Arizona AG Restricts Hemp Sales, Maine Will Expunge Pre-Legalization Convictions, Ohio Cannabis School First To Earn Official Accreditation And More

Arizona AG Restricts Delta-8 THC, Other Hemp Derivatives Sales To Licensed Dispensaries

Arizona’s Attorney General Kris Mayes has issued an opinion classifying intoxicating hemp-derived compounds, including Delta-8 THC, as Schedule I controlled substances, thus restricting their sale exclusively to licensed cannabis dispensaries, reported HempToday. This move aims to curb the gray market spawned by the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized industrial hemp but overlooked synthetically produced psychoactive derivatives. 

Mayes’ stance, detailed in a comprehensive analysis, aims to tighten control over hemp derivatives, despite potential repercussions for the CBD extract market. Stakeholders express concerns over the impact this interpretation may have on the sales of non-intoxicating CBD products, amidst safety and regulatory concerns.

Maine Legislature Advances Efforts To Seal Pre-Legalization Cannabis Convictions

The legislature is taking significant strides toward addressing the criminal records of individuals convicted for cannabis possession and cultivation before the state legalized recreational use in 2017. Proposals under consideration aim to seal these records, potentially lifting barriers that prevent many from fully participating in their communities.

Spearheaded by House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross (D-Portland), the initiative reflects a broader effort to rectify the injustices of past drug policies disproportionately affecting marginalized groups. Amidst support for these reforms, concerns about the automatic sealing process and its implications for public record access have sparked debate, noted Maine Morning Star.

Ohio Cannabis School Achieves First-Ever Official Educational Accreditation

The Cleveland School of Cannabis (CSC) has been accredited by the Middle States Association-CESS, marking a milestone as the first cannabis school in the U.S. to achieve such recognition, Hight Times reported. 

"Following a recommendation by the U.S. Department of Health to reschedule cannabis as a Schedule III substance, CSC's recognition by the Department of Education could be an early indicator of changing attitudes within the federal government towards cannabis," the CSC wrote in a press release.

This accreditation underlines the growing acceptance and integration of cannabis studies into formal education, promising advancements in research, education, and professional development within the cannabis industry.

Alabama Eases MMJ Access For Patients In Medical Facilities

The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) is proposing new rules aimed at simplifying access to medical cannabis for patients within medical facilities. These changes are designed to facilitate the role of professional caregivers in administering care, including the use of medical cannabis, by reducing licensing requirements, according to Alabama Reflector. 

This initiative marks a step toward integrating medical cannabis into the broader healthcare framework, addressing potential legislative needs to ensure seamless patient care and access.

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