MJNews Network

"The Voice of Legal Cannabis Since 2013"

You are here: Home / Archives for Business / Events

OLCC Task Force on Cannabis-Derived Intoxicants and Illegal Cannabis Production Meeting

by Leave a Comment

OREGON: The Task Force on Cannabis-Derived Intoxicants and Illegal Cannabis Production will hold its initial (virtual) meeting on Thursday, May 12, 2022 from 9 AM to 11 AM. A meeting agenda can be found on the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission’s website in the public meetings section. 

The Oregon Legislature established the Task Force (2021 HB 3000 and 2022 SB 1564) to consider the items listed below and develop a report including final findings and recommendations for legislation.

The Task Force has been directed to provide its findings to the interim committee of the Legislative Assembly related to economic development no later than December 31, 2022.

HB 3000 Task Force Considerations

  • Changes to state law to support the regulation of intoxicating cannabis-derived products and artificially derived cannabinoids
  • The consolidation of administrative functions related to the regulation of cannabis
  • Methods to prevent sales to minors of industrial hemp commodities or products that contain intoxicating cannabinoids
  • Regulation to address genetic engineering of cannabis
  • Testing requirements and methods of enforcement of testing requirements for cannabinoids, including artificially derived cannabinoids, to protect the public health and safety
  • Policy changes related to interstate commerce and transportation of cannabis
  • Changes to state regulation of cannabis as a result of federal laws

SB 1564 Additional Considerations

  • Changes to state law to address labor trafficking
  • Changes to state law to address water theft and other unauthorized uses of water
  • Changes to state law relating to the processing of search warrants in order to increase efficiency
  • Optimal funding sources and structure to enable the ongoing involvement of law enforcement agencies in combatting illegal cannabis production

Task Force on Cannabis-Derived Intoxicants and Illegal Cannabis Production

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Thursday, May 12, 2022

Location: Virtual
Microsoft Teams meeting
Click here to join the meeting
Or call in (audio only)
1 323-553-3576, Conference ID: 533 333 681#

Agenda

LCB and WSCPA Partner for Regional Online Retail Security Training and Crime Prevention

by Leave a Comment

WASHINGTON: The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) has been focused on helping licensed cannabis retailers deal with the 2022 surge in violent armed robberies of cannabis stores. In a retail safety update to stakeholders, LCB Board Chair David Postman communicated last month about the agency’s efforts on this public safety crisis.

Partnership with Washington State Crime Prevention Association

This message is to announce a new partnership between the LCB and the Washington State Crime Prevention Association (WSCPA). The LCB is partnering with the WSCPA to provide security and safety training to retail cannabis licensees and their employees. The goals of this partnership are increased security awareness and an understanding of best practices.

The WSCPA consists of current and former law enforcement personnel, as well as volunteers and citizens who are concerned with crime prevention. The organization provides training, support, development, and implementation of crime prevention programs.

Regional Online Trainings for Licensees and Staff

At a series of upcoming online events, the WSCPA will present crime prevention best practices as well as safety and security recommendations. The WSCPA will train licensees in crime prevention, preparedness, preservation, and provide post-event education The LCB will present information on related laws and rules.

The LCB and WSCPA will host the below list of trainings between May and August. The trainings will be focused on cannabis retail safety best practices and regionally focused to address any unique local circumstances.

Training Dates

We strongly encourage cannabis licensees and staff participated in the training within their region.  If unavailable for the regional training, please feel free to join one or more on a date that is convenient.

May 18, 2022 (Thurston, Pierce, King Counties)

  • Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

May 25, 2022 (Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, Island, San Juan Counties)

  • Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

June 1, 2022 (Pacific, Lewis, Cowlitz, Clark, Wahkiakum, Skamania Counties

  • Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

June 8, 2022 (Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Lincoln, Spokane Counties)

  • 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

June 15, 2022 (Adams, Whitman, Franklin, Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield, Asotin Counties)

  • 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

June 22, 2022 (Kittitas, Grant, Yakima, Benton, Klickitat Counties)

  • 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

June 29, 2022 (Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan Counties)

  • 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

July 13, 2022 (Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, Grays Harbor Counties)

  • 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

July 20, 2022 Open (in case licensees cannot attend their region’s training)

  • 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

July 27, 2022 Open (in case licensees cannot attend their region’s training)

  • 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

 

Registration

Please register in advance for the meeting. The below link will bring you to the registration page where you may register for the training in your area.

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkceirrzsiGNHdKIy0nz04zHm5IJo0-wj4

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Medgar Evers College Chemistry & Environmental Sciences to Host Outdoor Showcase for Cannabis Degree Minor

by Leave a Comment

NEW YORK: The Medgar Evers College (MEC) Chemistry and Environmental Sciences Department is set to host a free spring event to bring awareness to the success of its Cannabis Minor Degree Program.  In partnership with Digital Venture Partners, Black Enterprise, and Green Enterprise, the Outdoor Cannabis Degree Minor Showcase opens to the public with a musical pre-show at 10:30 am and the main event from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday, April 30, 2022. This showcase also has the distinction of being the last stop on the Green Enterprise HBCU College to Career Initiative, with MEC joining other participating PBIs (Predominantly Black Institutions) and HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) from across the country in highlighting the importance of educating communities impacted by the war on drugs on this emerging industry.

“For far too long, black and brown communities are locked out of opportunities available at the dawn of new industries,” said Andrew Farrior, Managing Partner at Digital Venture Partners. “The foresight of the MEC Chemistry and Environmental Sciences Department to bring its innovative cannabis degree program into the heart of justice-impacted communities across the CUNY system embodies the mission of the Green Enterprise HBCU initiative.  This event is a fitting way to mark the end of our nationwide campaign to bring awareness to HBCUs and PBIs about opportunities to build lives, careers, and generational wealth through cannabis.”

The first MEC degree showcase to be held entirely outdoors will turn a section of Brooklyn’s Crown Street (between Bedford Avenue and Franklin Avenue) alongside the MEC science building into a neighborhood cannabis education festival celebrating the rich diversity of the New York City cannabis community.  Rain or shine, the day of education and entertainment will feature DJ sets, live music, and food trucks amongst an overview of the MEC cannabis degree program, student testimonials, and panel discussions covering topics such as Women in Cannabis, the War on Drugs, Urban Cultivation and the NY Space, Cannabis Equity, and New York State Cannabis Licensing. In addition, MEC’s Black Male Initiative will be presented, as well as thought-provoking presentations on the  Legacy Cross-Sectional Study and Psychoeducation and the Creation of Safe Spaces.

“With the NY cannabis market projected to become one of the largest in the US, New Yorkers must have access to current and relevant education,” said Dr. Alicia Reid, chair of the MEC Chemistry and Environmental Sciences department. “Such education will be an invaluable tool to best position New Yorkers to take advantage of the numerous opportunities this multi-billion dollar industry holds. This cannabis education showcase will not only highlight the groundbreaking degree minor program at MEC, but will also bring together community, academia, industry leaders, and influencers to have much-needed conversations towards equipping participants with the knowledge needed for significant participation.”

Introduced during the fall 2021 semester, the MEC Cannabis Degree Minor Program is available to all students across CUNY’s 25 campuses. It is centered through four tracts, including Formulation and Testing, Cultivation, Health, and Commercialization. Exemplifying its core mission to provide educational workforce development and opportunities for economic expansion, MEC’s cannabis minor features the skill-building instructional support needed to foster new cannabis leaders and the workforce necessary to support the budding industry.

Coinciding with New York State’s recent adult-use cannabis legalization, the MEC Cannabis Minor Degree Program seeks to engage students, faculty and staff, advocacy groups, and community members, including the formerly incarcerated and those transitioning from the legacy market. The program also serves as a resource for policy-makers through its diverse instructors and relationships with support organizations, including multi-state operators, state license holders, and advocacy groups, including the cannabis leadership organization Women Grow.

“Women Grow congratulates Dr. Reid and her team for hosting this timely event,” said Gia Morón, president of Women Grow. “As the reality of adult-use cannabis comes to fruition, this free event is an invaluable resource for communities once besieged by the war on drugs to gain access to important information and education.”

 

To register for the MEC Chemistry and Environmental Sciences Outdoor Cannabis Degree Minor Showcase, please visit Eventbrite.com.

MA Cannabis Education Event to Inform and Empower Consumers

by Leave a Comment

MCR Lab’s “What’s In Your Weed: The Educated Consumer” to teach consumers what to look out for when purchasing cannabis.

MASSACHUSETTS:  Local cannabis testing laboratory MCR Labs is hosting a consumer education event aimed at empowering consumers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their cannabis purchases and consumption choices.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature a presentation by MCR’s Vice President of Scientific Development Scott Churchill and InhaleMD’s President & CEO Dr. Jordan Tishler. Dr. Tishler is a Cannabinoid Specialist. 

“There is a lot of speculation out there on terms like ‘Total Active Cannabinoids’ and how factors like shelf life stability affect product quality,” said Churchill. “Our goal here is to help consumers develop a deeper understanding of cannabis so they can choose the right product for themselves.”

MCR Labs provides analytical cannabis testing services to cultivators and product manufacturers. The data produced by these services, such as cannabinoid content, is often advertised on product labels.

“It’s really important that patients understand how compounds like cannabinoids interact with their bodies,” said Dr. Tishler. “This can help them understand their medicine and work with their healthcare professionals to achieve optimal treatment.”

Through his training in Internal Medicine and years of practice as an Emergency Physician, Dr. Tishler brings his knowledge, reason, and caring to patients at inhaleMD, and through his advocacy work at the local and national levels.

“What’s In Your Weed: The Educated Consumer” will be held this Thursday, April 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. at District Hall in Boston. Anyone interested in learning more or attending the event can find details on the event website

New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission Special Meeting April 11

by Leave a Comment

NEW JERSEY:  The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission has added a meeting to the year’s roster for Monday, April 11 at 1 p.m. 

The meeting will be publicly noticed and an agenda added to the agency’s website prior to the meeting.

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission establishes and enforces the rules and regulations governing the licensing, cultivation, testing, selling, and purchasing of cannabis in the state.

NJ-CRC Seeks Public Input On How To Use Cannabis Tax Dollars

by Leave a Comment

NEW JERSEY: The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) will be hosting three virtual meetings to listen to public suggestions for how funds raised from cannabis fees and fines should be used for social equity projects. Input collected at the meetings and in written submissions will inform the Commission’s recommendations to the governor and legislature.

The meetings will be held on Wednesday, March 2, Wednesday, March 9, and Wednesday, March 16 and chaired by Commissioners Krista Nash and Charles Barker.“Social equity is woven through every part of the recreational cannabis market in New Jersey, including ensuring revenue is used to bring economic development and social resources to our most challenged communities,” said Commissioner Nash.The CREAMM Act, which legalized recreational cannabis, requires that all the tax revenue, fees, and fines the NJ-CRC collects be deposited into the CREAMM Fund and for the New Jersey Legislature to appropriate investments in designated Impact Zones, and other things. Additionally, Social Equity Excise Fees collected from recreational cannabis cultivators are to be used for social equity investments. The public meetings and the recommendations are required in the law.

Though the meetings will be open to everyone, the commissioners will be seeking ideas specific to North Jersey on March 2, Central Jersey on March 9, and South Jersey on March 16.  The public can register to speak in person at one of the three meetings or submit a written comment on nj.gov/cannabis.

 

OLCC Hemp Presentation Now Available on YouTube

by Leave a Comment

Bill & Technical Rules Update Video Series

Session 3 of 3: Hemp

OREGON: The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) is producing a series of video-on-demand presentations to help the legal hemp and marijuana industries better understand new technical rules that took effect on January 1, 2022.

The final session: Hemp is now available for viewing on the OLCC YouTube channel. 

  • Click here to see the video presentation
  • Click here for a pdf copy of the presentation

These presentations are designed to explain what the following businesses are required to do to make sure they’re compliant with the new regulations:

  • OLCC marijuana licensees
  • Oregon Department of Agriculture licensed hemp growers and handlers
  • Other businesses that sell hemp to consumers in Oregon

The information contained in these presentations is not a substitute for licensees or other businesses reading and understanding the rules.

If members of the cannabis industry have questions about the 2022 rules, they should contact marijuana@oregon.gov

Protecting Your Legal Cannabis Business: Industry Panel Discussion March 24th, 2022

by Leave a Comment

WASHINGTON: These are dangerous times for Washington’s legal cannabis licensees. The number of break ins and armed robberies has reached alarming levels, prompting the WSLCB to issue a memorandum advising best practices for cannabis retailers.

What more can be done? In an effort to create consensus around industry response, we have compiled a panel of industry thought leaders to discuss what concrete steps every licensee should consider.

 Areas of discussion include establishing best practices around security guards and technology, cashless payments, smart safes, employee training and industry activism.

Join our panel of industry experts: Ian Einsenberg (Uncle Ikes), Alex Lipnik (Aeropay), Ryan Mirpanah (Vector Payments) and Jacob Bradley (Bradley Public Safety Group) for a night of information, community and professional networking.

This is a FREE event for qualified industry professionals, sponsored by Dauntless Inc. and The Marijuana Business Association (MJBA.net).

Thursday March 24th, 2020
Meetup Agenda:
6:00 – 6:30 mixer in the courtyard with light refreshments
6:30 -7:30 Panel Discussion
7:30-7:45 Q&A & Open Discussion
7:45-9:00 Networking Mixer

RSVP is requested: https://www.meetup.com/MJBA-Redmond/events/284007950/

Free Webinar: Strategies for the Cannabis Market in New York 

by Leave a Comment

NEW YORK: New York State’s legal cannabis market is opening up and projected to reach $3B a year once fully implemented. Are you interested in getting a piece? 

This one-hour presentation, hosted by the Law Offices of Omar Figueroa and led by NY attorney Andrew Kingsdale, will cover some strategies for entering the New York cannabis market, such as applying for an adult-use or medical cannabis license, investing in a licensed business, and/or licensing intellectual property to a licensed business. We will highlight certain legal considerations for each strategy, and answer audience questions toward the end.

The presentation will take place virtually via Zoom on March 9, 2022 from 9:00am-10:30am Pacific time / 12:00pm-1:30pm Eastern time.

Visit this page for more information.

You can sign up for this free presentation here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EMFgd8IpQ-C6BO6CZVt2xQ

WSLCB Invites Industry Members To Provide Feedback on CCRS Migration

by Leave a Comment

To:     Cannabis Licensees, Labs and Integrators

Fr:     Jim Morgan, CCRS Executive Sponsor

Re:    CCRS Manifest Process

It has been over two months since the successful launch of the new Cannabis Central Reporting System (CCRS). We have been listening to feedback from stakeholders and responding to questions or concerns as quickly as possible. Several hot fixes were applied without industry interruption to emergent issues in the initial days and weeks after “go live.” We are currently testing in preparation for an upcoming release that will address several additional issues at once. 

After two months of use, we are now following through on our commitment to addressing industry concerns regarding the manifest process.  We are inviting select industry members to engage LCB staff regarding the CCRS manifest process. We will be taking time to listen to concerns and suggestions for improvements before moving forward with changes to the process.

By this message, you are invited to join a diverse group of licensees, labs and integrators to participate in a virtual discussion about potential revisions to the CCRS manifest process.

Meeting Details

  • Date: March 1, 2022
  • Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Microsoft Teams meeting (Join on your computer or mobile app)

Or call in (audio only)

RSVP:

  • Please RSVP to Jim.Morgan@lcb.wa.gov

LCB Representatives

  • Jim Morgan, CFO and CCRS Executive Sponsor
  • Kendra Hodgson, Cannabis Examiner Manager
  • Jeremy Wissing, Enforcement and Education Division Captain
  • Rocky Atwood, ITS Application Support
  • Ben Johnson, ITS Developer

If you are able to participate, please be sure to RSVP at the email address listed above. We will likely have advance materials for you to review so that we can make the most of our meeting.

Our thanks to you and other industry members for continuing to participate in this transition and work within our new system. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and hope you can join us for this conversation.