Movement for Marijuana Legalization
As states continue to introduce legislation and initiatives to legalize marijuana, the Dispensary Permits team will keep you informed with our Weekly State Updates. If you missed last week’s updates, you can view them here. Since then, the following legislation has been introduced:
CBD Program
The following states introduced legislation to allow qualified patients to possess and consume cannabidiol, a marijuana derivative.
Kansas – The Kansas Legislature has voted to allow CBD derived from hemp with no THC in stores.
Medical Marijuana
The following states introduced legislation to allow qualified patients to possess and consume medical marijuana.
Arkansas – On June 7th, the Arkansas Supreme Court heard the arguments over a judge's decision to stop the issuance of the state’s first medical-marijuana growing licenses. The court is now considering the arguments, and justices did not indicate when they would rule. 
Delaware – On June 7th, marijuana legalization advocates filled Legislative Hall to support the Adult-Use Cannabis Bill and try to get lawmakers to pass it before the end of session.
Florida – On June 5th, Leon County Circuit Judge Karen Gievers upheld her May 25 ruling that the Florida Legislature's provision banning smokable medical marijuana is unconstitutional. The stay on smoking medical marijuana will officially be lifted on Monday.
Illinois – Senate Bill 336 to allow patients who are prescribed opioids to use medical marijuana as an alternative treatment has been passed by lawmakers and now awaits a signature from the Governor.
Michigan – The Michigan Medical Marijuana Licensing Board cancelled their meeting for next week which was when they were supposed to issue the first medical cannabis business licenses. The board was set to award licenses to four applicants that represent four large marijuana growing operations, a secure transport company, a dispensary in Ann Arbor and a processor.
New Jersey – With only three weeks until the end of session, State Sen. Nicholas Scutari has introduced a bill to expand the state’s current medical marijuana program as well as establish a recreational marijuana program.
Ohio – The state announced the new medical marijuana program will not be fully operational by its September 8, 2018 deadline previously established.
Rhode Island – On June 8th, the House rejected the governor's proposal to increase the number of medical marijuana licenses the state grants.
Recreational Marijuana
The following states introduced legislation to allow individuals 21 years of age and older to possess and consume marijuana.
California – On June 4th, California introduced an insurance program for licensed cannabis companies to give much-needed coverage to cannabis businesses that have had a hard time getting it.
Colorado – Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper vetoed a bill to allow publicly traded companies to invest in the state’s marijuana industry and now local cannabis companies are threatening to move to other states. Hickenlooper also vetoed a bill that would have added autism spectrum disorder as a qualifying patient condition for medical marijuana treatment.
Massachusetts – July 1st is the first day that recreational marijuana shops can legally open in Massachusetts, but the Cannabis Control Commission hasn’t issued a single Massachusetts marijuana business license while 51 applications waiting for their approval.
Federal / United States – President Trump said he will most likely support a bill introduced by Bainbridge Township GOP Rep. Dave Joyce that would block the federal government from interfering with state efforts to legalize marijuana.
The Right to Try law was signed by President Trump on May 27th to allow terminally-ill patients to try experimental treatments that have not yet received final approval by the US Food and Drug Administration. To be eligible under the law, a drug must first pass an FDA phase one clinical trial. Marijuana is now in phase two trials as part of ongoing research by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies.
Interested in Opening a Marijuana Business in One of These States?
Gain more information on your state of interest by filling out our contact form. A Dispensary Permits team member will respond to your request within 48 hours.
You can also schedule an hour consultation with one of our industry experts to ask questions, discuss concerns, and gain insight on best next steps for starting a marijuana business: Schedule Now.
