Federal Agency Won't Auto-Disqualify Applicants Who Grow Weed, Unless…& More Updates In NY, TX, & IL

ATF Won’t Automatically Disqualify Applicants Who Cultivate Weed If They Abide By State Law

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) recently made a notable employment policy update, reported Marijuana Moment.

From now on, the federal law enforcement agency will no longer automatically disqualify applicants who’ve been involved in state-legal cannabis-related activities, like marijuana cultivation, production or sales. Those who did violate state laws by getting involved in cannabis-related operations while in a position of public responsibility will be automatically disqualified.

As federal law overrules state law when it comes to federal institutions and agencies, by into account state's rights in terms of cannabis regulations, this policy update represents important progress for the industry.

Texas House Officially Passes Marijuana Decriminalization Measure: Next Stop Senate

Texas’s House of Representatives officially passed a bill to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana on Thursday sending it to the Senate for consideration.

The move comes just one day after the chamber preliminary approved the legislation.

Under House Bill 3652, sponsored by Rep. Joe Moody (D) adults over 21 will be allowed to legally use and possess up to 5 ounces of cannabis. Home cultivation would also be allowed, and an expungement process would be facilitated for low-level cannabis possession offenses.

See also: Cannabis Regulatory Update: Maine Prepares For Federal Reform, Hawaiians Urge Clemency & More

3x More Applicants For New Cannabis Licenses In Illinois After Rules Revision

The number of cannabis license applicants in Illinois nearly tripled from two years ago, reported by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Close to 3,000 applicants will be competing in May’s lottery for just 55 cannabis sales licenses.

This comes after recent changes the state regulator made to the cannabis licensing process, making it far simpler and affordable: the submission of an application fell from $2,500 to $250. Now only one application per applicant is allowed. The program still gives priority to social-equity applicants. 

New York’s Illegal Cannabis Market Still Challenges Legal Stores

The biggest problem new marijuana retailers in New York are facing is an illegal market, writes Green Market Report. 

Arana Hankin-Biggers, president and co-founder of Union Square Travel Agency, one of just nine legal cannabis shops in the Empire State, said they needed to “be very persistent about ensuring that revenue continues to rise. There’s quite a bit of competition from the illicit market. That’s the main hurdle.” 

She added that both state and city leaders are becoming more “aggressive” about shutting down illegal pot dealers. 

Photo: Created with AI on MidJourney