Democratic Governor Signs New Cannabis Bill and Arizona Tea Get's Into Marijuana

RIVERSIDE, Calif. - Aug. 26, 2019 - PRLog -- In domestic news, the Navy issues a memo prohibiting sailors from using hemp-derived CBD, despite the crop's legalization in the 2018 Farm Bill. Because of the lack of FDA regulation, the memo claims that some CBD products could contain THC that would appear on a drug test, although if they don't, it's unclear how the policy will be enforced.

In Illinois, Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker signs a bill adding a variety of qualifying conditions to the state's MMJ program, including chronic pain, and allowing nurses and physician's assistants to certify patients. Despite the impending recreational launch next year, with the lower tax rate of 1 percent on medical marijuana compared to up to 35 percent on rec cannabis, it's unclear how MMJ sales will be affected. Let us know what you think online at Cannabis Broadcast Station.

In Idaho, the first step toward medical marijuana legalization is underway. State officials approve an initiative led by an association of volunteer organizations known as the Idaho Cannabis Coalition, or ICC, to start gathering the 55 thousand signatures needed to get the measure on the 2020 ballot. According to ICC polling, one in four Idaho residents support MMJ legalization, suggesting favorable prospects for the proposal.

In Massachusetts, the first recreational cannabis store off the mainland opens on Nantucket Island, three years after adult use legalization in the state. The Green Lady Dispensary grows and tests marijuana on the island in order to overcome the obstacle of federal prohibition, making it illegal to transport by air or water.

In the finance sector, Denver-based cannabis-infused product manufacturer Dixie Brands enters into a licensing agreement with Arizona Beverage Company, makers of the popular iced tea. Under the terms of the deal, Dixie will make and distribute the products to licensed marijuana dispensaries, and Arizona will have the right to buy a stake of up to 10 million dollars in the cannabis company. Terms are under review for approval by Dixie's board.

Canopy Growth partners with Greenlane Holdings, giving them exclusive distribution rights of Storz and Bickel vaporizers throughout the U.S. The German vaporizer manufacturing company, known for the Volcano, is a subsidiary of Canopy, and will gain access to Greenlane's extensive distribution network of over 11,000 retail locations.

In other international news, Mexico's parliament seeks public feedback through a series of events and a government-run website in anticipation of federal cannabis legalization, which is set to happen by October of this year. Four parliamentary commissions will then be responsible for drafting specific regulations, which would make the country the third in the world and largest in terms of population, to legalize on the federal level.

https://youtu.be/f7OdGSAulgY



Written by: Micah Tatum and
Jacqui Verdura