Pennsylvania's Farm-To-Table Cannabis Bill, Big Tobacco VS. Illicit Market And More

Mississippi Announces Major Cannabis Rule Revisions

Mississippi's Department of Health has unveiled extensive revisions to cannabis industry regulations, seeking public input until Oct. 2.

The changes primarily focus on precise definitions of industry terms, including distinctions between cannabis and industrial hemp, classifications of various concentrates and refining definitions for medical cannabis establishments.

Additionally, new rules address advertising restrictions, business licensing, product testing, and safety, impacting the state's 370 licensed medical cannabis businesses, which encompass dispensaries, cultivators, transporters, processors, disposal entities and testing labs.

Studies Reveal Potential Contamination In East Coast Cannabis Market

Recent studies in Maine have raised concerns about potential contamination in the medical cannabis market, with indications that up to 50% of products may contain harmful substances, such as pesticides, microbes, yeast, and mold.

Unlike recreational cannabis products, medical cannabis in Maine is not subject to mandatory testing.

The Maine Office of Cannabis Policy has proposed implementing mandatory testing and a track-and-trace system, but it faces resistance from some industry members who argue it could be burdensome.

Meanwhile, in New York's legal cannabis industry, an investigative report by NY Cannabis Insider highlights significant public health issues, revealing that top-selling cannabis strains in licensed dispensaries across the state have microbial levels far exceeding allowable limits, potentially posing serious health threats.

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Pennsylvania Farm-To-Table Cannabis: Senate Advances Bill to Expand Access

The Pennsylvania Senate has passed Senate Bill 773, which would allow all licensed medical marijuana growers and processors in the state to directly sell their products to patients. Currently, only a limited number of license holders can act as dispensaries, leading to market concentration.

Lawmakers hope the bill will address this imbalance. The legislation may also open the door to further marijuana law reforms, including potential discussions on home cultivation and adult recreational use, signaling a growing momentum for marijuana reform in the state, reported Pennlive.

Seattle City Council Will Align Municipal Code With State Drug Possession Laws

The Seattle City Council voted 6-3 to align the city's municipal code with a 2023 state law that classifies public drug use and possession as a gross misdemeanor. This decision also grants the City Attorney's Office the authority to prosecute these crimes.

Supporters argue that the legislation is a necessary tool to address the drug crisis and encourage individuals with substance use disorders to seek treatment. Opponents view it as a return to failed Drug War tactics and anticipate it will disproportionately affect Black and brown residents.

Tobacco And Alcohol Heavyweights Team Up To Crush Illicit Cannabis Market

The Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation (CPEAR), supported by tobacco and alcohol giants such as Altria MO, Reynolds American RAI, Molson Coors TAP and Constellation Brands STZ has released a report suggesting several policy recommendations to combat the illicit cannabis market in the U.S.

Recommendations include the establishment of a centralized nationwide track-and-trace system and introduction of marijuana tax stamps to differentiate regulated cannabis products and eliminate the illicit market, reported Ben Adlin for Marijuana Moment.

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Photo by Frances Gunn on Unsplash.