Stay On Top Of Weed Regs: Gun Violence Survivors' Priority In IL Lottery, Sober Zones At College Stadiums & More

As the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference returns to Miami (April 11-12) bringing together top CEOs, investors, leaders, advocates and politicians, let's scroll through the latest regulatory changes in the space.

Gun Violence Survivors Get Priority In Illinois Cannabis License Lottery

Meanwhile, in Illinois, applications for the state's 2023 cannabis dispensary license lottery are due on Friday, March 10.

In this round, Illinois specifically solicits applicants via a social equity program that will prioritize gun violence survivors, writes Block Club Chicago.

The IDFPR expanded the scope of social equity to mandate current residence in a DIA, as well as a qualifying arrest or conviction, in addition to long-time residency while being in a census tract for poverty, food stamps, or a victim of a gun crime.

Colorado Senator Calls For Sober Zones At Sports And Entertainment Venues

A Colorado measure is seeking to ban the use of marijuana, tobacco, alcohol and other substances at large entertainment venues like Coors Field and Red Rocks Amphitheatre, reported Westword.

Senate Bill 23-171 from state Senator Kevin Priola (D) seeks to establish official sober seating sections at events with 7,000 or more people, such as college stadiums.

"We want something that works for the sports teams, the venues and the entertainment providers, but we also want something that works for families and people who are substance-free," Priola said.

San Diego Offers More Access To Cannabis With New Regulations

San Diego may double the number of pot shops under the new proposal from city officials.

The new push also seeks to expand the cannabis retail footprint in tourist and entertainment areas of the city near mass transit, reported The San Diego Union-Tribune.

According to officials, the changes are needed so that the city's new cannabis equity program will prove successful. Under the new proposal, 36 new dispensary permits would be added and reserved only for people eligible for the city equity program.

Cannabis Tax Revenue Used To Create Equity In Michigan Local Governments

A Michigan city is working on setting up a cannabis chamber of commerce for local marijuana businesses, reported MiBiz.

Kalamazoo intends to request proposals in the coming months as part of a search for an organization that would run the newly established body, funded by the city's share of marijuana excise tax revenue.

While other Michigan municipalities are experimenting with similar endeavors, Kalamazoo plans to utilize the funds to promote equity within the market, as well as microbusinesses and minority-owned ancillary businesses.

Kalamazoo's community planning and economic development director Antonio Mitchell said their goal is to establish the chamber by next year.

The cannabis industry "needs additional assistance from the community and a constructive way to educate individuals that there is more than smoking cannabis, it also has medical and other benefits," Mitchell said, adding that "the industry needs a more unified communication that this would help with."

Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference

The most successful cannabis business event in the world, the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is being held at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel in Florida on April 11-12.
This is the place where DEALS GET DONE, where money is raised, M&A start and companies meet investors and key partners  Don’t miss out.
Secure your tickets now before prices go up.

Photo: Courtesy of 5 second Studio and Eight Photo by Shutterstock