Secret Shoppers In Oklahoma Cannabis Dispensaries, Nevadans Can Buy Twice As Much Weed & More

Nevada: Law Doubling The Amount Of Weed Possession Takes Effect 

Starting this week, marijuana enthusiasts in Nevada can legally possess more than double the amount of marijuana previously allowed, writes News 4.

Last June, Gov. Joe Lombardo (R) signed a comprehensive marijuana reform bill aiming to increase marijuana possession limits and remove barriers in the industry. Sponsored by lawmaker Dallas Harris (D), the bill increases the possession and purchase limit for cannabis from one ounce to 2.5 ounces and allows for the possession of larger quantities of cannabis concentrates. 

Under the new law, adult-use cannabis retailers also no longer need to have a separate medical marijuana license to serve patients. The legislation extends eligibility for participation in the market by individuals with prior felony convictions. 

See Also: Ontario Doubles Retail Weed Cap, More US States Eye Joining Cannabis Legalization Wave

Oklahoma: New Marijuana Laws Like Including Secret Shoppers Take Effect 

January brought several changes to marijuana laws in Oklahoma. For starters, thanks to Senate Bill 1704, the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) can now revoke a cannabis or business license if an illegal sale takes place. It also demands workers at licensed MMJ shops have a credential comparable to a liquor license. 

With another measure came changes on how cannabis is tested, enabling process validation, while legislation HB3971 allows the OMMA to use secret shoppers at dispensaries, writes kxii. 

According to Rep Josh West (R), the role of secret shoppers is to check if dispensaries are asking for cards and to check if the products are properly tested.

“They’ll have more confidence that they have a safe product,” West said.

Maryland: First Quarter Of Pot Sales Yields $12M In Taxes 

In the first quarter of Maryland's cannabis sales, the state collected more than $12 million in tax revenue, revealed comptroller Brooke E.Lierman, reported BayToBayNews. The revenue collected between July and September 2023 will be distributed at the beginning of the year to various funds as noted under the Cannabis Reform Act of 2023.

“Transparency is crucial to earning and maintaining the public trust, and my office is committed to helping Marylanders understand what this new part of the economy is generating in taxes,” Comptroller Lierman said. “We look forward to sharing information with the public every quarter, tracking the growth of the adult-use cannabis industry in Maryland, and positioning our state for a more prosperous future.”

The revenue will be divided between the following funds: Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF), Maryland Counties, Cannabis Public Health Fund, Cannabis Business Assistance Fund and General Fund. 

See Also: Delaware Rep Wants To Loosen Requirements For Medical Marijuana, New Mexico Has Too Many Weed Operators & More

Washington: New Bill Would Exclude Drug Treatment Professionals From Pot-Related Employment Protections 

This week, a new law in Washington State took effect protecting most job applicants who legally consume marijuana from employment discrimination. Now, lawmakers are trying to remove those protections for employees in the drug treatment industry, reported Marijuana Moment. 

Under HB 2047, sponsored by Reps. Tom Dent (R) and Lauren Davis (D) the list of exemptions would include drug treatment workers, along with law enforcement, fire departments, safety-sensitive positions, aerospace industries, etc. 

The legislation would enable employers to reject candidates who test positive for cannabis, citing that “as a substance use disorder professional or trainee, or any position as a health care professional licensed or certified…where the person will be providing services directly to clients or patients receiving treatment for substance use disorder.” The law, however, doesn’t require employers to screen job applicants for cannabis.

Photo: Courtesy of 2H Media via Unsplash