Cocaine, Meth Decriminalization In Maine, NY Weed Market Expands, Cannabis Reg Updates In AR And FL

New York Cannabis Control Board Approves Transition For Two More Multi-State Operators

A New York regulator green-lighted two more multi-state operators (MSOs) to transition from medical into the recreational cannabis market.

Fiorello Pharmaceuticals Inc., owned by Green Thumb Industries Inc. GTBIF GTII GTII GTBIF and running dispensaries in Manhattan, Long Beach, Rochester and Half Moon as well Citiva Medical LLC – owned by iAnthus Capital Holdings Inc. IAN ITHUF and operating medical dispensaries in Brooklyn, Wappingers Falls, Staten Island and Ithaca were approved by the New York Cannabis Control Board (CCB) in an anonymous vote.

The two businesses joined six other MSOs already approved by the state regulatory body to transition to the newly emerged market, writes Green Market Report's John Schroyer.

See also: New York Kicks Off 2024 With New Legal Weed Shops, Other Stores Open In OH, PA And FLA

Maine Takes Action: Ending The Stigma Of Drug Addiction With New Legislation

A new push seeks to decriminalize the possession of small quantities of illegal drugs and allocate resources towards treating substance use disorder instead of enforcing punitive measures.

The new campaign launched last week arises amidst Maine’s ongoing battle against a fatal overdose crisis. LD 1975 from Rep. Lydia Crafts (D-Newcastle) would decriminalize the personal possession of schedule W, X, Y and Z drugs, including methamphetamine, various opioids and cocaine, to name a few, reported Maine Morning Star.

Advocates behind the effort argue that criminalizing addiction pushes individuals suffering from substance use disorder further away from treatment options.

"We know that many Mainers who are struggling with substance use disorder that want help are not always able to access treatment," Crafts said recently in a virtual event hosted by the Maine Recovery Advocacy Project. "And as a result, our communities are being devastated and ravaged by overdoses," said Crafts.

Now read: Maine Survey Shows Most Voters Want A New Drug Policy Approach That Includes Decriminalization

Arkansas Cannabis Activists Submit Ballot Measure To Help Patients Get More Access To MMJ

On Jan. 12, Arkansans for Patient Access, a ballot committee, submitted a proposed ballot initiative to Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin to amend Amendment 98, the state’s medical marijuana amendment, reported Arkansas Advocate.

Amy Martin, owner of The Greenery dispensary in Fort Smith, said the group's goal is to strengthen and expand on Amendment 98 to provide improved care for patients.

The 2024 Patient Access Amendment, submitted to the Attorney General for ballot title review, encompasses alterations to definitions, eligibility criteria and regulations, including replacing the definition of physician with health care practitioner. The amendment seeks to change the language to allow assessments in person or by telemedicine for qualifying patients or caregivers to cultivate marijuana plants in limited quantities in their homes, to name a few.

The amendment "reduces barriers and streamlines processes so qualifying patients can access the medicines and treatment options that best serve them," Martin said.

Florida’s MMJ Program Sees Steady Increase In New Patients As Recreational Legalization Looms

More Floridians are opting to register as medical marijuana patients, at least according to the 2024 Physician Certification Pattern Review annual report that highlighted figures from fiscal year 2023, reported Marijuana Moment.

The report from the state's Physician Certification Pattern Review Panel, which was set up by the Florida Board of Medicine and Board of Osteopathic Medicine, revealed that there was a 15% increase in the number of individual patients enrolled in the program, marking a decrease from the 25 percent growth observed from 2021 to 2022.

The state panel said in an annual report that the number of new cardholders has increased in 2023 – a bit slower and at a steady pace due to the market entering its mature stage as legalization talks intensify.

"The data have reflected a steady increase in the number of physician certifications, physician certifications containing at least one order for smoking as a route of administration, the distinct number of qualified patients with certifications, and the number of qualified physicians," the report said referring to the data from fiscal 2021, 2022 and 2023.

This 2024 ballot initiative, championed by Smart & Safe Florida and supported by Trulieve Cannabis Corp. TRUL TCNNF aims to legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older, allowing the possession of up to three ounces.