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Minnesota Cannabis Regulators Say Nearly 400 Weed Shops Will Open Amid Crackdown on Illicit Sales

Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) predicts that the state will need at least 381 dispensaries to meet the requirement for local governments to provide at least one retail shop per every 12,500 residents.

Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management

Though Minnesota legalized recreational marijuana in August 2023, tribal lands were the first and only to launch legal cannabis sales shortly thereafter when the White Earth Nation Tribal Council began to sell on the reservation to both tribal and nontribal members the first week of August.

White Earth Tribal and Community College

The OCM anticipates dispensaries will launch retail sales next year, once the office issues applications and establishes regulations for retailers.

In its report, issued earlier this week, the regulatory body noted that the situation is complicated by the absence of a well-regulated market for fully legalized marijuana.

“It is impossible at this time to understand the necessary supply of cannabis vs. hemp needed to accommodate total demand without further research,” the report authors wrote. “Until the adult-use market is launched and sales for both types of outlets can be thoroughly assessed, estimates of adequate product supply and outlets for the adult-use program will likely be inaccurate.”

Lack Of Regulated Cannabis Sales Boosts Illicit Market

The report also stressed that more Minnesotans are turning to illicit sources to obtain marijuana.

The “high prevalence of obtaining cannabis from a dealer, an illicit source, among Minnesota residents,” can be attributed to the absence of “legal adult-use sources,” according to the report.

Simultaneously, OCM is working on an interagency plan to put an end to hemp retailers that are selling marijuana buds that exceed the state’s limit of 0.3% delta-9 THC as industrial hemp, reported Hemp Today.

(THC) Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol - Learn @ Medicated Guide

The regulators are allegedly exploring the possibility of involving inspectors from the Office of Medical Cannabis and the Department of Agriculture to look into the sales of these products.

#IntheWeedswithSteve Be patient Florida, this too, shall pass! Steven M Smith InspirationalTech.org CEO since 2013.

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US States legalizing recreational use represents the Restart of a Newly Energized Cannabis Movement in the United States.

Half of all U.S. states have fully legalized marijuana and there are only six states where it is fully illegal — Kansas, Idaho, Nebraska, Wyoming, North Carolina and South Carolina (though cannabis is decriminalized in North Carolina and Nebraska).

It’s a cultural shift that has been decades in the making.

California became the first state to experiment with legal cannabis when it made medicinal marijuana legal in 1996. Maine, Hawaii, Nevada and Colorado followed suit over the next five years, allowing their citizens to also purchase medical cannabis.

The U.S. government gives the Drug Enforcement agency over $3 billion a year to fight its war on drugs, so a state openly defying the government’s edict against the plant was extremely radical at the time.

But between then and now, there was nearly two decades on no movement on the issue as the United States’ archaic federal laws against the growth and distribution of cannabis held firm.

But then in 2014 Colorado and Washington took it a step further than California did and became the first states in the union to legalize the recreational use and sale of marijuana.

That year, about 22.2 million Americans aged 12 or older reported current cannabis use, according to a national survey.

It turned out those two states legalizing recreational use represented the start of a newly energized cannabis movement in the United States. Since then, nearly two dozen states have also legalized recreational marijuana.

Washington and Colorado set the example

More than two-thirds of Americans polled by Gallup support legalizing marijuana. The 70% rate of support reached a record-high in October this year. Gallup has been issuing that cannabis poll since 1969.

Back then, just 12% of Americans admitted supporting the legalization of weed.

Gallup’s poll results also show the influence Colorado and Washington’s move to end prohibition in their states in 2014 helped spur the rapid adoption by the next 23 states.

While public support for cannabis legalization crossed the 50% mark for the first time in 2013, jumping up to 58% from 48% in 2012, it fell back down to 51% in 2014.

But since that year, support for legalizing marijuana has ballooned to the levels seen today.

“Although some health organizations and political commentators have raised concerns about the medical risks of marijuana, this hasn’t blunted the public’s desire for legalization thus far,” Gallup said.

“For now, the high level of support among younger adults suggests national backing will only expand in the years ahead, likely resulting in more states, and perhaps the federal government, moving to legalize it.”

 

Money is a major issue

If you think cannabis legislation moves slowly only at the federal level, you’d be wrong.

It took Hawaii, for instance, 20 years to graduate from legalizing medical marijuana — it was the first state to do so through a state legislature vote — to decriminalizing use of the plant in 2019.

While the journey has been long, the real inflection points for legalization came during the pandemic.

Shutting down the economy for over two years exposed and stressed many of the cracks in local economies that had been able to be hidden previously, and the money from taxes on cannabis (along with gambling) suddenly became more palatable for politicians who objected to legalization on moral grounds (see: John Boehner for reference).

Since 2020, Vermont, Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, South Dakota (later reversed by a circuit court judge) New York, Virginia, New Mexico, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maryland, Missouri, Delaware, Minnesota, and Ohio have all legalized recreational marijuana.

Alabama, South Dakota, Mississippi (reversed by the Supreme Court of Mississippi) and Kentucky have legalized medical cannabis since then while Louisiana decriminalized the drug.

Maryland launched its adult-use cannabis industry in July this year and is seeing sales of $89.5 million a month. Thanks to the state’s 9% excise tax on adult use cannabis sales, the state has also received tens of millions of tax dollars it did not have access to last year.

So the economic case for legalizing cannabis is apparent for the states that are now participating. But for the rest of the country, it may take the federal government changing its laws in order for them to get on the cannabis train.

#IntheWeedswithSteve

  Be patient Florida, this too, shall pass! Steven M Smith InspirationalTech.org CEO since 2013.

Thank you for consideration.
Inspirational Technologies
InspirationalTech.org for your Health Wellness Beauty and Inspirational Goals

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The Minnesota Department of Health revealed that the director of the Office of Medical Cannabis is stepping down after five years.

This past Monday, the Minnesota Department of Health revealed that the director of the Office of Medical Cannabis is stepping down after five years.

Chris Tholkes, who was appointed as a member of the new board at the government marijuana regulatory coalition Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA) in July, has accepted a position with the City of Minneapolis, reported CBS News.

New Jersey Becomes Founding Member of “Cannabis Regulators Association”

“I’m grateful for the many opportunities and experiences I’ve had during my 14 years with MDH,” Tholkes said. “I’m incredibly proud of our work and will be cheering folks on for the upcoming implementation work.”

Tholkes has begun her new job Friday.

Minnesota’s Marijuana Czar Quits After One Day

The news comes some two months following Gov. Tim Walz’ (D) failed attempt to name the first executive director of the new Office of Cannabis Management. 

In September Walz named Erin DuPree to the role, saying that she “is a proven and effective leader, who will be successful in standing up Minnesota’s new adult-use cannabis market and helping Minnesotans succeed in the industry.”

However, after allegations of selling illegal cannabis products through her company, Erin DuPree resigned the next day.

 

“I have become a distraction that would stand in the way of the important work that needs to be done,” DuPree wrote in a letter to local media outlets at the time.

DuPree had advertised certain products on the Loonacy Cannabis Co. website that were later flagged and removed due to their non-compliance with state regulations. DuPree, who founded Loonacy in Apple Valley in July 2022, said she took swift action to remove the products from the inventory.

Charlene Briner is serving as interim director at OCM.

Minnesota’s Cannabis Efforts

Meanwhile, Minnesota kicked off its adult-use cannabis program this past August, while continuously amending and improving its medical marijuana program.

The Office of Cannabis Management is soliciting public input on regulations for the burgeoning marijuana industry, with a focus on cultivation, processing and product manufacturing.

Last month, the Minnesota Department of Health confirmed it would add dry herb vaporization to the list of approved delivery methods in the state’s medical marijuana program.

  #IntheWeedswithSteve

Be patient Florida, this too, shall pass! Steven M Smith InspirationalTech.org CEO since 2013.

Thank you for consideration.
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Most Floridians support legalizing adult-use cannabis.

The year is nearly coming to a close and little federal progress has been made regarding the legalized cannabis industry. In August, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) formally recommended reclassifying cannabis as a Schedule III controlled substance. Four months later, it is unclear if the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)Read DEA Chief’s Critical Memo Admonishing Trump

will heed the advice of the HHS or wait until the first quarter of the new year to reschedule cannabis under the Controlled Substance Act. However, there is a group of six governors who want to see cannabis rescheduled by year’s end. “We hope that [the] DEA will follow suit and reschedule cannabis to Schedule III this year, given that 88 percent of Americans are in favor of legalization for medical or recreational use. Rescheduling cannabis aligns with a safe, regulated product that Americans can trust,” a five-page letter signed by Governors Jared Polis (Colorado), JB Pritzker (Illinois), John Bel Edwards (Louisiana), Kathy Hochul (New York), Phil Murphy (New Jersey) and Wes Moore (Maryland) reads.

It is great to see state leaders acknowledge the benefits of cannabis and hold President Joe Biden accountable for his promises to decriminalize the plant. Reclassifying cannabis as a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substance Act is an “overdue step” in the right direction. Though we are not expecting it until next year, it would be incredible if the DEA doesn’t wait until the ball drops and the calendar turns. The time is now.

 

GOP pushes back as recreational marijuana use begins in Ohio

At the direction and will of the voters, Ohio will enter the world of legalized adult-use cannabis in December. Adults over 21 years of age can possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana in plant form or up to 15 grams in extract form and grow up to six marijuana plants per adult.

“Marijuana is no longer a controversial issue,” Tom Haren, a spokesperson for the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, said. “Ohioans demonstrated this by passing State Issue 2 in a landslide. Ohioans are being extremely clear on the future they want for our state: Adult-use marijuana legal and regulated.”

Despite Ohioans voting to legalize of adult-use cannabis in November, state lawmakers are threatening to make significant changes to the state’s adult-use landscape. Most notably, the Republican-controlled Ohio Senate voted 28-2 to approve a measure that would tax cannabis sales at 15% and cut the number of cannabis plants residents can own in half.

 

“Ohioans will remember blatant disregard for the voters on marijuana. I have been a Republican my entire adult life, but I have never felt as disrespected or disenfranchised by my own party and my legislature as I do right now,” Ohio resident Tyler Ward wrote in a letter to the editors of The Columbus Dispatch.

The latest measure pushed through the Ohio Senate must be approved by the Ohio House of Representatives before it can be signed into law. In the meantime, the voters of Ohio and those in the other 49 states will be watching and hoping the lawmakers abide by the will of the people. That is what’s right for Democracy and for basic economics.

News broke this week that the initiative is now being fast tracked, with recreational marijuana sales now expected to commence within 90 days. It seems the compromise included a 15% excise tax and caps on potency, which are both illogical. We expect some serious unintended consequences around the potency cap with vape as just an initial example. The positive is that the market will quickly open with existing medical doors being able to sell adult use.

 

Most Floridians support legalizing adult-use cannabis

Less than four weeks stand between American voters and another eventful election year. Aside from the high-profile federal races, many will be watching the Sunshine State as state-level initiatives bring the topic of legalized adult-use cannabis to the forefront.

Florida has entertained the idea of adult-use weed legalization before, but each attempt has missed the mark for one reason or another. However, Florida has changed quite a bit since the most recent failed attempt at legalizing recreational cannabis use.

Will Florida Ever Legalize Recreational Marijuana? | Miami New Times

A recent survey conducted by the UNF Public Opinion Research Lab (PORL) found that 67% of Floridians would vote for an initiative that legalizes the possession and regulates sales of small amounts of cannabis for personal use among adults. Support was highest (77%) among adults between 18 and 24 years old, followed by Floridians between 55 and 64 (70%). While the survey sample size was limited to 716 respondents, it was surprising to see support among 35 to 44-year-olds sit below 60% and no data was presented about adults between 25 and 34.

 

“Unlike previous surveys when we simply asked if folks support or oppose [the] legalization of recreational marijuana, this time we gave respondents the specifics of the proposed amendment,” PORL Faculty Director Dr. Michael Binder said. “Yet again, it looks like (the amendment) has a good chance of passing, if it makes it through the courts, and that is a very big ‘if.'”

The results of the survey are consistent with the prevailing notion that young Americans nationally are very much in favor of ending cannabis prohibition. The future leaders of this country will bring about change despite efforts from the old guard who continues to hang on to their political positions.

More improvement could be made on California’s cannabis tax revenue

California, despite its many known challenges, remains the largest legal cannabis market in the world. Industry projections estimate California will make up 20% of the U.S. market by 2025 and be worth $5.4 billion by 2030.

This year, California’s cannabis market produced $285.1 million in tax revenue during the second quarter and $269.3 million during the third quarter. The market should be more desirable and implementing the following strategies could result in a more significant legal industry.

  • Access: Incentivize the many jurisdictions that have yet to allow for legal cannabis to open immediately.
  • Taxes: Cut the state’s excise tax down to 10%, as seen in many other adult-use legal states. It would also be beneficial to cap the tax rate that cities are also adding in.
  • Enforcement: Address the burning distribution license matter, that is currently allowing massive diversion to the illicit market and undercuts the legal market. The state is aware of this issue and public officials should address it immediately.

The state has our support as it takes steps toward enhancing its significant cannabis program. Some progress has been made, but there is always room for improvement, as no market is perfect. The state and its cannabis industry can tackle these issues, find solutions and provide citizens and legal industry participants with the healthy and thriving program they deserve.

 

#IntheWeedswithSteve

  Be patient Florida, this too, shall pass! Steven M Smith InspirationalTech.org CEO since 2013.

Thank you for consideration.
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Illinois’ adult-use cannabis retailers reached a historic high in November.

 
Record Sales: Illinois' Cannabis Industry Historic November
 

Illinois’ adult-use cannabis retailers reached a historic high in November, setting a record for the most legal cannabis sold primarily to in-state residents in a single month. Overall sales, including purchases made by out-of-state customers, ranked fifth-highest monthly total since weed shops opened in January 2020.

 

Breakdown of November’s Cannabis Sales

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation reported total recreational cannabis sales amounting to $139.1 million for the month. According to Marijuana Moment, this figure includes $105.5 million in sales to Illinois residents and $33.6 million by visitors, exclusive of taxes.

State of Illinois | Illinois Department of Financial & Professional ...

Moreover, state-licensed retailers sold more individual adult-use cannabis products in November than ever before, with a total of 3.77 million items.

Medical Cannabis Sales and Market Trends

While the latest figures for medical cannabis sales in November are still pending, October’s sales reached $26.2 million, including $12.4 million in dry flower and $13.8 million in concentrates and infused products. This data comes from the Medical Cannabis Patient Program.

 

Despite these impressive numbers, Illinois consumers are facing higher cannabis prices compared to many other states with legal markets. Governor J.B. Pritzker acknowledged the high prices but emphasized the industry’s consistent expansion and the substantial sales to out-of-state customers.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker not on board with Sen. Mitch McConnell’s support of ...

2023: A Year Of Record-Breaking Growth

State officials also highlighted the “unprecedented” surge of state-legal cannabis sales in fiscal year 2023. This growth is partly attributed to the opening of 28 new retailers and total retail sales surpassing $1.5 billion.

The fiscal year 2023 brought approximately $451.9 million in revenue from legal cannabis to Illinois, outperforming alcohol revenue, which was around $316.3 million.

Advancing Social Equity in Cannabis Licensing

To address the impact of the War on Drugs, Illinois issued 200 conditional licenses and established a Social Equity Criteria Lottery. This initiative aims to prioritize individuals disproportionately affected by drug laws, with over 2,600 applicants for 55 new social equity dispensary licenses. Most of these new licenses were allocated in Cook County, the state’s most populous region.

Chart: Illinois lottery for retail marijuana licenses raises social ...

 

A Boost to Diversity and Challenges for Small Growers

The industry has also seen a notable increase in minority and women-owned businesses since 2020. Black-owned companies now account for 27% of the market, Latino/a or Hispanic-owned companies for 5%, Asian-owned companies for 3%, and women-owned businesses make up 16%.

However, small cannabis growers are facing challenges, struggling to thrive even with state aid.

 

#IntheWeedswithSteve   Be patient Florida, this too, shall pass! Steven M Smith InspirationalTech.org CEO since 2013.
Thank you for consideration.
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Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), one of the most vociferous cannabis supporters among U.S. senators Says Cannabis Legalization Is Inevitable Despite Some Republican Opposition

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), one of the most vociferous cannabis supporters among U.S. senators, recently said he was honored to vote for the SAFER Banking Act.

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Commenting on recent Ohio’s cannabis legalization, Fetterman told City & State in an exclusive interview that “it’s absolutely absurd – how many states around Pennsylvania are we failing behind?”

“It just makes it more silly. It’s just so simple and so easy – just give people what they want,” he said. “And again, make it safe, make it pure and make jobs. All the benefits are going to the cartels, but now, it should be going to the state.”

Fetterman said though he doesn’t consume cannabis he believes sales should be allowed and taxed, just like alcohol. “I don’t remember the last time I even drank hard alcohol, but you should be able to buy it because we all realize what bathtub gin does to people. There are things that are so much more lethal and dangerous and addictive – you don’t have any of those issues with cannabis.”

The senator undertook expungement of minor drug charges, saying no one’s life should be ruined “because they had some stupid, silly weed charge.” As lieutenant governor and head of the pardoning process, “we got that process started. It’s always astonishing when you have people in front of you who can’t be a volunteer at their child’s school, can’t get a better job, can’t get a loan because 12 years ago they got caught with a joint.”

Fetterman said that because cannabis is illegal its value is distorted and is often the cause of violence and robberies.

No-Brainer 

“There’s no medically documented THC overdose, and marijuana is not lethal at all. It’s a no-brainer,” he said.

He called President Joe Biden a man of his word because, on the first anniversary, he recommended marijuana de-scheduling. Furthermore, he added that it’s “always Republicans going against something that should be common sense and that a majority of people really want, whether it’s abortion or weed,” and that legalization is inevitable.

Biden Has No Intention Of Extending Marijuana Pardons To Help People ...

#IntheWeedswithSteve

  Be patient Florida, this too, shall pass! Steven M Smith InspirationalTech.org CEO since 2013.

Thank you for consideration.
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Continue reading Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), one of the most vociferous cannabis supporters among U.S. senators Says Cannabis Legalization Is Inevitable Despite Some Republican Opposition