Las Vegas Clamps Down On 'Fake Dispensary' Scammers And Marijuana Regulatory Updates In NV, GA & NJ

Las Vegas Takes Action Against 'Fake Dispensary' Scammers

A proposed regulation is taking action against what the cannabis industry labels as "fake dispensaries," targeting locations that appear to offer cannabis products but are not approved, reported Fox 5 Vegas.

Layke Martin of the Nevada Dispensary Association said stores with exteriors emblazoned with words like "cannabis" or shelves stocked with goods labeled "cannabis" and "THC," even though they're not valid and are scamming tourists.

"They are making [it] look like a cannabis product, but doesn't have enough THC to be cannabis," Martin said.

Under the new rules, stores will be obliged to have signs depicting the real THC measures of their products, which must be lower than the legal limit established by law for licensed dispensaries.

Nevada Gov. Increases Possession Limits, Paves Way For Marijuana Industry

The governor of Nevada approved comprehensive marijuana reform legislation, increasing the legal personal possession limit, consolidating licensing regulations and expanding eligibility for people with previous felony convictions to get involved in the market, reported Marijuana Moment.

Gov. Joe Lombardo (R) gave the green light to the bill from Sen. Dallas Harris (D). The measure passed the state Assembly by a vote of 28-14 earlier this month.

SB277 more than doubles the personal possession limit from one ounce to 2.5 ounces and allows for the possession of larger quantities of cannabis concentrates.

The measure also eliminates the need for separate licenses for medical and recreational retailers as well as grants the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board the discretion to issue marijuana business licenses to individuals with prior felony convictions, as long as public health and safety are not compromised.

New Rules For Medical Marijuana Dispensaries In Georgia City Could Leave Patients Without Local Access

In May, Savannah City Council passed a zoning ordinance for medical cannabis dispensaries, which was so restrictive that it could thwart patients' ability to access the treatment they need by forcing them to travel outside the city, reported Savannah Morning News.

Under the new rules, medical cannabis dispensaries would not be permitted within 2,000 feet of specific uses, such as parks, libraries, community centers, daycare centers, public safety facilities, schools, places of worship, restaurants and package stores.

Moreover, dispensaries would be prohibited in areas identified as having an 'alcohol density overlay district,' which are typically located in predominantly African American neighborhoods.

City Manager Jay Melder and Director of Planning and Urban Design Bridget Lidy pointed out that the zoning was modeled after the regulations on pharmacies but that the rules for store locations were more akin to those surrounding alcohol sales.

Meanwhile, the Georgia State Board of Pharmacy recently released a set of regulations under which independent pharmacies will sell cannabis oil to patients registered in the Georgia Department of Public Health's registry.

The move allows Georgians living in areas where opening a cannabis dispensary is impossible to access products at their pharmacies, excluding chains like CVS or Walgreens, Cecil Cordle, a Georgia Board of Pharmacy member, recently said.

New Jersey Lawmaker Calls For New State Division To Track Cannabis Offenses

A New Jersey lawmaker Is seeking to set up a new marijuana enforcement division under the state Attorney General's Office that would be directed with compiling data that would help law enforcement officers determine when they can and can't charge drivers with a marijuana offense, reported the New Jersey Monitor.

Under Assemblywoman Shanique Speight's (D) measure, the database would record information on arrests related to cannabis and driving under the influence as well as document dismissals, convictions, and adjudications concerning cannabis charges.

The Division of Cannabis Control would be mandated to produce an annual report to the Governor and Legislature containing any recommendations for improvement. Additionally, the division will be tasked with developing and implementing a public awareness campaign focused on the risks associated with driving while stoned.

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