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Rhode Island Set to Commence Adult Use Marijuana Sales on December 1

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Five licensed medical marijuana compassion centers have been approved for hybrid retail licenses, which allow them to sell both medical and adult use marijuana products in retail settings

RHODE ISLAND: Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation’s Office of Cannabis Regulation announced this morning that five licensed medical marijuana compassion centers have received state approval to begin selling adult use marijuana on or after December 1.

Pursuant to the Rhode Island Cannabis Act, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor McKee in May, a call for applications for “hybrid retail licenses,” which allow licensed compassion centers to sell both medical marijuana as well as safe, well-regulated and competitively priced marijuana products to Rhode Island adults over the age of 21, was issued in early October. As of this morning, the five compassion centers that have received state approval to commence adult use sales are:

  • Aura of Rhode Island (Central Falls)
  • Thomas C. Slater Center (Providence)
  • Mother Earth Wellness (Pawtucket)
  • Greenleaf Compassionate Care Center (Portsmouth)
  • RISE Warwick (Warwick)

“This milestone is the result of a carefully executed process to ensure that our state’s entry into this emerging market was done in a safe, controlled and equitable manner,” said Governor Dan McKee. “It is also a win for our statewide economy and our strong, locally based cannabis supply chain, which consists of nearly 70 licensed cultivators, processors and manufacturers in addition to our licensed compassion centers. Finally, I thank the leadership of the General Assembly for passing this practical implementation framework in the Rhode Island Cannabis Act and I look forward to continuing our work together on this issue.”

“We were pleased with the quality and comprehensiveness of the applications we received from the state’s compassion centers, and we are proud to launch adult use sales in Rhode Island just six months after the Cannabis Act was signed into law, marking the Northeast’s fastest implementation period,” said Matt Santacroce, interim deputy director of the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation. “We look forward to continuing to work with the state’s cannabis business community to ensure this critical economic sector scales in compliance with the rules and regulations put forward by state regulators.

More information regarding legal cannabis in Rhode Island can be found on the Office of Cannabis Regulation’s website by clicking here

First Meeting of the WSLCB Cannabinoid Science Work Group

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WASHINGTON: The LCB will hold its first Cannabinoid Science Work Group (CSWG) meeting on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022 from 10 – 11:00 a.m.

The agenda is located here.

To connect to MS Teams and observe the meeting on a smart phone or computer, click here, then:

  • If you have the MS Teams app on your device, select “Open Microsoft Teams” when prompted.
  • If you do not have the MS Teams app, select “Continue on this browser” when prompted.

To listen to the meeting by phone:

Please note that the phone in option is intended only for listening to the meeting. All attendees online and on the phone will be muted and cameras will not be available. Only the Cannabinoid Science Work Group members and agency staff will have audio and video capabilities during the meeting. Chat and emoji/reaction features will not be available.

About the LCB Cannabinoid Science Work Group

The LCB has been working on developing policy related to the regulation of cannabinoids. Since Nov. 2020, the agency has worked with the industry, the Washington State Legislature, partner agencies and other states to better understand the science of the cannabis plant. We have hosted a series of discussions related to products beyond delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), engaged in rule discussions, and proposed legislation to address some of the issues arising since that time. We believe it would be beneficial to assemble a group of experts to have regular dialogue on the rapidly changing issues related to cannabinoids.

The objective of the CSWG is to collaboratively and transparently explore and build foundational understanding of the “plant of the genera Cannabis, as well as synthetic equivalents of the substances contained in the plant” (see RCW 69.50.204(c)(30)). A draft of the CSWG Charter can be viewed here.

Invitation: Join a Second Conversation on Cannabis Plant Canopy Rules Modernization, November 29, 1-2:30 p.m.

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WASHINGTON: The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) is hosting a second conversation on Tuesday, November 29 from 1-2:30 p.m. to explore ideas for modernizing the rules for cannabis plant canopy (WAC 314-55-075).

This conversation is the second in a series of World Café style discussions. Our first session, held on October 4, 2022 can be viewed here. World Café is a participatory workshop method, suitable for groups from 12 to 2,000 participants. It is a structured conversational process intended to facilitate open conversation and discussion. It links ideas among a group to access the “collective intelligence” of participants, and to understand/learn from multiple points of view. The focus is on exploring/innovating on themes rather than on problem solving. The format is designed as a forum for creative/open thinking, and is not suited for scenarios where there is a pre-determined answer or solution. You can learn more about the World Café method here.

During this event, hosts and participants will:

  • Focus on what matters
  • Contribute your thinking
  • Speak your mind and heart
  • Listen to understand
  • Link and connect ideas
  • Listen together for insights and deeper questions

Active participation in discussion is a foundational element of the World Café model. We ask that if you are not planning to actively engage in discussion and wish to observe the conversations – whether in the breakout rooms, the larger group, or both, that you do not attend the event, and instead wait for the recording to become available for observation.

The LCB encourages public suggestions and input on plant canopy rule concepts before the agency decides whether to move forward with development of conceptual draft rules.

To provide public notice that the LCB is considering possible rule changes, the LCB filed a CR 101 Preproposal Statement of Inquiry as WSR 22-18-058 on August 31, 2022. This notice was published in the Washington State Register on September 21, 2022.

Are you interested in participating in the conversation? Here’s how:

WHEN: Tuesday, November 29, 2022, from 1-2:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required. The agenda is linked here.

WHERE: Join on your computer or smart phone using Microsoft (MS) Teams.

Click here to pre-register for the meeting.

  • If you have the MS Teams app on your device, select “Open Microsoft Teams” when prompted.
  • If you do not have the MS Teams app, click on “Continue on this browser” when prompted.

If you join us virtually, here are a few reminders:

  • Online participation will be structured to allow one speaker at a time through a hand-raising feature on MS Teams.
  • You can also give feedback to us at the email below.

Questions? Contact the rules team at rules@lcb.wa.gov.

World’s First Cannabis College Celebrates 15th Anniversary with Oakland’s Event of the Decade

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100% of Event Proceeds Will Fund Scholarships.

Luminaries, Elected Officials, Cannabis Industry Legends, and Celebrities will be in Attendance

CALIFORNIA: Time is running out to get tickets for the Event of the Decade. Oaksterdam University (OU), is celebrating its 15th anniversary on September 24th, 2022. OU first opened its doors in 2007 in Oakland, Calif. The school has over 80,000 alumni worldwide and is the most recognized name in cannabis education. The event will include a welcome by Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and OU Chancellor Dale Sky Jones; as well as attendees like D’Wayne Wiggins of Tony! Toni! Toné!.   

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who signed an important package of pro-cannabis law into effect just this week, will offer a video introduction to the Luminary Awards, recognizing important advocates in the cannabis movement.

Oaksterdam’s Nonprofit for Education (The ONE), a 501(c)(3), will produce the event in partnership with Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP), and Cannabis Talk 101 iHeart Radio. All donations and sponsorships are tax-deductible. One hundred percent of the proceeds will fund scholarships and re-entry programs for those afflicted by marijuana prohibition who are trying to enter the cannabis industry. Other sponsors include Homegrown Cannabis Co., MJ Unpacked and California NORML.

“Homegrown Cannabis Co. has great respect and gratitude for Oaksterdam University, identifying OU as a kindred spirit with a shared mission,” says James Dunn, brand director for Homegrown Cannabis Co. “We are honored to sponsor this event in celebrating the fantastic achievements of Oaksterdam University.”

Dale Sky Jones, President of Oaksterdam University, states, “Our vision has always been revolutionary. The industry has come so far yet has a long way to go. We look forward to continuing to be at the forefront of education, legal and public policy advocacy, social impact, and leadership.”

The documentary, American Pot Story: Oaksterdam, is closing the 20th Annual Oakland International Film Festival. The film tells the unknown origin story of the people who took considerable risks to make cannabis legalization possible. The film celebrates the courageous heritage of the legacy cannabis industry.

The movement that started at America’s first cannabis college would impact the world. Join Oaksterdam University as they reflect on the City of Oakland’s rich history of civil disobedience. Celebrate years of dedication to this mission with an epic event at the historic Fox Theater.

Schedule:

    • 4:30 p.m. – Media Call
    • 5:00 p.m. – Doors Open – Red Carpet Interviews by Cannabis Talk 101 iHeartRadio
    • 5:00 p.m. – VIP – Exclusive Reception/Networking (Invite-Only)
    • 6:30 p.m. – Welcome by Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and OU Chancellor Dale Sky Jones; video introduction by California Governor Gavin Newsom with Luminary Awards
    • 7:00 p.m. – Screening of American Pot Story: Oaksterdam
    • 8:45 p.m. – Panel Discussion with Filmmakers & Dignitaries
    • 9:15 p.m. – After-Party for OU and OIFF

ASTM International and United States Pharmacopeia to Hold Cannabis Quality Workshop

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PENNSYLVANIA & MARYLAND: ASTM International and U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) will hold a virtual global workshop on cannabis quality on Dec. 7-8, 2022., from 8:00 a.m. – 12:15 ET (2:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. CET) each day. Interested participants must register for the free event. 

The workshop will feature standards and guidelines from ASTM International, USP, PhEur, and other relevant organizations and discuss how these resources can help address challenges specific to cannabis quality. Participants will explore science-based resources from these organizations and opportunities to harmonize the varying national requirements for cannabis quality for products intended for medical use and scientific research.

The objectives of the cannabis quality workshop are:

  • provide awareness of the existing data, regulatory framework and public policy for cannabis quality, public quality standards, and policy guidance documents on defining cannabis product quality attributes globally – initially from an American and European perspective.
  • help participants understand the basis for standards to explore potential harmonization among standards groups.
  • facilitate discussions between stakeholders to identify needs and challenges related to cannabis quality.
  • discover global data gaps to inform and research needs.

The workshop will feature four panel sessions over the course of the two day event.

December 7

  • regulatory panel with representatives from Health Canada, CANNRA, and Europe.
  • standards panel featuring representatives from USP, ASTM, and EDQM.

December 8

  • industry panel featuring representatives from Indena, Jazz Pharma, and more.
  • closing session on perspectives from academia, healthcare practitioners, and consultants.

Click here to learn more about the panel session topics or to register for the free cannabis quality workshop visit.

ASTM International is a not-for-profit nongovernmental organization that develops voluntary consensus standards and defers to appropriate government authorities to determine the legal and regulatory framework regarding the control and use of cannabis.

Investigation Leads to Search Warrants of Two Unlicensed Vapor Product Businesses in West Olympia

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WASHINGTON:  On Tuesday, September 13, Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) officers served simultaneous search warrants on two unlicensed Vapor and Tobacco Retail stores in the West Olympia area. Both locations had been operating without a license to sell vapor products in violation of RCW 70.345.030.

The first location, LOCHNESS SMOKE SHOP, 2413 Harrison Ave. NW Olympia WA., had been issued an LCB Board order revoking their license on November 17, 2020 as a result of multiple public safety violations. After the Board’s order was served on the licensee, the LCB received several complaints received that the location was still selling age-restricted vapor products without a license. During the investigation into these allegations, there were multiple undercover purchases of age-restricted products from the location. A male subject was taken into custody at the Lochness location and booked for an outstanding warrant for failure to appear.

The second, AUSUM VAPOR, 3225 Harrison Ave. NW, Suite D, Olympia WA. let their licenses lapse. During the re-application process, on August 10, 2022, the Board denied their application due to misrepresentation of fact on the application and for multiple public safety violations. After the Board’s denial of the application, the LCB received several complaints that the location was still selling age-restricted vapor products without a license. During the investigation into these allegations, there were multiple undercover purchases of age-restricted products from the location.

Both search warrants were issued by a Thurston County judge. The LCB officers were assisted by Olympia Police Dept. while serving the search warrants. During the service of the search warrants, officers seized age-restricted products and synthetic THC products which are prohibited in Washington state by Title 69.50.

LCB officers will be recommending charges against the former licensee for the illegal possession and/or distribution of age restricted vapor products which is a felony.

New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission Issues Guidance for Workplaces

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NEW JERSEY: The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission has issued guidance for workplaces as a first step towards formulating and approving standards for Workplace Impairment Recognition Expert certifications.

The guidance and “Reasonable Suspicion Observation Report Form” issued by NJ-CRC is meant to support employers right to create and maintain safe work environments, and to affirm employees’ right to due process.Among other things, the guidance iterates that employees cannot be acted against solely due to the presence of cannabis in their body, that but employers have the right to drug test on reasonable suspicion of impairment.

“Striking a balance between workplace safety and work performance and adult employees’ right to privacy and to consume cannabis during their off hours is possible,” said Jeff Brown, NJ-CRC’s executive director. “We have been doing that with alcohol without thought.”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.

 

 

Tilray Initiates Roundtable With German Regulators to Kick-Off Draft Legislation to Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis in Germany

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GERMANY: Tilray Brands, Inc., a leading global cannabis and consumer packaged goods company, today announced that the Company has initiated a policy roundtable with German regulators on adult-use cannabis legalization in Germany. In this meeting, the German Drug Commissioner, Burkhard Blienert, presented the plan for adult-use cannabis legalization and repeated the German government’s announcement that a first draft of the bill would be presented in the coming months. With this event, Tilray reaffirms its leading role as a trusted partner to government regulators and contributes to German legalization efforts by sharing its long-standing expertise and experience in cannabis research, product quality and safety, supply management, patient and consumer protection, and cannabis education.

Participants in the meeting included key leaders from Germany’s health and legal committees including:

  • Burkhard Blienert, Commissioner on Narcotic Drugs at the Federal Ministry of Health
  • Kristine Lütke, Member of the Bundestag (FDP), Drug Policy Spokesperson
  • Carlos Kasper, Member of the Bundestag (SPD), Committee on Finance
  • Martina Stamm-Fibich, Member of the Bundestag (SPD), Committee on Health

Denise Faltischek, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of International, Tilray Brands, Inc., said, “We are honored to have initiated this high-level exchange on one of the world’s most important cannabis endeavors. As a leading global cannabis company, Tilray Brands has unmatched experience partnering with governments and regulators to help develop responsible cannabis regulations that protect the health and safety of patients and consumers, as well as, supporting significant economic growth in countries in which it operates. We applaud the German government in leading responsible adult-use cannabis legislation in Europe and we are proud to support this effort.”

Sascha Mielcarek, Managing Director, Tilray Europe, said, “As a market leader in Germany and Europe, our highest priority for a successful launch of an adult-use market in Germany is to lead with the highest quality-control standards that are consistent and reliable for consumers and patients. Established quality certifications such as European Good Manufacturing Practice (EU-GMP) already enable manufacturers industry-wide to provide patients and consumers with cannabis of the utmost quality and safety. These standards have proven themselves in our everyday medical cannabis practice and can be considered best practices for the recreational market, as they ensure consistent quality products.”

Tilray Brands has a pioneering track record as a company committed to producing the highest-quality cannabis products available to consumers and patients in need around the world and was the first to successfully export medical cannabis from North America and import medical cannabis products into the EU in 2016. Tilray has made several strategic investments that are now resulting in first-mover advantages in Germany and Europe and the Company’s operational strength is reflected along the entire value chain with leading medical cannabis brands, a strong distribution network in Germany, and end-to-end EU-GMP supply chain, which includes two state-of-the-art EU-GMP production facilities in Portugal and Germany.

Ohio Board of Pharmacy Publishes Updated Patient & Caregiver Numbers for June 2022

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OHIO:  The State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy published updated patient & caregiver numbers for June 2022. 

These numbers include:

  • 526,255 Recommendations
  • 285,621 Registered patients
    • 18,058 Patients with Veteran Status
    • 19,536 Patients with Indigent Status
    • 1,122 Patients with a Terminal Diagnosis

    148,950 Patients with both an active registration and an active recommendation

  • 265,520 Unique patients who purchased medical marijuana (as reported to OARRS by licensed dispensaries)
  • 30,175 Registered Caregivers

For the full list of program numbers, please visit the Program Update page.

CLS Med-Can Hosts Canna Grooves Festival July 22-24 in Kansas City, MO

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By Veronica Castillo

MISSOURI: Canna Grooves, expected to be the largest cannabis event in Missouri, takes place in the heart of Kansas City’s Jazz District, July 22 through July 24, 2022, in the once red-lined community of Kansas City.   Sponsored by CLS Med-Can, the three day festival will feature political speakers, vendors, and a host of activities in an historic venue situated nearby the Negro-League Baseball Museum, The Jazz Museum, The Black Archives, and a number of local blues clubs, speakeasies, and soul food diners. 

Canna Grooves Speakers 

  • Representative Ashley Bland Manlove (Sponsor of urging President Biden to pardon non-violent cannabis offenders HCR 79, creating Indigenous Peoples Day HB 2732, as well as allied with the cannabis community).
  • Representative Ron Hicks (Sponsor of the Cannabis Freedom Act HB 2704, Cannabis Expungements HB 1659, and medical marijuana lodging establishment licensing system act HB 1658).

Canna Grooves Sponsors

  • Wana 
  • Humboldt Seed Co.
  • Organic Remedies
  • Kansas City Cannabis
  • Terrapin
  • Riverside Wellness
  • Heartland Labs
  • Feel State

Canna Grooves Organizers

Event Host: CLS Med-Can 

Event Organizers: Christopher Sellers: owner of CLS Med-Can, and Bradley Weir: Director of Marketing at CLS Med-Can. 

Q&A with Canna Grooves Event Organizers 

Why the decision to make this a free event?

“The majority of large cannabis events are pay-to-enter. Although pay-to-enter event planning makes it easier for organizers to fund the event, it creates exclusion of education and opportunity. A free event also creates a more welcoming atmosphere for those who still have stigmas and want to engage and learn.”

Why was it important to incorporate yoga and cooking classes?

“Everyone has a different way of finding their well-being. Some find it in things like yoga. Some find it in food, or even the accomplishment of learning something new. We have planned several ways people can come to the event and feel positively fulfilled in the manner that best fits who they are and the needs they have.”  

Please tell me about the panels you all are hosting.

“Canna Grooves is hosting the ‘Cannabis Progression Panel’. This panel is established to get an overall look at the future of Cannabis in Missouri and to answer difficult questions regarding inclusiveness in the industry, community, and legislation. There is also a cooking panel hosted by the Head Chef of Clay & Fire, where people learn about  cannabinoids and terpenes, and how to pair them with ingredients to highlight effect and flavor in meal experiences”.

Touching on the topic of black excellence, what are a few historical gems relating to black excellence and Kansas City. 

“Speaking of Gems; Nestled in the historic 18th and Vine District sits the Gem theater. In a once red-lined area, the black community built almost every single structure in the district. From grocers, dentists, lawyers, theaters, and even the Negro-League Monarch’s baseball stadium. By the 1920’s, 18th & Vine was a self-sufficient city unto itself that brought people in from across the country with their jazz clubs, and bustling services. This area is very well known for breaking boundaries and stigmas. Canna Grooves is just an extension of that ongoing culture of progression.”

What is the goal of Canna Grooves?

“The overall goal of this event is to bring education, opportunity, and awareness to those most affected by the prohibition of cannabis.”

In Closing

In more ways than one, this event is everything needed to educate and empower communities, especially those most impacted in America. Chris is a business man and yet, he shows that everything doesn’t have to be about monetary profit. Kansas City will host something so magical, in such a powerful area, built by the true masters of America.

Canna Grooves sponsor Wana says: “Wana is thrilled to support the outreach and community connection that Canna Grooves is bound to bring to Kansas City. Our mission is to enhance people’s lives through cannabis, and helping connect patients with easier access to their medical cards is a great place to start! “

Column Sponsors

CLS Med-Can: a medical marijuana transportation service based out of Missouri.

Sky High PEO: a full service employment organization that helps companies manage benefits and payroll.Pass Your Test: a company offering detox products that cleanse the body of toxins.

The Number Grinder, a New York based BIPOC Accountant providing a full suite of services, including  as: financial consultations, budgeting, taxes and filing, reporting and more. 

 

 

Higher Travels, a black woman owned travel agency based out of Missouri booking cruises, hotels, and experiences all over the world.

The Florida Hemp Olympics is a BIPOC woman owned organization hosting various games and events, testing your knowledge of hemp.

Veronica Castillo is a writer, editor, publisher, and bud & breakfast travel partner from Miami, with a pre-cannabis and psychedelics background in insurance and human resources. Currently, she is a resident of the road covering cannabis, psychedelics, and plant lifestyles all over the U.S and soon abroad. Follow her journey on IG: www.instagram.com/v2_traveling_veg_canna_writer and/or on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vee-traveling-veg-canna-writer/ 

MJNews is streaming live on @Cannected.TV