10 Years of Washington Cannabis

Washington Cannabis: 10 Years of Legal Cannabis but the Illicit Market Remains

Cannabis has been legal in Washington State now for 10 years, making Washington among the most mature cannabis markets in the country. In 2020 alone, Washington’s cannabis market generated over 18,000 jobs and over $600 million in tax revenue. So why is the unregulated market still thriving? Washington State Cannabis Excise Tax Despite beliefs that California holds the highest, most complex tax …

The History of Cannabis in New York

The History of Cannabis in New York

This article was originally featured on the Point Seven Group Industry News blog here. Though adult-use cannabis was only recently legalized in New York, the plant has had a long history in the state including cannabis decriminalization that started in the 1970s and a medical marijuana program that was established in 2014.  Cannabis decriminalization efforts started early in New York …

Oregon Cannabis Market Challenges

Unlicensed Cannabis Cultivation in Oregon: Legislation is Bolstering Enforcement, but More Action is Needed

Regions of robust, legal cannabis cultivation, such as the State of Oregon, are seeing a surge in unlicensed cultivation activities that are threatening legal markets, harming the local environment, and creating serious labor and humanitarian concerns.  Consequences of Unlicensed Cultivation in Oregon Unlicensed cultivation sites are rampant throughout the counties of Deschutes, Jackson, and Josephine in Oregon. Operated chiefly by organized …

How to Prevent Wildings at Cannabis Dispensaries

How to Prevent “Wildings” at Your Cannabis Dispensary

In the past few years, retail stores across the United States have seen an influx in crime involving groups conducting smash and grab lootings, also known as “wildings.” Cannabis dispensaries have not been immune to these crimes and many of these “wildings” occurred in California. In most cases, the incidents were over in a matter of minutes – with looters …

Increased Security Requirements for Denver Dispensaries

Increased Security Requirements for Denver Dispensaries

As of January 1st, of this year, the city of Denver, Colorado has begun mandating cannabis dispensaries implement additional security requirements in response to recent increases in crime at cannabis businesses. There are over 200 dispensaries in Denver that produce an estimated $700 million in annual revenue that now must comply with regulations that bear additional costs and include the use of a secure storage …

Cannabis Laboratories

Do States Have Security Regulations for Cannabis Laboratories?

Cultivators and dispensaries have different but important security needs; thus, regulators mandate requirements of facilities to ensure that the businesses do not fall victim to theft and diversion. Common regulations involve commercial video, alarm, and access control systems. These requirements are the minimum for businesses, and businesses can choose to do more than the regulators require. How about laboratories though? …

Florida Medical Cannabis Licenses

Florida Medical Cannabis Licenses

This article was originally featured on the CB Advisors blog. The state of Florida established a medical marijuana program in 2016. Access to medical cannabis is through state-licensed businesses allowed to grow, manufacture, and sell medical cannabis. To purchase and have medical cannabis, patients must have an active Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR) Identification Card. Qualifying conditions include cancer, epilepsy, …

Challenges in the California Cannabis Industry

Challenges in the California Cannabis Industry

Despite being one of the oldest legal markets in the country, California’s cannabis industry is still going through major changes. In July 2021, the state established the Department of Cannabis Control by consolidating the authority of three former state cannabis authorities: the Bureau of Cannabis Control, the Department of Food and Agriculture, and the Department of Public Health. Since then, state regulations …

An Update on Cannabis in New York

An Update on Cannabis in New York

The State of New York is making progress toward legalizing recreational cannabis sales, with almost 40% of municipalities opting in, including all five boroughs of New York City. Many municipalities have opted out, however, and the state’s regulatory framework has yet to be finalized. Despite this, if regulators stay on track, licensing will begin soon and legal sales will begin …

New Jersey Cannabis Update

An Update on Cannabis in New Jersey

The New Jersey Cannabis market has undergone a lot of turbulence and delays, especially for prospective business owners. The state has an existing medical cannabis market and will soon be accepting licenses for adult-use cannabis businesses. With the recent announcement of winning medical cannabis applicants after a lengthy delay and the newly legalized adult-use market and licensing process, the New …