In Colorado, a segment of the industry has proposed sweeping changes to state marijuana laws. The draft proposal, obtained by the Durango Herald, does not have support from the entire industry but suggests a “wish list” of how some businesses would like to be regulated.
Notably, it would move regulatory authority from the Department of Revenue to a five-member commission appointed by the governor. The proposal would make “remediation” (as opposed to destruction) an option for products found to be contaminated with pesticides. Others in the industry criticized the proposal’s more lenient stance on pesticides. It would also allow “marijuana special events” where cannabis is sold and consumed.
“I’ve heard a couple people argue that we knew that this was going to happen,” Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, said. “That the profits coming from the marijuana industry would sooner or later push certain members of the industry to put profits above the safety of the public, and I think that’s a dangerous place for the industry to be in.” With only weeks until the legislative session ends, nothing that looks like this draft proposal is likely to pass this year. Looks like they are whining for more Tax revenue to load up the wallets if you ask me?
At the Marshall Project, a former cop discusses why drug laws made him hate his job. The piece ends with an apology: “It was wrong for me to use violence against you for merely possessing or trading in drugs. My actions, though harmful, were without malice. I believed at the time that they were in the best interest of our community. I can only as for more forgiveness than you’ve been shown.” How bout for us Bud trimmers?
A video that seemed to show top NFL prospect Laremy Tunsil hitting a gas mask bong surfaced shortly before the NFL draft, This week likely costing him millions of dollars. Tunsil ended up getting picked 13th by the Miami Dolphins, instead of #1, that video cost him at least a deal worth about $12 million.
The Denver Post has a big story on NFL players pushing for CBD research.
On Good Morning America, industry P.R. guy and activist Evan Nison asked Hillary Clinton if she would vote for legalization if it was on the ballot. Her response was Clintonian: It would depend on how the proposal was worded. (She would allow the state experiments to continue.)
The Democratic candidate for governor of Utah, Mike Weinholtz, revealed that his wife is facing a criminal investigation for her MED use.
Denver’s 420 rally has been rescheduled for 521. The city council has placed caps on new marijuana businesses. Without warning, Seattle’s King County imposed a moratorium on pot businesses in unincorporated areas.
Alaska, the only state that will sanction pot cafes has proposed some rules. No happy hours allowed, but food and non-alcoholic drinks can be served on premises. Any Bud Tenders in the house?
Tom Mulcair, leader of Canada’s leftist NDP party, has called for immediate decriminalization ahead of the government’s pledge to legalize next year. It mentions that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau admitted to smoking while a member of parliament. Activist Jodie Emery wants a spot on the country’s legalization task force.
In Vancouver, 420 partiers left big piles of garbage at Sunset Beach. Toronto mayor John Tory is worried about the number of dispensaries popping up downtown, And the number of bud trimming operators in the Vancouver area.
Robert L. DuPont, former director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse: “People who are addicted to marijuana are three times more likely to be addicted to heroin.” Colleen Barry of the public health school at Johns Hopkins shares research that allowing MED reduces opioid overdose deaths.
Pharmacy giant WalGreen’s posted some basic but straightforward guidance on MED use on its Tumblr page. At New Cannabis Ventures Alan Brochstein writes, “I can’t recall any S&P 500 company ever sharing such a supportive view.”
Brochstein also catches that the SEC suspended trading in cannabis company Pineapple Express “because of recent, unusual and unexplained market activity.” Pineapple Express executives were previously involved in MedBox, a stock that surged to a high of almost $100 a share and now trades for a penny.
GW Pharmaceuticals obtained orphan drug status for CBD to treat a rare genetic disorder that causes epilepsy. The FDA’s orphan drug program incentivizes companies to develop therapies for rare diseases and accelerates the approval process.
Seattle start-up Oleo has filed to patent powdered THC. Foria, which sells cannabis sprays designed to enhance sex, has introduced vaginal suppositories to relieve cramps. Hello Whoopi Goldberg!
An ultra-orthodox Israeli rabbi declared cannabis kosher for Passover. So now we see an uptick on Bongs this past week!
The New York Times discovers that some very good cooks love cannabis. The Guardian realizes that some cannabis lovers can cook.
Humor site Reductress, advises women on how to “keep your feminist power intact while asking dudes to help you get weed.” BY The way Actor Woody Harrelson lost his bid to open a dispensary in Hawaii. Keep Bonging Woody!
Bye!
Mike Garay ~