate cannabis trade. Attorney General Rob Bonta sent a letter to the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) stating that businesses between licensed cannabis businesses in California and out-of-state entities could lead to “significant legal risk to the State of California,” as per the nation’s federal Controlled Substances Act.

Although the controversial plant is legal in dozens of states for either recreational or medical consumption, federal law still classifies the substance as a Schedule I drug with no medical uses and a high potential for abuse. This has put significant barriers to cannabis trade in states with legal markets and has essentially made interstate cannabis trade illegal.

However, with 24 states now allowing recreational cannabis and several more poised to legalize adult use over the decade, interest in interstate cannabis trade has been on the rise. Interstate trade could be beneficial for the industry as businesses could focus on cultivating cannabis in states with suitable climates and sell their products to a much wider market.

Bonta’s letter stopped any hopes of interstate cannabis trade developing in the next couple of years and informed officials that such trade could put the state at significant risk of facing legal federal action. The letter comes months after the attorney general received a request from the state Department of Cannabis Control asking for its assessment of the potential liability of allowing interstate cannabis trade under a 2022 California law passed by Governor Gavin Newsom.

DCC officials asked the California AG for his professional opinion on the measure shortly after it went into effect on Jan. 1, 2023. Although the DCC believes that enacting interstate cannabis trade would not put the state at legal risk, the attorney general’s office says that it can’t rule out the possibility of facing federal action as the Controlled Substances Act expressly prohibits cannabis trade and would supersede Governor Newsom’s law.

Enacted in September 2022, Senate Bill 1326 increased hopes for interstate cannabis trade among cannabis stakeholders in California, but it would have needed several prerequisites to kick in. The measure stated that the governor had the authority to enter into interstate cannabis commerce trade agreements with other states if federal law or guidance was amended or if the state attorney general said there was minimal to little risk of facing “significant legal risk.”

While many states and companies such as Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) could be interested in interstate cannabis commerce, it appears that until policy changes are made at the federal level, marijuana businesses will be restricted to operating within state borders.

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420 with CNW — Biden Issues Proclamation Pardoning All with Minor Cannabis Convictions

President Joe Biden recently issued a proclamation extending full and unconditional pardons to individuals previously convicted in the United States for the use or possession of cannabis. Simultaneously, he exercised executive authority to commute the sentences of 11 individuals serving excessively long terms for nonviolent drug offenses. These offenses included possession with the intent to distribute small quantities of methamphetamine (meth) and cocaine.

In a released statement, President Biden emphasized the imperative of ensuring equal justice under the law. He underscored the consensus among elected officials from both political spectrums, faith leaders, civil rights advocates and law enforcement figures. The common ground was the belief that the criminal justice system should genuinely reflect the fundamental value of enhancing community safety and resilience.

Regarding the commuted sentences, Biden highlighted the disproportionately lengthy penalties handed down for nonviolent drug offenses. He pointed out that if these individuals were charged with the same offenses today, they would be eligible for significantly reduced sentences.

Concerning the pardoning of convictions related to the simple possession and use of cannabis, Biden expressed his conviction that too many lives had been adversely affected by what he termed the nation’s flawed marijuana policies. He deplored the adverse impact of criminal records for cannabis use and possession on education, housing and employment opportunities, characterizing it as a time to rectify these injustices. Additionally, he urged state governors to follow suit in addressing state-level offenses related to cannabis.

The pardons specified in the proclamation exclusively pertain to convictions for the simple possession and use of cannabis. They do not extend to other offenses involving different controlled substances or activities beyond the basic possession of cannabis, such as possession with the intent to distribute or driving offenses under the influence of marijuana.

There has been ongoing discussion about easing federal cannabis restrictions. In August, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) recommended the easing of cannabis restrictions by reclassifying it as a Schedule III drug, a departure from its current Schedule I classification by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Despite changing attitudes toward cannabis with most states allowing its use either recreationally or for medical purposes, the DEA continues to categorize it alongside substances such as LSD and heroin as a Schedule I drug.

Biden’s recent actions align with his broader approach to clemency, having previously granted clemency to 31 individuals convicted of drug-related offenses in April. Notably, during his 2020 campaign, Biden advocated for the automatic expungement of cannabis use convictions, reflecting a consistent commitment to reforming marijuana-related policies.

Advocates may be getting impatient with the rate at which these reforms are being made, and they wonder how long it will take for the federal government to make the changes necessary to bring the country at par with jurisdictions in Canada where entities such as Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) operate.

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420 with CNW — NORML Analysis Reveals 32,000 Studies on Cannabis Have Been Published in Past 10 Years

Over the past decade, researchers have contributed to the scientific discourse on cannabis through the publication of more than 32,000 papers, with 4,000 emerging in 2023 alone, according to NORML’s analysis. The comprehensive exploration challenges critics who state that marijuana lacks the necessary scrutiny to justify legalization.

NORML’s data relies on keyword searches within the National Library of Medicine—PubMed.gov. This year marks the third consecutive occasion where the volume of marijuana-related papers surpassed 4,000, underscoring a sustained interest in understanding both the benefits and risks amid the ongoing legalization.

Paul Armentano, NORML deputy director, highlighted the exponential growth in scientists’ curiosity surrounding marijuana, emphasizing the enhanced comprehension of the plant as well as its active components, mechanisms of action and impact on users and society. Armentano urged policymakers to shift their perspective away from the unknown and engage in evidence-based discussions about cannabis and reform policies based on existing knowledge.

The assertion that marijuana remains inadequately studied frequently emerges in legislative debates at both the federal and state levels. Even President Joe Biden, despite his campaign promises of modest marijuana reform, maintains his opposition to federal legalization, arguing that further study is essential.

Contrary to such claims, the scientific literature on marijuana is vast. Advocates, however, express frustration at a perceived bias in federal research priorities, historically favoring investigations into potential harms rather than benefits.

While 32,000 scientific papers in a decade is impressive, it is reasonable to assume the total would be even greater if not for cannabis’ Schedule I classification. This classification, criticized as a significant research barrier, may see change following legislative efforts to streamline the research process.

Cannabis research in 2023 encompasses a wide array of topics, including government-funded and private studies exploring therapeutic applications, usage trends, drug substitution, minor cannabinoids and the policy implications of legalization. Examples include studies indicating that state-level legalization does not increase underage use and the potential unintended consequences of continued criminalization, such as the promotion of unregulated delta-8 THC products.

A recent scientific paper highlighted significant improvements in the quality of life and reductions in fatigue among patients with chronic health conditions during the first three months of medical marijuana use. These studies represent a fraction of the comprehensive examination of cannabis in 2023, covering political, scientific, cultural and economic aspects.

Simultaneously, the FDA detailed its evaluation of mor than 800 investigational new drug applications involving marijuana, underscoring the profound changes in product form factors, cultural attitudes and the legal landscape surrounding marijuana.

This extensive amount of research on marijuana probably doesn’t surprise industry insiders such as Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) that often feel that detractors tout “limited research” as a convenient yet incorrect excuse for not ending prohibition.

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420 with CNW — New York Publishes Sample Job Descriptions to Help Employees, Companies in Legal Cannabis Industry

The state of New York’s labor department recently published sample job descriptions for various positions in the marijuana industry. Their intention is to allow prospective employees to evaluate their qualifications to work in different roles in the growing industry while also helping firms streamline hiring processes.

In a statement, a representative of the department said that marijuana’s legalization had created significant opportunities, and the department of labor was committed to supporting businesses as well as those seeking employment in the state as the industry continued to expand. The department began posting the sample descriptions earlier this month. They include example positions in delivery, cultivation, retail, and product manufacturing and hospitality as well as sampling and testing jobs.

Some positions are entry level, such as managing retail inventory or trimming, while others require skilled individuals for roles such as cannabinoid extraction, management or laboratory testing. The job-description samples are posted on the department’s Cannabis Career Exploration site and are meant to be used as education resources for those seeking employment. The website also includes a page on how to find cannabis jobs and links to marijuana education opportunities.

The department also released a statement noting that this online resource was put together to help New Yorkers explore working in the marijuana industry. It further noted that the resource would also help those seeking employment to evaluate their skills to find a focus area and determine what education or training they would need to succeed in their chosen careers. The department then added that the resources could be used as a starting point for businesses as they start hiring their workforce.

The sample postings come just weeks after the state’s Supreme Court lifted an injunction that prohibited state cannabis regulators from processing new retailer licenses. This move will allow the New York marijuana market to expand significantly.

In a press release, the Cannabis Control Board’s chair Tremaine Wright stated that the decision brought relief to hundreds of those with provisional licenses whose businesses had been sidelined. Wright then noted that the board remained focused on upholding a transparent and fair process as it continued to support and grow the state’s marijuana industry.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul also wrote on social media that the decision by the supreme court meant there should be more places to buy tested, safer and legal marijuana stores would launch faster. Currently, however, there fewer than 30 licensed retailers for adult-use cannabis in the state.

It is expected that the court’s decision will also reduce the number of illicit operators in the market, who currently make up a significant fraction of the marijuana market.

Marijuana industry actors elsewhere, including group leader Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), are likely to welcome the steps that are being taken to get the industry finally going in New York State since the state has faltered several times in its attempts to roll out regulated sales.

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420 with CNW — Ukraine Lawmakers Pass Bill Legalizing Medical Cannabis, Send to President’s Desk

Legislators in Ukraine recently gave their final approval for a measure that will legalize the use of medical cannabis nationally. The measure has been forwarded to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s desk, who is in favor of reform, to be signed into law. The law shall come into effect six months after the president signs it.

The measure will legalize medical marijuana use for patients diagnosed with serious illnesses and PTSD linked to the country’s ongoing war with Russia. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, with experts noting this was an escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian war, which began in 2014.

In order to obtain the needed approval for the legalization, a petition calling for special procedure, which needed the signatures of 150 members, was circulated. Olga Stefanyshina, a member of Parliament, revealed recently that a total of 164 signatures were collected, which cleared the way for the bill’s passage. It should be noted that the bill’s language explicitly lists war-borne, post-traumatic stress disorder and cancer as the only eligible conditions qualifying patients to receive medical marijuana.

Despite this, the health committee’s chair revealed earlier in the year that legislators heard daily from individuals with other ailments, including epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease. The measure’s approval reschedules marijuana from a List I drug to a List II drug. While drugs under the former category are strictly prohibited, those in the latter category are available for therapeutic use if one has a prescription.

It is expected that the Ministry of Agrarian Policy will have regulatory authority with regard to marijuana cultivation as well as processing operations. On the other hand, the State Agency on Medicines and the National Police will oversee and enforce authorities associated with the drug’s distribution.

The bill also permits the import of raw marijuana materials from other nations, in an effort to ensure patient access.

In a translation, MP Maria Mezentseva stated that the government leaders had accounted for the various fundamental issues emphasized by colleagues and that it was crucial to not trust fake information that was making the rounds on various social media platforms. Mezentseva added that the law on medicinal marijuana was aimed solely at providing treatment for nationals who truly needed it.

The president discussed his stance on medical cannabis legalization earlier this year. During his address to parliament, Zelensky stated that the most effective policies as well as the best practices and solutions needed to be applied in the country, so Ukrainians didn’t have to endure the stress, pain and trauma of war. He also noted that fairly legalizing marijuana-based medicines for all those who needed them, with appropriate scientific study and controlled production, was key.

Companies such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) could explore supplying some of the needed medical marijuana products to Ukraine since they already have some experience availing these products to a number of markets within the EU bloc.

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420 with CNW — Study Shows State-Level Cannabis Legalization Boosts Recruitment for College Basketball

A recent study conducted by researchers at Kennesaw State University and Georgia College and State University has established a link between cannabis legalization and its impact on recruitment outcomes for college sports teams. Delving into the dynamics of recreational marijuana policies and their influence on talent acquisition, the researchers examined recruiting data spanning from 2003 to 2019.

Their findings, presented in the “Sports Economics Journal,” propose that cannabis legalization plays a major yet intricate role in shaping the landscape of college sports recruitment, particularly in football and basketball, warranting attention from NCAA leagues. The research revealed a positive correlation between cannabis legalization and enhanced recruitment prospects for college basketball teams. Teams situated in states where marijuana is legal experienced an average improvement of 3.7 slots in recruiting rankings. In stark contrast, the outcomes for football teams in legal states were less favorable, with recruitment rankings showing an average decline of 2.9 slots compared to similar institutions in nonlegal states.

Despite the absence of survey data from individual athletes, the authors caution against drawing definitive conclusions from their findings. Nonetheless, they offer speculative hypotheses to shed light on the observed disparities. One theory posits that variations in the recruitment landscape between football and basketball may be attributed to the historical cannabis policies of national leagues, such as the NBA and NFL. The NFL, with its more stringent penalties for marijuana use, could have instilled greater caution among college football players compared to their basketball counterparts.

The study notes the evolving landscape of league policies, citing adjustments made by both the NFL and NBA in 2020. The NBA, for instance, removed cannabis from its banned substances list, allowing players to engage in marijuana-related activities within specified limits. Similarly, the NFL altered its drug-testing policy to eliminate the threat of suspension for positive tests, signaling a more lenient stance.

Notably, the study highlights the broader impact of cannabis policy changes on various professional sports leagues, including the NCAA. In a significant move, the NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports recommended the removal of cannabis from the list of banned substances for college athletes. This proposed reform aligns with the NCAA’s prior adjustment of the THC threshold for a positive test, bringing it in line with the WADA standards.

The researchers also explore the possibility that the disparate effects of legalization on football and basketball recruitment may be influenced by cultural differences within these sports communities. The study suggests that the basketball community might be more accepting of cannabis use, potentially empowering college recruits to choose institutions in states where recreational use is permitted.

The researchers acknowledge the need for further research to validate these hypotheses. However, they emphasize the predictive power of their results in anticipating the future dynamics of college athletics. With several states enacting legalization post-2019, the study suggests that colleges in these states may witness improved basketball recruitment and on-court performance but could experience adverse effects on football recruitment and on-field performance in the coming years.

Established cannabis companies such as Verano Holdings Corp. (CSE: VRNO) (OTCQX: VRNOF) likely wouldn’t have thought that the legalization of cannabis could have positive effects on recruitment into college sports teams. More research could reveal yet more benefits associated with ending cannabis prohibition.

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420 with CNW — Study Suggests CBD-Infused Tampons Could Be Effective Against Menstrual Pain

A recent study published in the “Endometriosis and Uterine Disorders” Journal has unveiled promising results regarding CBD-infused tampons for alleviating menstrual pain and severe cramps. The study’s authors posit that these CBD-infused tampons may present a more favorable option with fewer side effects compared to traditional anti-inflammatory medications, offering a parallel pain-relieving impact.

The research team, comprised of six researchers, noted the following in their report: “The outcomes suggest that CBD-infused tampons hold potential as an effective solution for managing menstrual pain.” They emphasized the necessity for further exploration and research into the product, asserting its potential contribution to addressing primary dysmenorrhea, a condition characterized by painful muscle cramps and spasms affecting between 50% and 90% of menstruating women.

The study examined the relationship between CBD, CB2 and CB1 receptors, claiming that because these receptors are extensively dispersed throughout uterine tissue, they provide an ideal target for the localized administration of cannabinoids to reduce pain. A randomized, placebo-controlled methodology was used to conduct the study, and participants were not informed whether they were using a regular or CBD-infused tampon. Participants self-reported their pain thresholds and general levels of satisfaction.

The study group carefully investigated a number of factors, such as systemic toxicity, vaginal irritation, material-mediated pyrogenicity, sensitization, and possible risk of toxic shock syndrome. They confirmed that every test was passed with success, demonstrating the safety of tampons infused with CBD.

Regarding pain alleviation, the report indicated a noteworthy percentage change, reaching 100% in the last menstruation days. Additionally, the study demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in discomfort during particular days of the menstrual cycle, two hours after tampon application.

Although fewer than 5% of participants reported experiencing irritation as a result of using CBD-infused tampons, between 37% and 40% reported an improvement in their vaginal dryness. Two patients reported vertigo while using the product; however, the symptoms cleared promptly without the need for medical treatment after removing the tampon.

The study’s lead author, Valentina Milanova, who also serves as CEO of Daye, a gynecological research company that claims to offer the first CBD-infused tampon worldwide, stated that the observed alleviation of primary dysmenorrhea throughout the menstrual cycle supports the potential effectiveness of CBD-infused tampons. All authors have financial ties to Daye’s parent company, Anne’s Day Ltd., based in London.

The authors did note the study’s shortcomings, particularly its small sample size, and urged future research and improvements to the research design, including the use of a crossover design to collect full pain data.

Cannabis research is still relatively in its infancy, but as the years go by, much more is likely to be known about the health and wellness benefits of the marijuana products currently commercialized by entities such as SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL).

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420 with CNW — Florida GOP Senator Files Medical Cannabis Bill for 280E Relief

Last week, a senator in Florida introduced a measure that would allow licensed medical-cannabis businesses to claim tax deductions. At the moment, legal marijuana businesses in the country aren’t allowed to claim deductions because of section 280E of the IRS code, which bars deductions from being claimed for illicit substances.

Section 280E prohibits businesses from deducting business expenses from gross income linked to the trafficking of Schedule I or II drugs. Currently, marijuana is still classified under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. The measure, filed by GOP senator Ana Maria Rodriguez, would add Florida to a growing list of other states that have established tax parity for the marijuana industry.

The bill would amend the state’s tax code by permitting medical-marijuana operators to claim deductions in amounts equal to expenditure eligible to be claimed as federal income tax deductions. It should be noted that this measure would only extend relief to state medical-marijuana businesses.

Other states that have taken similar steps include Pennsylvania, whose House passed a sweeping tax reform measure in October containing language offering state relief to medical-cannabis businesses. The proposal hasn’t been fully accepted by GOP members, who see it as a giveaway by Democrats to the marijuana industry.

In November, New York’s governor signed a measure offering tax relief to cannabis businesses in the state. This comes after a budget measure enacted in 2022 included provisions to broadly permit state-level marijuana business tax deductions. Maine’s governor had, in August, signed a resolution decoupling state tax from the federal policy for marijuana businesses.

Earlier in June, Connecticut’s governor signed a budget measure that included provisions offering state-level tax relief to licensed cannabis businesses as a workaround for the industry. That same month, the governor of Illinois signed a budget measure that included provisions permitting licensed cannabis businesses to claim tax deductions that they’re currently barred from utilizing under Section 280E. In May, the governor of New Jersey also signed a bill that would permit licensed cannabis businesses to deduct some expenses on their tax returns as a partial fix.

At the congressional level, Representative Earl Blumenauer reintroduced a measure that would amend the code to permit state-legal cannabis businesses to claim tax deductions that are available to businesses operating in other industries. In an interview, Blumenauer explained that allowing state-legal businesses to fully deduct their business expenses would result in additional revenue collection because individuals would comply with the law.

This growing wave of states seeking ways to give the cannabis industry tax relief at the state level could afford enterprises such as TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) a breather that allows them to bring more innovative products to the market.

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420 with CNW — Ohio Marijuana Sector in Limbo as Lawmakers Close for the Year

Last week marked the conclusion of the Ohio Senate and House’s final scheduled sessions for the year, yet the anticipated progress on cannabis legislation remained elusive. Despite both chambers convening on Wednesday, no cannabis-related bills were discussed, prompting questions about the proximity of a consensus between the Senate and House on the matter.

Senate president Matt Huffman expressed uncertainty about the progress, noting that it was “challenging to determine. The provisions we endorsed, developed in collaboration with the governor and presented to the House have not received significant feedback.”

In a bipartisan move, the Senate passed HB 86, advocating for a 15% increase in cannabis tax, capping home cultivation at six plants, restructuring revenue distribution and integrating automatic expungement. Governor Mike DeWine urged swift legislative action, emphasizing the urgency for signing the measure into law. However, the House exhibited a less urgent approach, leaving DeWine disappointed.

Although cannabis is legal in Ohio, the absence of legal avenues for recreational purchases remains a challenge. The existing law empowers the state’s commerce department to formulate regulations and issue licenses, a process delayed until at least nine months after Nov. 7, 2023. Consequently, legal cannabis sales in Ohio might not materialize until well into the following year.

HB 86 presents an opportunity to expedite this timeline, allowing Ohioans to access recreational cannabis at dispensaries promptly upon the bill’s enactment. Senate Minority leader Nickie J. Antonio noted the importance of making safe, legal products available as soon as possible.

Huffman expressed concerns that the cannabis legislation’s progress might stagnate, particularly with the looming March 19, 2024, primaries. Fearing a potential delay into April and beyond, Huffman stressed the need for elements in the bill that were agreeable to the House.

Both Huffman and Antonio advocated for a dialogue between the Senate and House to discuss various aspects of the legislation. Meanwhile, House speaker Jason Stephens asserted that cannabis discussions would persist, noting the absence of significant hurdles in reaching a consensus within the chamber.

Three critical components of the proposed cannabis law include determining permissible usage locations, issuing licenses and outlining revenue utilization. State Representative Jamie Callender introduced HB 354, clarifying certain aspects of Issue 2. The bill maintains the existing home cultivation limits and specifies that cultivation must occur at a residential address.

As legislative discussions continue, with HB 354 undergoing three hearings in the House Finance Committee, the Senate and the House are scheduled to reconvene next month. Established cannabis companies such as Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) are likely to follow how matters evolve in this latest state to legalize recreational marijuana.

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