420 with CNW – Top 5 Ways Canadians Are Being Busted on Marijuana-Related Charges

When Canada legalized adult-use marijuana in 2018, people thought the country would become a hub for weed lovers. However, the Cannabis Act did not legalize marijuana in all its forms, and it also changed the way the marijuana plant was being regulated.

Several marijuana laws and bylaws are governing the marijuana sector. Some of the rules are to protect the citizens and are widely frowned upon by the police, while some are to ward off illegal activities that attract several consequences.

Even though recreational marijuana is legal in Canada, five of the weed-related offenses discussed below could land you in trouble with law enforcement and attract subsequent penalties.

  1. Impaired driving

Driving under the influence is risky for yourself as well as others, and the way the police are evaluating the presence of marijuana is considerably complicated.

Several studies have shown that the testing devices used by the police to check for marijuana impairment are not entirely accurate. Over a year ago, Michelle Gray, a resident of Nova Scotia using medical marijuana to treat multiple sclerosis, was stopped for a routine traffic check and she tested positive for marijuana even though she had not consumed any weed six hours before getting behind the wheel. After she was arrested, she was subjected to an intensive sobriety test which she passed and was released; however, she had to pay $300 for her car to be released and missed several working days. She is now challenging the law in court.

  1. Interstate transportation of weed

Canadian law prohibits ferrying weed into or out of the country. It does not matter if it is for medical use or that the flights were diverted or if you were traveling from a state where marijuana is legal.

  1. Selling without a permit

Before legalization, the authorities were not focused on unlicensed dispensaries; however, since October 2018, law enforcement has been tracking down all illicit sellers. When a decade old, non-profit compassion club, Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club, was shut down by B.C’s Community Safety Unit, members of the marijuana community were enraged.

Raids and busts have been taking place across the provinces and also on indigenous territories, and several people have been arrested for operating dispensaries and consumption lounges without permits.

As per the federal law, charges can range from a ticket to a maximum of 14 years in jail.

  1. Possessing more than the stipulated amount of marijuana

The federal marijuana Act in Canada allows people to carry not more than 30 grams of dried cannabis flower, and this varies depending on the province as some stipulate it to be below 120 grams. You will face serious consequences when found, except when in need of emergency medical or law enforcement assistance.

  1. Laundering weed money

Businesses or people found helping unlicensed marijuana businesses hide the proceeds of their cannabis sales will usually face severe legal consequences.

According to law enforcement, in December of 2019, Moxipay was charged for facilitating more than 84,000 illegal transactions, where about $15 million was received as proceeds from several unlawful online marijuana companies’ sales. Moxipay is based in Edmonton and was busted by the RCMP.

The customer’s money first went through Moxipay and then it was transferred to the respective companies. Several company employees and four directors are currently facing charges such as the commission of an offense for a criminal organization and laundering money for unlawful businesses.

These scenarios provide a cautionary tale for people in U.S. states where marijuana is legal in some form, and this could provide additional emphasis as to why weed companies like Plus Products Inc. (CSE: PLUS) (OTCQX: PLPRF) urge users to ensure that they understand all the applicable laws before consuming a cannabis product.

About CNW420

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

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420 with CNW – Illinois Weed Shops Grapple With Staff Shortages Amidst High Product Demand

Apart from the weed shortage in Illinois, marijuana shops are also experiencing a shortage of state-approved employees who can work behind the counter since the sale of marijuana was launched on January 1.

Due to a current marijuana shortage, some of the marijuana shops selling adult-use marijuana have closed shop or reduced their sale hours. Others, such as Cresco Labs and PharmaCann, closed their shops on Monday to give their employees a much-deserved break after working five days of long shifts. The shops did not close due to the weed shortage.

On Saturday, the spokesman for Cresco Labs, Jason Erkes, said that the company leaders were working cash registers because they did not have enough employees.

On New Year’s Day, the CEO of Green Thumb Industries, Ben Kovler, was working behind the counter at the company’s Rise dispensary located in Mundelein.

Before the launch of marijuana sales on January 1, marijuana shops knew they had to increase their workforce to manage the enormous number of recreational customers. However, many of the employees have not been able to start working because the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation in Illinois has not issued them with the required identification cards.

On Wednesday, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation issued a statement saying that it had issued approximately 2,000 marijuana dispensary agent cards. The department received an influx of new applications from people looking to work in the recreational industry ahead of January 1, when the program was set to be launched.

The department is working round the clock to make sure that they are within the statutorily mandated timeframe in processing the applications. The Department Of Financial and Professional Regulation is performing background checks on all the applicants to ensure that they meet the licensing requirements.

Although marijuana companies are reluctant to criticize the IDFPR, they have discussed the staffing challenges with the state officials.

Marijuana companies are extra strict on security because of the fears expressed by the lawmakers about crime associated with the illicit marijuana market industry. The shortage of state-approved marijuana employees has been a challenge since the onset of marijuana sales in Illinois.

A cannabis industry veteran from the state of Colorado who has been involved in the marijuana business in several other states, Kayvan Khalatbari, said that in Ohio, it could take nearly two months before the state approves an employee. He further noted that since the launch of marijuana on January 1, employees have been working crazy hours, and marijuana shop owners have been seen doing jobs they are not used to. This has contributed to the slow turnaround time for serving customers, which has been a real hindrance to businesses.

Experts say that for the sake of stability and future growth of the Illinois weed industry, companies like Plus Products Inc. (CSE: PLUS) (OTCQX: PLPRF) are hoping that the employee and product shortages are resolved soon so that consumers aren’t forced to resort to the illicit market.

About CNW420

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

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420 with CNW – CMC Urges UK Government to Rethink Medical Marijuana Policy

On Wednesday, the Centre for Medicinal Cannabis (CMC) requested the United Kingdom government to perform an urgent review of the medical marijuana policy regarding marijuana accessibility.

The request came after the CMC published the findings of a UK survey. The poll investigated the general public consumption frequency of street-available marijuana in England, Wales, and Scotland.

The YouGov survey had 10,602 respondents, and the study findings were published in a new report referred to as ‘Left Behind-The Scale of Illegal Cannabis Use for Medicinal Intent’. According to the survey findings, more than 1.4 million people (2.8% of the adults) are treating chronic health conditions with marijuana.

The report also revealed that people across all age groups, social standing, family groups,  and both sexes from Britain are using marijuana therapeutically, and half of them spend approximately £100 every month on weed to manage their symptoms.

After analyzing the survey findings, CMC made the following estimation on the number of people using marijuana to treat various health conditions in the UK.

  • Depression – 653,456
  • Anxiety – 586,288
  • Chronic pain – 326,728
  • Arthritis – 230,631
  • Insomnia – 182,583
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – 177,778

The medical lead at the Center for Medicinal Cannabis, Dr. Daniel Couch, said that the data in their report highlights the personal, moral, and societal cost of consuming street-available weed.

According to the published report, marijuana consumption is done by people across all socio-demographic groups.  Self-medicating on medical marijuana was observed in 56% of people from social class C2DE, and 44% from ABC1.

The majority of the people who are self-medicating are between the ages of 18-44 ( 71.4%); however, a large number of users are above the age of 55 (14.6%), while 80% of these people use marijuana as a treatment daily or weekly.

On the issue of consumption frequency, the survey found that daily, weekly, and monthly use was 55.8%, 23.4%, and 8.5%, respectively. It also found that 42% of consumers spend more than £100 each month on street marijuana while 9% of consumers do not spend a penny on weed because they either grow it or are given by friends or caregivers.

The highest spending was observed among people who have Parkinson’s disease as they spent £350 each month.

According to the poll’s findings, people are using marijuana to treat the following conditions:

  • Depression,
  • Anxiety,
  • Chronic pain,
  • Insomnia,
  • Autism spectrum disorder,
  • Psoriasis,
  • High blood pressure,
  • Cancer,
  • Schizophrenia,
  • Spinal cord injury,
  • Glaucoma,
  • Heart disease,
  • Cascular disease,
  • Peripheral neurosis, and
  • HIV/AIDs.

According to the YouGov survey, the consumption frequency of people suffering from various ailments was as follows, Huntington’s disease 41.67%, schizophrenia, 41.18%, Parkinson’s disease 30.43%, Autism spectrum disorder 20.39%, Multiple Sclerosis 19.23%, and PTSD 17.37%.

The review on medical marijuana policy called for by the CMC is intended to ensure that patients can afford marijuana as well as reducing the personal risk of buying street-available weed.

Currently, the number of clinical trials assessing the therapeutic effect of marijuana-based medicines is limited.

The founder of the Center for Medicinal Cannabis, Steve Moore, said that the survey findings confirm their suspicion that at least 3% of the adult population in the UK are using marijuana to manage their chronic health conditions instead of the pharmaceutical products.

The report reaffirms the importance of re-evaluating the issue of marijuana accessibility in the UK, said the Ceo of Block Commodities, Ian Tordoff. Tordoff further noted that his company would continue to support CMC efforts and raise awareness of the positive impact of marijuana plants on public health and general social wellbeing.

Industry watchers believe that cannabis companies like Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP) are always deeply saddened when reports of entire populations forced to depend on marijuana from the black market emerge as this UK survey shows.

About CNW420

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

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CannabisNewsBreaks – Plus Products Inc. (CSE: PLUS) (OTCQB: PLPRF) Focuses on Offering Premier, Dosable Cannabis Products

Plus Products (CSE: PLUS) (OTCQB: PLPRF), a hemp and cannabis food company using nature to bring balance to consumers’ lives, is concentrating on producing edibles using extracts to ensure compliant, dosable and tasty products that provide a reliable cannabis experience. An article discussing the company reads, “In California, PLUS has established its iconic product: PLUS Gummies (cannabis infused). Its Plus Uplift Sour Watermelon was the best-selling cannabis product in California in 2019. . . . Of note to investors is that Plus Products is centered on quality growth in California and beyond. Its emphasis is on thoughtfully building a brand in a strategic, deliberate approach. The company is growing its brand through new markets, new products and new consumers. . . . . Plus Products continues to be driven by its dedication to premier dosable products. For investors, PLUS is marketing creatively including product launch partnerships with American superstar John Legend and direct-to-consumer sleep pioneer Casper. PLUS recently entered the national hemp CBD market expected to exceed $20 billion by 2022.”

To view the full article, visit http://cnw.fm/Nq1Hq

About PLUS

PLUS is a hemp and cannabis food company focused on using nature to bring balance to consumers’ lives. PLUS’s mission is to make cannabis safe and approachable, beginning with high-quality products that deliver consistent consumer experiences. PLUS is headquartered in San Mateo, California, and has 80 employees. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.PlusProductsInc.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to PLPRF are available in the company’s newsroom at http://cnw.fm/PLUS

About CanadianCannabisWire

CanadianCannabisWire (CNW) is an information service that provides (1) access to our news aggregation and syndication servers, (2) CannabisNewsBreaks that summarize corporate news and information, (3) enhanced press release services, (4) social media distribution and optimization services, and (5) a full array of corporate communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and content distribution company with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. CNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where news, content and information converge.

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420 with CNW – Italian Scientists Announce Discovery of Two New Marijuana Cannabinoids

As we rolled into 2020, a team of Italian scientists announced that they had discovered two new cannabinoids in the marijuana plant. This discovery shows that there is much more that remains to be learned about the cannabis plant. Their findings are an addition to the existing knowledge of the controversial plants, even though we are yet to find out the functions of the new compounds and how they affect the human body.

The two compounds found by the scientists include tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP) and cannabidiphorol (CBDP).

The structure of THCP is roughly the same as that of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the compound responsible for inducing a high. However, THCP is 30 times more potent than THC. When pharmacological tests were conducted on THCP, the compound induced hypomotility, analgesia, catalepsy, and reduced rectal temperature. This shows that its effect on the body is like that of THC. It is unclear if THCP is psychoactive or if it induces the same high as THC, but when it is administered at lower doses in mice, it appeared to be more potent than THC.

The CBDP is associated with CBD, which acts as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant, and reverses the adverse effects of THC.

The authors wrote that CBDP is a phytocannabinoid whose structure is made of a linear alkyl side chain with more than five carbon atoms. Research on the two compounds would be of significant benefit to the scientific world as it would help researchers understand why different marijuana strains have varying effects on the body, which results in a myriad of feeling as well as the promotion of healing and wellness.

The authors wrote in Scientific Reports that there is a growing number of clinical trials and documentation providing real evidence of the ability of marijuana and cannabinoids to treat a wide range of ailments such as insomnia, anxiety, autism, multiple sclerosis, and neuropathic pain. They also added that they expect THCP to bind better to the CB1 receptor cells than the THC.

Cannabis sativa species are more potent than cannabis indica. Cannabis sativa is used to treat glaucoma and epilepsy. This species of marijuana is an invaluable source of nutrients and can also be used for making textiles; however, it is considered to be the most illegal drug all over the globe, especially among young adults. The plant can produce at least 150 phytocannabinoids, with the most commonly known being THC and CBD. Until recently, THC was the only known psychoactive cannabinoid since marijuana strains that were tested contained low levels of THCP and CBDP. However, the researchers noted that higher levels of the two compounds might be found in other breeds of marijuana.

The authors further noted that since the properties and potential capability of THCP and CBDP is unknown, more research should be conducted on the compounds.

Analysts see these findings as vindication for weed companies like Plus Products Inc. (CSE: PLUS) (OTCQX: PLPRF) and Cannabis Strategic Ventures Inc. (OTCQB: NUGS) that have always said that federal authorities should remove all impediments to cannabis research so that the plant can be fully understood.

About CNW420

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

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CannabisNewsBreaks – Plus Products Inc. (CSE: PLUS) (OTCQX: PLPRF) CEO and Co-Founder to Present Live at VirtualInvestorConferences.com

Plus Products (CSE: PLUS) (OTCQX: PLPRF), a leading cannabis branded products company in the United States, today announced that its CEO and Co-Founder Jake Heimark will present live at VirtualInvestorConferences.com on January 9, 2020.  Heimark’s presentation is scheduled to take place at 1:30 PM ET on January 9. The live, interactive online event invites investors to ask the company questions in real-time. Investors are encouraged to pre-register (www.VirtualInvestorConferences.com) and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates. An archived webcast will be made available for those unable to join the live event.

To view the full press release, visit http://cnw.fm/Kz1Hd

About PLUS

PLUS is a hemp and cannabis food company focused on using nature to bring balance to consumers’ lives. PLUS’s mission is to make cannabis safe and approachable, beginning with high-quality products that deliver consistent consumer experiences. PLUS is headquartered in San Mateo, California, and has 80 employees. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.PlusProductsInc.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to PLPRF are available in the company’s newsroom at http://cnw.fm/PLUS

About CanadianCannabisWire

CanadianCannabisWire (CNW) is an information service that provides (1) access to our news aggregation and syndication servers, (2) CannabisNewsBreaks that summarize corporate news and information, (3) enhanced press release services, (4) social media distribution and optimization services, and (5) a full array of corporate communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and content distribution company with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. CNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where news, content and information converge.

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420 with CNW – Alabama Legislative Panel Recommends the Legalization of Medical Marijuana

When a state Senate bill to legalize medical marijuana in Alabama was met with stiff resistance in the state Assembly, a compromise was reached to create a panel to study the matter further and recommend a way forward for the state. That legislative panel voted last week to proceed with legalization in a move that has been lauded by marijuana advocates.

The Medical Cannabis Study Commission is made up of 18 members and 12 of them voted in favor of medical marijuana legalization. Three abstained and the other three members voted against legalization.

The report of the panel indicates that the members of the Commission presented and debated various issues connected to the use of medical marijuana. While some medical research on the therapeutic use of marijuana was inclusive, the members found strong evidence that the substance was helpful to people suffering from a number of health challenges.

In their draft legalization bill, the panel recommends that the state forms an 11-member Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission to license cannabis businesses and track the industry “from seed to sale.”

The panel also recommends that the state supports research into the medical benefits of cannabis and also puts resources towards finding ways to make the legal medical marijuana industry as inclusive as possible.

Sen. Tim Melson (R), a long-time marijuana advocate who was the chair of the study commission, revealed that the Friday vote shows that the draft bill formulated is a well-thought out document that addresses the crucial issues connected to a regulated medical marijuana industry.

Melson is an anesthesiologist and medical researcher who spearheaded the Senate bill that was passed in May last year. He admitted that at one time, he was strongly opposed to the legalization of marijuana for any purpose. However, when he took a rational look at the available research, he changed his mind and became a strong advocate of medical marijuana.

For that reason, he appealed to other legislators to set their biases aside and evaluate the existing literature before forming an opinion on marijuana.

While advocates are happy with the findings of the commission, they are concerned that the draft bill is too restrictive in its current form. For example, it bans smokable forms of marijuana and gives employers the liberty to fire or refuse to hire an employee based on that employee’s use of medical marijuana.

The list of qualifying conditions is also shorter than what is typical in other states where medical marijuana is legal.

Alabama’s legislature will resume business on April 4 and the bill will come up for discussion. Experts believe that marijuana companies like VPR Brands LP (OTCQB: VPRB) and Plus Products Inc. (CSE: PLUS) (OTCQX: PLPRF) will be hoping that the lawmakers modify the bill and customize it to the needs of the people of Alabama.

About CNW420

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

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420 with CNW – New Jersey Lawmakers Approve 2020 Marijuana Legalization Referendum

On Monday, the majority of New Jersey lawmakers approved the 2020 ballot question seeking to legalize recreational marijuana, meaning that the voters are the ones to decide on marijuana legalization during the 2020 elections.

The ballot question was passed by 49-24 votes in the Democrat-led Assembly, while in the Senate, the measure was approved by 24-16 votes.

Although Governor Phil Murphy is in favor of marijuana legalization, it is not a must for the proposal to go before him.

The approved question asks the voters if they approve the consumption and possession of adult-use marijuana by people above the age of 21. It also states that marijuana products would be subjected to a state sales tax of 6.625% and the towns could choose to pass ordinances to impose local taxes.

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin said that the time has come for America to end prohibition for recreational cannabis.

Once the voters approve the marijuana reform during the 2020 elections, New Jersey will become the 11th state to legalize recreational pot along with the District of Columbia. Thirty-three states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana.

After Governor Murphy and the legislative leaders failed to advance the marijuana legalization legislation in March, they settled for placing the decision in the hands of voters. The lawmakers who were opposed to the measure voiced several issues concerning the legislation, which include the fear that some former marijuana convicts could get their records cleared effortlessly. Both sides of the political divide had members who were opposed to the policy at the time.

After the recreational marijuana legislation failed to garner enough support to advance in the House, supporters accepted for it to be placed on the ballot. However, they were worried that once the question was placed on the ballot, the lawmakers would abandon their responsibility of addressing racial and social injustices on the people of color as well as the increased rate of prosecution of marijuana possession among the disproportionately affected communities.

The executive director of the state’s American Civil Liberties Union, Amol Sinha, said that the principle of representation and participatory democracy is being undermined by a constitutional amendment requesting the voters to make a decision first and find out the details of the legislation later.

The legislation question will be put on the 2020 ballot after more than three-fifths majority in the House and the Senate approve. Once it is passed, a second vote would be made by the lawmakers during the new legislative session starting on January 14.

It remains to be seen what cannabis companies, such as Willow Biosciences Inc. (CSE: WLLW) (OTCQB: CANSF) and Plus Products Inc. (CSE: PLUS) (OTCQX: PLPRF), think about this new plan to end cannabis prohibition in New Jersey.

About CNW420

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

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420 with CNW – Top Vermont Health Official Endorses Recreational Cannabis Legalization in the State

During a radio interview on Monday, Cynthia Seivwright, the director of the Department of Health’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program in Vermont, said that compared to the current policy, public health would be better protected by regulating marijuana commerce in the state.

She made the remarks on WDEV’s Dave Gram Show while discussing the relationship between cannabis-related health issues and Vermont’s failure to regulate marijuana. Vermont goes down in the U.S. history books as the first to legalize marijuana by an act of lawmakers. The bill was then signed into law by Governor Phil Scott. The legislation permits low-level possession and household cultivation of marijuana but prohibits the sale of weed.

When asked if a regulatory model similar to that of alcohol would apply for marijuana, Seivwright said that without proper regulation, it would be impossible to know what it contains, nor would they be able to control the potency. She further added they would not be able to control accessibility.

Seivwright further said that marijuana should be tested in an independent lab. The packaging should not be appealing to kids and should be fitted with childproof caps.

Dave Silberman welcomed the marijuana legalization support exhibited by the Department of Health. Silberman is an attorney and pro bono drug reform advocate from Middlebury.

Speaking to a online marijuana industry publication, Silberman said that Vermont residents from all political parties are eager to pass a reliable system of regulation that prioritizes consumer safety and generates revenue. The revenues can be used by the Health Department to establish broader addiction prevention and treatment efforts. He further said that a robust regulatory system is better than just sitting pretty and wishing for a drug-free country. Silberman also noted that the Health Department is embracing a fact-based approach to marijuana, which aims at minimizing harm instead of stigmatizing the drug.

The state Senate passed the legislation legalizing marijuana sales, but the measure did not reach the House floor despite having passed at the committee level.

VT Digger reported that the House Speaker Mitzi Johnson (D) said that there is no guarantee that the legalization bill will pass in 2020 despite the Democratic leaders’ optimism of its advancement.

Johnson also noted that for the bill to be approved in the House, it would have to garner a minimum of 76 votes, and this shows that she has no intention of rounding up support. She further said that before approving the bill, issues such as youth consumption, roadside safety, and impact on the environment should be addressed.

Johnson’s stand on the bill is in contrast with the state’s Democratic Party, because it included marijuana marketplace legalization on its campaign platform in 2018.

When the bill failed to advance to the House, the Majority Leader Jill Krowinski assured the bill’s supporters that her party is committed to the legislation and that they would pursue it in 2020.

Industry watchers are strongly convinced that the words of the House Majority Leader don’t carry any weight before the cannabis industry, including entities like Green Hygienics Holdings Inc. (OTCQB: GRYN) and Plus Products Inc. (CSE: PLUS) (OTCQB: PLPRF), that would rather see concrete action instead of promises and speeches.

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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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CannabisNewsBreaks – Plus Products Inc. (CSE: PLUS) (OTCQX: PLPRF) Transitions to HERBL Distribution Solutions as Primary California Distribution Partner

Plus Products (CSE: PLUS) (OTCQX: PLPRF), a cannabis branded products company in the U.S., today announced the transition of its primary California distribution partner from Calyx Brands Inc. to HERBL Distribution Solutions for the company’s best-selling cannabis products. “After an extensive review of the major California cannabis distributors, we determined that HERBL was best positioned to scale with PLUS and reliably deliver product to retailers at the lowest cost,” Jake Heimark, Co-founder & CEO of PLUS, said in the news release. “One of our goals at PLUS is to put our products on every shelf at an affordable price, and we believe HERBL is the perfect partner to help us reach that goal. Their substantial market reach and world class management team give us confidence that they will help PLUS further solidify our position as the largest cannabis-infused gummies brand in California.1”

To view the full press release, visit http://cnw.fm/fgSj0

About PLUS

PLUS is a hemp and cannabis food company focused on using nature to bring balance to consumers’ lives. PLUS’s mission is to make cannabis safe and approachable, beginning with high-quality products that deliver consistent consumer experiences. PLUS is headquartered in San Mateo, California, and has 80 employees. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.PlusProductsInc.com.

(1)  Year-to-Date According to BDS Analytics GreenEdge Platform in 2019

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