Maryland will begin recreational marijuana sales over the holiday weekend
1 year, 5 months ago

Maryland will begin recreational marijuana sales over the holiday weekend

Associated Press  

— Maryland is becoming the latest state to legally sell recreational marijuana, as businesses aim to tap into July Fourth festivities to kick off sales. “This is cannabis’ kind of Independence Day — over Independence Day weekend — and so it’s nice to be able to pull something together that makes it more of a celebratory occasion,” said Brandon Barksdale, co-CEO of Remedy Maryland, which has a superstore in Columbia. State lawmakers created the regulatory framework in this year’s legislative session, after voters approved a constitutional amendment with 67% of the vote to allow recreational cannabis. “I think once you get to the point that we’re at right now — about the halfway mark — you start to feel a lot of momentum, a lot more trust from consumers, a lot more trust from patients, a lot more trust from investors that have to help fund all of these operations,” said Chantelle Elsner, senior vice president of commercial operations for TerrAscend, which has a cannabis location in Cumberland, with stores expected to open soon in Salisbury and Parkville. Recreational cannabis also isn’t legally sold in any of Maryland’s neighboring states, boosting business owners’ hopes that Maryland’s market will be lucrative.

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History of this topic

Could America’s divide on marijuana be coming to an end?
3 months, 1 week ago

Could America’s divide on marijuana be coming to an end?

Associated Press  

The U.S. is divided when it comes to state and federal marijuana policy, but recent political developments could move the country toward a greater acceptance of cannabis. Both major presidential candidates have signaled support for a federal policy change to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, and voters in several additional states will get a say this fall on …

Marijuana conviction in Maryland? Maybe there’s a job for you
5 months, 3 weeks ago

Marijuana conviction in Maryland? Maybe there’s a job for you

Associated Press  

— Maryland wants to help people once convicted of marijuana-related offenses land jobs in the state’s legal cannabis industry. The Cannabis Workforce Development Program will be free to eligible applicants as Maryland seeks to reduce barriers to employment in the marijuana industry. “Through this program, individuals adversely impacted by cannabis criminalization will be able to receive real-time, hands-on experience and …

Will recreational pot go on sale soon in Ohio? Medical marijuana stores can now apply to sell it
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Will recreational pot go on sale soon in Ohio? Medical marijuana stores can now apply to sell it

Associated Press  

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Recreational pot sales are nearing reality in Ohio. The state Division of Cannabis Control began accepting applications Friday for new dual licenses that will allow existing medical marijuana dispensaries to also sell nonmedical cannabis. State regulators won’t say how long license approvals could take, but those who have helped put together rules for the program believe the …

Ohio adult-use marijuana sales approved as part of 2023 ballot measure could begin by mid-June
7 months, 1 week ago

Ohio adult-use marijuana sales approved as part of 2023 ballot measure could begin by mid-June

Associated Press  

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Recreational marijuana could be available for sale in Ohio by mid-June, after new licensing rules for dispensaries cleared a key legislative hurdle Monday. On Monday, the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review allowed rules to proceed without objection that clear the way for a dual licensing program that will allow existing medical marijuana dispensaries to also sell …

Lawmakers seek to prop up Delaware medical marijuana industry after legalizing recreational use
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Lawmakers seek to prop up Delaware medical marijuana industry after legalizing recreational use

Associated Press  

— Senior citizens in Delaware will be able to get medical marijuana without a prescription or referral from a doctor under a bill heading to Democratic Gov. Instead, according to chief Senate sponsor Kyra Hoffner, doctors will be able to prescribe medical marijuana “as they feel fit.” Supporters of the bill, which earned only one Republican vote in the Democrat-controlled …

Cannabis sales in Minnesota are likely to start later than expected. How much later isn’t clear
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Cannabis sales in Minnesota are likely to start later than expected. How much later isn’t clear

Associated Press  

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota probably won’t meet its goal of launching full-scale retail marijuana sales in the first quarter of 2025 because of the time it will take to draft regulations and issue licenses, the state’s top cannabis regulator acknowledged Thursday. While Charlene Briner, interim director of the Office of Cannabis Management, didn’t totally rule out the possibility of …

One state has a shortage of marijuana. Its neighbour had too much
10 months, 2 weeks ago

One state has a shortage of marijuana. Its neighbour had too much

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Marijuana retailers in Connecticut …

After troubled start, New York is shaking up its legal marijuana market with new competitors
1 year, 2 months ago

After troubled start, New York is shaking up its legal marijuana market with new competitors

Associated Press  

RAVENA, N.Y. — New York officials launched legal recreational marijuana sales by promising many of the first retail licenses to people with past drug convictions, hoping to give people harmed by the war on drugs a chance to succeed before competitors crowded in. grow their own product at the cheapest price and basically outbid all the farmers, all our products …

Recreational marijuana is now legal in Minnesota, but the state is still working out retail sales
1 year, 4 months ago

Recreational marijuana is now legal in Minnesota, but the state is still working out retail sales

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota’s legalization of recreational marijuana went into effect Tuesday, allowing people 21 and older to legally possess and grow their own marijuana for recreational purposes, subject to limits as the state establishes a legal cannabis industry in the coming months and years. “We’ll sell more pipes and things that you need to consume product,” Buchanan said, adding, “I’m …

What to know as recreational marijuana becomes legal in Minnesota on Aug. 1
1 year, 4 months ago

What to know as recreational marijuana becomes legal in Minnesota on Aug. 1

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesotans can legally possess and grow their own marijuana for recreational purposes starting Tuesday, Aug. 1, subject to limits meant to keep a lid on things while the state sets up a full-blown legal cannabis industry. Farmers, like members of the public, can’t legally move cannabis across state lines amid the ongoing federal ban. Here’s a look at …

Pot sales approved for events in New York after farmers complain there are too few dispensaries
1 year, 5 months ago

Pot sales approved for events in New York after farmers complain there are too few dispensaries

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Marijuana can legally be sold at festivals and other events in New York under a measure approved by state regulators Wednesday, after farmers complained that there are too few dispensaries to sell what they harvest. The initiative approved by the Cannabis Control Board will allow three or more growers to partner with retailers for consumer sales outside …

New Mexico recreational pot sales top $300M in 1st year
1 year, 8 months ago

New Mexico recreational pot sales top $300M in 1st year

Associated Press  

SANTA FE, N.M. — Recreational cannabis consumers bought just over $300 million in pot in New Mexico since sales without a prescription were legalized a year ago, the state cannabis control division said Monday. New Mexico legalized recreational marijuana on April 1, 2022, and brought sales to the doorstep of Texas, the largest prohibition state. In New Mexico, marijuana entrepreneurs …

Legal recreational pot sales begin for Missouri adults
1 year, 10 months ago

Legal recreational pot sales begin for Missouri adults

Associated Press  

— Recreational marijuana sales in Missouri officially began Friday after the state health department unexpectedly began approving dispensary permits early. “I smoke weed most of the time because I’m a pretty anxious person.” Almost all of the state’s medical marijuana dispensaries applied to sell recreational pot, according to Lisa Cox, spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Senior Services. If …

Legal recreational pot sales begin for Missouri adults
1 year, 10 months ago

Legal recreational pot sales begin for Missouri adults

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Recreational marijuana sales in Missouri …

Maryland marijuana measure prioritizes social equity
1 year, 10 months ago

Maryland marijuana measure prioritizes social equity

Associated Press  

— Maryland is working toward creating a recreational marijuana industry with greater social equity, lawmakers said Friday, with more licenses for minority-owned businesses and proceeds directed to areas adversely impacted by the war on drugs. The measure before the General Assembly, which is controlled by Democrats, will enable the state’s existing medical marijuana businesses to sell recreational cannabis as well …

Minnesota lawmakers start down path to legalizing marijuana
1 year, 11 months ago

Minnesota lawmakers start down path to legalizing marijuana

Associated Press  

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Legislature embarked on a path toward legalizing recreational marijuana for adults Wednesday when a legislative committee held the first hearing of the year on a bill that backers say is designed to avoid the pitfalls experienced by states that have already legalized it. “Minnesotans deserve the freedom and respect to make responsible decisions about …

Legal recreational marijuana sales start in Connecticut
1 year, 11 months ago

Legal recreational marijuana sales start in Connecticut

Associated Press  

MONTVILLE, Conn. — Connecticut’s first round of recreational cannabis sales for adults 21 and older kicked off Tuesday at seven existing medical marijuana establishments across the state, less than two years after Gov. While dozens of people waited in lines outside some dispensaries Tuesday morning to be the first customers, there wasn’t the huge crush of patrons seen in some …

Recreational marijuana dispensaries on the rise in Vermont
1 year, 11 months ago

Recreational marijuana dispensaries on the rise in Vermont

Associated Press  

MONTPELIER, Vt. — In the first three months that Vermont has allowed the retail sale of marijuana for adult recreational use, the number of dispensaries around the state has grown from just three to about 25, with several more are expected to open soon. Vermont is among nearly two dozen states that have legalized recreational marijuana, including New York, where …

NY opens its first legal recreational marijuana dispensary
1 year, 11 months ago

NY opens its first legal recreational marijuana dispensary

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The first legal dispensary for recreational marijuana in New York rung up its first sales on Thursday, opening up what is expected to be one of the country’s most lucrative markets for cannabis — underscored by the dozens of unauthorized shops that have operated in the open for years. “Today marks a major milestone in our efforts …

Legal weed arrives in Manhattan today. Here’s what to expect.
1 year, 11 months ago

Legal weed arrives in Manhattan today. Here’s what to expect.

Slate  

New York legalized weed back in March 2021 and now, over a year later, finally, the state’s first licensed dispensary has opened in New York City—Housing Works Cannabis Company, located in lower Manhattan, opened on Thursday in an old Gap store. Instead of just buying it at their beloved bodega spot, thousands of which have been selling marijuana illegally, New …

Rhode Island latest state to allow recreational pot sales
2 years ago

Rhode Island latest state to allow recreational pot sales

Associated Press  

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Customers started lining up to buy recreational marijuana in Rhode Island on Thursday, a little more than six months after Gov. Five stores are currently allowed to sell recreational cannabis products, but the state could eventually have as many as 33 stores, according to the law. “This milestone is the result of a carefully executed process to …

After election, marijuana advocates look to next states
2 years, 1 month ago

After election, marijuana advocates look to next states

Associated Press  

— Law-abiding marijuana enthusiasts could find themselves in a bit of a predicament following voter approval of a recreational cannabis initiative in Missouri. Maryland residents will have to wait even longer — until the middle of next year — before a recreational marijuana measure approved this past week can take effect. After Democratic victories in last week’s legislative and gubernatorial …

Voters approve recreational marijuana in Maryland, Missouri
2 years, 1 month ago

Voters approve recreational marijuana in Maryland, Missouri

Associated Press  

— Voters approved recreational marijuana in Maryland and Missouri but rejected it in two other states, signaling support gradually growing for legalization even in conservative parts of the country. “State-level legalization victories are what’s necessary to move the needle forward at the federal level.” The state voting follows moves by President Joe Biden toward decriminalizing marijuana. “It’s pretty clear North …

Voters in five states decide whether to legalize marijuana
2 years, 1 month ago

Voters in five states decide whether to legalize marijuana

Firstpost  

The proposals are on the ballot in Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota and follow moves by President Joe Biden toward decriminalizing marijuana Arkansas: Voters in five states are deciding on Election Day whether to approve recreational marijuana, a move that could signal a major shift toward legalization in even the most conservative parts of the country. The …

Maryland voters approve recreational marijuana legalization
2 years, 1 month ago

Maryland voters approve recreational marijuana legalization

Associated Press  

— Maryland voters approved legalizing recreational marijuana in a constitutional amendment Tuesday. The constitutional amendment defines that recreational marijuana would not be legal until July 2023 for people 21 and over, subject to a requirement that the General Assembly pass legislation in its next session regarding distribution, regulation and taxation of cannabis. Effective Jan. 1, possession of more than 1.5 …

Marijuana legalization on the ballot in these states: Here’s what voters decided
2 years, 1 month ago

Marijuana legalization on the ballot in these states: Here’s what voters decided

CNN  

Washington CNN — Ballot measures to legalize recreational marijuana use will fail in three states and pass in two, CNN projects, as momentum has grown nationwide to push for lifting penalties once associated with cannabis. Here’s what voters decided in Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota on Tuesday: Arkansas Arkansas voters on Tuesday will reject a constitutional amendment …

US midterms: Legalising marijuana on the ballot in five states
2 years, 1 month ago

US midterms: Legalising marijuana on the ballot in five states

Al Jazeera  

Voters in Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North and South Dakota deciding whether to OK recreational marijuana measures. Voters in five US states are deciding on election day whether to approve recreational cannabis, a move that could signal a major shift towards legalisation in even the most conservative parts of the country. The initiative has drawn the criticism of traditional legalisation opponents …

Medical marijuana firms lead donors for legal weed campaigns
2 years, 1 month ago

Medical marijuana firms lead donors for legal weed campaigns

Associated Press  

— The call went out from leaders in the medical marijuana industry: Money was needed for a Missouri ballot initiative to legalize recreational cannabis for adults. All told, marijuana legalization campaigns have raised about $23 million in five states — Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota. “This is something that is a positive for the industry, but it’s …

Vermont dispensaries to begin selling recreational marijuana
2 years, 2 months ago

Vermont dispensaries to begin selling recreational marijuana

Associated Press  

Vermont dispensaries are set to begin selling marijuana for recreational use, though only three will be ready to do so on opening weekend. As happened with the rollout of recreational marijuana sales in other states and in Canada, Vermont’s inaugural weekend will be “more of a soft opening,” as more product manufacturers and testing facilities come online and as more …

Missouri voters set to weigh in on recreational marijuana
2 years, 4 months ago

Missouri voters set to weigh in on recreational marijuana

Associated Press  

— A campaign to legalize recreational marijuana in Missouri gathered enough signatures to make it on the November ballot, Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft announced Tuesday. Efforts to allow recreational marijuana use have failed to pass Missouri’s Republican-led Legislature for years, prompting advocates to go to voters for approval instead. Local NAACP chapters, the American Civil Liberties Union of …

Governor signs bill legalizing recreational marijuana
2 years, 6 months ago

Governor signs bill legalizing recreational marijuana

Associated Press  

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island’s governor signed legislation Wednesday making the state the 19th in the nation to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana, an issue that some lawmakers have been working on for years. McKee’s said the legislation accomplishes the priorities of making sure legalization is “equitable, controlled and safe.” Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey called it “a momentous day for …

New Jersey to start recreational marijuana sales April 21
2 years, 8 months ago

New Jersey to start recreational marijuana sales April 21

Associated Press  

TRENTON, N.J. — Recreational marijuana sales in New Jersey for those 21 and older will begin April 21, Democratic Gov. The news comes just three days after state regulators greenlighted permits for seven facilities, which already sell medical cannabis, to begin retailing recreational marijuana. New Jersey’s recreational sales are slated to begin ahead of New York, where sales are not …

NJ approves 7 facilities for recreational cannabis sales
2 years, 8 months ago

NJ approves 7 facilities for recreational cannabis sales

Associated Press  

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey regulators gave a green light Monday to seven facilities that already sell medical marijuana to also sell recreational cannabis, although it’s not clear exactly when sales would begin. Sales could start in a matter of weeks or longer, but a specific date wasn’t set at the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission’s vote during a remotely …

New Mexico launches cannabis sales within Texans’ reach
2 years, 8 months ago

New Mexico launches cannabis sales within Texans’ reach

Associated Press  

SANTA FE, N.M. — New Mexico brought recreational marijuana sales to the doorstep of Texas, the largest prohibition state, as the movement toward broad legalization sweeps up even more of the American West. Antonio Rodriguez, a 38-year-old grocery worker, said he was content to pay taxes on recreational cannabis: “I want everyone to be legit, even if it’s more expensive.” …

Maryland voters to decide recreational marijuana in November
2 years, 8 months ago

Maryland voters to decide recreational marijuana in November

Associated Press  

— Maryland lawmakers voted Friday to let voters decide whether to legalize recreational marijuana in November. The House also voted 89-41 for a separate measure that takes steps to implement recreational marijuana, if voters approve, but it leaves matters of licensing and taxes for lawmakers to decide next year. The constitutional amendment defines that recreational marijuana would not be legal …

Maryland House approves recreational marijuana legislation
2 years, 9 months ago

Maryland House approves recreational marijuana legislation

Associated Press  

— Maryland voters would decide whether to legalize recreational marijuana in November, under a bill approved by the House of Delegates on Friday. “We stand here today as a body to begin the process to take these first steps to legalizing cannabis, to looking next year to see how the regulatory part would work, how the taxation part would work, …

NY clamps down on businesses offering marijuana as a ‘gift’
2 years, 10 months ago

NY clamps down on businesses offering marijuana as a ‘gift’

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — While New York works on launching a legal market for recreational marijuana, some entrepreneurs dove into a legal gray area by saying they’re not selling pot but giving it away while people buy something else. “New York state is building a legal, regulated cannabis market that will ensure products are tested and safe for consumers” and will …

Illinois sees record pot sales, with boost from Lollapalooza
3 years, 4 months ago

Illinois sees record pot sales, with boost from Lollapalooza

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — Illinois dispensaries sold a record $127.8 million in recreational marijuana in July, with a big boost coming from out-of-state fans who converged on Chicago for the Lollapalazoo music festival. The month’s sales were 10% higher than May’s record of $116.4 million, which were slightly higher than June’s $115.6 million, according to a monthly report by the Illinois Department …

Virginia marijuana legalization timetable has many confused
3 years, 6 months ago

Virginia marijuana legalization timetable has many confused

Associated Press  

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia’s road to legalizing simple possession of marijuana has had some twists and turns, so it’s not surprising that advocacy groups have been flooded with calls from people trying to understand exactly what will be allowed under state law as of July 1. In each one, laws have legalized simple possession before establishing a legal marketplace for …

Legal cannabis bill clears state Senate, Lamont to sign it
3 years, 6 months ago

Legal cannabis bill clears state Senate, Lamont to sign it

Associated Press  

HARTFORD, Conn. — The Connecticut Senate voted Thursday to legalize the recreational use of cannabis for adults, the final legislative action for a bill that lays the groundwork for the new industry in Connecticut and attempts to address racial inequities stemming from the nation’s war on drugs. “This measure is comprehensive, protects our children and the most vulnerable in our …

Pot producers eager to ramp up, as legalization approaches
3 years, 8 months ago

Pot producers eager to ramp up, as legalization approaches

Associated Press  

— Several medical marijuana providers on Wednesday warned of a potential cannabis shortage in late June, when the first provisions of a new law go into effect to legalize recreational marijuana in New Mexico. But several medical marijuana businesses, led by Ultra Health, say there could be a run on medical marijuana supplies in late June of this year when …

New York is latest state to legalize recreational marijuana
3 years, 8 months ago

New York is latest state to legalize recreational marijuana

Associated Press  

New York adults over the age of 21 can now possess and use marijuana — even in public — under a legalization bill signed Wednesday by Gov. Passed after several years of stalled efforts, the measure makes New York the 16th state to legalize adult use of the drug, though South Dakota’s measure is in legal limbo. “By placing community …

New York lawmakers agree to legalize recreational marijuana
3 years, 8 months ago

New York lawmakers agree to legalize recreational marijuana

Associated Press  

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York is poised to join a growing number of states that have legalized marijuana after state lawmakers reached a deal to allow sales of the drug for recreational use. It has taken years for the state’s lawmakers to come to a consensus on how to legalize recreational marijuana in New York. Adam Goers, a vice president …

Marijuana takes center stage in New Mexico special session
3 years, 8 months ago

Marijuana takes center stage in New Mexico special session

Associated Press  

SANTA FE, N.M. — New Mexico lawmakers are embarking on an unusual legislative session that may focus entirely on the legalization of recreational marijuana. Successful legislation would extend legal recreational cannabis sales across the American Southwest, from California to the New Mexico state line with Texas, which still prohibits nonmedical pot. His bill emphasized support for communities where the criminalization …

Virginia lawmakers vote to legalize marijuana in 2024
3 years, 9 months ago

Virginia lawmakers vote to legalize marijuana in 2024

Associated Press  

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia lawmakers gave final approval Saturday to a bill that will legalize marijuana for adult recreational use, but not until 2024, when retail sales of the drug would also begin. “It’s been a lot of work to get here, but I would say that we’re on the path to an equitable law allowing responsible adults to use …

Marijuana legalization proposed in Maryland Legislature
3 years, 10 months ago

Marijuana legalization proposed in Maryland Legislature

Associated Press  

A bill essentially legalizing recreational use of cannabis in Maryland would be an important step toward addressing social equity and racial injustices, advocates said. Legalizing cannabis would increase the state’s expenditures significantly in the first year to establish regulatory and tax frameworks, as well as the cost of implementing the bill’s social equity provisions. Despite these changes, Black people made …

Colorado has sold about $10 billion worth of marijuana
3 years, 10 months ago

Colorado has sold about $10 billion worth of marijuana

Associated Press  

DENVER — Businesses in Colorado have sold about $10 billion of marijuana since the plant was legalized for recreational use in 2014, according to new data released by the state Department of Revenue. The figures released Tuesday indicate that marijuana sales in 2020 hit an all-time high for one year with $2.19 billion in total revenue, up from $1.75 billion …

Virginia lawmakers pass marijuana legalization bills
3 years, 10 months ago

Virginia lawmakers pass marijuana legalization bills

Associated Press  

RICHMOND, Va. — Both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation Friday that would legalize marijuana for adult recreational use, with retail sales starting several years down the road. In his annual address to lawmakers last month, he said legalization would ensure Virginia is a “more just state that works better for everyone.” “We’ve done the research, and we …

Arizona, 15th state with legal pot, sees recreational sales
3 years, 11 months ago

Arizona, 15th state with legal pot, sees recreational sales

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — Legal sales of recreational marijuana in Arizona started on Friday, a once-unthinkable step in the former conservative stronghold that joins 14 other states that have broadly legalized pot. The state Health Services Department on Friday announced it had approved 86 licenses in nine of the state’s 15 counties under provisions of the marijuana legalization measure passed by voters …

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