Cannabis Regulations Updates In OK, MA, AL & PA, From Edibles Safety And Marijuana Bans To Ending Federal Prohibition

The world of cannabis regulations is ever-evolving, with several significant developments taking place across different regions.

Edibles Marijuana Overdoses In Oklahoma

• Oklahoma grappled with a concerning surge in accidental marijuana consumption in 2022. Over 580 cases were reported — primarily young children enticed by attractive edible packages. “Almost half involved a child under 6 and most involved edibles,” per Oklahoma Watch.
• To combat this, Oklahoma's Medical Marijuana Authority plans to implement advanced tracking systems for better regulation. While marijuana and alcohol cultures converge, safety measures and education are vital, especially for underage patients.

See Also: A Marijuana Producer Is Under Scrutiny As Regulator Recalls 13K Vapes After Child Poisoning Incident

Finding A Path to End Prohibition, 2024 Presidential Candidate Perspective

• “Federal policy on cannabis needs to catch up with the will of the American people and the 40 states which have legalized medical and/or adult use,” said Republican Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, citing public safety concerns due to the industry's lack of banking access, reported Marijuana Moment.
• Suarez believes deferring to state policies is the best solution if Congress cannot find a path to end prohibition. “Current federal policy poses a serious risk to public safety as most state-legal cannabis businesses are prohibited from accessing the banking system and must operate in cash,” the 2024 presidential candidate tweeted. “This endangers the lives of many industry workers and increases violent crime in our communities.”

Marijuana Legalization Developments In Minnesota

• The legalization of marijuana in Minnesota has led to the retirement of the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office's last two cannabis-detecting K-9s, Jango and Cobra. Replacing them won't be easy or cheap, as it costs nearly $12,000 to train a new dog for both patrol and drug detection, per USA Today.
• Meanwhile, the Rochester City Council unanimously approved a ban on new cannabis businesses in the city until 2025 to align with state licensing goals and review regulations. They aim to create appropriate local policies and zoning for cannabis sales based on emerging state guidelines from the new Office of Cannabis Management.
• Furthermore, the Alexandria City Council preliminarily approved an 18-month moratorium on marijuana businesses, in line with the state's regulations. The moratorium temporarily prohibits all cannabis-related activities until a second approval and public hearing take place.

Marijuana Drug Testing, Psychedelics Research & More Supported by the AMA

• The American Medical Association (AMA) adopted new drug policy positions, supporting psychedelics research, opposing kratom criminalization, ending sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine, and advocating continued marijuana metabolite inclusion in employment drug tests, as reported by Marijuana Moment.
• The AMA's House of Delegates rejected a proposal to recognize the benefits of regulating marijuana, choosing to stick with their stance in favor of prohibition. However, they did support expunging past marijuana convictions in states where it's legal. Additionally, the American Kratom Association welcomed a resolution supporting the decriminalization of personal kratom use, subject to regulatory evaluation before sale or prescription.

Alabama Establishs Cannabis Advisory Board

• The Alabama Cannabis Industry Association (ACIA) has established an advisory board comprising experts from various fields to shape the future of cannabis consumption, advocate for responsible use, and represent the interests of the state's growing cannabis industry.
• ACIA founder and chief executive director Chey Garrigan noted that the board includes professionals with expertise in government affairs, scientific research, manufacturing, branding, communications, and hemp cultivation,
• According to Alabama Today, they will work towards advocating for decriminalizing medical cannabis, promoting economic development, and ensuring equitable opportunities. The ACIA aims to develop strategic initiatives that elevate industry standards, foster education, and raise awareness about responsible cannabis consumption.

See Also: Alabama's Cannabis Industry Faces Uncertainty As Controversy And Lawsuits Rock Its Licensing Program

Pennsylvania Marijuana Legalization Support Declines

• Support for marijuana legalization in Pennsylvania has decreased for the first time in a decade, with 50% of Pennsylvanians supporting complete legalization, down from 56% in 2022, according to the Muhlenberg College Public Health Program's 2023 Pennsylvania Health Survey. Opposition to legalization also increased to 31% from 25% in 2022, while those neither in favor nor opposed remained at 18%.
• The survey, conducted through telephone interviews with 417 adult Pennsylvania residents, also covered topics such as concerns about increased marijuana use among young adults, healthcare, mental health, climate change, and the opioid epidemic in the state.

Cannabis Social Equity In MA

• The Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund in Massachusetts, designed to aid social equity entrepreneurs with 15% of cannabis sales tax revenues, has never received any money due to a technical issue in the law, as first reported by the Boston Business Journal.
• The fund remains empty, leading to a delay in awarding financial assistance to social equity cannabis companies. According to Green Market Report, an interim solution is being developed by the Office for Administration and Finance to potentially make $2 million to $4 million available within a few months — but eligible businesses are in urgent need of support.

Meanwhile, in Illinois, the 17th edition of the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is returning to Chicago on Sept 27-28. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to immerse yourself in the ever-changing dynamics of cannabis regulations at both state and federal levels. Get your tickets today before prices increase and secure a spot at the epicenter of cannabis investment and branding.

Read Next: Gov Pritzker, Architect Of Illinois' Cannabis Revolution, Will Speak At This Event: Here's How To Meet Him

Image by El Planteo