If you couldn’t tell already, interest in the cannabis industry continues to grow. Though the battle isn’t over yet, and some feel we still have a long way to go, we’ve made some strong strides this year so far.
In fact, yesterday Oklahoma became the one of the strongest conservative states, and 30th in the US, to legalize MMJ. The decision was nearly split down the middle with opposition from organizations including the state’s Medical Association towards the regulations, or lack of. The current legislation is much more lenient than many other states, providing no caps of business licensing and no restrictions on qualifying medical conditions. Those who oppose the bill see the lack of rules as basically approving the state recreationally. Despite the decision of the public, republican governor, Mary Fallin, has implied that she wants to see additional regulations in the end.
Here at TSW, however, we have to agree with the previous statements. Advocacy is strong and growing by the day but, without ironing out the kinks of our young industry, legalization too early can be detrimental.
Some push back has been seen as steam from the STATES Act announcement has cooled. As well, the industry saw some odd pushes of it’s own this past week. It again reaffirms that we must first be on the same page to make our industry the well oiled machine that it could be.
California Cannabis Company Under Fire After Incident
California tincture producers, TreatWell, is losing some business and support after a viral video made its way through social media over the weekend. The founder, Alison Ettel, was filmed harassing an 8-year old attempting to sell water at the AT&T Park during the San Francisco Giants game.
The less than 20-second video shows the pet edible producer allegedly calling the police after confronting the child for not having a permit to sell water. Many have cited the event in reference to other situations regarding the police being called on black individuals for doing seemingly normal activities. Ettel, however claims no racial motivations, acknowledging that the situation was “stupid” and she is “not proud of how she acted.”
“I want the little girl to know that it’s not her fault,” Ettel told the “Today” show. “I want the mother to know this was nothing to do with race at all. It had everything to do with the disturbance. I was very stressed out. I definitely made comments that I never would have in any other situation, and it’s not an excuse.”
-Alison Ettel told Bay Area NBC News
Despite what her intent might have been or if the call was actually made at all, Ettel’s business is taking a hit from the viral video. At the moment, 4 retailers in the bay Area have said they will no longer carry TreatWell products.
As of Wednesday, TreatWell made statements of Ettel stepping down as CEO. There is no word at the moment if the company’s products will be put back of Bay Area shelves.
“It is Ms. Ettel’s belief that TreatWell, its employees and patients should not have to suffer because of a situation that occurred in an escalated moment.”
— Treatwell spokesperson Cynthia Gonzalez, in a statement
Netflix Releases First Cannabis Cooking Show
In a surprising move to many, streaming company, Netflix, released a cooking show whose secret ingredient is weed. ‘Cooking on High’, will be comprised of 15 minute episodes where experienced chefs will prepared cannabis-infused meals in 30 minutes. The judges will range from comedians, rappers, and other pop culture icons who are known for not their taste in cuisine but in cannabis.
Aside from ‘Disjointed’,the mixed-review sitcom about a cannabis dispensary, Netflix has dabbled in cannabis oriented shows for sometime now. This would make the first one that openly uses it in a non-skit environment. Despite this, it does push cannabis into the normal consumer’s eye and can possibly open a conversation about infusions in the future.
The show is still young but, one can hope that it opens the door for many more.
Nevada Market Outgrowing Expectations
The state has yet again to beat the monthly projected estimates that legislators have set for the cannabis industry. The first year of sales estimated to bring in tax revenue around $50 million but, the state trumped those numbers by collecting around $49 million in the first nine months.
A little under a year old, Nevada’s cannabis market is leaving the Department of Taxation scrambling to catch up.
As a result, Nevada Legislature Interim Finance Committee approved an additional $1.3 million in funding for the DoT to alleviate the stress the booming industry has created. The funds will aid in hiring more staff and upgrading technology to keep up with the new license available next month.
The only area that was requested who did not receive funding was for an outsider contactor to look over MMJ regulations and “recommend any changes to ensure they are inline with current recreational legislation.” In addition, the committee approved the first transfer of funds to the Distributive Schools Account from the state’s “Rainy Day” fund. The amount is estimated to be about $8.4 million.
Connecticut Sees Opposition in Cannabis Use
Connecticut, unfortunately, saw opposition towards cannabis struggle to curb opioid abuse. Recently, a board of physicians rejected the idea of cannabis as an option to treat opioid abuse despite research. A proposal to add Opioid Withdrawals to the list of qualifying conditions was shot down but the board did, however, add degenerative spine disease.
The proposal, unfortunately, holds up progress for medical cannabis in the state as it does not recommend cannabis for chronic pain. This, despite a 2016 report stating that 64% of patients use cannabis for chronic pain. Several doctors, as well as some physicians on the board, cautioned against “recommending something we really don’t understand”. They all cite the lack of scientific research and feel “to suggest that marijuana plays a role in sustained recovery is bewildering.”
Senate Approves MMJ Protections for Veterans
After a long struggle, U.S. senators voted in favor legislation protecting veterans state-legal MMJ. On Monday, the measure was approved 86-5 to allow veterans to receive recommendations from government doctors. In addition, it would also protect against loss of benefits with the use of cannabis. The provisions fully reads:
SEC. 249. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department of Veterans Affairs in this Act may be used in a manner that would
- Interfere with the ability of a veteran to participate in a medicinal marijuana program approved by a State;
- Deny any services from the Department to a veteran who is participating in such a program; or
- Limit or interfere with the ability of a health care provider of the Department to make appropriate recommendations, fill out forms, or take steps to comply with such a program.
Due to House Rules Committee Chairman Pete Sessions, these provisions are not present in the House’s legislation. The Texas republican has blocked most cannabis-related legislation he comes across. The House and Senate must come to an agreement on legislation now to move forward. Hopefully, this Sessions will not come after cannabis the same way Attorney General Sessions has.
Written by: Joycelin Arnold
