Tag: marijuana

The Golden Age
Killing THCa will end a renaissance of cannabis reform, access and business opportunity.
By Rod Kight
As I write this, I sit in the Charlotte airport awaiting a flight to Las Vegas, where I will speak at MJBizCon on a panel about rescheduling.
As I prepare for the panel and think about the implications of rescheduling, it’s impossible to ignore a fundamental reality, namely that “cannabis” is already mostly descheduled. Cannabis and all its cannabinoids, including delta-9 THC in concentrations up to 0.3 percent by dry weight, were completely descheduled at the end of 2018, when the current Farm Bill was enacted.
In other words, we simultaneously watch the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) rescheduling saga play out in the hope that marijuana and its cannabinoids will eventually be downgraded to schedule 3, while we live in a world where cannabis and all its cannabinoids were removed from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) six years ago. Of course, I’m referring to hemp.
We Are Living in a Cannabis ‘Golden Age’
Amidst the high drama of the “cannabis civil war,” it is easy to overlook the fact that we are living in a cannabis “Golden Age”—a renaissance of cannabis reform, access and business opportunity. There’s never been a time in history when you could legally order cannabis flower to your front door (not to mention a host of other cannabis products, including THC beverages, gummies and vapes).
It’s been almost 100 years since an individual or a small company could legally grow, manufacture and/or sell cannabis and cannabis products across state and international lines. Today, cannabis consumers have a wealth of product choices that are sold by a wide array of distribution outlets, from dispensaries to grocery stores and consumption lounges to e-commerce websites. At the same time, cannabis entrepreneurs have more options to enter the industry than ever before.
Over the past six years, cannabis rapidly expanded across the country, resulting in normalization in ways most people did not anticipate. This trend continues to grow.
Killing THCa Ends This Golden Era
Killing THCa ends this Golden Era. As most people who read my blog know, “THCa flower” is just “cannabis flower” that complies with the Farm Bill’s current legal definition. It’s not new. It’s not synthetic. It’s the same thing we’ve been smoking for thousands of years, and, as I write this, it is still federally lawful.
Despite all the amazing cannabis form factors to which we have access, flower remains “ground zero,” the mother of every cannabis product. For many, smoking or vaping cannabis flower is the go-to method of use. If we kill THCa, we effectively “reschedule” cannabis and eliminate billions of dollars of legal cannabis flower from the market.
Closing this so-called “loophole” in the next Farm Bill ends an unprecedented era of massive cannabis reform, normalization, business growth and consumer choice. The idea of rescheduling cannabis that was legalized in 2018 should be sinful to anyone who truly believes in and cares about the plant. Regardless of Congressional intent, the 2018 Farm Bill is unambiguous. It offered an opportunity to the cannabis industry.
Rather than working to undo this windfall based on presumptions about what Congress did or did not want, we should embrace and expand on it. This is particularly important as we watch the DEA drag its feet by simply moving marijuana to schedule 3, a move that is important but not nearly as powerful as saving THCa and preserving the definition of “hemp.” Even better, we should expand the definition of “hemp” as proposed in Rand Paul’s hemp bill, which increases the delta-9 THC limit to 1 percent without any reference to THCa.
Let’s Regulate Hemp Properly
I’ll close this article by stating the obvious—hemp needs to be regulated properly. This is not the article to discuss regulatory issues, but those who were involved in the early days of cannabis reform remember that it took time to get regulations worked out. (Most people would argue that California and many other states went overboard in their efforts, but that’s also better suited to another article.) The point is that the hemp industry is young, and regulating any new industry takes time.
Importantly, though, the hemp industry is actively pushing to be better regulated. I contend we need a structure focused on the “Three Pillars”: age-gating, safe manufacturing and standardized labeling. To that end, the U.S. Hemp Authority expanded its certification program to include intoxicating hemp products, and other organizations, such as the American Healthy Alternatives Association, lobby for reasonable regulations. The National Cannabis Industry Association has made positive moves for hemp. It will take some time, but rather than throwing the baby out with the bathwater, we should focus on working out proper regulations.
Conclusion
Killing THCa will end the cannabis Golden Age, will set cannabis reform back in a way that may take decades to recover from, will push billions of dollars of cannabis back onto the black market and will restrict access to millions of people. Let’s not do that.
Rod Kight is an international cannabis lawyer who represents businesses throughout the cannabis industry.
December 26, 2024
AYR Wellness Expands to Include Disposable Vape

AYR Wellness Inc., a U.S. multi-state cannabis operator, has expanded its Later Days brand to include a line of pocket-friendly vapes with new flavors.
Patients and adult-use customers in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Nevada, and Ohio can begin exploring AYR’s newest vape offering starting November 25th, with additional markets to follow later, according to a press release.
The collection of compact disposables offers a discrete delivery system, a 280mAh battery, a USB-C charging port and an oil window. Later, Days Vapes is launching with five flavors: Sweet Strawberry, Juicy Mango, Frozen Watermelon, Winter Mint, and Georgia Peach. The easy-to-use devices will initially be available in a 1g size in all states, with a 2g size launching in New Jersey and Massachusetts in early 2025.
“We’ve placed a major emphasis on both rationalizing our brand portfolio and enhancing product selection, with hardware designed to deliver excellent experiences for our customers,” said George Denardo, chief operating officer at AYR. “Later Days stands out in a crowded vape market with a unique blend of creativity, innovation, and quality.
“The fun and familiar format, combined with a range of refreshing mint and fruit-forward flavors, addresses what a growing segment of cannabis consumers are looking for.”
November 27, 2024
Ispire Launches VLT ‘Reloadable’ Cannabis Vape
Ispire Technology announced the launch of VLT, a groundbreaking vaping pod system that redefines the 510-thread experience. VLT’s proprietary reload system offers a sustainable and eco-friendly solution that empowers consumers to take control of their vaping devices, addressing key concerns about environmental impact and disposable hardware waste.
“VLT is a transformative step forward for cannabis vaping,” said Michael Wang, co-CEO of Ispire. “We’ve combined the familiarity of 510-thread devices with a versatile reloadable system that gives our partners and consumers true ownership of their vaping experience while tackling the environmental and economic challenges that come with disposables.”
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Design
Unlike disposable vapor products that contribute to electronic waste by discarding the entire device, including the battery, VLT’s reusable system promotes sustainability by allowing consumers to reload their pods. This means the battery isn’t thrown out with each use, reducing electronic waste and making the product more environmentally friendly.
The eco-friendly design, featuring a reusable battery and multiple pod sizes, reduces electronic waste and supports Ispire’s commitment to environmental responsibility. A portion of VLT’s proceeds will be donated to organizations dedicated to reducing non-recyclable waste, making VLT a plastic-neutral product.
Cost and Operational Efficiency
VLT’s reloadable pods offer a greener alternative and are cost-effective compared to traditional disposable systems. For manufacturers, VLT drives operational efficiency through the Ispire ONE filling machine, cutting labor costs and maintaining product integrity. VLT’s airtight design preserves the natural terpenes in cannabis extracts, enhancing flavor profiles and extending shelf life.
Elevating the 510-Thread Experience
VLT elevates the vaping experience by merging the convenience of disposables with the reliability and performance of the 510-thread system. Available in a variety of pod sizes, colors, and fully customizable options, VLT caters to the needs of THC, CBD, and alternative cannabinoid users.
The advanced pod technology ensures maximum terpene preservation with an airtight chamber that prevents evaporation and ensures every draw delivers a consistent and premium experience.
“Disposable vapes have contributed significantly to electronic waste, but with VLT, we’re giving consumers the power to not only save money but also reduce their carbon footprint. VLT offers a premium, sustainable experience without sacrificing convenience or affordability,” Wang stated in a release. “It’s an ideal solution for multi-state operators (MSOs), single-state operators (SSOs), and brands seeking sustainable growth while offering consumers a smarter, eco-friendly alternative to disposables.
November 25, 2024
Oregon Measure to Ease Path to Cannabis Union

Credit: Media Hain
In Oregon, Measure 119, which would allow cannabis workers to form unions, passed on Tuesday with a vote of 55% to 45%.
The measure will require cannabis businesses to enter “labor peace agreements,” promising to stay neutral when union organizers communicate with their workers.
After lawmakers declined to pass a similar law last year, union representatives brought the measure to voters, arguing the agreements were needed because of uncertainty over how federal labor law applies to cannabis workers, media reports.
While the measure faced no organized opposition, business interests and attorneys for the Legislature previously argued that the agreements could conflict with federal labor laws.
November 7, 2024
Cannabis, Psychedelics Legalization Suffer Losses

Credit: Rex and Pan
Several states suffered losses of bills aimed at legalizing cannabis and psychedelic products.
Florida voters rejected a ballot measure to legalize marijuana. It got majority support but did not reach the 60 percent threshold needed to be enacted under state law.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis explained the benefits of marijuana legalization to Florida voters ahead of their decision on a ballot measure to enact the reform, saying it reduces youth cannabis use, shrinks the illegal market and generates revenue for businesses and state services.
North Dakota voters defeated a marijuana legalization ballot measure two years after also rejecting a prior initiative to legalize cannabis.
South Dakota voters rejected a marijuana legalization ballot measure. The state Supreme Court overturned an earlier initiative they approved in 2020.
Nebraska voters approved two medical cannabis legalization initiatives on the ballot—but the results of the election could potentially be overturned due to ongoing legal challenges.
Massachusetts voters rejected a psychedelics legalization ballot initiative that would have allowed adults to possess, grow and share certain amounts of substances such as psilocybin, ibogaine and DMT.
Oregon voters approved a ballot measure to require marijuana businesses to enter into labor peace agreements.
Texas voters in Dallas, Bastrop and Lockhart approved marijuana decriminalization measures on their local ballots.
November 6, 2024
Canada Cops Bust Crime Group for Cannabis Edibles

Credit: CRMP
Police in Canada said they have arrested six people involved in an organized crime group believed to have produced tens of thousands of counterfeit cannabis-laced candy bars and edibles resembling popular name-brand products.
The takedown began early this month, according to a statement from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on Tuesday. On Oct. 3, the Pacific Region Royal Canadian Mounted Police federal policing investigators executed search warrants at two dispensaries and five separate residences on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada.
“These warrants were associated to an organized crime group allegedly involved in the production and distribution of illicit drugs, and contraband tobacco in Port Alberni and Nanaimo,” authorities said. “The dispensaries in question were Green Coast Dispensary in Port Alberni and Coastal Storm Dispensary located in Lantzville.”
Search warrants were also executed at a suspected stash site in Port Alberni, as well as a storage and production facility adjacent to Coastal Storm Dispensary, including two modular trailers where cannabis edibles were being produced, stored, and distributed, authorities stated in a press note.
Credit: CRMP
The list of items seized includes over 120,000 cannabis edibles with packaging resembling popular name-brand chocolate bars, potato chips, nacho chips, honey and other candies, including over 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds) of psilocybin mushrooms, 1,740 psilocybin capsules, over 400 psilocybin chocolate, candies and a multitude of other psilocybin products, 2.2 pounds of pressed cannabis resin, over 500 pounds of cannabis bud, more than 19 pounds of shatter, over 5000 cannabis vape cartridges, counterfeit cannabis-laced honey, five vehicles, two ATM machines containing cash, an estimated 164 master cases of contraband tobacco equating to 82,000 packs of cigarettes, over $400,000 in cash and a shotgun, police said.
“Although the contraband cannabis-laced candy bars and chips resembled professionally manufactured, packaged, and quality-controlled products, they were discovered to have been produced in the highly unsanitary, and heavily contaminated modular trailers,” authorities from RCMP said. “A preliminary assessment of the edibles also indicates that they had been treated with unknown amounts of THC, and likely cross-contaminated with other drugs and substances present in the trailers where they were being produced and packaged.”
Of equal concern, according to police, was the fact that the counterfeit snacks had packaging claims of possessing medicinal properties and dangerously high drug potency values, with many of the candy wrap labels claiming to be “100 times more potent than regulated cannabis products.”
“Given the highly contaminated and unsanitary conditions of the illicit drug production facility where these cannabis edibles were being produced, it is possible that the consumption of these products can lead to serious health risks,” RCMP said. “We urge members of the public to practice extreme caution if they already possess, or come across such products in the future, especially with Halloween being just around the corner.”
October 31, 2024
Minnesota bans Vaping THC in Multifamily Properties

Credit: Ontronix
The restriction, which went into effect this summer, does not apply to approved medical use.
Minnesota’s ban on smoking and vaping cannabis in multifamily properties was initially to become effective in March 2025. However, the new law moved up the effective dates to establish the full powers of the newly formed Office of Cannabis Management by July 1. Cigarette smoking is still permitted in private units in the state.
The exception on smoking for medical marijuana leaves housing providers caught in the middle between those with prescriptions and residents who object to marijuana smoke, according to Cecil Smith, president and CEO of the Minnesota Multi Housing Association.
“Many multifamily properties became smoke-free years ago and that is now the resident expectation,” Smith told Multifamily Dive. “It is unclear how this conflict [will be] resolved.”
Federally funded housing is not covered under the medicinal marijuana exemption because marijuana use and possession is illegal under federal law, according to HUD. Residents of federal housing, such as through Section 8 or other programs, cannot legally use or possess recreational or medical marijuana in any form, regardless of state law. HUD also banned smoking tobacco in all public housing properties in 2016.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, while 12 states, including Minnesota, have laws prohibiting smoking in the public areas of private housing communities, no states ban smoking in private units.
Eighty-five municipalities have enacted bans on smoking in multifamily units, all of them in California, according to a list compiled by the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation. Carlsbad, California, is the latest jurisdiction to ban smoking tobacco or marijuana in apartment properties with a law announced Aug. 28.
September 14, 2024
Lab Dismisses Lawsuit Against 13 Competitors
Credit: Victor Moussa
Anresco Laboratories and Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs have dropped their lawsuit against 13 competitors. The lawsuit alleged that the competitors manipulated marijuana testing results to gain an unfair advantage.
According to court documents, the two California-based labs filed a dismissal without prejudice on Aug. 3 in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
Josh Swider, co-founder and CEO of San Diego-headquartered Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs, told MJBizDaily he plans to file a new lawsuit against the defendants.
“We stand by the allegations and merits in the complaint filed in federal court,” he said.
“However, with further analysis, and as each of the defendants is aware, we anticipate filing a new complaint very soon.
“We look forward to providing further comment upon the filing of this new complaint.”
September 12, 2024
Cannabis Research Institute Opens in Chicago

Credit: Spiroview
Illinois has launched the Cannabis Research Institute (CRI), a first-of-its-kind center in the American Midwest for innovative pot studies.
The new research hub announced last week will be a joint venture between the State of Illinois, the City of Chicago, and Discovery Partners Institute (DPI), part of the University of Illinois system.
The institute’s aim is to develop a comprehensive body of data and research to educate the public about the socio-economic and scientific impacts of pot production and usage.
The institute plans to undertake broad research covering everything from crop management to social impacts and health and wellness, media outlets report.
Example topics will include the efficacy of pot and cannabis extracts for treating medical ailments such as inflammation and anxiety; the impact of legalization on the community and broader society; public health ramifications of legalizing adult-use cannabis; and the improvement of pot plants through controlled environmental conditions.
To help ensure the CRI accomplishes those goals the DPI will be forming and leading a research team comprised of different communities, research institutions, businesses and government authorities.
September 9, 2024
California Governor Proposes Total Hemp THC Ban

Credit: Promesa art studio
Gov. Gavin Newsom fired a direct attack Friday on the booming hemp industry, filing emergency rules that would completely ban THC — an intoxicating compound found in cannabis — from hemp products in the state.
Hemp products are sold outside of regulated cannabis stores and can be purchased online or at retail locations like gas stations throughout the state. Newsom said in a statement Friday that the emergency rules were needed to protect children, media reports state.
“We will not sit on our hands as drug peddlers target our children with dangerous and unregulated hemp products containing THC at our retail stores,” Newsom said. “We’re taking action to close loopholes and increase enforcement to prevent children from accessing these dangerous hemp and cannabis products.”
The emergency rules would require that all hemp products in California have “no detectable amount of total THC ” and that customers be over 21 to purchase them. The rules still need the approval of the California Office of Administrative Law before they go into effect.
Reg title: DPH-24-005E-Emergency Regulations for Serving Size, Age, and Intoxicating Cannabinoids for Industrial Hemp has been proposed. Click here to read the proposed regulations. Click here to read the “Finding of Emergency” on which they are based.
Most notably, under the proposed regulations the definition of “THC” is expanded to include “THC or comparable cannabinoids” and adds over 30 cannabinoids to the list of “THC”. Additionally, the amount of THC allowed in a serving is “no detectable amount.”
Cannabis attorney Rod Kight said, “This is an “all hands on deck” moment for the entire cannabis industry to stop this nonsense. If you have business interests in California, stop what you’re doing and call the Governor’s office and your state representatives now.”
September 9, 2024