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WSLCB Creates New Education Program to Support Licensees and Other Stakeholders

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WASHINGTON: The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) announces the implementation of a new Education Program led by the agency’s Enforcement and Education Division.

Over the past year and a half, the LCB’s Enforcement and Education Division has been working to create an Education Program consisting of a team dedicated to promoting educational opportunities with licensees and industry members as well as other external stakeholder groups.

The program includes Compliance Consultants, an Education Specialist and an Advertising Coordinator who build relationships and provide education directly with stakeholders across the state, in collaboration with Enforcement Officers.

The team is tasked with helping licensees identify issues, providing educational resources and a contact point for stakeholders to reach out to for support.

To support LCB field staff and the industry further, dedicated resources located in the agency’s headquarters in Olympia are assigned to provide assistance on topics including advertising and the development of educational content based on industry and LCB needs.

The Education Program is dedicated to working with licensees to identify educational needs and to providing a variety of ways for stakeholders to access relevant educational resources. This includes digital content, in-person consultations, and a growing cache of educational content on topics of interest. To provide the best possible resources, the program strives for consistency, access, engagement and awareness of educational resources for licensees and partners.

Licensees are encouraged to reach out to the Education Program staff directly for compliance-related issues using the contact information found on the new program’s webpage.

Oregon Heavy Metal and Microbiological Contaminants Testing Effective March 1, 2023

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OREGON: The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) writes rules for testing cannabis that affect both the medical and adult use cannabis markets. This bulletin serves as a reminder that there are new cannabis tests that will be required starting March 1, 2023. You may review the testing rules, found in Chapter 333 Divisions 7 and 64, in full at healtheroregon.org/ommprules.

Any cannabis item harvested or manufactured on or after March 1, 2023, will need to be tested for heavy metals and microbiological contaminants in accordance with rule.

Medical Marijuana Tracking Program
Q: What “heavy metals” are being tested for?

A: The heavy metals compliance test will be looking for arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury.

Q: What “microbiological contaminants” are being tested for?

A: The microbiological contaminants compliance test will be looking for pathogenic Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger and A. terreus, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, and Salmonella species.

Q: Can I composite for microbiological contaminants and heavy metals just like I can composite for pesticides?

A: These tests may be performed on composited samples of marijuana and usable marijuana just like what is allowed under current testing requirements.

Q: What happens when a batch fails for heavy metals?

A: If a sample from a batch of a marijuana, usable marijuana, finished inhalable cannabinoid product, or industrial hemp-derived vapor item fails heavy metal testing, the batch may not be remediated and must be destroyed in a manner specified by OHA, the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC), or the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA).

If a sample from a cannabinoid concentrate or extract fails heavy metal testing, the batch may be remediated using procedures that would reduce the concentration of heavy metals to less than the action level. As a reminder, dilution is not a form of remediation. A batch that is remediated must be re-sampled and re-tested for all required tests.

Q: What happens when a batch fails for microbiological contaminants?

A: If a sample from a batch of marijuana or usable marijuana fails microbiological contaminant testing, the batch may either be remediated using a sterilization process or be used to make a cannabinoid concentrate or extract if the processing method effectively sterilizes the batch, such as a method using a hydrocarbon solvent or CO2 extraction system.

If a sample from a batch of a cannabinoid concentrate, extract, finished inhalable cannabinoid product, or industrial hemp-derived vapor item fails microbiological contaminant testing, the batch may be further processed if the processing method effectively sterilizes the batch, such as a method using a hydrocarbon solvent or CO2 extraction system.

A batch that is remediated through a sterilization process as outlined above must be re-sampled and re-tested for all required tests.

A batch that fails microbiological contaminant testing after undergoing remediation through a sterilization process as outlined above must be destroyed in a manner specified by the OHA or OLCC.

Resources

Rules regarding heavy metal testing may be found under OAR 333-007-0415.

Rules regarding microbiological contaminants testing may be found under OAR 333-007-0390.

Rules regarding failed compliance tests may be found under OAR 333-007-0450.

For an outline of testing requirements for each marijuana item type see the testing guide.

Additional guidance documents may be found at healthoregon.org/marijuanatesting

OLCC Expands Recall of Cannabis Vape Products

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Cartridges contain prohibited additives 

OREGON: The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) is expanding the recall that was initially noticed on January 12th 2023. OLCC investigators have determined that three additional production batches of cannabis vape cartridges appear to contain prohibited additives.

The expanded recall includes vape cartridges that have been sold under the brand name Firefly Extracts or Smoke-Rite Wellness and were manufactured by Hillsboro-based Plank Road Laboratories, Inc., an OLCC licensed marijuana processor. The expanded recall encompasses three new production batches that were made into 10 total product lines. About 7000 units have been sold from these batches and about 500 units were still in the market.

The products dFF1o not conform to state standards regarding cannabis additives and therefore should not be sold. Production records indicate that the recalled items contain CBN, an artificially derived cannabinoid and CBC, a synthetic cannabinoid.

Under Oregon law, inhalable products like vape cartridges cannot contain artificially derived cannabinoids. Additionally, the synthetic CBC does not comply with OLCC requirements for non-cannabis additives in inhalable products, and is also prohibited under Oregon law.

The recall is expanded to the Firefly Extracts products identified below:

Product name: Firefly – “Purple Kush 8:1” vape cartridge | Manufacture Date: 05/27/2022 (Label ID 5658) | Sold starting 06/21/2022

Product name: Firefly – “Suver Haze” vape cartridge | Manufacture Date: 05/24/2022 (Label ID 5658) | Sold starting 03/11/2022

Product name: Firefly – “T-1” or “High CBD 8:1” vape cartridge | Manufacture Date: 05/19/2022 (Label ID 5658) | Sold starting 05/19/2022

Product name: Firefly – “Cherry Wife 8:1” or “High CBD Blend 8” vape cartridge | Manufacture Date: 09/09/2021 (Label ID 5658) | Sold starting 02/13/2022

Product name: Firefly or Smoke-Rite Wellness – “Cherry Wife 1:1” or “High CBD Blend 1” or “High CBD Blend 1:1” vape cartridge | Manufacture Date: 09/09/2021 (Label ID 5658 or 344) | Sold starting 10/23/2021

Product name: Firefly or Smoke-Rite Wellness – “Cherry Wife 2:1” or “High CBD Blend 2” or “High CBD Blend 2:1” vape cartridge | Manufacture Date: 09/09/2021 (Label ID 5658 or 344) | Sold starting 12/12/2021

Product name: Firefly or Smoke-Rite Wellness – “Cherry Wife 10:1” or “High CBD Blend 10” or “High CBD Blend 10:1” vape cartridge | Manufacture Date: 07/27/2021 (Label ID 5658 or 344) | Sold starting 08/16/2021

Product name: Firefly – “El Jefe” or “High CBD Blend 0” vape cartridge | Manufacture Date: 07/15/2021 (Label ID 5658) | Sold starting 07/28/2021

Product name: Firefly – “Sour Space Candy” vape cartridge | Manufacture Date: 05/03/2021 (Label ID 5658) | Sold starting 05/09/2021

Product name: Firefly – “High CBD Blend 0” vape cartridge | Manufacture Date: 12/1/2020 (Label ID 5658) | Sold starting 12/24/2020

FF2

Approximations of the recalled product packaging are attached at the bottom of this press release.

Consumers who purchased the recalled products are encouraged to destroy them. The OLCC has not received any health-related complaints from the use of the recalled products. Consumers with health-related concerns about a recalled product should contact the Oregon Poison Center at 800-222-1222, or their medical provider.

If consumers have other product related complaints related to this recall, they should notify the OLCC at olcc.recalls@oregon.gov and include any information they have, including the consumer’s name and phone number, or alternative means of contact.

Cannabis Conference Partners With Minority Cannabis Business Association for 3rd Annual Diversity Scholarship Program

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NEVADA: Cannabis Conference, the cannabis industry’s leading educational event for plant-touching businesses, has announced it is continuing its partnership with the Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA) to launch its 3rd annual Cannabis Conference Diversity Scholarship Program to promote equality and diversity in the cannabis industry and to provide prospective and current minority entrepreneurs with educational opportunities and resources to help grow their businesses.

The program will provide 20 selected MCBA members with complimentary All-Access Passes to Cannabis Conference 2023, happening Aug. 15-17, 2023, at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, to allow them to network and learn from industry experts. Cannabis Conference, produced by the award-winning media brand Cannabis Business Times, will bring together 3,000+ prospective and industry-leading cannabis cultivators, retailers, extraction professionals and brands, as well as university professors, consultants, and technology and solutions providers for two days of education, networking and an 85,000-square-foot expo hall.

In addition to the All-Access Passes, Cannabis Conference will provide 20% off registration to all MCBA members.

The Cannabis Conference Diversity Scholarship Program is part of the Cannabis Business Times’ and Cannabis Conference’s ‘Game Changer’ MCBA membership, totaling nearly $100,000 in support. In addition to the scholarship program, Cannabis Business Times will provide print and digital MCBA-related promotions to support the organization’s efforts to serve the specific needs of minority cannabis entrepreneurs and their communities.

“We are so pleased to partner again with MCBA to provide not only scholarships to Cannabis Conference but also promotional support to help raise awareness about the great work that MCBA is doing to serve the needs of minority cannabis entrepreneurs,” said Noelle Skodzinski, editorial director of Cannabis Conference and Cannabis Business Times. “The war on drugs has had a disproportionate impact on minority communities, and it is vital to address this and work to support diversity and equality within the industry.”

“At MCBA, we believe that diversity drives innovation, creativity and equity. That’s why we’re thrilled to once again partner with Cannabis Business Times and Cannabis Conference on the annual Diversity Scholarship Program, aimed at supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry,” said Kaliko Castille, MCBA Board President. “With this initiative, we hope to provide opportunities for talented individuals to further their education and careers, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic industry for all.”

Diversity Scholarship Program applications are now open. (Passes will be allocated at the discretion of MCBA.) Click here to apply.

Opening a Cannabis Business: 5 Things You Should Consider

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Tips from BIPOC Owned Businesses in Cannabis

By Veronica Castillo

So you want to open a cannabis business. Great decision.  It pays to get informed before you act, so to help you get started, here are five things that you should consider as you plan your new legal cannabis business.  Like other industries, the cannabis industry has many sectors.  What it takes to launch a cannabis business can vary from sector to sector but, there are some considerations that apply to the entire industry. 

The cannabis industry is one of the fastest industries growing in the United States and with federal prohibition, each state has its own laws and regulations that business owners have to abide by. With legalization sweeping the nation and cannabis industry projections showing that this industry will reach $72B in less than 10 years; that means more plant touching and ancillary cannabis businesses will launch. 

Types of Cannabis Businesses 

There are two categories: plant touching or ancillary. Plant touching businesses consist of businesses like cannabis cultivation and processing operations, cannabis dispensaries, distribution and cannabis testing.  Ancillary cannabis business are non-cannabis touching entities. Some examples include businesses like cannabis technology/software (point of sale, traceability and compliance), cannabis marketing, and cannabis accounting to name a few. 

Opening a Cannabis Business – 5 Things You Should Consider 

  • The type of cannabis business: Plant-touching or ancillary.
  • Laws: Each state has its own cannabis regulations, understanding them will help you identify your best business opportunities
  • Licensing: Depending on the type of business, a cannabis license may be needed. Requirements and fees vary by state.
  • Financing: Because of federal prohibition, banks do not lend to cannabis businesses and money management is more difficult and expensive
  • Residency requirement: Some states require that cannabis business license holders be residents of the state. The following states have no residency requirements for obtaining a cannabis license: California, Oregon, and Colorado.

Advice from BIPOC Business Owners in Cannabis, About Opening a Cannabis Business

As of 2022, non-white owned in cannabis industry makes up 15.4%. It’s important to hear from some of those BIPOC business owners in cannabis.

 

“The cannabis industry is still new enough that there are new roles being created every day! We need more than farmers, processors, and retailers – the ancillary cannabis industry is rich and dynamic and there is space to make waves. Find a gap that no one has addressed and build a bridge. Find a problem that bothers you and solve that problem. Chances are someone else out there needs it too!”

Ashleen Aguilar, Take Root Dispensary Training. 

 

“Read about the laws and regulations because education is important.Learn about the plant and figure out what you want to do in the industry because what you do should be from your passion.Move from your purpose and your why, and when vetting investors, learn about their purpose and their why. Pay attention to the devil in the details, really understand legislation, and don’t allow laws to continue to incriminate black people. Equity needs action but starts with information.”

Shanita Perry: Budding Solutions,  and Al Harrington: Viola Brands.

 

“Do your own research no matter what anyone tells you. Yes, of course pay attention but listen; listen enough to enter into your own research acumen. It feels a little weird when people who aren’t of color try to help you. It can be a bit off-putting. Like you aren’t sure if they genuinely want to help you or if it’s just a ploy to ease pain. Weigh out the feeling within yourself. You will sense who is genuine and who isn’t. It’s a process of letting yourself accept help at your own discretion.” 

Cree Robinson, TouCanna 

 

Veronica Castillo is a writer 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-based lifestyles all over the U.S and soon abroad.

Follow her journey on IG and LinkedIn.

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Michigan: Social Equity Education Session Featuring Legacy Community Partners

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Event Date: February 23, 2023 10:00 AM

Join Inglish Reed-Jones and Evan Daugherty from LCP as they discuss how they connect businesses and community organizations. They will present on three main pillars:

  • Authentic community engagement – how to elicit genuine and ample feedback from the community.
  • Meeting the need – identifying the specific needs of a community/neighborhood and putting together the resources to meet the need.
  • Stake in the game – ensuring that the community is earnestly invested in your success and feels included in your infrastructure.

Inglish and Evan will show how these pillars are designed to produce significant results.

Date: Thursday, February 23, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM Eastern Time
Place: Zoom Webinar
Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84291536455?pwd=bjFxWi9PL1g4cm9ZS01lVTJ3MEVoZz09
Passcode: 149406
Telephone:
USA 215 446 3656 US Toll
USA 888 363 4734 US Toll-free
Conference code: 3392693

The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session, which will allow the attendees to ask questions that may be answered in real-time.

Previous CRA Education Sessions are available on the CRA website; click here to be directed to the CRA video library.

If you or your company would like to participate in a future CRA Education Session, please email us at CRA-SocialEquity@Michigan.gov.

New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission Proposes Updated Rules for Cannabis Consumption Areas

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NEW JERSEY:  The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission has submitted updates to their regulations to include rules for cannabis consumption areas.  The rules with amendments and a link for public comment are on the agency’s website. New Jersey residents are being invited to give their feedback on the proposed rules up to Saturday, March 18, 2023.

 

The new language in the rules establishes qualifications, application process, and operation instructions for cannabis retailers that wish to have spaces on premises designated for customers to consume cannabis.  Some of the regulations added for cannabis consumption areas include:

  • Consumption areas must be connected to a licensed dispensary
  • Consumption areas must allow medicinal patients to consume products bought from another dispensary
  • Sale of food and alcohol will not be allowed by the dispensary, but guests will be able to bring or order food for delivery to the consumption area
  • Staff will be required to refuse service to obviously impaired individuals

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.

 

OMMA Latest Licensing Reports

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OKLAHOMA: The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) has released it’s latest statistical data for the state’s legal cannabis industry.  Below are the latest licensing reports as of this month.

 

OMMA Dashboard

The OMMA Dashboard is maintained and updated by NCS Analytics. They have created an analytical tool that actively monitors and analyzes data from multiple systems including Metrc, the state’s seed-to-sale tracking system. View this new data-driven tool here.

In the coming months, OMMA and NCS will continue to add more data points and comparisons that provide up-to-date information about Oklahoma’s medical marijuana industry. OMMA will use this information, along with data alert flags, to help direct our compliance and enforcement activities.

Consumer Protection Provides Update on Opening Day of Connecticut Adult-Use Cannabis Market

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No issues reported; Initial seed-to-sale data shows robust sales on opening day

CONNECTICUT: The Department of Consumer Protection has received the first sales reports from BioTrack, the inventory tracking system used to monitor the movement of cannabis products in the state’s medical and adult-use cannabis markets. 

Sales in the adult-use cannabis program began at 10 a.m. Tuesday at seven licensed retailers throughout the state.

As of 5 p.m. today, the state had recorded $251,276 in adult-use cannabis sales.

“We have had no reported issues at any of our retailers, and we are proud of the successful launch of the regulated adult-use market,” said DCP Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull. “We continue to remind consumers to be patient as they make their initial purchases, and to use these products responsibly, including taking into consideration the delayed onset of effects some of these products can have.”

“BioTrack is honored to be selected to partner with the state of Connecticut as the exclusive track-and-trace technology provider,” said Moe Afaneh, Vice President of BioTrack. “Our technology will empower regulators with the tools they need to ensure a safe and compliant medical and newly-launched adult-use program. We look forward to working with the state and cultivators, processors, and dispensaries now and into the future.”

The purpose of the Cannabis Analytic Tracking System is to provide a real-time inventory of cannabis products available in the state and to prevent unlawful diversion of products.

The Department will make future data available at ct.gov/cannabis. The data will be updated monthly on or after the 10th of each month.

Cannabis was approved for adult-use in June 2021. Adult-use sales began Jan. 10, 2023 at licensed retailers. For information about Adult-Use Cannabis, visit ct.gov/cannabis.

WSLCB Board Chair Postman’s Message to LCB Community

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