420 with CNW — Impact of Federal Marijuana Reclassification on State-Level Programs Remains Unclear

A proposal put forth by Merrick Garland, U.S. Attorney General, calls for a relaxation of federal laws prohibiting marijuana. However, this move does not imply the federal government’s endorsement of medical or recreational marijuana use in the numerous states where it has been legalized.

Shifting cannabis from its current classification as one of the most hazardous and least beneficial substances to a less severe category indicates a desire within the federal government, particularly under Biden’s administration, to alleviate restrictions on a substance that has gained legality in an increasing number of states over the past decade. Over the years, federal authorities have refrained from targeting state-legal cannabis activities, and this recent proposal seems to reinforce that stance. Nonetheless, it fails to resolve the complex issues arising from the disparity between federal and state regulations.

The specifics of the rescheduling remain uncertain, as the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has not disclosed Garland’s proposal details. Even if made public, the proposal is subject to modifications during the rulemaking process, which spans several months.

Here are some key considerations regarding what is currently known about the potential impacts of rescheduling:

Q: Is marijuana currently legal?

A: No. Despite legalization in certain states for adult use, federal law would likely still deem state systems illegal. State-legal medical cannabis dispensaries don’t meet the criteria for Schedule III drugs regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Q: What distinguishes Schedule I from III?

A: One significant difference is the acknowledgment of potential medical value. Schedule I substances, such as LSD and heroin, are deemed to have no medicinal use, hindering research efforts. On the other hand, Schedule III recognizes some medical benefits, offering prospects for improved research opportunities.

Q: How are states getting ready for rescheduling?

A: State regulators are awaiting further details before acting. While some anticipate eased restrictions on marijuana research, others consider potential implications for state-legal businesses, such as eligibility for tax deductions.

Q: Why is research important?

A: Limited research due to restrictions has impeded efforts to demonstrate cannabis’s benefits, hindering policy decisions and industry guidelines.

Q: What implications does rescheduling have on criminal justice, tax and banking policies?

A: While rescheduling alone is unlikely to address various concerns, such as tax deductions and access to banking services, advocates hope it will catalyze broader changes, including addressing social-justice issues.

Q: Could a future administration reverse this decision?

A: While possible, there’s no indication of such intentions. The fate of rescheduling could depend on the outcome of future elections and subsequent policy shifts.

Companies such as Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) will be waiting on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to announce its reclassification decision and the commencement of the next rulemaking steps to ascertain what the strategic direction for cannabis businesses may be going forward.

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CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The 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. 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 — Politicians Tout Cannabis Policy Reform Progress as 4/20 Celebrations Take Place

Lawmakers from various states in the United States joined in the celebration of the 4/20 cannabis holiday on Saturday, April 20, 2024, adding their support to the growing movement for cannabis reform. While this day has traditionally been a time festivities within the marijuana community, it has also become a platform for politicians to advocate for further reform, reflecting the increasing bipartisan backing for the issue.

In the lead-up to 4/20, members of Congress and advocates intensified their efforts to promote reform. This included calls for full legalization and proposals to enable banks to engage with state-regulated cannabis businesses. Representative Earl Blumenauer, cochair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, expressed optimism that this year’s 4/20 could mark a turning point in marijuana policy.

Across the country, lawmakers seized the opportunity to discuss cannabis policy, highlighting the significant shift in public perception from viewing marijuana as a taboo subject to recognizing it as a normalized aspect of society.

President Joseph Biden emphasized the need to end the imprisonment of individuals for marijuana possession, acknowledging the disproportionate impact on lives, while Vice President Kamala Harris echoed this sentiment, advocating for a shift in the nation’s approach to cannabis and reforming the justice system.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the importance of reintroducing the Marijuana Administration and Opportunity Act, aiming to end the federal prohibition on marijuana and address the harms of the drug wars. Representative Nancy Mace highlighted the widespread public backing for responsible marijuana reform and urged Congress to prioritize the preferences of their constituents. She advocated for the States Reform Act, which empowers states to lead marijuana reform efforts while safeguarding veterans and children.

Other lawmakers, including Representatives Cori Bush and Pramila Jayapal, called for the decriminalization and legalization of cannabis, emphasizing the need to redress the disproportionate impact of the war against drugs on marginalized communities.

Meanwhile, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy celebrated the second anniversary of adult-use cannabis sales in his state, highlighting the growth of dispensaries and the positive impact on the local economy.

This year’s 4/20 festivities coincide with heightened anticipation regarding potential federal marijuana reform, as the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, under President Biden’s directive issued in 2022, is currently reviewing marijuana rescheduling. There is speculation that the DEA may recommend moving marijuana from Schedule I to III of the CSA, a move that would not federally legalize cannabis but is nonetheless eagerly awaited by industry stakeholders, including major cannabis companies such as Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF), since that rescheduling is expected to have major ramifications for the trajectory of the industry.

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420 with CNW — Colorado Bill Seeking to Silence Social Media Posts on Marijuana Raises Concern

A conservative think tank in Colorado has voiced worries about a proposed measure that could have an impact on internet discussions of cannabis and associated products, including hemp. The bill, SB24-158, covers various aspects of internet regulations, including content policies and age verification. A noteworthy clause in it targets social media companies, mandating that they immediately take down any content that sells, promotes or endorses narcotics that are considered illegal.

The definition of “illicit substance” in the bill is expansive, encompassing not just illegal drugs but also substances regulated in the state. It broadly refers to controlled substances categorized under schedules I to V as per state law. Consequently, the bill’s impact would extend to state-legalized cannabis, specific psychedelics legalized through a recent ballot measure, and even some over-the-counter (OTC) medications, including cough syrups containing controlled substances such as codeine.

Additionally, the measure places restrictions on the amount of THC and the ratio of CBD to THC in specific hemp products, imposing restrictions on hemp-derived products meant for human consumption.

Should the bill become law, businesses would be obliged to declare the prohibition of promoting, selling or advertising illicit substances on their social media platforms.

The R Street Institute has expressed concerns about the proposed legislation, claiming that its ambiguous language addressing marketing and the expansive categorization of illegal substances could cause misunderstandings and possible violations of free expression. It points out that the strict language in the measure may make it more difficult for people to openly express positive opinions about cannabis online or for companies involved in the marijuana industry.

Further, the institute argues that these kinds of limitations would be unconstitutional under the First Amendment since the state would have chosen to outlaw the promotion or advertising of these substances in all media if there were actual risks involved. Instead, it highlights Colorado’s history of embracing cannabis legalization and culture, citing examples such as the auctioning of cannabis-themed license plates with terms such as “GOTWAX,” “HASH” and “420.”

SB24-158, which is expected to be reviewed by the Senate Business, Labor and Technology Committee, is primarily supported by Democratic lawmakers, including Senators Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Chris Hansen, along with Representative Meghan Lukens.

Under the proposed legislation, social media companies would need to update and publicly disclose their policies by July 1, 2025. Any policy amendments would require prompt online publication within 14 days of going into effect. Additionally, the companies would be mandated to provide annual reports to Colorado’s state attorney general confirming compliance with the bill’s provisions regarding regulations and definitions of illicit substances.

The broader marijuana industry, including established entities such as Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF), is likely to be concerned that retrogressive bills like the one is Colorado are being filed and considered.

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420 with CNW — How Cannabis Firms Can Prepare Themselves for Future After Rescheduling

In 2015, shortly after Colorado initiated recreational cannabis sales, marijuana operators faced a significant lesson regarding the strictness surrounding the term “organic” from state and federal authorities. Most operators had to change their business names to exclude the term.

The U.S. Agriculture Department is in charge of the organic label and has accredited third-party organizations to certify farmers and their farming methods. Federal prohibition kept marijuana from receiving official organic certification at the time, and it continues to do so despite developments in licensed cannabis operations.

Even so, there is a clear trend in the prevalence of cannabinoids such as CBG, CBN, CBD, and THC in a wide range of products, from face creams to mocktails, and they frequently have bold organic labels. Although hemp may be cultivated organically, things become complicated when you consider that Farm Bill 2018 legalized the derivatives of hemp that are intoxicating.

However, the marijuana industry, encompassing both high-THC cannabis and low-THC hemp, has significantly evolved since the inception of recreational sales in Washington State and Colorado a decade ago.

While marijuana cultivators and sellers made some mistakes in 2015 by prematurely claiming to be organic, the sector has shown encouraging growth. Marijuana is rapidly approaching its goal of obtaining a membership card in the $199 billion (and rapidly expanding) organic and natural food and beverage sector, in addition to the $22 billion market for organic personal care items.

In many respects, cannabis products have already become mainstream; you can frequently purchase cannabinoids derived from hemp at your local CVS or Sephora.

The impending federal reclassification, coupled with consumer demand and strategic lobbying, may prompt a paradigm shift, allowing high-THC cannabis derivatives to legally bear the organic label.

Looking ahead, several strategies can help companies adapt to the forthcoming changes and capitalize on emerging opportunities:

Elevating manufacturing standards: Adopting CGMP standards regulated by the FDA will become increasingly common. This not only ensures product quality but also fosters consumer trust and market competitiveness.
Seeking organic certification: While federal restrictions persist, preparing for organic certification aligns with consumer preferences for natural products. Investing in organic cultivation methods and sourcing sustainable materials positions companies favorably for future certification.
Cultivating cultural acceptance: With a majority of adults in the United States supporting cannabis legalization, companies should focus on education and advocacy to destigmatize cannabis. Collaborations with influencers along with community engagement and transparent marketing practices can aid in shifting societal perceptions.

The potential economic impact of cannabis is substantial as the substances becomes a more widely accepted natural product. Cannabis enterprises may help make cannabis more widely accepted and successful by putting an emphasis on quality, sustainability and education. This will also open up new prospects for expansion and innovation. Possibilities are bright and promising for those prepared to adjust.

As entities such as Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) prepare themselves for a future of sweeping marijuana law reforms across the country, it is helpful to envision what the market will be like and position themselves appropriately.

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420 with CNW – Medical Cannabis Could Be Legalized in Spain, But Not Everyone Is Thrilled

Spain is making strides toward legalizing marijuana for medical use, with the Health Ministry initiating the introduction of new legislation to sanction its therapeutic application across various conditions. Reports from the Spanish media indicate that the proposed law is currently undergoing a phase of consultation and discussion. Residents, professionals and experts are asked to contact the ministry via email during this period to express their views on the subject.

Recently, Spain health secretary Javier Padilla had talks with scientific societies and professional associations after holding conversations with the EU Observatory of Marijuana Consumption and Cultivation. Further consultations are planned with the Spanish OECM.

The ministry noted that the upcoming bill is a well-thought-out policy based on recent scientific findings. Additionally, it said that the effectiveness of marijuana as a therapy alternative will be regularly assessed, with an emphasis on patient safety and product quality.

The regulatory framework aims to remain adaptable, rapidly integrating new evidence on marijuana’s medical benefits as it emerges.

However, there are dissenting voices, particularly regarding the exclusion of cannabis buds and home cultivation, which many patients advocate for. Initial provisions suggest that authorized medical cannabis products will primarily comprise oils, prescribed solely by SNS-approved doctors rather than private entities. Furthermore, only hospital pharmacists will be able to dispense the medications, which will restrict accessibility in comparison to the widely available corner dispensaries.

Currently, eligible patients include those undergoing chemotherapy for managing symptoms such as refractory pain, seizures, vomiting and nausea. The list of qualifying conditions is expected to expand in the future, according to sources.

Spain’s move toward medical marijuana legalization aligns with similar efforts in other European nations, including Portugal and Norway. The decision also reflects the growing demand for medical marijuana, with Spain projecting a significant increase in production to meet patient needs.

The Health Ministry anticipates producing 36 tons of medical marijuana this year, which is a 12.5-ton increase from last year. The increase is in line with a significant upward trend in medical marijuana output in the nation that began in 2022.

Approximately 400 kilograms were produced in 2018, according to the AEMPS, with an estimated 600 kilograms produced in 2021. This amount, however, increased dramatically to six tons in 2022 and then further quadrupled to 24 tons in 2023. More than 80% of this amount was exported for use as medical marijuana, with less than 20% reserved for research.

The numbers indicate that Spain has surpassed Portugal, which is frequently regarded as the center of Europe’s medical marijuana export industry and is predicted to generate 32 tons this year.

The growing wave of cannabis law reform around the world could open many international markets for established cannabis companies such as Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) that have gained immense experience in the North American market where they currently operate.

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420 with CNW — Cannabis MSOs Set Sights on Growing Wholesale Divisions

A top cannabis executive recently revealed that several cannabis multistate operators (MSOs) intend to prioritize their wholesale divisions in 2024. Jamie Mendola, the national head of wholesale/purchasing, western region regional manager and chief business development officer at Florida-based multistate operator Ayr Wellness, says that while MSOs focused on wholesale last year, the division will become an even greater priority this year.

Mendola notes that reduced capital will decrease the odds of company growth through mergers and acquisitions or by obtaining more licenses, forcing MSOs to turn their focus to wholesale. He adds that with many vertically integrated cannabis businesses in states such as New York, Massachusetts and Illinois reaching or nearly reaching their total number of retail licenses, wholesale will take higher priority.

The cannabis executive predicted that the “vast majority” of the MSOs in America’s state-level cannabis sector are focusing on organic growth. This growth will likely come from the wholesale division, Mendola said, especially in markets that still haven’t transitioned from medical marijuana to recreational cannabis. However, MSOs will have to overcome challenges such as low cannabis prices to grow their wholesale divisions.

Mendola notes that in Ayr’s case, a double-digit increase in wholesale sales volumes in 2023 was significantly undermined by a double-digit reduction in wholesale prices. Although the company saw notable growth through the end of the year, Mendola says price compression masked a lot of this growth. Limited vertical integration among the newest entrants into the cannabis retail market could help stabilize wholesale cannabis prices as these retailers will need wholesale partners to supply products regularly, Mendola says.

Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) in New York is also hoping the state’s increasing number of retail cannabis retailers leads to positive headwinds for the company’s wholesale division. The company’s CEO Matt Darin said in a recent interview that Curaleaf had already begun selling its cannabis products in the wholesale market, likely in anticipation of the flood of demand expected to come from the retail division.

Unfortunately, this strategy won’t be as effective in mature markets such as Massachusetts where both retail and wholesale divisions are at capacity. MSOs in Massachusetts built massive cultivation facilities when there was easier access to capital and cannabis prices and averaged $3,000 per pound.

Ben Burnstein, a senior associate in charge of corporate development at New York-based cannabis wholesale platform Leaflink, says wholesale prices have now dropped to around $1,400 per pound, partly due to reduced foot traffic in brick-and-mortar stores.

Wholesalers can ensure they remain competitive in the increasingly saturated market by building value for their retail partners through varied product offerings, reliability and consistency, Dazed cannabis cofounder Chris Vianello says.

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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 — Study Suggests Marijuana Isn’t Effective as Treatment for Opioid Addiction

A recent study involving 8,367 patients undergoing treatment for opioid-use disorder has challenged the notion that cannabis serves as an effective remedy for overcoming opioid addiction. The study, published in “The American Drug and Alcohol Abuse” Journal, revealed that marijuana, when used outside of medical supervision, fails to exert any noteworthy impact on opioid consumption.

The study carries significant implications for treatment programs in the United States, some of which impose a prerequisite for patients to abstain from marijuana before qualifying for life-saving interventions. This is predicated on the idea that people who use cannabis are more inclined to use opioids for nonmedical purposes.

The study also casts doubt on the competing and growingly popular theory that suggests cannabis can help wean individuals with opioid-use disorder off of opioids. Opioids, while effective in alleviating pain, harbor the risk of addiction, contributing to an ongoing crisis in the United States.

The nation witnesses approximately 120 daily deaths resulting from opioid-related overdoses, while the economic toll of opioid addiction and related fatalities surpasses $1 trillion annually.

While the most common justification for medical cannabis legalization is pain management, more and more states are expanding the list of acceptable cannabis-treatable diseases to include problems that can be treated with opioids, including the disorder in certain instances. The researchers attributed this in part to the perception that cannabis is less dangerous now that it is allowed for recreational use in several states.

Nevertheless, the study fails to provide clarity on whether marijuana aids or impedes the treatment of opioid addiction. While certain studies suggest that marijuana helps mitigate pain and alleviate opioid-withdrawal symptoms, others propose that it may elevate the likelihood of reverting to opioid use.

The study, a meta-analysis consolidating data from 10 long-term trials, spanned an average of 10 months. Participants were monitored for nonmedical opioid use, encompassing the consumption of opioids not prescribed to them and exceeding prescribed dosages. The study compared the frequency of such use between cannabis users and nonusers.

The results revealed no discernible connection between marijuana use and the rates of nonprescribed opioid use. According to the authors, the results neither support nor refute worries that cannabis use may increase the use of nonprescribed opioids in patients receiving treatment for opioid addiction.

The authors cautioned, however, that the study had limitations, including inconsistencies in the methodologies of the studies incorporated into the meta-analysis and systematic review. This includes variances in the baseline condition of opioid usage as well as disparities in the methods used to measure cannabis and opioid use. Furthermore, while the findings are relevant to cannabis usage in general, people with cannabis-use disorders could not benefit from them.

This research goes to show that patients who are using medical marijuana products from one of the many entities such as Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) need to consult an experienced professional before trying marijuana for the different health conditions they want help with.

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420 with CNW — Study Says Marijuana Won’t Enhance Performance But Will Make Exercising More Fun

A new study has found that smoking marijuana prior to a workout can make exercise more enjoyable and boost a person’s motivation. The study, which involved 42 volunteer runners, released its findings almost a decade after Colorado became the first state in the United States to offer legal sales of recreational cannabis.

The investigators took survey data and fitness measurements then assigned each volunteer a dispensary where they could pick a flower strain that contained mostly THC or CBD. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two of the primary compounds found in marijuana. Unlike TH, CBD doesn’t induce any high.

The volunteers had to go for follow-up visits where they ran on a treadmill for half an hour at a moderate pace. They also answered questions to evaluate how much they were enjoying themselves, how motivated they felt, how fast time seemed to pass, how hard the workout felt and if they felt any pain. The runners wore safety belts while running on the treadmill during the study period.

Across the board, study participants reported more intense euphoria and greater enjoyment. The researchers observed that this heightened mood was greater in the CBD group as compared to the THC group, which suggests that athletes may derive some benefits to mood while using a CBD-dominant strain.

Laurel Gibson, the study’s first author, highlighted that the bottom-line discovery was that marijuana before exercise seemed to increase enjoyment and positive mood during exercise, regardless of whether one used CBD or THC. She further noted that THC products, specifically, could make one use more effort during exercise. Gibson is a research fellow with the Center for Health and Addiction: Neuroscience, Genes and Environment.

The study’s findings as well as prior research by the researchers go against stereotypes that link marijuana with idleness/laziness.

Professor Angela Bryan, the study’s senior author, stated that new tools were needed to try get more individuals to move their bodies in enjoyable ways. Bryan, who specialized in psychology and neuroscience, noted that if marijuana was one of these tools, then it needed to be explored, with both its benefits and harms being considered.

A prior survey on marijuana users conducted by Bryan’s research group determined that 80% of respondents had used the drug before or after exercise. Despite this, minimal studies have been done looking into the link between marijuana and exercise.

The study’s findings were published in the “Sports Medicine” journal in December 2023.

Some prohibitionists have always asserted that marijuana is a performance-enhancing drug, but the cannabis industry and companies such as Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) may not be surprised that research has shown that the substance only improves one’s mood and not the workout itself.

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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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420 with CNW — Interest in Growing Cannabis Grows in Ohio After Legalization Law Takes Effect

Ohio became the 24th state to legalize recreational cannabis in America after a voter-approved recreational marijuana initiative took effect. But, even though adults aged 21 years and older are now allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower and 1.5 grams of marijuana extract, the state has no authorized cannabis retailers.

Additionally, the state Division of Cannabis Control won’t start to process cannabis retailer applications until June 2024, meaning Ohio residents won’t have an avenue for legal adult-use purchases until late summer or even early fall.

The silver lining is that the cannabis legalization measure allows eligible Ohioans to cultivate up to six cannabis plants per household. Although the measure allowed up to 12 plants for a home with more than one eligible adult, a state senate bill reduced this limit to just six plants for every household. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine argued that the six plants per household allowed by Issue 2 were already more than a single person could consume alone.

For most Ohioans who want to consume cannabis in the meantime, home growing is the only legal means of doing so. Cannabis plants are fast growing and take three to four months to mature and bud. According to Cali Vybe Hydroponics from Finneytown, many more people have expressed interest in its products since Issue 2 passed and legalized recreational cannabis in Ohio.

For many, home cultivation provides a way to avoid pricey cannabis products from licensed shops and reduces the risk of consuming contaminated marijuana. Ohio Department of Commerce director Sherry Maxfield estimates that a mature homegrown cannabis plant can produce between 75 and 100 joints, meaning a sophisticated grower can yield significant cannabis in just a single year.

The fact that Ohio doesn’t have any authorized cannabis sellers despite legalizing recreational cannabis worries Senate President Matt Huffman because it could open the door for illicit sellers to carve out a market for themselves. Most states with cannabis markets, including California, which has the largest legal cannabis market on the globe, are struggling to compete with the cannabis black market.

Without a place to buy legal cannabis, many Ohioans may opt for the black market, especially since Issue 2 allows landlords to prohibit home-cannabis cultivation on their properties if it is specified on the lease. Cannabis from licensed sellers is several times more expensive than black-market marijuana due to numerous fees and taxes, resulting in reduced legal sales and a bountiful cannabis black market.

As this new market takes shape, it could easily attract established companies such as Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) that may be considering expanding into additional markets.

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