NY's Relief For Retail Cannabis, Delaware Appoints Ex-Trooper As Marijuana Commish And More Updates

Mississippi University Awarded Cannabis Research Contract

Mississippi's medical marijuana program is seeing an increase in patients obtaining cards, with 14,000 currently registered. Representative Lee Yancey expects this number to rise as more dispensaries open across the state.

In a separate development, the University of Mississippi has been awarded a five-year contract and $2 million work order by NIDA for marijuana cultivation and research materials. 

North Carolina Medical Marijuana Bill Faces Delays Despite Strong Public Support

A bill proposing the legalization of medical marijuana in North Carolina, known as the "North Carolina Compassionate Care Act," faces delays in the House after being passed by the Senate with bipartisan support. The bill allows physicians to prescribe cannabis products, including smokable marijuana, for patients with specific conditions. House Health Committee chairs plan to discuss the bill in the coming days, with a potential floor vote by the end of June.

Delaware Appoints Former Police Officer As Marijuana Commissioner 

Delaware Governor John Carney announced a cabinet reshuffle and the appointment of the state's first Marijuana Commissioner, Robert Coupe, who served in the Delaware State Police, Department of Justice and Department of Safety & Homeland Security. He will establish an oversight office, develop regulations and issue 125 licenses for cannabis cultivation and sales.

New York To Allow Sale of Stockpiled Cannabis, Providing Relief to Struggling Retail Market

New York's struggling retail cannabis market may find some relief as the Legislature passed a bill allowing the sale of stockpiled cannabis to tribal nations. Over 200 licensed cultivators in the state grew cannabis last year, with around 80 farms producing significant amounts, resulting in approximately 300,000 pounds of marijuana.

Financial hardships caused by the lack of sales have put this year's crop at risk. The bill recognizes native nation sovereignty and allows native nation-regulated retailers to purchase cannabis that would otherwise go to waste. The measure aims to support farmers and stabilize the retail cannabis industry.

Louisiana Governor Considers Marijuana Bills, Including Expungement 

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards has received several marijuana-related bills for approval after the state's Legislative Session. House Bill 286 seeks to simplify the expungement of first-time marijuana possession convictions by reducing the cost to $300 and decreasing the waiting period from five years to 90 days.

Louisiana has already decriminalized recreational possession of 14 grams or less. Advocates praise the move, highlighting the lifelong consequences of marijuana arrests. Governor Edwards has yet to sign the bill.

Cannabis Business Accuses City of Discrimination For Exclusion From Gay Pride

True North Cannabis, a business located in downtown Galt, Cambridge, has accused the city of discrimination after being prevented from participating in the Galt Pride Party. Owner Corry Van Iersel argues that since cannabis is legal and they have employees and customers from the LGBTQ+ community, they should have been allowed to support the event. He points out that while local breweries and restaurants were involved, True North Cannabis was denied the opportunity to participate.

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