FEDERAL
Colorado trafficking case may bode ill for marijuana industry
MASSACHUSETTS
A 28 percent tax on marijuana? That’s the plan under the latest bill
In a sweeping rewrite of the voter-passed marijuana legalization measure, House leaders will advance a bill Wednesday that would more than double the total tax on recreational pot and give municipal officials — instead of local voters — the power to ban cannabis shops and farms.
The legislation immediately faced blowback from advocates, who said “it insults voters,” and from elected officials, who said the bill would ensure that the illicit market would continue. But it drew praise from a key lobbyist for cities and towns, and the measure is far from the final step as legislators rewrite the law.
The House bill, scheduled for a Thursday vote, would raise the total recreational pot tax, now set at a maximum of 12 percent, to a mandatory 28 percent.
Massachusetts Lawmakers Debate Advertising Restrictions on Cannabis Businesses
OREGON
Oregon Legislature deals with immature plants issue via amendment to SB1057
The The Oregon Cannabis Association write.
Dear Friends and Members,
Many of you have reached out concerned about the OLCC bulletin distributed regarding immature plants and the new limitations imposed by SB1057. In particular we have heard that those of you who are transitioning to OLCC have immature plants in the ground, or at your facility, that far exceed the new allowed number and that you need to bring those plants into your OLCC license.
We understand your concern and want to let you know that the OCA identified this issue a number of weeks ago and introduced an amendment into SB 56 that would allow people who have applied, or are applying, for their OLCC producer license to be exempted from the new immature plant limits.
We have great news, as of today the Senate has passed 56 by an overwhelming majority and it is now headed to the House where we expect it to pass as well and be quickly signed into law. Also, there is an emergency clause that would mean this exemption would go into effect immediately upon signing.
We will send a broader update closer to the end of session but we hope that this change will provide some relief to those of you concerned with your producer transition.
VERMONT
Vermont adds medical cannabis dispensaries, qualifying conditions
