South Is Embracing Cannabis, But This State Chooses To Look The Other Way & Other Regulatory Updates

As the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference returns to Miami (April 11-12) bringing together top CEOs, investors, leaders, advocates and politicians, let's review the latest regulatory changes in the space.

Mississippi Lawmakers Take Steps To Expand Medical Cannabis Access

Mississippi Legislature has sent an amended version of the Medical Cannabis Act to the governor’s desk. Lawmakers approved the measure on Tuesday, reported WJTV.

House Bill 1158 seeks to change the program to allow doctors not to go through additional certification when prescribing medical cannabis cards to patients as well as requiring patients to have ID cards available when buying cannabis.

This Senator Suggests S.C. Could Legalize Medical Marijuana

A GOP-led measure that seeks to legalize medical marijuana in South Carolina seems to have support in both chambers of the state’s legislature.

The S.C. Compassionate Care Act, earlier introduced by Sen. Tom Davis (R), would allow patients to access marijuana from licensed dispensaries if they receive a doctor’s recommendation for treating qualifying conditions.

Davis is reportedly optimistic that his bill will become law this year.

“The problem with any legislation is that if you have a vocal opponent and aggressive opponent, they can throw sand in the gears,” Davis said. “It’s never a problem in the House of having the votes to pass it we have the votes there has to be the legislative will and leadership in the house getting behind and bringing this up for the vote.”

We Have 'Bigger Fish To Fry,' GOP Lawmaker Says On MMJ Legalization

Kansas lawmakers decided to put medical marijuana legalization on ice earlier this week following a hearing during which members of the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee heard testimonies from officials with the Kansas Sheriffs Association, Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics who are against the cannabis reform being enacted.

The officials addressed several issues, including impaired driving and medical marijuana access in prisons, to name a few.

Mike Thompson (R), who chairs the committee, said on the heels of a Thursday vote that lawmakers have “bigger fish to fry,” reported Marijuana Moment.

House-Passed Bill For Marijuana Sales Heads To Delaware Senate Floor

On the heels of Delaware House members passing a bill to legalize the recreational cannabis market, two Senate committees green-lighted the proposal sending it to the floor, where a complementary bill to legalize possession is pending a review, reported Marijuana Moment.

Rep. Ed Osienski (D), who is behind both proposals, is optimistic that this year he will have support to override a potential veto from Governor John Carney, something House lawmakers failed to do last year.

House Bill 1 would legalize the possession, use, and sale of up to one ounce of cannabis for adults 21 and older. House Bill 2 would provide a framework to set up a regulated system of cannabis commerce statewide.

Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference

The most successful cannabis business event in the world, the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is being held at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel in Florida on April 11-12. This is the place where DEALS GET DONE, where money is raised, M&A start, and companies meet investors and key partners  Don’t miss out. Secure your tickets now before prices go up.

Photo: Courtesy of succo, mrkukuruznik5 by Pixabay