Cannabis Ads Might Soon Be On TV And Radio — Here’s Why

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June 30, 2022

Cannabis Ads Might Soon Be On TV And Radio — Here’s Why

TV and radio stations operate under FCC licenses and federal law, which categorizes cannabis as a Schedule I drug with no accepted medical value and high abuse potential.

The House Appropriations Committee recently passed a bill with a provision that would block the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from penalizing broadcasters for advertising cannabis products in states with legal marijuana markets, reported Media Post.

At the moment, most TV and radio stations in states where cannabis is legal do not accept ads from marijuana companies. Cable channels, the Internet, social media platforms, billboards, satellite and print do accept weed-related advertisements. Why is that?

watching TV — Photo by Nico De Pasquale Photography/Getty Images

TV and radio stations operate under FCC licenses and federal law, which categorizes cannabis as a Schedule I drug with no accepted medical value and high abuse potential, in the same category as heroin although the two substances are incomparable.

For that reason, local TV broadcasters could risk losing their license or being charged with a crime if they violate federal law. And to think that cannabis advertising is estimated to total $18.5 billion in 2022.

The 2023 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill that was advanced by the committee Friday contains the following language:

“…none of the funds made available in this Act3 to the Federal Communications Commission may be used, with respect to an authorization for radio or television stations, to deny, fail to renew for a full term or condition the authorization, decline to approve an application for authority to assign the authorization or transfer direct or indirect control of the licensee, require an early renewal application, or impose a forfeiture penalty because the station broadcast or otherwise transmitted advertisements (a) of a business selling cannabis or cannabis-derived products, the sale or distribution of which is authorized in the State, political subdivision of a State, or Indian country in which the community of license of a station is located, or (b) of a business selling hemp, hemp-derived CBD products or other hemp-derived cannabinoid products.”

Broadcasters Are Delighted

“We are pleased to see that this bipartisan language has advanced in the House today,” National Association of Broadcasters spokesman Alex Siciliano said in a statement. “As the vast majority of states have legalized cannabis in some form, today marks a long-overdue step toward finally allowing broadcasters to receive equal treatment regarding cannabis advertising that other forms of media have had for years.”

The measure needs to be approved by the House and Senate and, if passed, would need to be renewed every year.

“While we welcome today’s progress, local broadcasters will continue to work with all policymakers towards a broader resolution of this competitive disparity and in support of our unique service to local communities,” Siciliano said.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

Marijuana Lounges Could Soon Open In This State

Maria Loreto

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June 30, 2022

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Marijuana Lounges Could Soon Open In This State

The Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board approved the sale of cannabis consumption lounges on Tuesday.

Marijuana lounges could open in Nevada as soon as this year. These locations would allow adults over the age of 21 to openly use marijuana products in a social setting.

These news was shared by the state’s Cannabis Compliance Board on Tuesday:

Today, the CCB voted unanimously to approve regulations surrounding the licensing and operation of cannabis consumption lounges. pic.twitter.com/1O3R3cXIsr

— Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board (@NevadaCCB) June 28, 2022

“Today, the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB) voted unanimously to approve regulations surrounding the licensing and operation of cannabis consumption lounges,” reads the opening statement.

The statement then explains that the approval of these regulations followed a months-long process where details were discussed in over 15 public meetings and workshops. Per the CCB, the first licenses will be handed out in the fall, allowing for lounges to open near the end of the year.

Marijuana lounges were legalized last year when lawmakers approved a bill and created two possible licenses. There’s one for “retail cannabis consumption lounges,” where products can be purchased and consumed, and another for “independent cannabis consumption lounges,” which sells single-serving and ready-to-consume products. Las Vegas is already home to the largest dispensary, Planet 13 and soon will home to the Cannabition Cannabis Museum.

Nevada appears to be the state leading the charge in terms of cannabis lounges, creating an environment similar to that of a bar. Instead of having people bring their cannabis to a space where it can be consumed, these lounges serve as a place to purchase and consume.

Why Cannabis Consumption Lounges Have Failed To Takeoff — Photo by Photography Life via Unsplash

The law would allow expanding the idea of cannabis lounges, allowing a variety of businesses to sell weed. In Nevada, marijuana could soon be sold in restaurants, workout studios and massage parlors.

Alaska and Colorado already have cannabis lounge regulations, although they’re not as free as Nevada’s. New York’s legalization laws also mention locations where cannabis can be consumed publicly.

8 Strange Marijuana Law Which Are Hard To Believe!

Marijuana Legislation

Tom Gaffey

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June 30, 2022

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8 Strange Marijuana Law Which Are Hard To Believe!

In Maine, edibles are taxed at a higher rate because the state subjects them to a meal tax. Who knew gummy bears counted as lunch?

Marijuana laws are changing more rapidly than ever as individual states navigate their paths towards (or away from) legalization. Thirty-eight states have legalized marijuana to some degree, which is a heap more than just a few years ago. While this may be great news for cannabis activists and enthusiasts, “legalization” means something different to some degree in just about every state. Here are 8 strange marijuana laws, you have to read them to believe them!

With marijuana legalization occurring on a state level rather than a federal level, there is room for all sorts of variations in cannabis law. While many laws make sense for each particular state, some jump out as a little bizarre. Some laws are just flat out strange. Here is a list of 8 crazy marijuana laws you can’t help but laugh at, even though they are very much real.

legal marijuana — Photo by RODNAE Productions via Pexels

1. Michigan Uses An Outdated Marijuana Spelling

When the state of Michigan legalized marijuana, they took a historical (and very outdated) approach. The state refers to marijuana as “marihuana,” which is a term both old and, as we have previously reported, problematic. The reasoning is rooted in Michigan history, according to michigan.gov. “Michigan’s history primarily starts from the spelling that was chosen for the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937.”

2. D.C. Embraces The Gift Of Giving

In Washington D.C., recreational marijuana is legal, but the operation of a marijuana dispensary is illegal. Several years ago, entrepreneurs found crafty ways of selling weed at speakeasy style retail stores. From clothing sales with weed attached to gym memberships that come with marijuana in their workout programs, more and more storefronts have popped up. The fascinating part is these are not just makeshift shops. There are all sorts of “not quite dispensaries” all over D.C. with permanent storefronts that do not hide what they sell. This all makes it clear that The District is in on the joke and the loophole in the law, and doesn’t seem much to mind.

3. No Dispensary Merch In Massachusetts

If you are looking for a hat, t-shirt or even sticker with your favorite dispensary logo on it, you will be left empty handed in Massachusetts. Dispensaries cannot advertise their cannabis products on clothing, cups, drink holders, novelty items or anything else you can think of, according to the Cannabis Control Commission of Massachusetts. They are, however, allowed to sell marijuana in many forms, so there is still plenty of shopping to be done.

illegal marijuana — Photo by ChrisSteer/Getty Images

4. Maine Charges You A Meal Tax On Edibles, Bon Appetit!

In Maine, the rate of marijuana taxation varies based on how you consume it. “Medical Marijuana 5.5 percent general sales tax rate at retail. Edibles at 8 percent rate,” according to maine.gov. Edibles are taxed at a higher rate because Maine subjects them to a meal tax. Who knew gummy bears counted as lunch?

5. Don’t Deliver Weed Using Planes, Trains Or Boats In California

California may have been one of the pioneers in marijuana legalization, but they are very particular about how they want it transported. According to California’s Bureau of Cannabis Control, “Transportation by means of aircraft, watercraft, drone, rail, human powered vehicle, and unmanned vehicle is prohibited.” In other words,don’t reinvent the wheel, just use a automobile

6. Can’t Smell Weed In California or Washington

Many find the act of smelling the marijuana buds one of the more fun experiences at a dispensary. It likens the experience to visiting a winery, as you learn the notes of each bud from the budtender. Unfortunately, you will have to stick to wineries for that experience in California and Washington, as all products must be sealed and individually wrapped. No scratch and sniff available.

cannabis smell terpenes — Photo by Sharon Mccutcheon / EyeEm/Getty Images

7. Nevada Is A Stickler For Fonts

Nevada might be the city of sin, but perhaps the greatest sin is making a font faux pas. Nevada not only has particular rules about font size, but also the font itself. While the state does allow both serif and sans serif fonts on labels, you cannot use italics. Any other graphic or “fun” fonts are absolutely out of the question.

8. Looking For Weed In Delaware? Find A Phone Book

Delaware is another state that makes finding marijuana a bit more like a treasure hunt than normal. Delaware does not allow any medical marijuana advertising by normal print, broadcast, in-person solicitation or other means. Instead, if you are looking for marijuana dispensaries you might have to dust off a phone book. Delaware marijuana codes outlaw all sorts of advertising methods, but explicitly allow phone book advertising.

DC Bill Will Allow Medical Marijuana Patients To Self-Certify

Benzinga Staff Writer

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June 30, 2022

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DC Bill Will Allow Medical Marijuana Patients To Self-Certify

The legislation enables the District to bypass the annually-renewed congressional spending bill rider that has prevented D.C. from using its local taxes to implement a system of legal cannabis commerce.

By Jelena Martinovic

Washington, D.C. lawmakers green-lighted emergency legislation to set up a faux recreational cannabis market. The DC bill will allow medical marijuana patients to self-certify without a doctor’s recommendation and buy cannabis from licensed retailers.

Sponsored by Councilmembers Kenyan McDuffie (D) and Mary Cheh (D), the measure was advanced by the full Washington, D.C. Council on Tuesday in a 13-0 vote, reported Marijuana Moment.

The legislation enables the District to bypass the annually-renewed congressional spending bill rider that has prevented D.C. from using its local taxes to implement a system of legal cannabis commerce, even though voters approved cannabis possession, cultivation and gifting in 2014.

Why This Matters

Cannabis is fully legal in the nation’s capital, but due to a convoluted bicameral omnibus spending bill, marijuana sales are banned in the District, where some 700,000 people reside.

A similar measure to provide the cannabis self-certification process, sponsored by District Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) was defeated earlier this year due to separate provisions that would have come down on unlicensed businesses that are leveraging existing policy to “gift” marijuana to people who buy unrelated products and services.

While these enforcement provisions were not part of the bill approved on Tuesday, lawmakers touched on the issue in a resolution attached to the legislation.

“Because these shops are operating outside of the law, there is no requirement or enforcement of customer registration, including verification that purchasers are of legal age,” the resolution says. “In addition, for gray market products, there is no assurance that the marijuana has been tested or adequately labeled, raising concerns that products could be contaminated or otherwise unsafe for consumers, and that the potency of the marijuana purchased could differ from what was advertised.”

Seniors Don’t Need Doctors To Get Medical Marijuana

In February, Mayor Muriel Bowser signed a bill into law that expanded access to the District’s medical marijuana program for people 65 and older.

Under that bill, senior residents can “self-certify that they will use cannabis for medical purposes in lieu of including a recommendation from their health care practitioner with their registration application as is required for all other applicants.”

The measure also extended the registration renewal deadline for other patients and set up a week-long medical marijuana tax “holiday” that happens to coincide with 4/20.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

Why New Omicron Variant Is ‘The Worst’ Version Of The Virus

News

Maria Loreto

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June 29, 2022

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Why New Omicron Variant Is ‘The Worst’ Version Of The Virus

Two new Omicron variants are leading the charge in COVID cases in the US. One of them is of particular concern to scientists.

Two new Omicron variants are currently leading infections in the US, and one of them is being called “the worst version of the virus” scientists have seen.

The new variants are Omicron BA.4 and BA.5, with the latter being the one that has scientists on high alert due to its ability to evade immunity.

Infected With Omicron? This Is The Window When You're Contagious — Photo by Emmanuel Ikwuegbu via Unsplash

Fortune wrote about BA.5, picking up on a newsletter written by Dr. Eric Topol. “It takes immune escape, already extensive, to the next level, and, as a function of that, enhanced transmissibility,” he wrote. Topol is a professor of molecular medicine at Scripps Research.

“You could say it’s not so bad because there hasn’t been a marked rise in hospitalizations and deaths as we saw with Omicron, but that’s only because we had such a striking adverse impact from Omicron, for which there is at least some cross-immunity,” he wrote, referencing the current Covid numbers that are being reported across the country.

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Omicron variants B.4 and B.5 are expected to have caused 52% of Covid infections last week. While it’s difficult to predict the variant’s response to vaccines, experts believe vaccinated people are likely experiencing a drop in protection, higher than the one experienced by previous Omicron variants.

When discussing variant B.5, it’s unknown how vaccines perform against it.

B.4 and B.5 are spiking in places all over the world, but you wouldn’t know it, because they’re occurring at the same time as previous variants are declining. This gives the impression that the wave is stabilizing instead of one variant replacing the other.

New Omicron variants present similar symptoms as the original Omicron strain. They include fever, loss of smell, and fatigue, with less of a focus on respiratory complications. While the disease is still something to contend with, it’s not as dangerous as it was at the start.

Cannabis Laced With Fentanyl Is Not A Thing, Cops & Media Should Stop Scare Tactics

Benzinga Staff Writer

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June 29, 2022

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Cannabis Laced With Fentanyl Is Not A Thing, Cops & Media Should Stop Scare Tactics

There is no scientific data that would validate the assumption that fentanyl-laced weed is causing widespread fatalities thus far.

By Joana Scopel

Over the past two years, between law enforcement and some anti-cannabis media outlets, frightening stories about “fentanyl-laced marijuana” have cropped up in the news although lab testing has never confirmed it.

Does fentanyl-laced weed even exist? Leafly undertook a 6-month investigation and analyzed claims of fentanyl-laced cannabis. “Many of our readers are medical marijuana patients or adult cannabis consumers. If they face a serious risk using any cannabis-related products, we intend to let them know about it,” Leafly stated.

What Ever Happened To All Of That Fentanyl-Laced Marijuana? — Photo by Bernard Chantal/Getty Images

“The lie spreads from three sources: Faulty field drug testing kits, police departments incentivized to hype local fear, and reporters who fail to question, investigate, or follow up on police claims,” Leafly added.

In reality, Fentanyl traces have only been found in one cannabis sample on US soil — one of 40 claimed in Connecticut, where a state public health leader admitted it might be “the first confirmed case in the United States.”

According to harm reduction specialists, “even if marijuana was dusted with fentanyl, it likely wouldn’t kill a consumer because fentanyl burns up at a lower temperature than marijuana.”

Even WebMD said that is a myth. “There is no scientific data that would validate the assumption [that fentanyl-laced weed is causing widespread fatalities] thus far,” Lawrence Weinstein, MD and chief medical officer at American Addiction Centers said.

According to the Ontario Harm Reduction Network (OHRN), there have been no laboratory-confirmed cases of fentanyl-laced cannabis. OHRN, said also that fentanyl has a high-profit margin, whereas marijuana has a low-profit margin.

Moreover, fentanyl’s high potential for fatal overdose makes it a bad option for producing dependence. “The idea they would enhance dependency does not hold water because of the lethality of [fentanyl]. That’s truly a myth,” Weinstein added.

marijuana fentanyl opioids — Photo by Roxana Gonzalez/EyeEm/Getty Images

In addition, testing positive for both fentanyl and marijuana does not automatically mean that you’ve consumed fentanyl-laced weed.

“It is more likely that that person also may test positive for other substances for fentanyl. [Fentanyl] is much more prevalent to be used in cutting opioids. It doesn’t mean that other substances cannot be laced with fentanyl, but based on frequency and likelihood, it is most likely other substances that one would need to be tested for,” Weinstein concluded.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

Can Cannabis Help You Quit Smoking Cigarettes?

Cannabis

Tom Gaffey

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June 29, 2022

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Can Cannabis Help You Quit Smoking Cigarettes?

If you live in a state where weed is legal and you’re ready to take quitting smoking seriously, it might be a good idea to have some fast-acting edibles handy for when the urge to smoke strikes.

Nicotine is widely known to be one of the most addictive substances on the planet, and it is certainly the most addictive legal drug in America. According to the CDC, tobacco causes about one in every five deaths in America. While there have been some positive results from anti-smoking campaigns that have helped reduce the number of new smokers in recent years, nothing close to a cure for nicotine addiction exists today.

There are all sorts of products on the market that try to help those addicted to nicotine move away from tobacco, including patches, gums, lozenges, pills and everything in between. In recent years, some have even started to turn to cannabis in the form of CBD gummies and even THC. But can these cannabis derived edibles really help you quit smoking?

Can CBD Help You Quit Smoking Cigarettes? — Photo by Mathew MacQuarrie via Unsplash

Recent studies have shown CBD has been effective in helping with cigarette withdrawals, and decreasing one’s desire to smoke. One study, by University College London, found that using CBD helped reduce nicotine desire almost instantly. “The study found that after a single dose of CBD treatment, heavy daily smokers find smoking-related cues less visually attention-grabbing,” UCL said.

CBD and its connection to smoking cessation has spawned many brands to market their gummies to those trying to quit. When it comes to THC, however, there has been far less research done in general. Further, with marijuana still illegal and untrusted on a federal level, it is much easier to promote CBD, which has been widely accepted as having very few negative side effects. But when you take a look at some of the benefits of medical marijuana and reference the main side effects of nicotine withdrawal, you can start to see the reason some are turning to marijuana to help quit smoking.

According to the National Cancer Institute, some of the most common nicotine withdrawal symptoms include irritability, insomnia, anxiety, depression and others. Any one of these symptoms can be difficult to overcome on your own, but combine them all at once and one can be left feeling debilitated. Coincidently, some of the benefits of marijuana include alleviating depression and anxiety.

In regards to sleeplessness, Americans have used a little bit of weed to fall asleep on restless nights for generations. Many of marijuana’s perceived benefits seem like they would directly benefit those experiencing severe nicotine withdrawal. But with limited research and a federal prohibition, it is still difficult to say if THC can definitely help you quit smoking.

If you do decide to give THC a try on your nicotine-quitting journey, edibles would be the logical choice, as smoking a joint instead of a cigarette does not exactly constitute the whole “quitting smoking” idea. But marijuana edibles may have not been highly effective at treating nicotine withdrawal, as it turns out, because they often take upwards of one to two hours to kick in and produce the symptom-relieving effects. This may no longer be the case, however, now that several manufacturers have released fast acting edibles.

The newly-popular fast acting edibles use different scientific techniques, like emulsification, to get the THC into your system much quicker, mirroring the high of smoking rather than the delayed and elongated high of traditional edibles. This new formula allows edibles to bypass the stomach and get into the small intestine faster, so the effect is more similar to smoking.

Just like with nearly all aspects of marijuana research, there needs to be more analysis on whether or not marijuana can help those addicted to nicotine and other dangerous and addictive substances. If, however, you live in a state where marijuana is legal and you are ready to take quitting smoking seriously, it might be a good idea to have some fast-acting edibles handy for when you really want to head to the store and buy a pack of smokes.

House Committee Approves Protections For State Marijuana Programs From Fed Interference

Benzinga Staff Writer

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June 29, 2022

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House Committee Approves Protections For State Marijuana Programs From Fed Interference

Since 2014, members of Congress have passed annual spending bills that have included a provision protecting those in compliance with state medical cannabis programs from the DOJ. However, such guidance has not been officially renewed under the current Administration.

By Nicolás Jose Rodriguez

A House Appropriations subcommittee approved an amendment on Tuesday afternoon that would prevent the Department of Justice (DOJ) from interfering with legal adult-use marijuana programs as part of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations legislation for the Fiscal Year 2023, NORML reported in a press release.

The bipartisan amendment, introduced by Reps. Barbara Lee (D-CA) David Joyce (R-OH) along with Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Tom McClintock (R-CA) and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) would bar the DOJ from using resources to interfere with the ability of states, territories, tribal governments or the District of Columbia to implement cannabis laws or to target people acting in compliance with those laws.

Morgan Fox, political director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) said the amendment brings peace of mind to individuals, businesses and institutions.

“As federal lawmakers steadily work to determine the best way to finally end marijuana prohibition and undo the damage it has caused, the people involved in regulated cannabis programs in the growing number of states that are leading the way on this issue deserve to know whether the federal government will actively get in the way of their continued successes,” Fox said.

“Including these protections in the federal budget will go a long way toward giving individuals, businesses, and state governments some peace of mind while signaling to the vast majority of Americans who support legalizing and regulating cannabis that their elected representatives are actually listening to them.”

Congressman Earl Blumenauer added: “Congress must honor the will of the voters and prevent wasteful Department of Justice prosecution of those complying with their respective state’s or tribe’s cannabis regulations. I appreciate the partnership and leadership of my colleagues, Representatives McClintock, Lee, Joyce, and Norton to move this important language forward today.”

Since 2014, members of Congress have passed annual spending bills that have included a provision protecting those in compliance with state medical cannabis programs from undue prosecution by the DOJ. However, such guidance has not been officially renewed under the current Administration and “does not carry the force of law,” NORML stressed. Meanwhile, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland recently said the DOJ was examining cannabis policy and would address the issue “in the days ahead.”

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

How Will Cannabis Legalization Factor Into An Uncertain Texas Election Cycle?

Marijuana Legislation

Benzinga Staff Writer

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June 28, 2022

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How Will Cannabis Legalization Factor Into An Uncertain Texas Election Cycle?

While Beto O’Rourke and cannabis reforms could win out in November, the state’s conservative grip still appears strong.

By Andrew Ward

Depending on how you perceive the past few months, Texas may be heading towards a minor liberal reform, or the conservatives could be doubling down on its dominance.

The past few months, ranging from gun tragedies to legal decisions to special elections, highlight a busy and somewhat unclear Texas political landscape heading into November.

texas capitol building — Photo by Ruben Reyes from Pexels

The recent back-and-forth momentum leaves most sources uncertain where Texas will stand post-Election Day. However, many appear firm on two points: Texans are frustrated, and most support legalizing cannabis.

Much Messing With Texas

No matter the outcome this Fall, Texas will remain an overwhelmingly conservative-held Congress. The state has deep GOP ties, with Republican Presidential nominees taking the state in every election since 1980.

Still, with frustrations running high across the board, changes of some kind could be on the horizon.

February data from the Texas Politics Project listed border security (19%), immigration (12%), COVID-19 (11%), political corruption (9%) and the economy (6%) as its top five voter issues.

March results from the 2022 Texas Lyceum Poll cited border security (14%) as the top trouble spot. Inflation, political corruption/leadership and energy prices are all tied at 9%. Cannabis legalization was not mentioned in the list of 25 concerns.

“From the shaky electric grid to health care access, the economy, endemic corruption, and gun violence, issues are swamping the Texas election cycle,” said Susan Hays, a Democratic candidate for Agriculture Department Commissioner.

Hays said the typical voter likely places cannabis somewhere in the middle of their priorities this voting cycle.

“But voters consistently raise cannabis reform as an important issue for them,” she said.

Jax James, NORML state policy manager said cannabis legalization “definitely” falls behind gun and abortion rights, adding that property taxes could also be considered a higher priority to most Texans.

texas cannabis — Photo by PromesaArtStudio/Getty Images

James said the state’s current surplus may make legalization less of a concern to those outside of advocates. In July 2021, state Comptroller Glenn Hegar projected Texas would have a $7.85 billion surplus for the 2022-2023 biennium.

“The desire to have legal market revenue is not as big as it could, perhaps,” said James.

How Cannabis Policy Fits Into The Discussion

Texans have come around on legalization and now seem to be waiting on key lawmakers to do the same. Across the aisle, voters have supported a legal market expansion for some time.

“Overarchingly, cannabis is truly a fairly bipartisan issue here in Texas,” said James.

June 2021 results from the Texas Politics Projects saw 60% of those polled supporting a small or large quantity possession. Just 13% opposed legalization in any form.

A May 2022 poll from The Dallas Morning News and The University of Texas at Tyler found similar results. 60% of those polled supported adult use legalization, with 83% favoring medical. 42% of identified Republicans supported adult use.

Public support hasn’t done much to sway Gov. Abbott from previous stances. He prefers to see cannabis remain a Class C misdemeanor.

James blamed Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who has been linked to squashing reform momentum for several years.

“The Governor has actually negotiated with activists to get quite a bit more done than has passed,” James said.

Others offered similar opinions. “Texans do seem to want a more robust medicinal program, similar to Oklahoma, but the current Lieutenant Governor will not allow cannabis legislation to be brought to the Senate floor,” said Matt Hawkins, founder and managing principal at Entourage Effect Capital.

Tristan Seikel is executive director of the nonpartisan group Decriminalize Denton, one of the cities taking up decriminalization in November. He feels that the rise of local-level policy and ballot questions is a response to stalled state-level efforts.

“People are organizing more and providing support for each other, I think, as a necessary reaction,” Seikel said.

Medical advocates have also continued to push for changes to its restrictive market. In 2021, the Texas Compassionate Use Program expanded its coverage to people with cancer and PTSD. Efforts to include chronic pain were removed in the Senate.

Conservatives Gaining Recent Ground

While Beto O’Rourke and cannabis reforms could win out in November, the state’s conservative grip still appears strong.

“I can’t even begin to speculate on how our election is going to go this year, especially with the recent news of a Republican flipping a historically Democratic district in the Rio Grande Valley,” said Shayda Torabi, CEO of Restart CBD and host of the To Be Blunt podcast.

In mid-June, GOP candidate Mayra Flores flipped the typically Democratic seat during a special election.

Is Texas Ready To Become The Stoned Star State In 2021? — Photo by Bo Zaunders/Getty Images

The state GOP also made waves in June when its new party platform included claims against the 2020 election results, condemned gay marriage and called to repeal the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The platform also opposes cannabis legalization but does support rescheduling.

With results not coming for several months, we’re left to wait and see what will unfold. While waiting, NORML’s James reports knowing of several companies waiting to capitalize on what could be a lucrative Texas market.

Rather than just waiting, she urges those companies to get involved. “The activists are here on the ground doing the work, and we need to make sure that the businesses and the people in positions of power are supporting that work.”

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

White House Says Brittney Griner Has ‘Fullest Attention Of The President’ As Biden Heads To NATO Meeting In Spain

Benzinga Staff Writer

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June 28, 2022

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White House Says Brittney Griner Has ‘Fullest Attention Of The President’ As Biden Heads To NATO Meeting In Spain

By Maureen Meehan

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Tuesday that the ongoing detention of WNBA superstar Brittney Griner has the full attention of President Biden.

“It has the fullest attention of the president and every senior member of his national security and diplomatic team. And, we are actively working to find a resolution to this case and will continue to do so without rest until we get Brittney safely home,” Sullivan told reporters on Air Force One as Biden is traveling to Spain for a NATO meeting.

Sullivan said that he and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have both spoken with Griner’s wife, Cherelle, to “convey our very deep sympathy, convey that we just can’t even begin to imagine what the family must be going through, what Brittney must be going through.”

On Monday, Griner’s detention was extended for six months pending the outcome of a trial, which is scheduled to start this Friday, July 1.

Sullivan reiterated to reporters that Griner was “wrongfully” and “unjustly” detained and that the White House is working for her release but would not go into details, according to The Hill.

Griner’s appearance in a Russian court Monday was the first time the two-time Olympic gold medal winner has been seen publicly, with the exception of her booking photo. Arrested on Feb. 17 at a Moscow airport for allegedly having cannabis oil in her suitcase, Griner faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Last week a Putin spokesperson said Griner was not a hostage but had broken Russian law.

Is A Deal In The Works?

Numerous organizations and individuals have called on Biden to broker a deal with Russia for Griner’s release like the one that brought home US Marine Trevor Reed in exchange for a Russian pilot convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy.

Some believe that Moscow is using Griner to gain leverage for that very reason.

“This may sound counterintuitive, but the trial is a crucial part of the process. The Russians have to keep pretending that this is a legitimate arrest. There is no reason to believe that the charges are legitimate or that her trial will be fair. But if and when she’s convicted, the Russians will have made clear their credible alternative to a deal to bring her home,” Dr. Danielle Gilbert, assistant professor of military and strategic studies at the US Air Force Academy, told ESPN.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

Cannabis Ads Might Soon Be On TV And Radio — Here’s Why

TV and radio stations operate under FCC licenses and federal law, which categorizes cannabis as a Schedule I drug with no accepted medical value and high abuse potential.

Broadcasters Are Delighted

8 Strange Marijuana Law Which Are Hard To Believe!

In Maine, edibles are taxed at a higher rate because the state subjects them to a meal tax. Who knew gummy bears counted as lunch?

1. Michigan Uses An Outdated Marijuana Spelling

2. D.C. Embraces The Gift Of Giving

3. No Dispensary Merch In Massachusetts

4. Maine Charges You A Meal Tax On Edibles, Bon Appetit!

5. Don’t Deliver Weed Using Planes, Trains Or Boats In California

6. Can’t Smell Weed In California or Washington

7. Nevada Is A Stickler For Fonts

8. Looking For Weed In Delaware? Find A Phone Book

DC Bill Will Allow Medical Marijuana Patients To Self-Certify

The legislation enables the District to bypass the annually-renewed congressional spending bill rider that has prevented D.C. from using its local taxes to implement a system of legal cannabis commerce.

Why This Matters

Seniors Don’t Need Doctors To Get Medical Marijuana

Why New Omicron Variant Is ‘The Worst’ Version Of The Virus

Two new Omicron variants are leading the charge in COVID cases in the US. One of them is of particular concern to scientists.

Cannabis Laced With Fentanyl Is Not A Thing, Cops & Media Should Stop Scare Tactics

There is no scientific data that would validate the assumption that fentanyl-laced weed is causing widespread fatalities thus far.

Can Cannabis Help You Quit Smoking Cigarettes?

If you live in a state where weed is legal and you’re ready to take quitting smoking seriously, it might be a good idea to have some fast-acting edibles handy for when the urge to smoke strikes.

House Committee Approves Protections For State Marijuana Programs From Fed Interference

Since 2014, members of Congress have passed annual spending bills that have included a provision protecting those in compliance with state medical cannabis programs from the DOJ. However, such guidance has not been officially renewed under the current Administration.

How Will Cannabis Legalization Factor Into An Uncertain Texas Election Cycle?

While Beto O’Rourke and cannabis reforms could win out in November, the state’s conservative grip still appears strong.

Much Messing With Texas

How Cannabis Policy Fits Into The Discussion

Conservatives Gaining Recent Ground

White House Says Brittney Griner Has ‘Fullest Attention Of The President’ As Biden Heads To NATO Meeting In Spain

Is A Deal In The Works?

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