'Predatory Practices' In Missouri, Washington D.C. Mayor Declares 4/20 Tax Holiday On Medical Marijuana And More Cannabis Reg Updates

Massachusetts Cannabis Sales Remain Steady In March

Massachusetts saw $154 million worth of cannabis products sold in March, representing a 2.3% year-over-year increase, according to the data from the Cannabis Control Commission. The sum included $136.8 million in recreational and $17.2 million in medical cannabis sales.

March sales are up compared to January and February cannabis sales which totaled $143.8 million and $143.3 million.

In 2023, the state reported selling over $1.7 billion worth of cannabis. As of the launch of recreational cannabis sales in 2018, the state has garnered $5.93 billion to date.

Meanwhile, state lawmakers are tackling regulatory gaps concerning THC-infused hemp products, which, despite their illegal status, have been found in various retail outlets. State Sen. Michael Moore spotlighted the issue during a recent legislative hearing, that focused on on enforcement and regulatory responsibilities.

See also: Massachusetts’ Cannabis Market Hits Record Highs, Faces Regulatory Challenges, And More

Washington D.C. Mayor Green-Lights 4/20 Tax Holiday On MMJ Purchases

Meanwhile, Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) has signed into law an initiative enhancing the medical marijuana program by extending the tax holiday from April 15 through April 28, in honor of the 4/20 holiday.

The policy change aims to boost transactions at dispensaries with a tax rate usually set at 6%. Additionally, the validity of medical marijuana registration cards is being extended to six years.

On Tuesday, Bowser returned the legislation to lawmakers.

Cannabis, taxation, and licensing agreements will be discussed at the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Florida on April 16 and 17. Get your tickets now on bzcannabis.com – Prices will increase very soon!

North Carolina DA Says Cannabis Remains Illegal Despite Tribal Dispensary Opening

The first and only cannabis dispensary in North Carolina is set to open on April 20, 2024. The move would follow last year's decision by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians' (ECBI) members to legalize cannabis for recreational use.

Yet, District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch said earlier this month, the grand opening of the Great Smoky Cannabis Co., operated by ECBI doesn't mean that medical and adult-use cannabis would be legal outside of tribal boundaries, reported the Asheville Citizen-Times.

"We do not pick certain laws to enforce and ignore others," the statement stipulates."We respect tribal sovereignty, and we respect the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians' right to enact tribal laws."

"In North Carolina, the cultivation, distribution and possession of marijuana remains illegal, and we will continue to enforce state law off Qualla Boundary," it continued.

Now read: Cherokee Tribe Legalizes Medical Marijuana On Its Land In Western North Carolina

‘Predatory Practices' Shake Up Missouri's Social-Equity Marijuana License Program

Missouri cannabis regulator recently revoked 9 social-equity cannabis licenses of the winners of 48 cannabis microbusiness licenses under Amendment 3, which legalized marijuana in 2022.

The “microbusiness license” program sought to hand out cannabis licenses to those in communities negatively affected by marijuana criminalization. The state issued permits to the winners on Oct.2.

However, the nine cannabis licenses in question, didn't meet eligibility requirements, including eight dispensaries that were related to out-of-state groups and one being a wholesale facility.

Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation warned of "predatory practices" in social-equity marijuana licensing earlier this month.

Simultaneously, veterans John and Kara Grady, who run Slaphappy Beverage Co. selling hemp-derived THC drinks, have been contacted via Facebook to be "part of our dispensary license," reported Missouri Independent.

Upon refusing to take part in such practices, Gradys were attacked on their social media pages.

"I was like, ‘What kind of tactics are these?'" John Grady said in an interview with The Independent. "You have to ask yourself — if it's that competitive on the microbusiness licenses, then really what's going on?"

The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is returning to Florida, in a new venue in Hollywood, on April 16 and 17, 2024. The two-day event at The Diplomat Beach Resort will be a chance for entrepreneurs, both large and small, to network, learn and grow. Renowned for its trendsetting abilities and influence on the future of cannabis, mark your calendars – this conference is the go-to event of the year for the cannabis world.

Get your tickets now on bzcannabis.com – Prices will increase very soon!