420 with CNW — South Carolina Legislator Files Bill to Legalize Medical Marijuana

A senator in South Carolina has proposed a measure aimed at legalizing medical marijuana for individuals suffering from certain medical conditions. The measure was pre-filed by Senator Tom Davis (R) in preparation for next year’s legislative session.

The legislation closely mirrors earlier legislation introduced by Davis that gained approval in the state Senate earlier in the year but failed to progress in the House of Representatives. If passed, it would allow patients diagnosed with specific debilitating or terminal conditions to access medical marijuana. Conditions covered under the bill include Crohn’s disease, cancer, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, PTSD, and terminal illnesses where patients are expected to have less than a year to live. It also applies to chronic conditions typically treated with opioids.

Patients would need a recommendation from a licensed physician to access medical cannabis. However, the legislation explicitly prohibits the smoking of marijuana and its home cultivation. The state Department of Public Health, in coordination with the Board of Pharmacy, would be responsible for creating regulations regarding the cultivation, distribution, licensing, and oversight of medical marijuana businesses.

The proposed regulations include strict labeling and packaging requirements, particularly to ensure products do not appeal to children.

Local governments would retain the authority to regulate or prohibit the operation of medical marijuana in their jurisdictions. Cities, towns, and counties could also impose specific restrictions, such as limiting the number of marijuana businesses or setting operational hours.

According to Attorney David Ullian of Vicente LLP, a nationwide legal practice that focuses on psychedelics and cannabis, South Carolina has encountered many obstacles in its efforts to legalize cannabis. Ullian pointed out that despite the state’s robust public support for legalization, legislative action has been sluggish. It is unclear if the present plan will receive the required approval to become law because a previous version of this legislation cleared the Senate but stalled in the House.

Ullian noted that South Carolina residents have waited a long time for access to tested and regulated marijuana for managing their medical symptoms. He believes that passing the bill would provide them with a safe and legal way to obtain the treatment they need.

Senator Davis hopes the narrow focus and conservative approach of the measure will persuade hesitant members of the House to support it. The bill mandates physician oversight for patient authorizations and requires pharmacists to handle cannabis distribution, which Davis says aligns with what South Carolinians prefer.

Marijuana firms like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) will be hoping that this time round, lawmakers in South Carolina pass a medical marijuana law so that patients who need these treatments can access them legally.

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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 — New Study Says Approximately 6% of Pregnant Women Use Cannabis

Six percent of women reported using cannabis while pregnant, according to a recent study, despite studies indicating that using cannabis during pregnancy can be harmful to both the fetus and the expectant mother.

Researchers from the University of Georgia found this concerning as it suggests more than one in every 20 pregnancies may be affected by marijuana use. Most women surveyed seemed to perceive cannabis as a harmless remedy and have turned to it to manage symptoms like morning sickness.

According to the study’s lead author, Mohammad Haider, using cannabis for nausea during pregnancy is risky. He emphasized that this isn’t a safe solution for expectant mothers. The study analyzed data from federal surveys of 4,338 expectant women. Of those surveyed, around 5.7% reported using marijuana in the previous month.

The findings indicated that marijuana use among pregnant women is highest during the first trimester and declines as pregnancy advances, likely suggesting its use as a response to early pregnancy nausea. Interestingly, a large portion of these women—around 71%—believed that their marijuana use posed little or no risk to themselves or their babies. However, previous research has linked cannabis use in pregnancy to premature delivery, low weight at birth, and developmental issues in children.

The study also pointed out that two-thirds of the pregnant women who reported using marijuana lived in one of the states where medical cannabis is legal. Haider noted that the accessibility of marijuana in these states could unintentionally contribute to its use during pregnancy.

He explained that when medical cannabis is legally available in pharmacies, it becomes more accessible, which may lead pregnant women to use it without fully understanding the potential dangers. He suggested that states with legal access to medical cannabis should implement policies that educate pregnant women on the possible negative effects of cannabis use during pregnancy.

Haider and his research team noted that safer, prescribed medications are available to alleviate morning sickness. They recommended that women consult their healthcare providers to explore alternatives before considering cannabis. Additionally, Haider highlighted that women with a history of mental health issues or substance use may be more likely to turn to cannabis while pregnant, putting them and their babies at further risk.

“This is a vulnerable group,” Haider stated, “and research shows that cannabis use during pregnancy can be harmful to both child and mother.” He added that more state-level policies are needed to guide and inform women about the potential risks associated with marijuana use during pregnancy.

As pressure mounts to make even more federal regulatory changes to marijuana policies, industry actors like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) will find it easier to conduct studies geared at giving patients more targeted information about how best to benefit from their products while keeping risks minimal.

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420 with CNW — Survey Finds Difference in View of Chronic Pain Patients, Doctors on Medical Cannabis

If you suffer from chronic pain and think medical cannabis could help, your doctor may not always share the same opinion. A recent survey of individuals living in states with legalized medical cannabis revealed significant differences in opinions between patients and healthcare providers.

According to the survey, which included responses from 1,000 doctors and 1,600 chronic pain patients, 71% of patients felt the federal government should legalize cannabis. However, only 59% of doctors agreed with this view. The survey also showed that 64% of patients believed that medical marijuana should be covered by health insurance, while 51% of doctors supported this idea.

The divide became even more evident when discussing the legalization of recreational cannabis. Fifty-five percent of patients felt it should be legalized across the United States, but only 38% of doctors shared this view. According to Elizabeth Stone, the study’s lead author, patients with chronic pain were generally more in favor of policies that increased access to medicinal marijuana, while healthcare practitioners tended to favor policies that limited its availability.

Currently, the availability of recreational and medical cannabis varies greatly depending on the state. Medical marijuana is legal in 38 states and Washington, DC. Additionally, 23 of these states have legalized the substance for recreational use.

According to Stone, one of the reasons cannabis stands out is the regulatory environment. “Marijuana use for medical or recreational purposes may be lawful, or neither may be permitted at all depending on where you live,” she said.

The survey primarily focused on adults suffering from noncancer chronic pain lasting six months or longer, as well as primary care doctors and specific specialists. Interestingly, most patients who had previously used medical cannabis and potentially experienced relief supported expanded access. On the other hand, doctors who had never recommended cannabis for pain relief were more hesitant to support broader legalization efforts.

Despite differing views, both patients and doctors largely agreed on one thing: 70% of both groups believed that medical schools should educate future physicians about medical cannabis and its potential use in pain management.

“All of this indicates a need for further guidance on the use and effectiveness of marijuana for medical purposes,” Stone stated. Questions about which patients should be recommended medical marijuana and what forms, dosages or methods of use are most appropriate remain topics for future research and policy development.

Pointers to the answers to some of those questions can be gleaned by examining the data that entities such as TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) have collected over time regarding the different ways in which medical marijuana users use medicinal cannabis.

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420 with CNW — Delaware, Ohio Temporarily Ban Adult-Use Marijuana Businesses

Delaware, Ohio, has put a temporary pause on recreational cannabis businesses operating within its city limits; the city council voted 5 to 2 to enforce a six-month moratorium. This decision halts recreational marijuana businesses from opening in the city, giving officials time to consider how to best regulate them. The move follows the approval of Ohio’s Issue 2, which legalized recreational marijuana in November 2023.

The ban applies strictly to businesses and does not affect residents using cannabis in their homes. Although the council has the authority to lift the moratorium before the six-month deadline, opinions on the matter varied.

Councilmember Cory Hoffman, who ultimately supported the ban, stated, “I don’t think we need any kind of moratorium currently. The state is issuing licenses, so I believe Delaware should allow businesses to operate here.”

Despite this, other members, such as Vice Mayor Kent Shafer, argued that the city needed more time to decide on regulations that align with local standards. Shafer noted, “We’re not looking to ban these businesses, but we need time to discuss any potential additional limitations.”

In addition to the moratorium, the city is also reviewing separate legislation that could place further restrictions on the location of certain businesses, including those selling cannabis, tobacco or vape products. The proposed ordinance would prohibit these establishments from setting up within 500 feet of places such as parks, schools, playgrounds, churches and libraries. It also includes a clause to prevent two or more similar businesses from being within one mile of each other. The rule would apply only to businesses of the same type, meaning a vape shop could be near a marijuana dispensary, but two vape shops could not be within a mile of each other.

The new regulations would also limit the types of signage businesses can use. Temporary signage, such as banners or yard signs, would be banned, and flashing or animated signs would not be allowed. Businesses would also be limited to only two illuminated window signs.

More than 56 townships or municipalities in Ohio have also enacted moratoriums on recreational marijuana businesses. As in other states where recreational marijuana has been legalized, Ohio permits local governments to set their own rules about whether marijuana sales can take place within their borders.

Many of these moratoriums, like Delaware’s, are temporary, providing time for local authorities to evaluate existing laws and address potential conflicts.

The cannabis industry, including leading companies such as TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF), could be hoping that the different local authorities in Ohio finalize their rule-making processes so that adults who would like to consume marijuana can access the products easily.

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420 with CNW — Nebraskans to Vote on Medical Marijuana Legalization This November

Nebraska voters will have the opportunity to decide on the legalization of medical marijuana in the state during the upcoming November election, according to an announcement made last week by state officials. Bob Evnen, the secretary of state, confirmed that two separate measures regarding medical cannabis will be included on the ballot.

Officials from the pro-medical cannabis advocacy group, Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, revealed earlier this year that they had gathered almost 114,000 signatures from voters in favor of legalization. This figure greatly surpasses the necessary 86,000 signatures to include the measures on the ballot. Evnen noted that, thus far, his office has confirmed about 89,000 signatures for each of the proposed ballot initiatives.

Additionally, both initiatives have met the state’s requirement of gathering signatures from a minimum of 5% of registered Nebraskan voters in at least 38 counties.

The initiatives campaign manager, Crista Eggers, expressed her enthusiasm about the progress made, noting that voters will now have the chance to express their perspectives on this issue after years of assiduously focused efforts.

One of the proposed measures focuses on legalizing medical cannabis while the other is designed to establish a regulatory system for the sale and production of medical marijuana. This comes after an earlier attempt to put a medical cannabis legalization proposal on the ballot was denied by the state’s Supreme Court in 2020 on the grounds that the initiative broke a state law that forbade ballot measures that addressed several legislative subjects.

Evnen noted that he has not yet legally qualified the measures for the ballot, as some counties were still in the process of verifying signatures. If the verified signatures reach 110% of the requisite number, the verification process will be concluded, and the secretary of state will certify the measures for inclusion on the ballot.

Following the announcement, supporters of cannabis policy reform celebrated the opportunity for voters to weigh in on the legalization of medical cannabis. According to a poll conducted earlier this year by the Nebraska Examiner, 70% of voters support the legalization of medical cannabis.

Nebraska’s inclusion of these ballot measures aligns it with three other states — South Dakota, Florida and North Dakota — where voters will also decide on cannabis policy reform initiatives this year. In contrast to Nebraska’s focus on medical cannabis, voters in these three states, which have already legalized medical cannabis, will be considering measures to legalize recreational marijuana. To date, 24 states have legalized cannabis for recreational use, while 38 have legalized it for medical purposes.

The entire marijuana industry, including enterprises such as TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF), will be watching how voters in those states with marijuana reforms on the ballot cast their votes since it could expand the reach of the reform movement around the country.

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420 with CNW — Kamala Harris Backs Marijuana Legalization, a First for Major Presidential Candidate

Vice President Kamala Harris’s opinions on marijuana have changed over time, much like those of many other Americans. Back in 2010, she urged voters to reject a ballot measure that sought to legalize recreational marijuana when she was the district attorney for San Francisco. Her position at the time was in accord with that of a majority of California voters, of whom 54% eventually voted against the initiative.

However, the perspective on marijuana began to change not long after. By 2016, California voters had passed Proposition 64, which legalized cannabis throughout the state. Then, in 2019, as California’s junior senator, Harris cosponsored legislation to lift the federal ban on cannabis. Nearly two-thirds of Americans favored legalizing marijuana, according to a Gallup poll conducted that year, a substantial increase from the 46% of respondents in 2010.

Today, support for cannabis legalization has risen to 70%. Harris has consistently, in her tenure as VP, stated that no American should be imprisoned for using marijuana. She has supported the efforts of the Biden administration to relax some federal marijuana prohibitions and to pardon individuals who have committed minor marijuana infractions.

Harris’s journey from a skeptic to a supporter of legalization reflects a broader shift among Americans. As with many voters, her opinions changed as medical marijuana gained greater traction. While serving as San Francisco’s district attorney, Harris vowed not to prosecute individuals using or selling medical cannabis.

The move toward full cannabis legalization gained momentum in 2012 when voters in Washington and Colorado became the first states to pass recreational cannabis regulations. By 2016, the number of states where marijuana was legal had grown to nine. Currently, 24 states have legalized cannabis.

Living in a state where marijuana is legalized probably helped Harris change from being a fierce opponent to a supporter. This pattern is evident in other states, such as Colorado, where voter support for legalization has increased since the laws were first enacted. No state has revoked its cannabis legalization laws, as these policies have generally met the expectations of voters and lawmakers and are seen as better alternatives to criminalization.

Despite the shift in public opinion, federal cannabis policies have remained largely unchanged. Many politicians in Congress still hold outdated views on cannabis, reminiscent of the Reefer Madness era, which most voters have long rejected. These lawmakers need to update their views to align with current scientific understanding and public opinion, much as Harris did. Those who fail to adapt risk falling out of step with their constituents.

That Harris has brought the debate on marijuana legalization to the highest level of elected leadership in the United States is a welcome happening for cannabis companies such as TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) because it will bring the subject of drug-policy reform to the center of public discourse, at least during the election cycle and possibly beyond.

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420 with CNW — Laboratory Owners Reveal Unknown Compounds Found in Marijuana Samples

The regulated cannabis sector has been facing a significant challenge lately: lab-tested products containing pesticides. More alarmingly, some cannabis samples sent for testing now contain a mixture of unknown compounds not previously identified in cannabis.

According to lab executives, these enigmatic substances emerge during the conversion of hemp-derived cannabinoids into delta-8 and delta-9 THC. The issue is made worse by the fact that testing for cannabinoids, heavy metals and mold is required in most jurisdictions, but testing for these byproducts is not. As such, their impact on customers is still unknown.

Cannabis naturally includes trace levels of delta-8 THC. However, most delta-8 products are synthesized by converting nonpsychoactive CBD, potentially leaving behind dubious byproducts.

According to chemist Susan Audino, who consults with biological and chemical laboratories, these are side reactions of the chemical process. “It is impossible to produce one compound without also producing others,” she added.

According to Josh Swider, CEO and cofounder of Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs in San Diego, up to 60 unknown chemicals are frequently present in many delta-8 products made via chemical procedures. Many of them remain unidentified. This suggests that previously undiscovered cannabis chemicals are being digested and introduced, according to Swider.

ACT Laboratories CEO and chief scientific officer, Bob Miller, pointed out that unethical methods used in THC-potency testing are partially to blame for the paucity of investigation into these unidentified chemicals. “Potency testing creates an opportunity for unethical interactions between labs and grower-processors,” Miller said. “Higher potencies benefit everyone except the consumer because they mean more money for the tests and higher sales prices.”

Miller highlighted that his lab in Michigan has observed an increase in delta-8 THC entering the market, posing a significant issue. “Producers often claim they have hemp and sell it across state lines. In reality, it’s a mix of delta-9 and delta-8 THC,” he said. The conversion process from CBD to delta-9 and delta-8 is often imprecise, resulting in a mix of various compounds, many of which remain unidentified due to the lack of required testing.

Certain molecules that arise from these intricate combinations in lab settings have the potential to be more psychotropic than delta-9 THC. “If we detect significant levels of any compound, we inform our clients,” Miller explained. “Some clients are eager to understand, while others just want us to test for the legally required cannabinoids.”

The tests carried out are chosen by the lab’s clients, the manufacturers of the products. “Manufacturers usually don’t request specific tests if regulations don’t demand them,” said Audino, who also pointed out that the majority of state regulators are lawyers enforcing laws rather than scientists.

Miller drew attention to the fact that the influx of these unidentified substances was unintentionally facilitated by the 2018 Farm Bill, which authorized industrial hemp. “There’s a federal movement to change regulations to eliminate unknown chemistry and stabilize the supply chain,” he said.

Swider criticized the cannabis-lab industry for moving away from science. “Labs have become more cookie-cutter, focusing only on mandated tests and ignoring other potential issues,” he said. Swider believes the industry needs a reset, urging states to establish stricter mandates. “Many labs prioritize profit over safety, and about 70%–80% of them probably shouldn’t be operational.”

Making the needed changes will require the concerted efforts of all stakeholders, including established cannabis entities such as TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF), so that only accepted compounds remain in the products that reach the market.

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420 with CNW — DeSantis Vetoes Bill Banning Hemp Intoxicants in Florida

As Florida governor Ron DeSantis campaigns against a ballot initiative for cannabis legalization, he has paradoxically vetoed a bill aimed at banning the sale of intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids in the state. This decision comes in the wake of reports that Governor DeSantis intended to block the hemp prohibition bill, hoping the hemp industry would financially support his campaign against the cannabis measure that voters will decide on in November.

Although DeSantis did not explicitly reference the cannabis legalization measure in his veto letter, he noted that while the goals of SB 1698 are admirable, the measure would impose significant regulatory burdens on small entities and likely fail to achieve its objectives. He expressed concern that the bill would cause substantial harm and disruption to many manufacturing and small retail businesses in the state, which have thrived due to new laws legalizing the use of hemp for commercial purposes.

Despite vetoing the bill, DeSantis proposed several considerations for future legislative work on the issue. He suggested that lawmakers establish guidelines for the handling, cultivation and processing of hemp products to guarantee their purity, safety and potency. According to the governor, the current bill falls short in this regard. DeSantis also suggested selling hemp-derived cannabinoids behind the counter and placing hemp retail stores a safe distance away from places of worship, schools and other gathering places for families with young children.

Essentially, DeSantis is asking voters to reject a ballot proposition that would impose similar rules on the recreational marijuana business, even as he advocates for harsher laws on the hemp-based cannabinoid sector. In the meanwhile, he permits the hemp sector to function without these proposed regulations.

The governor’s veto message was issued a day after a Fox News survey revealed that two-thirds of Florida voters, including a majority of GOP supporters, support the marijuana legalization initiative. According to the survey, 66% of voters support the initiative, surpassing the 60% threshold needed to pass the amendment under state law. In contrast, 52% of voters indicated they either highly or somewhat approve of DeSantis’ performance as governor, highlighting a 14-point disparity in support compared to cannabis legalization.

This calls into doubt the electoral viability of DeSantis’s opposition to the cannabis bill. The governor has maintained that the state should not go beyond the current medical marijuana program, arguing that more extensive reform would have a detrimental effect on Floridians’ standard of living.

The contradictions evident in the governor’s opposition to adult-use cannabis legalization while at the same time shooting down legislation to rein in hemp intoxicants is something that marijuana companies such as TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) could find baffling, making the case for federal reforms that are free from the suspected local interests that may have influenced this veto letter.

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420 with CNW — Republic of South Africa President Signs Bill Legalizing Marijuana

The president of South Africa has formally signed a measure making adult use, growing and possession of cannabis legal. Just one day before the national elections, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act (CfPPA) into law. The National Council of Provinces gave its support to the bill in February after it was enacted by the National Assembly in November 2023.

This legislative change has been in development for several years, beginning with a 2018 Constitutional Court ruling that declared the ban on marijuana cultivation and simple possession unconstitutional, requiring legislative amendments in two years. Although the bill to legalize cannabis was introduced in 2020, progress was slow despite the government’s intention to prioritize the cannabis sector for economic growth.

The president’s office announced in a news statement that the CfPPA will result in important regulatory changes, such as the exclusion of marijuana from the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act. To support the industrialization of the marijuana sector, this modification will also enable changes to the Plant Breeders Rights Act, the Medicines and Related Substances Act and the Plant Improvement Act, among other laws.

The office went on to say that the bill shields children from needless exposure while offering rules for medical cannabis use for youth. It ensures that minors’ best interests are taken into consideration by providing an alternate method for resolving instances involving the unlawful use, possession or sale of cannabis. The bill also strictly prohibits the commercial sale of cannabis.

Adults are required by the new regulation to cultivate their cannabis plants and to exclusively use them inside their own homes. Furthermore, prior convictions for cannabis possession and growing may be expunged under the legislation.

Speaking on behalf of the parliament, Moloto Mothapo stated that the government hopes that the measure will open the door for further rules that will aid in the growth of the legal cannabis industry in South Africa.

President Ramaphosa outlined his plan for South Africa to join the global medical cannabis and hemp markets in his 2022 State of the Nation speech, estimating that this might generate more than 100,000 jobs. However, the main goal of the present law is to decriminalize cannabis per the 2018 court verdict, which was made in response to a decision made by a lower court in the province of the Western Cape.

As in South Africa, the Supreme Court in Mexico declared in 2018 that the prohibition of marijuana is unconstitutional, forcing legislators to amend the legislation. Mexico has not yet fully implemented the reform despite recent sessions seeing some progress in this area.

The signs of the wave triggering change in marijuana policy in Africa as well suggests that major entities such as TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) could in future have global markets to serve as the trade in this hitherto outlawed substance becomes more commonplace.

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420 with CNW — New Jersey Lawmaker Introduces Bill Seeking to Cap Medical Cannabis Prices

State officials in New Jersey acknowledge the concerns raised by medical-cannabis patients regarding the steep prices of marijuana products. However, the officials stress their limited authority under existing laws, which grant them no jurisdiction over the pricing policies of dispensaries.

Democratic legislator Senator Troy Singleton is looking to neighboring Pennsylvania for inspiration. Pennsylvania’s medical-cannabis law includes a provision allowing state authorities to impose price limits if marijuana prices become exorbitant. Singleton aims to replicate this provision in New Jersey, proposing a bill that would empower the state’s cannabis regulator to impose price limitations on medical-marijuana providers if their pricing practices are deemed unjustifiably high relative to their operational costs. The limits would be revisited every six months.

Singleton underscores the pressing issue of exorbitant cannabis prices in New Jersey, particularly for medical users. Price caps, in his opinion, can create market pressure and, as a result, result in lower pricing for customers.

Chris Goldstein, an advocate for cannabis reform who closely monitors marijuana prices in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, draws parallels between the pricing dynamics of marijuana and other commodities. He expressed concerns about corporate greed driving prices upward, noting that despite promises of increased competition bringing prices down, prices have remained stubbornly high in New Jersey.

Critics such as Goldstein attribute the high prices to corporate groups controlling the majority of the cannabis industry in New Jersey. Most cultivators are corporate entities, leaving only a few independent players.

Comparing prices, it’s evident that marijuana is considerably cheaper in Pennsylvania than in New Jersey. For instance, an eighth at Ascend in Fort Lee costs $65 (or $50 on sale), while the same amount is $15 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Likewise, an eighth at Bordentown’s Curaleaf costs $60, whereas in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, it’s only $32.50.

Cannabis and disability activist Edward “Lefty” Grimes draws attention to the disparity in cost between legal dispensaries and the traditional market. The high cost of extracted marijuana oil, or “dabs,” is one of his points of contention, as it is far cheaper in the legacy market.

Goldstein laments the persistently high prices of marijuana in New Jersey compared to other states, suggesting that these prices deter people from enrolling in the medical cannabis program. Grimes believes that price-fixing laws are a workable way for legislators to guarantee that individuals suffering from illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder (“PTSD”), multiple sclerosis and cancer may obtain inexpensive marijuana products.

While Singleton has championed various bills aimed at reforming the marijuana sector, he acknowledges the challenges of passing such legislation in the legislature. Although the price cap bill has yet to progress, Singleton remains committed to advocating for more accessible pricing in the market.

While the entire cannabis industry including major companies such as TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) wish that patients and other users get the marijuana products they need at the most affordable prices possible, the wish to put price caps may be concerning given the rapidly changing market conditions on the ground and the slow rate at which regulators respond to such changes.

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