Jan 09 2025

Minnesota Public Comment Period on Proposed Cannabis Industry Rules Starts Monday, January 13

The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) will officially open a public comment period on January 13 for proposed expedited rules shaping the state’s newly legalized marijuana industry.

The proposed rules will be published in the State Register that day, with a PDF version available for public review on the OCM website.

Members of the public will have until 4:30 p.m. CST on February 12 to submit their input. Comments can be submitted online via the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) website, through U.S. mail to 600 North Robert Street, P.O. Box 64620, St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0620, or by fax to 651-539-0310. Instructions for submitting online comments are detailed on the OAH website.
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Jan 09 2025

States With the Harshest Marijuana Possession Laws

Recreational marijuana has been legalized in 24 states, with medical marijuana authorized in 39 states. However, some states continue to enforce harsh and archaic marijuana laws.

Among the 26 states that haven’t legalized recreational marijuana, how each handles their marijuana possession laws varies drastically. Some impose a simple fine, similar to a traffic ticket, while others include months or years of jailtime for possessing even small amounts.

With that in mind, listed below are the states with the harshest marijuana laws.
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Jan 09 2025

Study Finds Marijuana Legalization Not Linked to Increased Workplace Cannabis Use

Marijuana legalization does not correlate with an increase in employees using cannabis before or during work, according to a briefing paper from the Institute for Work & Health (IWH), a non-profit research organization.

The study examined workers’ attitudes and behaviors in Canada following the legalization of adult-use marijuana in 2018. Researchers found no change in the rates of cannabis consumption among employees either prior to or during work hours during the surveyed period.

“IWH research found no post-legalization increase in self-reported cannabis use during or before work”, states the paper. Authors emphasized the importance of distinguishing between cannabis use off-duty and use during work, saying “Rather than considering any cannabis use as an occupational safety risk, workplaces need to reframe their focus to use that is likely to lead to impairment at work and craft policies that center on preventing and managing impairment, as well as fitness for duty.”
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Jan 09 2025

Newly Filed Indiana Bill Would Decriminalize Marijuana Possession

A new bill introduced in Indiana would decriminalize the possession of two ounces or less of marijuana.

House Bill 1145, sponsored by Republican State Representative Heath VanNatter and filed yesterday, would remove criminal penalties for the possession of up to two ounces of marijuana, for those 21 and older. This would mark a significant shift from current state law, with the possession of any amount of marijuana a misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail.

The legislation, which has been referred to the Committee on Courts and Criminal Code would maintain current penalties for marijuana cultivation and possession of larger quantities. If the measure were to be approved by the House and Senate and signed into law by Governor Mike Brain, the proposed changes would take effect on July 1, 2025,
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Jan 08 2025

Ohio: $19.2 Million in Legal Marijuana Sold Between December 29 and January 4

There was nearly $20 million worth of marijuana and marijuana products sold between December 29 and January 4 in Ohio.

Data released today by the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) shows that there was $13,158,129 in recreational marijuana sold during the week that cover New Year’s, in addition to $6,116,501 in medical marijuana sold. The combined $19,274,630 brings the total since the start of recreational marijuana sales on August 7 to $397,777,981.

According to the DCC, there was 57,272 pounds of marijuana sold since August 7, and nearly five million total transactions.
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Jan 08 2025

Indiana: Republican Lawmakers File Legislation to Legalize Medical Marijuana

State Representatives Jim Lucas (R) and Shane Lindauer (R) filed House Bill 1178 today, which would make Indiana the 40th medical marijuana state.

House Bill 1178, which  proposes a comprehensive medical marijuana program to serve patients with serious medical conditions, as determined by their physicians, has been referred to the Committee on Public Health. Under the proposed legislation, the Indiana Department of Health would oversee the program, managing all aspects, including the cultivation, processing, testing, transportation, and dispensing of medical marijuana.

The bill mandates strict security, accurate labeling, child-resistant packaging, and independent testing of medical marijuana products, while banning child-appealing packaging.
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Jan 08 2025

New York Bill Would Ban Marijuana Use Within 30 Feet of Children, Including Through Walls

New York Assembly Bill 1007 was introduced today by State Representatives Phil Steck (D) and Marianna Buttenschon (D) and has been assigned to the Housing and Urban Affairs Committee for review.

The legislation would prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana within thirty feet of a child or within thirty feet of any location where children reside or attend for recreational or educational purposes, including areas separated by walls, closed doors, or different floors within a building.

Penalties outlined in the bill include a civil fine of up to $25 or 20 hours of community service for first-time violations. Repeat offenders would face steeper consequences, potentially being charged with a class B misdemeanor.
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Jan 08 2025

Trulieve to Open New Dispensary in Maricopa on Saturday, the 22nd in Arizona and 227th in the US

Trulieve Cannabis Corp., a leading US-based cannabis company, announced today the opening of a new dispensary in Maricopa, Arizona, marking their 22nd in the state.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 7:45 a.m. Saturday, January 11, followed by a grand opening celebration featuring food trucks, music, partner giveaways, and special discounts.

“We are proud to bring Trulieve’s high-quality, affordable products and elite customer experience to Maricopa,” said Trulieve’s Chief Executive Officer Kim Rivers. “We are committed to helping customers in western Pinal County enhance their lives through cannabis.”
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Jan 08 2025

New Kentucky Bill Would Remove Criminal Penalties for Marijuana Possession and Cultivation, Allow Expungements

Yesterday, State Representative David Yates (D) filed legislation that would remove criminal penalties for possessing and cultivating certain amounts of marijuana.

If enacted, Senate Bill 33 would amend existing statutes to remove criminal penalties for possession up to eight ounces of marijuana, and cultivating up to five marijuana plants. Penalties for possessing over the allotted amount would be reduced, from a Class A misdemeanor (punishable by up to 12 months in jail) to a Class B misdemeanor (normally punishable by up to 90 days in jail, but the bill specifies the max penalty as 45 days). In addition, the penalty for trafficking would be reduced from a felony, to a misdemeanor.

The measure also introduces a retroactive expungement process for certain prior marijuana-related convictions, aiming to provide relief to individuals previously penalized under outdated laws.
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Jan 08 2025

Bipartisan Bill Filed in New York Proposes Strict THC Limits on Marijuana Products

A bill to limit the potency of marijuana products in New York was introduced today by State Representatives Phil Steck (D) and Keith Brown (R).

The bipartisan legislation, NY A00977, seeks to amend New York’s cannabis law to establish maximum THC concentrations for cannabis flower and other related products. Under the proposal, cannabis flower would be capped at 15% THC, while all other cannabis and hemp products, including medical cannabis and cannabinoid hemp, would be limited to 25% THC.

If enacted, individuals or businesses that knowingly violate these potency restrictions could face a class B misdemeanor. Such offenses carry potential penalties of up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine.
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