420 with CNW — Federal Agencies Ease Rules on Previous Drug Use to Meet Labor Needs

As more states in the United States legalize the use of marijuana for recreational and/or medicinal use, the number of employers relaxing drug testing rules continues to increase. The federal government, which is the biggest employer in the country, has now followed suit, relaxing drug screening rules as agencies struggle to meet their labor needs in the tight job market.

Polls show that over one-half of Americans have used cannabis medicinally or recreationally, with majority reporting that they believe the drug should be legalized. Currently, the recreational use of cannabis is legal in 22 states as well as Washington, D.C., while the drug’s medicinal use is legal in the District of Columbia and 38 other states.

Officials have acknowledged that agencies such as the FBI and CIA have taken on more lenient regulations regarding past use of cannabis among job applicants. For example, the CIA announced in April of last year that applicants would need to avoid using cannabis for only 90 days before submitting an application, a huge change from the previous one-year eligibility requirement. The FBI also decreased its cannabis abstention requirement for individuals seeking employment from three years to one year.

In the last five years, the United States military has also given more than 3,000 new recruits a grace period of 90 days to take another test after they failed their entry drug tests. The Navy also launched a pilot program in 2021 that permits recruits to take another drug test 90 days after they failed entry drug tests.

Later in the year, the Biden administration will have the chance to impose limits on how far the government can dredge into the drug histories of individuals who apply for security clearance. Currently, individuals applying for a security clearance must reveal a detailed account of their use of illicit drugs during the last seven years. Background checks conducted before clearance can be investigated if an applicant has been truthful about their use of drugs.

The measure, which was introduced by Representative Jamie Raskin would make the use of cannabis irrelevant in reviews for security clearance, which are needed by most federal jobs. Under the proposed measure, the federal government would limit that time frame to five years for drugs other than cannabis, with applicants being required to disclose cannabis use only during the ninety days before they applied for the job.

Overall, federal employees are barred from using drugs such as cannabis once they receive clearance, even in legal-states, because the drug is still illegal under federal law.

As the drug-screening requirements ease, more people may consider using marijuana for therapeutic or recreational purposes. This increase in the number of users could boost marijuana demand, and that increased demand is likely to have a trickle-down effect on many industries in the economy, such as increasing the demand for indoor cultivation equipment from businesses such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX).

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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 — Minnesota Senate Passes Measure to Legalize Cannabis

The senate in the state of Minnesota recently passed a measure to legalize cannabis. The measure, introduced by Senator Lindsey Port, was approved in a close vote of 34 to 33. This comes a few days after a companion reform resolution was approved in the House.

On the floor, Port stated that the prohibition of marijuana was a failed system that hadn’t achieved its desired objectives, noting that it had greatly cost communities of color. Port continued that the measure’s approval would help establish a system of regulation that worked for businesses and consumers in the state, while also ensuring that communities that were most impacted by prohibition had an opportunity to take part in the new market. The senator added that the primary objectives were to legalize and regulate marijuana while also expunging prior cannabis convictions.

The senate-approved and house-approved measures have both been amended a couple of times throughout the approval process, with legislators working to revise policies around various issues and include public feedback. Many are confident that legalization will be enacted this year.

Under the SF 73 and HF 100 measures, individuals aged 21 years and older will be allowed to buy and possess up to two ounces of marijuana. They will also be permitted to grow no more than eight plants at home, four of which may be mature. The gifting of no more than two ounces of cannabis without remuneration will also be allowed between adults.

Counties and municipalities will also be in charge of establishing a system of licensed marijuana businesses, in addition to operating and owning government dispensaries. Furthermore, previous cannabis records will be expunged automatically if the reform is enacted, with the bills stipulating that the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension will be in charge of identifying individuals who are eligible and process their expungements.

With regard to levies, part of the tax revenue generated will be awarded as grants to support farmers with some of it also funding substance misuse treatment programs.

Earlier in January, Governor Tim Walz announced his biennial budget request, which included projections on the millions in marijuana tax revenues that his office estimates Minnesota will rake in once the reform is enacted. The request also included proposed funding to implement cannabis legalization and expungements.

The bill being advanced is a repetition of the 2021 House-passed legislation introduced by former Majority Leader Ryan Winkler. Winkler currently serves as campaign chairman of the MN is Ready advocacy coalition.

When marijuana prohibition comes to an end in Minnesota, plenty of opportunities will be opened to innovative state residents and nonresidents alike. For example, companies such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX), which supplies indoor cultivation equipment, will have more clients to serve.

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420 with CNW — Maine Legislator Files Anticipatory Bill to Facilitate Cannabis Interstate Commerce

A proposal that would enable Maine to sign interstate marijuana commerce contracts with other U.S. states that have legalized cannabis has been presented by a state legislator. Democratic Representative Joseph Perry’s bill would permit, with certain restrictions, the transportation, manufacturing, testing, acquisition, distribution and sale of marijuana or cannabis-related items entering and exiting Maine.

According to the legislation, such agreements are only permitted if the federal statute is changed, financing for interstate implementation is restricted and the Justice Department issues a statement stating that allowing trade between states would not put the state at greater risk of enforcement actions. Businesses that sell marijuana outside of Maine are required to abide by the laws there and cooperate with any inquiries into violations.

If passed, Maine would join Oregon and California in enabling interstate marijuana commerce when federal legislation changes.

The senate president of New Jersey submitted a comparable bill last year, but that proposed legislation hasn’t yet been passed. Regulation issues in Maine could arise from the movement of cannabis across states that forbid it. Maine is a small, remote state with only New Hampshire as a neighbor, and neither state has permitted cannabis for recreational use.

Maine’s cannabis authorities determined in a report issued a year ago that the state’s introduction of an adult-use marijuana business has already surpassed projections in terms of reducing unlawful sales. However, a cannabis company from Oregon filed a complaint in the U.S. courts last year asserting that the state’s prohibition of marijuana exports and imports from and to other states is unconstitutional.

In the same manner that a federal appeals court determined last year that Maine’s regulations preventing foreigners from holding medical cannabis enterprises within the state infringed the commerce provision of the Constitution of the United States, legal experts speculate that preventing the import and export of medicinal cannabis across consenting states may be viewed as restrictive and unlawful. This reasoning might also be used to undermine state-level restrictions on the import and export of marijuana.

If federal regulation changes, the proposed bill in Maine gives the state a chance to gain from interstate trade, perhaps strengthening its economy and generating jobs. However, Maine’s capacity to enter into such accords is now constrained. The measure attempts to give Maine access to the potential sources of income in the developing cannabis business. Additionally, it aims to safeguard public safety and create an oversight structure for cannabis sales.

When interstate commerce for marijuana is ever permitted, there could arise a production boom for the substance. Such a boom would have a positive effect on not only marijuana companies but also other industries that arise to meet the different needs of the thriving cannabis companies. Businesses such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) could therefore benefit from allowing cross-state trade in marijuana.

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420 with CNW — Australia’s Medical Marijuana Market May Soon Surpass Canada’s

The medical marijuana industry in Australia is expected to grow significantly this year, with some experts noting that the market may even outdo the medical cannabis sector in Canada. Australia legalized medical cannabis in 2016.

Patients using medical marijuana in the country usually access the drug from an approved prescriber or through the Special Access Scheme Category B (SAS-B) system. Data from the Therapeutic Goods Administration shows that the number of patient approvals under the SAS-B system increased in the period between 2018 and 2021, before declining last year.

The primary cause of the decline in approvals was the implementation of reforms that prompted some patients to secure their prescriptions through an approved prescriber. This is backed by data, which shows a significant increase in patient approvals. In 2019, patient approvals stool at 322 while by the second half of last year, this number had reached 172,185.

Rhys Cohen, global partnerships and engagement advisor at the Penington Institute, estimates that last year patients spent about $165 million on prescription medical marijuana products. The institute is a public health research and drug policy organization focused on improving community health and safety in relation to drugs. The organization forecasts that the market may double in size this year, a move that would put spending in Australia significantly ahead of Canada’s medical marijuana industry, which was valued at $302 million in 2022.

Cannatrek CEO Tommy Huppert attributes the growth of Australia’s industry to the increasing number of physicians who can prescribe marijuana. He stated that patient approvals were increasing as more authorized prescribers became active; those activations are increasing because the prescribers don’t need to apply through the special access scheme system.

The reforms implemented in late 2021 also reduced the cost and time involved for patients when their prescribed product was discontinued or unavailable. It also helps that Australia is a big importer of unapproved medical marijuana products and marijuana for research purposes in the world, along with Germany and Israel.

The majority of the country’s imports come from the United Kingdom and Canada, with ANTG CEO noting that the Australian market has been dominated by imported products for the last five years. It is expected that the market will become more competitive, however, as emphasis on domestic production increases to meet local demand.

Beginning in July 2023, all medical marijuana products to be sold in the country will need to comply with new requirements on labeling, manufacturing quality and child-resistant packaging.

As marijuana markets in different countries and states grow, many opportunities are created for innovators in different fields, such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) that specializes in manufacturing grow equipment which can boost cannabis plant performance.

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420 with CNW — Pennsylvania Bill Seeks to Let Nurses Administer Medical Cannabis to Students

Representative Malcolm Kenyatta of Pennsylvania’s state legislature says he intends to introduce a measure that allows school nurses to give medical cannabis to students. According to the state’s health department, the administration of medical cannabis to students with severe medical conditions under a Patient Authorization Letter is supported by both the departments of health and education, as long as a safe environment is maintained for all students while on school premises.

The current guidelines state that:

Parents, caregivers or legal guardians may deliver medical marijuana to their children or students on school grounds if they provide a copy of the patient authorization letter to the principal of the school and notify the principal of the school in advance of each time the caregiver or parent will administer medical cannabis to the student.
The school administrator must also notify the school nurse as well in each case where the parent or caregiver will be administering the drug to the student.
The parent or caregiver must adhere to all school policies that apply to people visiting the school during learning hours.
A parent or caregiver must bring the medical cannabis to the school and give it to their child without causing a distraction. They must also remove any leftover medical cannabis and associated materials from the school’s property once they finish administering the drug.
The learning institution should provide a safe, private space for the parent to administer the drug to the student.
Medical marijuana of any kind must not be in the possession of students themselves at any time while on school grounds or while participating in any school-related activities.

The suggested guidelines will be in place until the state’s education department issues rules governing the use and possession of medical marijuana in the state’s educational institutions.

A school nurse might deliver medical marijuana to a child under Kenyatta’s proposed legislation if they are qualified to do so as a secondary caregiver. Additionally, the bill would exclude school nurses from the $50 caregiver charge. Kenyatta expressed his hope that his legislation would make it simpler for kids to access life-improving medication while they were in school.

Pennsylvania established the medical cannabis program in April 2016 to offer access to patients with significant medical conditions through a secure and efficient means of delivery that combines patients’ demand for access to the most recent medicines with patient care and safety.

Growing marijuana markets such as the one in Pennsylvania hold promise for not only direct players in the marijuana industry but also other associated enterprises such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX), which see a market in providing what marijuana-touching entities need to run their operations.

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420 with CNW — Delaware Governor Lets Cannabis Bills Become Law Sans His Signature

Delaware Governor John Carney stated that he would permit two bills to become law without his signature to legalize cannabis possession and create a controlled adult-use market. This has since come to pass.

Advocates were worried that the governor would override the proposals, as he did during the previous session. He did, however, recently announced that he would let HB 1 and HB 2 take effect without his active participation, which came as a happy surprise to supporters.

Carney, who had previously refrained from commenting on his intentions regarding the marijuana reform proposals from Representative Ed Osienski (D), said that while his opinions on the matter have not changed and he continues to believe that legalizing marijuana is not a positive move, he would no longer oppose the reform.

In a similar vein, he stated during a town hall meeting last week that he thought it was time to put the discussion of marijuana to rest and concentrate on other matters after being challenged on the subject by a number of attendees. In his most recent address, he underlined his unresolved reservations and reiterated the point he had made earlier, outlining the reasons why he would permit the proposed legislations to become law, albeit symbolically and without his signature.

The following is what the legalization measure, HB 1, will achieve:

A change to state law would make it lawful for adults aged 21 years and above to possess, use, share and buy up to an ounce of marijuana.
To prevent misuse of the gifting clause, the law specifies that adult sharing does not include giving away cannabis concurrently with another reciprocal transaction between the same people.
Consumption of cannabis in public and its cultivation remain illegal.
A civil fine of up to $100 could be imposed for a first violation on those who use or possess cannabis if they are under age 21. However, police might exercise discretion and cite someone instead of charging that fee.

Here is a summary of the main clauses in the HB 2 regulation bill:

The measure would offer a fundamental basis for establishing a regulated adult-use marijuana trade system.
The Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement, through a newly created Office of Cannabis Control Commissioner, would be in charge of overseeing the market.
Only a maximum of 30 marijuana retail licenses could be granted by regulators during the first 16 months of operation.
The license scoring procedure would give priority to applicants who can demonstrate that they would hire people from diverse backgrounds and offer a livable wage, health insurance, paid time off for illness, and sick leave.
The Justice Reinvestment Fund, which supports restorative justice, employment development, technical help for those who are economically disadvantaged and more, would receive 7% of the money collected from cannabis revenue.
Recreational cannabis sales would be subject to a 15% sales tax. There would be no tax on medical marijuana products.

The newly enacted cannabis legalization laws could potentially create a market for businesses such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX), which supply indoor cultivation equipment to marijuana growers at commercial scale.

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420 with CNW — Could Interstate Commerce Fix Cannabis Glut in Legal States

Despite there being a huge supply of cannabis thanks to excellent growing conditions and lot of expertise and knowledge, any extra product is legally restricted to each state’s borders because of the federally sanctioned use of marijuana. However, It’s an open truth that some licensed farmers have sent goods to the out-of-state illicit market to stay afloat in Oregon. The state’s top cannabis regulator recently issued a warning about an existential crisis in the marijuana business.

Most cannabis companies in California are struggling with millions of dollars in outstanding debts, and some have had to shut down their cultivation operations. On the West Coast, producers deal with what many refer to as the disastrous economics of legal marijuana.

Nobody in the sector believes that a divided Congress will step in to help by legalizing the substance, enabling marijuana businesses to deduct expenses, or even just loosening banking prohibitions that usually prevent them from accessing loans or credit. Instead, some people are placing their bleakest hopes — and dreams — in the presidency of Joe Biden, which they believe will open the door to marijuana trading across states that have authorized the drug’s use. As a result, they contend, the West Coast might assist in supplying the rest of the nation thanks to its hospitable climate and clean, inexpensive hydropower for indoor cultivation.

According to Attorney General Merrick Garland’s testimony before the Senate last month, the Justice Department will soon announce a new marijuana policy that will largely follow the “Cole Memorandum” of 2013, which stated that as long as specific legal priorities were met, the federal government would not intervene in state marijuana regulation initiatives.

Experts on drug policy predict that the new approach won’t go as far as allowing interstate trade.

However, lawmakers in Washington State enacted a “trigger bill” last week that gives the governor the power to enter into interstate marijuana commerce agreements should the federal government permit it. This legislation was fashioned after similar measures that have already been passed in California and Oregon.

A state’s market structure has an impact on how its industries are currently performing as well as how they might perform should enterprises be permitted to sell outside of the state.

Colorado and Washington were the first to legalize recreational cannabis in 2012. Many of the early laws Washington passed to fend off the Justice Department, such as those limiting the size of expanding facilities and prohibiting out-of-state investment, are still in effect.

Some smaller producers have prospered as a result. However, legislation might impede those looking to compete across state borders with bigger, more effective producers from California and Oregon, who operate with fewer restrictions. Large producers in Oregon have attained certain economies of scale that may offer them an advantage in a larger market. However, the state’s overstock is currently regarded as the worst in the country.

The opening of interstate commerce involving marijuana would open up interesting possibilities for entities which are in the business of providing supplies to cannabis industry actors, such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX).

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420 with CNW — Marijuana Retailers Celebrate 4/20 with Deals, Promotions

April 20, or 4/20 as the day is normally referred to, is an unofficial holiday celebrated by marijuana smokers across the Unites States and in other parts of the world. Marijuana retailers in America marked the day with in-store events, deals and promotions geared toward meeting their consumers’ needs and attracting new customers.

Many planned to run their promotions for a week or even a month instead of one day, which would go a long way in bringing in foot traffic.

Historically, 4/20 is a boon for marijuana retailers, with Treez CEO John Yang revealing that in 2022, the company’s aggregated sales increased by 25% during this holiday period.

Senior VP of Acreage Holdings, Kate Nelson, revealed that the company was focused on ensuring its customers had a wonderful experience during this holiday. Acreage Holdings, which operates in multiple states, had different volume-pricing opportunities daily in addition to holding giveaways every hour.

Another company, 4Front Ventures, allowed third-party vendors to hold pop-up events at its retail outlets. The company’s VP of store operations, Kristie Shaw, revealed that while the deals offered weren’t complex, they varied in each state.

Some businesses also launched new products and brands on this marijuana holiday. The Flower Shop, a vertically integrated company with operations in Utah and Arizona, launched a THC-infused seltzer dubbed High Tide; a range of marijuana products under the High Variety brand; and Ladylike, which has been designed to target female consumers. Company’s president Greta Brandt revealed that the company would be offering a promotion at its outlets that would run for 20 days to ensure expected foot traffic was accommodated.

Curaleaf Holdings, which is based in New York, has also held exclusive events and giveaways leading up to the holiday. The company recently introduced its revamped rewards program, which has more than 1.8 million members and covers 14 states. Under the program, consumers earn loyalty points that can be redeemed on future purchases at stores operated by Curaleaf.

This year’s celebration also marks three years since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, which saw many marijuana retailers adopt new ways to run their businesses and deliver products to consumers. For instance, some businesses offered drive-thru window pickups while others launched online ordering and curbside pickup.

These changes led to expansion in home-delivery networks and increased use in touchless-payment solutions, which makes it even more convenient for consumers to shop.

The marijuana industry is growing from strength to strength with each passing year, and this growth is leading to the opening up of opportunities for affiliated companies such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) that don’t directly deal in marijuana but offer ancillary services and products.

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420 with CNW — Congressional Committee Begins Investigation into Inaction by the FDA on CBD Regulation

The House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chair recently penned a letter to the FDA, notifying the agency that an investigation into its decision to not regulate CBD was being conducted. CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the two main compounds found in cannabis, the other being THC. Unlike THC, however, CBD doesn’t induce a high when consumed. This compound, which is derived from hemp, is also not addictive.

Representative James Comer criticized the agency’s inaction on the matter, stating in his letter that CBD was a popular product whose use had risen in the last few years.

In January 2023, the FDA determined that there wasn’t a regulatory pathway in place to pass rules to allow CBD to be marketed as a dietary supplement or food item. The agency added that congressional action was needed to develop said regulations.

This came after hemp and its derivatives, such as CBD, were legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill.

In his letter, Comer stated that it was important that the agency acknowledge its role in regulating CBD products, noting that the lack of regulations had allowed entry for potentially dangerous substances into the market. This, he argued, had increased concerns that some products could contain dangerous ingredients in the absence of regulation.

Comer also declared that appropriate regulation of products by the FDA would increase good faith manufacturers’ contributions and also prevent some products from entering the market. The chairman then requested that the agency present the following documents by May 1, 2023:

All communications and documents on the FDA’s evaluation of the existing regulatory framework on CBD.
All scientific reports, research and data held by the agency on the safety of CBD products for consumption.
All communications, drafts and documents related to the Jan. 26, 2023, announcement on how a new regulatory pathway was needed to regulate CBD products.

This isn’t the first time the agency has been put on the spot over the lack of regulations for CBD.

During a committee hearing in March 2023, Representative Andy Harris told FDA Commissioner Robert Califf that the agency’s lack of action was reducing public confidence in its abilities.

All this comes after President Joseph Biden directed that the FDA carry out a scientific review on cannabis earlier this year, to be used in the evaluation of the drug’s scheduling under the Controlled Substances Act. While the agency’s recommendations will not be mandatory, it is expected that the DEA will offer guidance that aligns with the agency’s findings on the drug’s benefits and risks.

As the regulatory issues are worked through, a possible market could also emerge for the cultivation equipment commercialized by entities such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX).

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420 with CNW — Colorado House Passes Bill Authorizing Online Cannabis Sales

A law allowing adults 21 and above to purchase cannabis online has been approved by the Colorado House. The action is intended to assist companies that have historically relied on payments in cash, which exposes them to crime risk. Last week, the legislature voted 40 to 23 to approve the bill, which was put forth by Democrats Said Sharbini, William Lindstedt and Robert Rodriguez.

The proposed legislation would add controls to allow for online sales while removing terminology from the current law that expressly forbids the sale of cannabis over the internet. According to the law, shops must confirm the consumer’s identity and age before they make a purchase online, and that data must correspond to the proof of identity they present when they collect the goods.

All cautionary or instructional information that a retail cannabis store must post and give at its authorized facilities would have to be made available to customers in digital format. Before completing the transaction, the consumer must confirm receiving those materials.

Supporters of the law contend that enabling online payments will increase safety for everyone at a time when marijuana businesses remain the focus of robberies because of their prevailing dependence on cash.

The first cannabis dispensing device, which can label, pack and distribute cannabis goods to adults in 50 seconds, was recently hailed by the governor. To offer employees who use cannabis per state law extensive professional license protections, Polis approved an executive directive last year.

Additionally, the action bars state agencies from providing support to any out-of-state inquiries into legal cannabis behavior that can lead to employment sanctions. This executive directive is a significant step towards protecting the rights of cannabis users in Colorado. It also reflects the state’s progressive stance on cannabis use and its commitment to supporting the legal cannabis industry.

The governor of Colorado contacted the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ask about the timetable for the department’s examination into federal cannabis scheduling, which President Joe Biden ordered last year.

Colorado authorities have also constantly urged the United States government to implement reform. With voters passing a ballot measure to legalize some entheogenic drugs and permit treatment with psilocybin last year, the state’s legislature has also served as a focal point for radical psychedelic reform. This has made Colorado a trailblazer in the movement to decriminalize and legalize psychedelic substances for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. The state’s efforts have inspired similar movements in other states across the country.

As the drug reform movement spreads, it will open numerous market opportunities for a multiplicity of companies such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX), which are only tangentially connected to marijuana or its products.

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