420 with CNW — Marijuana Companies Are Incorporating Reused Inputs in Packaging

While quantifying the exact amount of waste produced by the regulated cannabis sector is challenging, it’s evident that the waste generated is substantial. According to the National Cannabis Industry Association, cannabis byproducts in landfills contribute to an increase in carbon emissions of about 27,876 metric tons annually.

Additionally, a 2020 study indicated that the U.S. marijuana industry produced approximately 1,754 tons of fresh and 520 tons of dry-weight trash that year. This figure does not even include packaging waste, which could potentially surpass the estimated biomass waste.

Disposable vaporizers have become increasingly popular in the last few years due to their affordability, portability, ease of use and attraction to cannabis tourists. They accounted for 15% of all vape pen purchases in Canada and 29% in the United States in the first three months of 2024, according to Headset, a Seattle-based marijuana analytics company. Despite their convenience, these products contribute significantly to landfill waste due to their flammable batteries and nonbiodegradable plastics.

In response to the waste problem, some marijuana companies are exploring more sustainable solutions. In April, PAX Labs, based in San Francisco, introduced the PAX Trip, the company’s first product created from recycled and repurposed ocean plastic. Initially launched in Massachusetts and California, the PAX Trip is expected to expand to New York and Colorado. The company collaborated with rePurpose Global to certify all of its products as plastic negative. For every unit of plastic used, PAX funds the removal of twice that amount of plastic from the environment.

Other major players in the industry are also adopting sustainable packaging practices. In October, Canadian marijuana company Tilray Brands announced it had begun converting some of its product components and packaging to hemp to reduce single-use plastics. Tilray has diverted almost 131,000 kg of plastic garbage since the program’s inception, and its Good Supply brand has stopped nearly 925,000 kg of plastic from ending up in landfills.

In 2021, Oregon-based Wyld, a competitor of Wana Brands for the top market share in gummies, unveiled a compostable bag to conform to Canadian market laws. Wyld has extended its ecofriendly packaging to several of its CBD and marijuana-infused products in the American market. Additionally, in 2022, the company released the Good Tide brand, which employs entirely compostable and recyclable paper tubes, some of which have a compostable lining to retain freshness.

Startups such as Ecoshell, previously known as Spark Sourcing, are also developing innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions and plastic use. The company is currently evaluating unique packaging designs from three different cannabis companies. Ecoshell, a Canadian company based in New Brunswick that caters to the North American sector, debuted a patented substance mainly composed of eggshells in October. This substance can replace up to half of the plastic component in various items after going through a seven-step process to turn it into pellets.

Coast Cannabis Co., an edibles manufacturer located in Massachusetts, teamed up with AE Global to produce environmentally friendly packaging made from recycled ocean plastic. Coast also introduced a marijuana-infused chocolate bar packaged with recycled ocean plastic in June. AE Global focuses on reducing plastic waste by making investments in international waste-management infrastructure. The company provides the cannabis market with specialized supply, labeling and packaging options.

With leading cannabis companies such as Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) crunching the numbers and seeing options that minimize waste can also be cost effective, the reputation of the industry as one that generates significant waste could change.

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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 — Curaleaf, Other MSOs Switching to Hemp-Sourced THC

Curaleaf Holdings had decided to step away from hemp. The New York-based cannabis multistate operator initially ran a hemp farm in Lexington, Kentucky, for its CBD product line starting in 2018. According to its annual filings, Curaleaf terminated its lease, stopped all hemp-related manufacturing and wholesale operations in Kentucky by the end of September last year and listed its assets for sale.

However, Curaleaf recently reentered the hemp business, following a larger cannabis industry trend for licensed businesses. The company introduced a new range of THC-derived hemp products on June 24, 2024, under The Hemp Co. brand.

The hemp-based, shelf-stable intoxication products, including drinks, candy and other items bearing the Curaleaf brand, are legal across 25 state lines and can be purchased online and through well-known retailers such as DoorDash.

Matt Darin, Curaleaf CEO, stated that there wasn’t a single “eureka moment” that influenced the company’s decision. According to him, spending time with legislators in Washington, where Farm Bill 2018 unintentionally legalized a national trade in hemp-derived THC, highlighted a key point: hemp is legal at the federal level, while cannabis is not.

Despite Curaleaf’s strong advocacy for marijuana reform, this legal distinction significantly influenced the company’s strategy. The shift mirrors a broader industry trend of large MSOs embracing hemp.

Curaleaf, as with a lot of big MSOs, is a member of the U.S. Cannabis Council, a D.C.-based lobbying group representing licensed cannabis businesses. The group wrote to federal lawmakers in April urging them to eliminate the loophole in Farm Bill 2018 that allowed hemp-derived cannabinoids to be sold legally across the country. The regulatory change hasn’t happened yet, though.

In response, instead of pushing for stricter regulations on intoxicating hemp products, which face less taxation and regulatory burden than state-legal cannabis, MSOs are entering the hemp market.

Alongside Curaleaf, Green Thumb Industries, based in Chicago, has granted hemp-derived company Urb a license to use its Incredibles edibles trademark.

Whether more companies will follow this path or focus on opening new recreational markets remains to be seen. For instance, Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) has invested more than $40 million in a recreational cannabis legalization ballot measure in Florida.

Meanwhile, Capitol Hill’s lax attitude toward hemp may be about to change. Representative Mary Miller (R) proposed an amendment in the House version of the Farm Bill in late May that would outlaw THC-containing edible hemp products.

While the GOP-dominated House Committee on Agriculture has progressed with a farm bill draft that includes this prohibition, neither the Democratic-controlled Senate nor the entire House of Representatives have seriously addressed it as of yet. It’s also unclear if Congress will approve a farm bill this year.

For now, the status quo permits the sale of THC products derived from hemp online and across state borders, with some state-specific restrictions. This ongoing opportunity for brand expansion remains highly attractive.

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420 with CNW — Feds Outline Research Priorities on Cannabinoids, Medical Marijuana

Health officials at the federal level have outlined research priorities on cannabinoids and cannabis in a new report by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). The report highlights efforts by the NCCIH and other National Institutes of Health (NIH) entities to bridge the gap between the medicinal use of cannabis and the research informing its efficacy and safety.

Key areas of research include the effects of cannabis on social anxiety, pain and sleep; the use of terpenes therapeutically; the use of computers to identify bioactive minor cannabinoids in hemp; and the chemical synthesis of uncommon cannabinoids.

Funding opportunities were introduced by NCCIH in 2019, and $3 million in grants was awarded to researchers to investigate the mechanisms of action and possible pain-relieving properties of phytochemicals found in cannabis. This initiative included minor cannabinoids, excluding delta 9 THC, and terpenes.

Over the years, research has expanded to cover several key areas, including investigating the impact of CBD on arthritis-related chronic pain; determining the effects of uncommon cannabinoids on microglia; investigating the role of terpenoid and CBD interactions in the control of pain states by the amygdala; and testing terpenes and cannabinoids separately and in combination for morphine-induced pain alleviation in mouse models, among others.

In addition to advancing scientific studies, NIH is supporting the creation of a Resource Center for Cannabinoid and Cannabis Research. The center aims to assist researchers in overcoming barriers and challenges, both scientific and legal, which stand in the way of studying marijuana and its components.

Funding for the center will come from a $1 million allocation from NCCIH in the fiscal year 2025, with cofunding from NCI, NIA and NIDA totaling $100,000 each. Additionally, NCI recently awarded researchers $3.2 million to study the effects of marijuana use during immunotherapy for cancer treatment.

The agency’s website compiles information about the NIH cannabinoid and cannabis research program, including pertinent staff contacts, funding opportunities, priorities and access to research grant applications that are currently being financed.

NCCIH representatives, along with representatives from other federal health entities, convened recently to deliberate on the present status of cannabis research and policy implications for researchers examining cannabis while it remains illegal. The discussion focused on terpenes and cannabinoids’ potential to alleviate pain.

Craig Hopp, deputy director of NCCIH’s extramural research unit and coauthor of the new paper, discussed the U.S. Department of Justice’s recent proposal to reclassify cannabis under the Controlled Substance Act from Schedule 1 to 3, describing it as the elephant in the room for researchers.

While cannabis advocates and researchers have emphasized the potential for a Schedule 3 reclassification to reduce research obstacles related to Schedule 1 substances, Hopp stated that nothing has changed yet in the early phases of the regulation process. He further noted that any modifications won’t happen for at least a year and that it’s still unclear if a Schedule 3 status will eventually enable academics to obtain marijuana for research purposes from state-licensed dispensaries.

Notwithstanding the difficulties in researching restricted substances, the burgeoning legalization movement has coincided with a rise in research. Over the past 10 years, academics have published more than 32,000 studies on marijuana, with recent years setting records for study, according to NORML.

As more marijuana studies are published, they could help companies in the industry such as Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) to keep tweaking their offerings in order to better address the needs of their customers, especially those using medical marijuana products.

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420 with CNW — Florida Medical Cannabis Doctors Concerned About Possible Disruptions Once Recreational Use Legalized

Florida’s initiative to legalize recreational marijuana is causing a significant divide within the state’s medical cannabis sector. Florida’s largest medical cannabis company, Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF), is supporting Amendment 3, which seeks to legalize recreational cannabis for adults over age 21.

However, approximately 2,000 doctors certified to prescribe medical marijuana are expressing concerns. They warn that this amendment could disrupt access for the state’s 882,000 medical-cannabis patients.

The influx of recreational users could deplete the marijuana products and specific strains that patients rely on for conditions such as severe pain. The passage of Amendment 3 may also result in a reorganization of regulations, giving the Republican-led legislature, which has always favored stricter rules, more authority.

Dr. Michelle Beasley, a Pensacola-based cannabis doctor, finds herself in a difficult position. Although she supports legalization, she is wary of the “poison pill” language in the medical cannabis legislation. This provision states that the law will expire if voters pass another marijuana-related amendment.

The 2017 medical cannabis law, approved by the legislature following the 2016 voter-approved amendment for medical use, contains a sunset clause that mandates the law’s expiration six months after any new marijuana-related constitutional amendment is adopted. The intention was to create a single regulatory framework. However, it also grants the Republican-controlled legislature greater freedom to regulate the industry, potentially reverting to the restrictive low-THC law of 2014 if no new regulations are passed.

Amendment 3 is up for vote in November and requires 60% of the vote to pass. If enacted, it would enable Florida’s authorized medical-cannabis dispensaries to sell to the general public; the legislature would decide on future recreational licenses.

There’s nothing to worry about, according to the campaign supporting Amendment 3. Medical cannabis providers and patients, they claim, are protected by the amendment. Smart and Safe Florida, the committee that supports the legislation, argues that any sunset would be in violation of the 2016 medical cannabis amendment and that the wording referring to “poison pill” is meaningless. They do admit, however, that the sunset provision is not guaranteed.

One of the main proponents of the 2017 law, Senator Jason Brodeur, said that new regulations would be required. He referred to the financial impact statement for 2023, implying that a straightforward interpretation of the wording would necessitate a fresh start.

Over the years, there have been unsuccessful attempts to remove the sunset clause. The most recent attempt failed last year when a bill to limit the amount of THC in recreational cannabis failed to pass.

Doctors are increasingly concerned as polling shows that Amendment 3 could surpass the 60% voting threshold. A Fox News poll released recently indicates that 66% of voters support legalization.

Not all physicians think the sunset clause will be implemented. DocMJ CEO Aaron Bloom doubts the sunset clause is a threat but worries that dispensaries will shift focus from patients to recreational users. Bloom notes that some clinics have already begun stocking items intended for recreational use. He worries that if the focus changes, dispensary employees might not be properly trained to help patients and might even suggest inappropriate goods.

Beasley and others anticipate a decline in business from patients needing follow-up appointments, which are required by the state to continue using medical cannabis. Further, she notes that some patients might find it cheaper to purchase recreational cannabis, avoiding the approximately $500 in doctor visits and annual state fees associated with the medical program. Ultimately, the decision rests with the legislature and voters.

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420 with CNW — Cannabis Operators Applaud End of Potency Tax in New York State

New York governor Kathy Hochul has successfully changed the state’s cannabis tax structure. Starting June 1, 2024, a new flat excise tax replaces the previous potency tax, marking the beginning of the new financial year.

This move is part of New York’s $237 billion budget for FY 2025 and is receiving positive feedback from many in the cannabis industry, especially smaller retailers, processors and social-equity beneficiaries.

With the tax reform, retail marijuana prices are expected to decrease, a significant development as licensed cannabis entities strive to compete with the numerous illegal shops, particularly in New York City. Governor Hochul had criticized the initial rollout of the recreational marijuana market as problematic. Earlier this year, she proposed eliminating the potency tax and implementing a flat 9% excise tax instead.

Previously, the state’s 2021 cannabis act — MRTA — required cannabis operators to pay taxes based on THC content at 0.5 cents, 0.8 cents, and three cents per milligram of flower, concentrates and edibles, respectively.

This sometimes resulted in a 25%–30% tax on typical market prices, according to Naturae cofounder and CEO, Nicolas Guarino. Some products, including tinctures, saw price increases of up to $60 per unit due to these taxes. With the new tax structure, Naturae aims to reduce prices on about 30% of its products, offering discounts between 15% and 35%.

Silly Nice, an NYC-based brand run by Black and veteran entrepreneurs, had to pay around $20,000 in THC taxes during the first quarter of the year, which had a big impact on the company’s profit margins. Cofounder LeVar Thomas is happy about the tax shift, pointing out that it will enable the company to increase the range of products it offers at more inexpensive prices.

Happy Munkey, led by cofounder and CEO Vladimir Bautista, is set to open its first store in Manhattan’s Washington Heights. Bautista believes the new tax will make legal marijuana more affordable and reduce the appeal of the illegal market.

The new rule, however, has little financial effect on larger, vertically integrated company’s such as Chicago-based PharmaCann. These multistate operators, known as registered organizations (ROs), were once in the medical sector and are subject to both retail and wholesale taxes. The economic impact on ROs is neutral, according to Jeremy Unruh, PharmaCann’s spokesperson, and it is still unclear what the true benefits will be for consumers.

PharmaCann was among six ROs permitted to enter the recreational market in December, one year after sales began. The policy change eliminated the three-year waiting time for ROs, nullifying the initial first-mover advantage granted to smaller suppliers and social-equity shops.

Despite the broad support for eliminating the potency tax, the new flat 9% excise tax is causing challenges because of unpaid invoices. Payment delays are a significant issue in the marijuana industry, contributing to the downfall of businesses such as Herbl and MedMen Enterprises.

New York cannabis operators have only 20 more days to collect payments from the previous quarter, a tough task given the financial strains in the industry. Many operators are currently on tax-payment plans with the state.

Guarino noted that while there is a mechanism for collections, the average collection time is about 45 days, even with 30-day net terms, complicating timely tax payments.

The situation in New York State is likely to be studied closely by other cannabis regulators, and this could result in similar reforms within other jurisdictions where companies such as Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) have operations.

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420 with CNW — Study Says Cannabis Terpenes Equal to Morphine in Pain Management

A new study exploring the potential of marijuana terpenes as treatments for chronic neuropathic pain suggests that these compounds could be as effective as morphine for pain relief, showing similar reductions in pain markers when administered via injection. Interestingly, when terpenes were combined with morphine, they enhanced the drug’s effectiveness as well.

The study found that, unlike morphine, none of the terpenes triggered a significant reward response, implying that they might be effective pain relievers without the risk of addiction or dysphoria. However, vaporized or orally administered terpenes did not show much impact on pain relief.

The authors highlighted that while major marijuana components, such as CBD and THC, have shown moderate effectiveness in managing severe pain, THC often has undesirable psychoactive effects. This limitation has led to a focus on other potential therapeutic compounds in marijuana, including terpenes, flavonoids and minor cannabinoids.

Terpenes, naturally occurring in many plants, such as rosemary, pine trees and oranges, are particularly abundant in marijuana, which contains about 150 different terpenes. The study suggests that this chemical diversity might contribute to the varied effects of various marijuana strains.

The research specifically investigated five terpenes: linalool, alpha-humulene, geraniol, beta-caryophyllene and beta-pinene, found in significant quantities in marijuana. The terpenes were tested on mice to evaluate their effects on inflammatory and peripheral neuropathic pain. The substances were injected into the mice’s hind paws and induced by chemotherapy medications, respectively. The terpenes were also administered orally and through vaporization.

Tests were conducted on a per-terpene basis, with 200 mg/kg of terpenes and 10 mg/kg of morphine being used for comparison. The study aimed to not only assess pain relief but also understand the mechanisms behind it. This included behavioral observations and cellular analyses, such as mRNA evaluation from flash-frozen mouse skin.

Results showed that all tested terpenes reduced neuropathic pain markers, except pinene, which did not significantly affect inflammatory pain.

Combining lower doses of terpenes with morphine appeared to enhance pain relief, indicating a potential for combination therapies that might offer better pain management while reducing the risk of opioid addiction. Regarding the potential for addiction, the study found that linalool and geraniol did not produce either an aversion or a preference in mice, suggesting they do not cause dysphoria or reward. Conversely, beta-caryophyllene and alpha-humulene showed a substantial aversive response, indicating they might be dysphoric, while beta-pinene had possible aversive side effects.

The method of administering terpenes mattered significantly. Injected terpenes were effective in reducing pain markers, whereas oral and vaporized terpenes had limited impact and sometimes caused side effects such as hypothermia. This indicates that terpenes might have restricted bioavailability when taken orally or inhaled, which could explain why some people might not experience their pain-relieving effects through these methods.

The study also explored the mechanisms behind terpene-induced pain relief, suggesting that terpenes might act as anti-inflammatory agents and interact with specific nervous system receptors. The research indicated that terpenes could act as A2AR agonists, potentially interacting with receptors in a complex manner that requires further investigation.

Overall, while the findings are promising, the authors emphasized the need for more research to fully understand how these results translate to human pain management.

This study, in a way, provides validation for companies such as Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) that have heavily invested in developing medical cannabis products to help patients manage their symptoms.

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420 with CNW — Biden Welcomes Marijuana Reclassification, Slams ‘Failed Approach’

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has moved to reschedule marijuana as a less-hazardous narcotic, marking the most substantial drug-policy reform in the nation in more than half a century. President Joseph Biden celebrated the move as a crucial step toward correcting historical injustices.

This marks a notable shift for President Biden, who, 30 years ago, was instrumental in crafting stringent crime legislation that is now a source of political contention. This change could bolster Biden’s appeal among younger voters, a demographic crucial for his re-election campaign.

The new proposal, announced on May 16, 2024, stops short of fully legalizing recreational cannabis, which is currently legal in 24 states and DC. Additionally, 38 states have legalized cannabis for medical use.

“Too many lives have been disrupted by our failed marijuana policies,” Biden stated on X. “I’m dedicated to rectifying these historical wrongs,” he added.

The proposal would reclassify cannabis from the restrictive Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to Schedule III. This change would mean that the federal administration no longer categorizes cannabis with highly dangerous and addictive drugs such as LSD, ecstasy and heroin.

Substances listed under Schedule III are considered to have a lower-to-moderate potential for abuse. Examples of such drugs include testosterone, anabolic steroids and ketamine.

Cannabis has remained classified as a Schedule I substance ever since Congress approved the CSA in 1970. Reclassifying it could significantly benefit the legal marijuana sector by improving access to conventional banking services and attracting external investments.

The policy change could also be a major help to Biden’s attempts to mobilize support from minority and young voters, especially amid widespread discontent over issues such as the conflict in Gaza.

Biden wrote the 1994 crime legislation while he was a senator, which is sometimes faulted for mass incarceration for drug charges, especially involving Blacks. In his 2020 presidential campaign, Biden committed to decriminalizing cannabis use, arguing that no one ought to be imprisoned for small amounts’ possession or usage.

However, he has not supported complete legalization. Instead, his administration has issued mass pardons twice for individuals with federal convictions for marijuana possession.

Referencing his prior actions, Biden reaffirmed on X that no one should be jailed just for possessing or using cannabis. He said, “At the moment, cannabis is ranked higher than methamphetamine and fentanyl, the two drugs fueling the U.S.’s overdose crisis. That disparity is incomprehensible.”

The recent proposal being a detailed approval process, starting with a 60-day public comment period before the change can be enacted.

Any step taken to ease the strict marijuana laws at the federal level is likely to be welcomed by the entire industry, such as Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF), as it would be chipping away at decades of prohibition.

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420 with CNW — German Marijuana Imports Reached Record Levels in 2023

Germany saw a significant surge in its marijuana imports for scientific and medical purposes last year, reaching a record high, indicating a growing interest from international businesses eyeing opportunities in Europe’s largest federally regulated medical cannabis market. According to the latest data from the Federal Institute for Drugs & Medical Devices (BfArM), the country imported 36.4 tons (31,398 kilograms) of marijuana products last year. This marks a notable increase of 26.2% compared to the previous year’s import volume of 24,876 kilograms.

The trend of increasing imports has been consistent through the years. In 2022, the country saw imports of 27.4 tons (24,876 kilograms) of marijuana, reflecting a 19.8% increase from the previous year. The year 2021 saw imports of 22.9 tons (20,771 kilograms), representing a significant surge of 77% over the previous year.

In 2020, imports totaled 12.8 tons (11,746 kilograms), indicating a 46% increase from 2019, while in 2019, Germany imported 8.9 tons (8,057 kilograms) of marijuana, which was an 80% increase from the previous year’s imports. While some of these imports are re-exported to other European Union countries annually, experts suggest that the data underscores the rapid growth of the industry.

Only three businesses were authorized to grow medical cannabis in 2019; these companies were given strict output targets that would last for four years. Due to this restriction, cannabis had to be imported from overseas to meet demand. However, changes in marijuana law have the potential to reduce its dependence on imports in the future. The new law eliminates the quota system, allowing companies to apply for permits to grow medical cannabis through the agency.

Furthermore, the recent revision of the marijuana law, effective April 1, 2024, has reclassified the substance, removing it from the list of narcotics. This regulatory change simplifies the process for patients seeking medical marijuana because they will no longer be required to have a narcotic prescription form. Standard prescriptions will now suffice, likely stimulating demand in the market.

Despite the optimism for increased domestic cultivation, Germany is expected to continue relying on significant imports in the foreseeable future. German-based Demecan’s managing director, Von der Groeben, pointed out Article 21 of the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, which suggests that domestic demand must be met before imports can be halted. However, he acknowledges that achieving self-sufficiency in marijuana production may take several years.

Canada remained the primary supplier of marijuana to the German market last year, accounting for approximately 50% of imports. Portugal came in second, while the Netherlands was the third-largest supplier.

The further easing of marijuana laws in Germany could create additional opportunities that major players in the North American cannabis landscape, such as Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF), may look to exploit as they expand their footprint in different legal markets.

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420 with CNW — With More MSOs Joining Recreational Marijuana Campaign in Florida, Funding Now Exceeds $55 Million

Florida is witnessing a surge in momentum as it gears up for what is anticipated to be the costliest recreational cannabis legalization campaign in American history. Led by Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF), based in Tallahassee, the campaign is attracting support from six other multistate cannabis operators (MOS), marking a significant expansion in the effort to transition Florida’s thriving $2 billion medical cannabis market, currently the largest in the nation, into one that caters to recreational use too.

The latest supporters joining forces with Trulieve include prominent players in the cannabis industry such as Ayr Wellness, Cresco Labs, Curaleaf Holdings, Green Thumb Industries, Insa and Verano Holdings.

The committee behind the initiative — Smart and Safe Florida — announced a substantial boost to its funding, with an additional $15 million raised. With the new support, the campaign currently has a total of approximately $55 million in funding. Trulieve alone had already raised and spent more than $40 million by the end of last year.

For perspective, backers of Ohio’s initiative, Issue 2, spent less than $7 million, while California’s Proposition 64, a victorious recreational use legislation, saw expenditures reach $25 million in 2016.

The recent endorsement from major marijuana businesses comes on the heels of a significant legal victory at the state’s Supreme Court, where a constitutional challenge mounted by Ashley Moody, the state attorney general, was dismissed. The decision paves the way for the initiative to proceed, providing a boost to the campaign’s momentum.

Should the initiative, called Amendment 3, be adopted by 60% of state voters in the November elections, it would permit currently operating medical cannabis treatment centers to begin selling recreational marijuana by May 2025. Additionally, it seeks to allow adults 21 years of age and older to possess up to three ounces while maintaining the prohibition on home cultivation, consistent with existing state laws.

However, the measure does not include a social equity scheme, and the state legislature would still need to take action to expand licenses beyond the current operators. Presently, the state hosts 627 dispensaries operated by 25 firms, with regulators indicating the possibility of issuing permits to 22 more by summer, albeit at a notably high license renewal fee of $1.33 million.

Florida’s market potential is enormous given its 22 million citizens, 859,000-plus registered medical marijuana patients and millions of tourists each year. Estimates suggest that the state’s $2 billion in yearly medical cannabis sales might double.

Even though a recent poll shows significant voter support for recreational cannabis (62%), it is expected that more funding would be needed to organize a successful statewide campaign. On top of Trulieve’s $40 million investment, estimates indicate that total campaign expenses including media buys and operational costs may total between $20 million and $25 million.

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420 with CNW — California Bill Seeks to Curtail Cannabis Employment Protections for Safety-Sensitive Jobs

A recent bill in California that was originally intended to amend the state’s current rules protecting workers from discrimination based on their use of legal cannabis has undergone substantial changes to rescind the protections for several workers, including those in animal control, law enforcement and coroners’ offices.

The initial measures passed in 2022 and 2023 limited the use of punitive measures against workers for marijuana use while they were off duty and prohibited companies from asking applicants about their prior cannabis usage. However, SB 1264, under Senator Shannon Grove’s sponsorship, seeks to carve out exceptions for certain job roles. These exceptions primarily impact positions involved in law enforcement, civil enforcement, public safety communications, evidence management, animal control, community services and coroner functions.

These changes come shortly after the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission eliminated questions about cannabis from police recruitment applications.

Grove’s proposed changes were approved recently, and the bill awaits further review by the state’s Senate Rules Committee.

The existing employment protection laws, effective at the start of this year, prohibit employers from soliciting information regarding an applicant’s past marijuana use, barring specific exceptions. Similarly, employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees based on lawful off-duty cannabis consumption or positive drug tests for cannabinoid metabolites.

While these laws already feature exceptions for certain occupations, such as those in construction trades and positions requiring federal background checks, the recent amendment seeks to extend these exceptions to encompass a range of law-enforcement roles.

The discourse surrounding marijuana-related employment regulations has gained momentum nationwide alongside the legalization movement. In Ohio, for instance, Cleveland mayor Justin M. Bibb announced updates to the city’s drug-testing guidelines for job applicants, eliminating outdated language regarding pre-employment cannabis testing.

Similarly, Washington, D.C., implemented a law in July preventing private workplaces from penalizing employees for off-duty cannabis use. Michigan officials also recently revised the state’s employment regulations to exempt most government job applicants from pre-employment cannabis testing.

Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom has promised to keep advancing efforts to stabilize the cannabis industry in the state. He proposed in January that the government borrow $100 million from a marijuana tax fund intended for public safety and law enforcement to help cover a fiscal shortfall overall. The state’s legislature is reviewing various drug policy amendments that address issues like psychedelics as well as possibilities to expand the state’s marijuana market.

California has been a trendsetter on many matters, such as cannabis legalization. Established marijuana entities such as Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) may therefore watch the developments in the Sunshine state to see if what is happening there triggers similar changes in other state-legal marijuana markets.

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