Cannabis In NY, MO, Research For Veterans, Pesticides, Cannabis Farmers & More

NY Recreational Marijuana Is Legal But...

In Schenectady, NY, a proposed revision of the municipal code could prohibit adult-use cannabis users smoke and vaping weed in the city parks.

The city seeks to modify the code to "again make the parks smoke-free and just have the code reflect the changes in society,” said Mayor Gary McCarthy. “The proposal is to update the code to reflect changes in people’s habits.”

However, the public will have an opportunity to weigh in on the proposal, per a local media outlet.

VA Accused Of Withholding Medical Marijuana Research?

A bipartisan bill was recently introduced to direct the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct “studies on the therapeutic potential of marijuana for military veterans with certain conditions."

Sponsored by Reps. Lou Correa (D-CA) and Jack Bergman (R-MI) the measure seeks VA would conduct studies that explore the effects of cannabis for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain.

However, members of Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), who support medical marijuana research, criticized the VA for “dragging their feet” on the issue, per Marijuana Moment.
Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester (D-MT), who introduced the subject to members of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), affirmed: “effective treatment options must be based on comprehensive research and science—and VA research should empower veterans to make informed decisions about their health."

Illegal Cannabis Grows And Dangerous Pesticides, A Bill Re-Introduce

Last year, Congress members Scott Peters (D-CA) and Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) introduced legislation seeking to crack down on the use of banned pesticides on illegal marijuana grows on public land.

Lawmakers recently refiled the bill, Targeting and Offsetting Existing Illegal Contaminants (TOXIC) Act, to address and rectify the environmental damage being done by illegal pesticides, per Marijuana Moment.

The primary intent of the measure is consumer safety and environmental protection, said Peters.

'Clearing The Air’ In Missouri

In Missouri, a state House committee discussed a bill that would require all cannabis products in vehicles to be kept in odor-proof and child-proof containers, per a local news media outlet.

Rep. Kent Haden, R-Mexico, the bill's sponsor said: “I don’t claim to be an expert on marijuana – I’ve never inhaled (...) So let’s clear the air.”

Under Amendment 3, users can’t consume cannabis while driving a vehicle. However, officers can’t use smelling weed as the “basis for detention, search or arrest.”

San Francisco Supporting Cannabis Farmers Market

In San Francisco, folks can buy California weed at farmers' markets.

The monthly event takes place at Moe Greens on Market Street and Barbary Coast on Mission Street, two recognized dispensaries in the city. "The showcases allow customers to learn about dozens of different cannabis strains directly from the farmers who grow them," per SFGATE.

“Everybody kept saying we need to do something for the small farmers, so we decided to do something,” Susan Tibbon, who is behind the farmers market creation, told SFGATE. “These are the real pioneers of the industry that get their hands dirty to make the genetics and the future of cannabis possible.”

Benzinga's Cannabis Capital Conference Is Back

The most successful cannabis business event in the world, the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, returns to Miami for its 16th edition. This is the place where DEALS GET DONE, where money is raised, M&A starts, and companies meet investors and key partners. Join us at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel in Florida on April 11-12. Don’t miss out. Secure your tickets now. Prices will go up soon.

Image By El Planteo