After delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, California has officially established the Department of Cannabis Control. While the Bureau of Cannabis Control previously oversaw most cannabis businesses, the Department of Food and Agriculture had jurisdiction over cultivation, and the Department of Public Health oversaw cannabis manufacturing. Now, these three agencies have consolidated cannabis aspects and the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) …
While adult-use cannabis remains illegal in the state, the latest Legislative Session for Texas paved the way for an expansion of the state’s existing medical-use program. Like many previous Legislative Sessions, the majority of the bills in support of cannabis failed, such as Texas HB 441, HB 2593, and HB 3948. Unlike previous years, the 87th Legislative Session saw the passage of two …
Although cannabis is legal throughout the State, access to cannabis varies depending on location in California. Due to differing cannabis laws in California cities, the State has developed cannabis hot spots, or areas where cannabis businesses are plentiful, and deserts where legal cannabis businesses are prohibited or limited. The Control, Regulate, and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act, otherwise known …
Medical cannabis has been legal in New York since 2014, but the Marijuana Revenue and Taxation Act (S.854-A/A.1248-A) was only recently legalized by Governor Cuomo. Despite progress toward expanding access to cannabis in the state, a regulatory framework has yet to be established. Adults 21 years and older can currently possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis and up to …
While wildfire season does not have a set start date, wildfires typically increase in the hotter summer and fall months. Wildfires are common in states like Georgia, Texas, and North Carolina, but more acres have been burned by wildfires in California than any other state. The 2020 wildfire season was the worst in state history for California and more than 1 million …
New Jersey legalized recreational cannabis in November 2020 and the state is hopeful that New Jersey cannabis market will help boost their economy after COVID-19. The state has until August 21, 2021 to establish temporary rules for regulating cannabis businesses and will start accepting applications 30 days after. New Jersey will not allow home grow, but the state will allow cannabis …
While Texas has seen multiple cannabis bills fail in previous years, the 87th Legislative Session has a few notable bills that have been gaining traction. The proposed bills aim to expand the state’s medical cannabis program, reduce penalties for cannabis possession, and increase research into cannabis, hemp, psilocybin, and other potentially beneficial drugs. With the session’s end on May 31, many Texas …
Following a sweep of victories in the 2020 elections, the cannabis industry in California is about to add multiple new cannabis businesses. The majority of the 35 reported cities/counties voted in favor of cannabis measures on the ballot, issuing in a wave of California cannabis expansion in 2021. Although a majority of the approved ballot measures are for cannabis-related taxes, this is oftentimes an indicator …
New Jersey became the 14th state to legalize recreational cannabis. Three bills were signed on February 22, 2021 regulating the use of recreational cannabis. This will reduce penalties for underage use and decriminalizing the use or possession of up to six ounces of cannabis. This signing comes 100 days after voters approved a constitutional amendment legalizing cannabis in November. “This legislation will establish an industry that brings equity …
What happens when you hire Sapphire Risk to write the security portion of your cannabis applications? You win. Last week, West Virginia awarded a new round of cannabis licenses, and we are very proud to have consulted on thirteen (13) of these winning licenses. As one of the oldest nationwide cannabis security consultant firms, we are honored to be able …
