Pennsylvania’s new hemp rules may hurt early farmers but boost the industry

Hemp could rocket to become one of Pennsylvania’s major cash crops under new regulations published last week by the state Department of Agriculture. At the same time, those new regulations could inadvertently crush small farmers who still are sitting on their 2019 hemp harvest. Pioneering hemp farmers, who grew the crop under the state’s experimental pilot program, may find that their cannabis plants — now stored in barns and warehouses — are too laden with…

"Pennsylvania’s new hemp rules may hurt early farmers but boost the industry"





Researchers: Some pet products touted as CBD don’t have any

Companies have unleashed hundreds of CBD pet health products accompanied by glowing customer testimonials claiming the cannabis derivative produced calmer, quieter and pain-free dogs and cats. But some of these products are all bark and no bite. “You’d be astounded by the analysis we’ve seen of products on the shelf with virtually no CBD in them,” said Cornell University veterinary researcher Joseph Wakshlag, who studies therapeutic uses for the compound. “Or products with 2 milligrams…

"Researchers: Some pet products touted as CBD don’t have any"





You can buy stock in a California marijuana farm. It’s a first for the SEC

For the first time, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has cleared a American cannabis grower to issue a public stock offering. Santa Cruz-based Goldenseed is selling shares starting at $100. Americans previously could buy stock in Canadian growers, such as Tilray and Aphria, as well as American marijuana retailers like MedMen. This marks the first time that the American public can buy stock in an American cannabis grower. “It’s a very groundbreaking thing,” said…

"You can buy stock in a California marijuana farm. It’s a first for the SEC"





Report: Those seeking medical marijuana cards often already heavy users

A study published last month offers some insight into just who is seeking enrollment in medical marijuana programs, but one of its findings should come has no surprise. According to a report in Science News, young adults who seek to enter medical marijuana programs are often those who are already heavy users rather than those with mental or physical issues that the drug could aid. That is according to results published by the Journal of…

"Report: Those seeking medical marijuana cards often already heavy users"





Judge rejects restraining order in medical marijuana lawsuit

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A judge on Thursday denied a request for a temporary restraining order against the state that was sought by a southwestern Missouri family who was denied a license to grow medical marijuana. Paul Callicoat and his family sued the the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services after their application for a license was among hundreds that the agency denied. They planned to convert their 70-acre property in Sarcoxie into…

"Judge rejects restraining order in medical marijuana lawsuit"





Illinois sees first legal sales of recreational marijuana

CHICAGO (AP) — The sale of marijuana for recreational purposes became legal Wednesday in Illinois to the delight of pot fans — many who began lining up hours early at dispensaries. About 500 people were outside Dispensary 33 in Chicago. Renzo Mejia made the first legal purchase in the shop shortly after 6 a.m., the earliest that Illinois’ new law allowed such sales. “To be able to have (recreational marijuana) here is just mind-boggling,” Mejia…

"Illinois sees first legal sales of recreational marijuana"





Federal laws hamper medical marijuana banking options

FREDERICK, Md. — With more than 150 investors contributing a total of $27 million to his company, Phil Goldberg still couldn’t get a loan from a bank. It’s not because the banks didn’t want to provide a loan. It’s because they couldn’t. Goldberg is chief executive officer of Green Leaf Medical, a grower of medical marijuana that is distributed by dispensaries. The company has three locations, including a 45,000-square-foot site in Frederick. “Most banks would…

"Federal laws hamper medical marijuana banking options"





Cannabis-related psychosis, addiction, ER visits: For young users, marijuana can be a dangerous game

Not long ago when Joseph Garbely, chief medical officer for the Caron Foundation, reviewed younger patients starting drug or alcohol treatment on his unit, he usually saw people shaking, sick and seizing from alcohol or opioid withdrawal. Marijuana was seldom what put them in those medical beds. That has changed. “A few years ago, it was rare to see a young person enter Caron with marijuana-induced psychosis,” said Garbely. “Now we see it on a…

"Cannabis-related psychosis, addiction, ER visits: For young users, marijuana can be a dangerous game"





Dispensary removes Standard Farms products from shelves

The largest medical marijuana retailer in Pennsylvania has removed an embattled White Haven producers products from its shelves, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. The newspaper reports that TerraVida Holistic Centers, headquartered in Jenkintown, has removed Standard Farms vape cartridges, tinctures, and other cannabis extracts from its stores. The move comes after a Philadelphia Inquirer story reported that three former executives alleged that the company violated state regulations. Some of those rules were meant to ensure…

"Dispensary removes Standard Farms products from shelves"





California analysts urge marijuana tax based on potency

LOS ANGELES (AP) — California analysts Tuesday recommended scrapping the state’s often-criticized system for taxing legal marijuana and replacing it with one hitched to the potency of products. In other words, the stronger the smoke, the more you pay. The proposal comes as legal businesses have been pleading with the Legislature for a tax cut, blaming hefty tax rates imposed by state and local governments for driving consumers into the thriving illegal market. In some…

"California analysts urge marijuana tax based on potency"