Multiple firearms and pounds of illegal cannabis found at D.C. unlicensed stores
In the continued crackdown on unlicensed cannabis businesses, the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) have closed down two illegal retailers and taken action against a third. On October 10, 2024, ABCA and MPD officers executed closure orders on Dreams Smoke Shop at 2335 18th Street NW and In the Cut at 1460 Park Road NW. Both businesses had been operating in defiance of cease and desist orders issued by the ABC Board.
Baltimore voting on ballot initiative for cannabis reparation fund
Next month, Baltimore voters will decide on a legislative initiative to develop a fund for communities that have been disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition. The initiative would be funded by adult use sales tax revenue accounting for 35% of tax dollars. With the city’s cannabis possession arrest being around 30%, the city will receive the bulk of the state funding if legislation is approved.
West Virginia man denied access to medical cannabis to be heard in court
A judge will hear Kyle John Schober of West Virginia’s appeal of his denial of medical cannabis by the judge. Schober, currently on probation for possession of cocaine with intent to deliver, was prohibited under state law to possess cannabis. Schober’s attorney is arguing the court’s decision be changed to allow him to consume medical cannabis. The Assistant Attorney General Jason David Parmer contends with the Supremacy Clause with federal prohibition trumping Virginia’s allowance.
East Coast Roundup
With the east coast port strike, the dockworkers union and shipping lines recently agreed to conditions allowing the east coast cannabis industry to continue shipping vaporizing and packaging materials across state and federal lines.
New York’s office of cannabis management recently released the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) Implementation Report, praising achievements since the legislation legalizing cannabis production and distribution in the state.
New Jersey state’s attorneys recently released a 42-page filing arguing new New Jersey law restricting the sale of hemp products responding to the flood of intoxicating hemp-derived products and being a public health concern, four months after the Legislature passed a bill regulating the sale of intoxicating hemp products in New Jersey.
Culture & More
FEATURED: The company Eaze, once called the “uber of weed” will be slowing down their operations as of December 31 after their assets were foreclosed in August. The company has been going through a series of layoffs as well with over 500 employees being released, the brand lays in limbo in waiting for Florida’s cannabis legislation results.
Former basketball player Carmelo Anthony launched the Grand National Agency with CEO Jesce Horton and co-founder Brandon Drew Jordan Pierce in an effort to improve engagement and inclusivity. Anthony is looking to aid in creating opportunities for smaller cannabis brands as well as fostering intentional growth.
Boundless Robotics is releasing an AI-powered hydroponic growing device resembling a floor lamp noted for its style and ability to produce cannabis with minimal use. Annaboto uses computer monitoring and AI in order to keep track of growing plant health and nutrient levels, users are guided by their smartphones.
Around the Country
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture recently filed new permanent rules regarding hemp-derived cannabinoid retailers, producers and suppliers. The rules outline as of December, the consequences including recall, embargo, remediation and or destruction of the entire batch if the sample quantity tested exceeds the allowed limit.
Minnesota’s Native American tribes are investing in cannabis businesses in preparation of that state’s launch of their adult use cannabis market next year. Tribes want to encourage thriving relationships with the state government as well as cooperating and promising demand.
Around half of the 49,000 already validated signatures on medical cannabis petitions to legalize in Nebraska “cast serious doubt” for state Attorney General Mike Hilgers on behalf of Secretary of State Bob Evnen in a recent fling. In the filing, the officials ask the court to identify the number of “valid” signatures and void election results if they aren’t validated.
From the swamp
Former President Donald Trump’s 2024 running mate, Sen. JD Vance is claiming due to administration failures, Vice President Kamala Harris can’t stop cannabis and fentanyl disguised as candies from entering the country. After Vance visited the evidence room at the Atlanta sheriff’s department, he claims to have taken note of bags of cannabis and pressed meth and fentanyl pills resembling boxes of Nerd candy.
When asked about the issues that aren’t being talked about with the potential to move voters Sen. Brian Schatz replied saying cannabis. Schatz cited recent polls in Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin where majority voters get behind federal cannabis legalization and other types of reform.
In federal appeals court The Department of Justice is arguing that a person’s recent use of cannabis is enough to call they are in violation of the federal law and should not be allowed to possess a gun. Judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit is rebutting, claiming the unconstitutional nature of disarming individuals for past use of cannabis despite the constitutional disarming of those currently intoxicated.
Shrooms
New Jersey state Sens. Nick Scutari and Joe Vitale are sponsoring The Psilocybin Behavioral Health Access and Services Act, hoping to succeed in reform of psychedelics policy in the state. The reform legislation would establish a legal framework for psilocybin cultivation, testing, manufacturing, and administration.
