Re-criminalizing measure moves forward in Mass.

Hi all,

In today’s newsletter, a proposed ballot measure in Massachusetts would make it the first state to re-criminalize. It’s not yet clear whether it will be able to gather the necessary signatures.

Read up,

Alex

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Massachusetts could be the first state to vote on re-criminalizing.
Talking Joints Memo

In the Bay State, two versions of a measure called “An Act to Restore A Sensible Marijuana Policy” got the green light to start collecting signatures. They first would continue the state’s MED program, but re-criminalize possession of more than two ounces. It would also eliminate home grow. To move forward, they would have to collect 75,000 signatures this fall.
Marijuana Moment

Read the story

Separately:Worcester Business Journal reports on the collapse of Rev Clinics, once one of Massachusetts’ top operators.

Federal:

• The Trump administration is moving to cancel a Biden era rule to facilitate MED research.
• A House panel moved forward on blocking Trump’s ability to reschedule. Trump has said he will make a decision imminently.
  Cannabis Business Times
• Florida Congressman Greg Steube (R) makes a conservative case for rescheduling.
  Washington Examiner
• George Retes, a U.S. citizen and Glass House security guard who was detained during the July ICE raid, and is now suing the feds, told his story to The Atlantic. A federal grand jury indicted a Cal State professor for allegedly throwing a tear gas container at agents during the raid. If convicted he could face up to 20 years in prison.

Business:

• MSO Curaleaf was the first U.S. PotCo to join the S&P/TSX stock index in Canada.
• Bloomberg Law suggests Chapter 15 bankruptcy, which involves cross-border insolvency, could be an option for PotCos which operate or trade in other countries. No company has attempted it.
• What brought down MSO 4Front?
  Crain’s Chicago
• Even if rescheduling happens, the WSJ is skeptical the IRS will forgive $2B in unpaid 280E taxes.
• Data shop Headset announced a new, much expanded e-commerce  data platform.
• MJBiz asks what happens when a social equity permit holder dies? It also looked at how tech-driven loyalty programs are driving retail.
• New York announced it would transition its compliance software provider from Biotrack to Metrc.
  NBC
• While many hospitality spaces have struggled, Arend Richard, who runs the upscale lounge Cirrus in Denver, shared some tips. He says it’s already profitable after four months of operations.
• The founders of drink brand Levia have reached an agreement to reacquire it from MSO Ayr Wellness, which is in the midst of restructuring.
• A report from Custom Cones USA found pre-rolls have passed flower as the Canada’s top earning product category.
• Non-profit MAPS named Betty Aldworth and Ismail Lourido Ali co-executive directors.

State and local:

• After hemp products survived another prohibition bill, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott banned sales to under 21s. The industry largely applauded its new legitimacy.
  CBS
• The Pennsylvania Governor’s office told lawmakers to stop filing REC bills and work on the ones that have already been filed.
  Marijuana Moment
• Regulators accused a Michigan dispensary of selling to an out of state dealer.
  Crain’s Detroit
• In Massachusetts, a court put the reinstatement of a top regulator on hold.
  Boston.com
• New York regulators are attempting to punish a lab which shut down in June over questions of pesticide contamination.
  MJBiz
• At the request of the governor, Nebraska lowered how many plants MED cultivators can grow.
  Nebraska Public Media

Health and science:

• A study found cannabis use could cause chromosonal damage to oocytes — unfertilized egg cells — in women.
  CNN
• A study found cannabis use didn’t affect driving ability after 48 hours of abstinence.
  Springer
• Cartoonist Brian “Box” Brown shared his take on potency warnings.

International:

• For its upcoming REC market, Switzerland plans to have one online retailer for the country.
  Business of Cannabis
• The Thai politician best known for legalizing cannabis became the country’s prime minister. It has since been more strictly regulated.
  AP

Fun and interesting:

• Seth Rogan discussed his brand HousePlant.
  ABC
• Talking Joints Memo suggests five unique dispensary concepts.

State:

• The state senate passed a bill to cut the excise tax. Gov. Newsom is expected to sign.
  WeedWeek
• The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) released proposed regulations which would allow two or more activities under one license at a single location and “multi-batch” products.

Business:

• Groundwork Holdings, parent of March and Ash and CannaCraft, reached a merger agreement with PCF a.k.a. The Premier Group, a Modesto-based operator of 19 shops.
• LA Business Journal profiles beverage company Uncle Arnie’s after its recent $7.5M funding.
• These are the shops powering MJBiz‘s new bi-coastal weed contest.

Local:

• A mistrial was declared in the case of a Kern Co. man accused of working in an unlicensed dispensary.
  NBC
• Oakland is adding a residency requirement for pot shops.
  SFGate
• West Hollywood’s Emerald Village initiative aims to reach wellness-minded consumers.
  WeHo Times
• Reason looks at a case of weed surveillance drones “destroying the lives” of property owners in Sonoma Co.
• Sonoma Co. saw a sharp decline in local production, year over year.
  KSRO
• An LA Co. man was found guilty of a killing during a 2021 pot deal.
• Mendocino Co. supes debated licensing and pilot programs.
• Amid the industry’s struggles, one Humboldt farm got approved for a big expansion.
  KymKemp
• KCBX explored the rapid rise of weed tourism on the central coast.
• North Coast Journal posted its annual Best of Humboldt list.
• There was an apparent homicide at Burning Man.
  SFGate