Licensing & Legislation
The New Mexico Cannabis Market is Blazing
Perhaps beyond the land, the New Mexico cannabis market itself is enchanted. Of the adult-use markets launched since the beginning of 2022, Montana and New Mexico are second to none on a per capita basis. Read on for more stats about the current state of New Mexico cannabis sales. 2024 Cannabis Sales New Mexico New…
Read MoreOklahoma Cannabis Convention: Welcome to Toke-lahoma
Since medical cannabis became legal in 2018, Oklahoma has become the wild west of legalized cannabis markets, surpassing the rest of the country in medical license carriers and licensed cannabis businesses. Holding the record for most medical dispensaries per capita, with 36 shops for every 100,000 residents, no other state has been as transformed by…
Read MoreOklahoma Boom! The Sooner State Spin On Cannabis
When voters rejected Oklahoma recreational weed in 2023, many were surprised. A big part of this surprise was the proof that that precedent does not always guarantee specific outcomes. Although Oklahoma still has a wildly popular, successful medical market with no qualifying conditions, some culling has occurred. One such area is in the number of…
Read MoreEmbracing Cannabis Consumption Lounges
As legalized adult-use cannabis spreads across the nation, it has never been easier to purchase and enjoy this popular plant. However, the next challenge for many is finding a place to enjoy it outside the home. For public cannabis consumption, the name “consumption lounge” has taken hold, especially in legal terms, and states are establishing…
Read MoreTexas Challenges Voter-Approved Cannabis Decriminalization: Legal Battle Ensues
In a move that has stirred controversy and raised questions about the balance between state and local governance, Texas has taken legal action against several cities that have implemented voter-approved cannabis decriminalization policies. This clash between state and municipal authorities highlights the ongoing debate surrounding marijuana legalization and the extent to which states can regulate…
Read MoreWhat’s Going on with New York Cannabis in 2024?
New York cannabis regulators at the state Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and its Cannabis Control Board are facing each other in a line of lawsuits designed to restrict the further issuing of recreational licenses. Variscite New York Four and Variscite New York Five are arguing that the state’s retail licensing program violates the U.S.…
Read MoreIs Cannabis Legal in Oklahoma Yet?
News pertaining to the Oklahoma cannabis industry has been relatively slow after voters rejected adult-use legalization in March 2023. However, some updates to Oklahoma cannabis law have occurred since then. Moratorium Extension and Fewer Active Licenses The state officially extended its moratorium on new medical cannabis licenses until 2026 in an effort to work through…
Read MoreWill We See Significant New Jersey Cannabis Changes in 2024?
Cannabis in New Jersey has a big year ahead in the legal realm, as lawmakers have filed more than a dozen bills to address a wide range of topics, including banking, home growing, interstate commerce and employment protection. In this sense, the Garden State is no different from most other states — cannabis laws are…
Read MoreThe State of Cannabis Legislation & Licensing: Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Washington, D.C.
As the laws that govern cannabis business licensing in Maryland evolve, so do similar laws throughout the mid-Atlantic region. We’re currently living through a period of unprecedented growth and change in the United States’ cannabis landscape, so from our perspective, the easiest way to keep track of all these changes is to keep ourselves up…
Read MoreThe State of Cannabis Legislation & Licensing: North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas
Throughout the nation, cannabis laws are in continuous flux. The laws that govern cannabis business licensing in North Dakota and other midwestern states are no exception. Although this region of the country is a bit behind the coasts when it comes to cannabis legalization, progress is happening here, and it’s playing out differently from state…
Read MoreThe State of Cannabis Legislation & Licensing: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida
2023 saw some big cannabis progress in some states, minimal progress in others and in a few states, hard stops and stalls. As a cannabis entrepreneur, it’s important to keep abreast of all the latest in cannabis business licensing and laws, even in states where you don’t currently live or operate. This is because in…
Read MoreThe State of Cannabis Legislation & Licensing: Washington, Oregon, California
The West Coast of the United States has long-established markets for cannabis. However, ebbs and flows in policy and practices are ever constant, even here. To stay on top of the latest laws governing cannabis business licensing in Washington, Oregon and California read on. We’re covering the latest 2023 updates on news and cannabis business…
Read MoreMinnesota Medical Cannabis Laws are Changing. Here’s What you Need to Know
As of Aug. 1, 2023, Minnesota cannabis law allows for both recreational and medical cannabis use. This legislation also legalized the sale of cannabis seeds. It established numerous types of business licenses, but applications for cannabis business licenses will begin to be accepted in the future, once governing rules have been established. This is estimated…
Read MoreThe State of Cannabis Legislation & Licensing: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts
Manufacturers of cannabis products and other entrepreneurs in the industry face a constant evolution of new products and scientific advancements. If they want to retain and expand their customer base, these entrepreneurs need to adapt to technological and legal advancements in the industry. In cannabis, each market is controlled by the state where it operates,…
Read MoreThe State of Cannabis Legislation & Licensing: Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee [2023]
It’s true: industry changes happen a bit slower in the southern United States. Change does happen, though, and it’s not always linear. In Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee, cannabis business licensing law changes don’t look exactly like they do in other parts of the country, but change is happening nonetheless. Below is an update on cannabis…
Read MoreThe State of Cannabis Legislation & Licensing: Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota
Throughout the United States, cannabis legalization continues to progress. In some states, this means creating new medicinal markets. In others, it’s adding adult-use markets. In others yet, the latest news involves changes to existing cannabis licensing laws and regulations, and in some states, the only news is no new markets or changes. To keep you…
Read MoreThe State of Cannabis Legislation & Licensing: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio
As cannabis legalization continues to sweep the nation, so do legal updates in states with new and existing medical and adult-use markets. If you’re following the news about cannabis legalization in the midwestern United States, here’s an update on the news, legislation and licensing in the world of cannabis business in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana…
Read MoreThe State of Cannabis Legislation & Licensing: Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah [2023]
Looking for updated information on cannabis business licensing in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, or Utah? This is the place to find it! Legalization was just the beginning — today, laws in these states and states across the nation continue to evolve. Cannabis Business Licensing in Arizona Those in possession of a business license, including the…
Read MoreThe State of Cannabis Legislation & Licensing: Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas [2023]
Although the southern United States is not known for favoring recreational cannabis legalization, medical programs in the South have been gaining traction. With each year of consideration and action, state legalization and licensing evolve. Below is updated information about cannabis business licensing in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. Cannabis Business Licensing in Arkansas On the…
Read MoreThe State of Cannabis Legislation & Licensing: New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Connecticut [2023]
States across the country continually update their cannabis legislation and cannabis business licensing. Let’s check in on the current state of cannabis business licensing in New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Connecticut and the latest news from within their borders. Cannabis Business Licensing in New York At the end of August 2023, a New…
Read MoreWhen will cannabis be legal in Texas? [2023]
A 2023 poll shows 83 percent of Texans support medical cannabis and 60 percent support full legalization. However, due to an absent process for citizen-initiated measures, Texas must rely on its lawmakers to legalize cannabis. Currently, there are only four states with more stringent laws regarding cannabis than Texas. Further, there are only seven states…
Read MoreThe State of Cannabis Legislation & Licensing in Idaho, Montana, Nevada and Wyoming [2023]
Licensing and legislation for each state’s cannabis market are in constant motion. As laws, ordinances and business licenses evolve, it is imperative for those in the industry to maintain the most current knowledge in order to expand their commercial endeavors legally. Below are updated license opportunities and cannabis laws for the states of Idaho, Montana,…
Read MoreRecreational Dispensaries are Opening in NYC!
Recreational dispensaries are finally opening in New York! Although the process is not moving as swiftly as it did in other parts of the United States, it’s moving forward in the Empire State. New York City dispensaries that are open now each hold a Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) License, which was awarded to businesses…
Read MoreCan Visitors Buy Out-of-State Cannabis? [Updated 2023]
Countless polls and surveys have revealed the majority of Americans are in favor of cannabis legalization, however there are still four states were cannabis and CBD are fully illegal and many more with varying degrees legalization. Frequent and occasional travelers alike generally prefer to maintain their regular habits when they’re not at home. If cannabis…
Read MoreAttend a Cannabis Conference in Biloxi MS
There’s no better time than now to attend your first weed convention in Biloxi. Mississippi’s legal cannabis market is brand new and already booming. CannaCon’s Biloxi cannabis conference is sure to impress, educate and enlighten anyone interested in entering this fledgling market. Kicking off the year in Biloxi, Mississippi, CannaCon will be held from 10…
Read MoreStart a Cannabis Business in Mississippi
Mississippi cannabis laws are officially updated: Medical cannabis sales are legal and as of January 2023, approved patients have access. According to Weedmaps, three dispensaries are open for business as of early January 2023. As an aspiring Mississippi cannabis entrepreneur interested in starting a cannabis business in Mississippi, read on to find out what you…
Read MoreVermont Cannabis Laws to Ban Plastic Packaging
Recreational sales in Vermont began Oct. 1, and those first customers inside may have noticed something different from cannabis purchases in other states: Vermont cannabis laws require cannabis products to be sold in glass, metal or cardboard containers. In an industry where radical ideas present themselves every day, Vermont’s decision to ban plastic packaging is…
Read MoreStates Changing the Rules for Employee Drug Testing
Legalization has far reaching effects. An example that becomes more and more prevalent is how medical and recreational legalization connects to workplace drug testing. Policies vary by industry, ranging from solely testing after an incident to regularly scheduled sampling to pre-employment drug testing. States that have legalized must consider this aspect, and clear guidelines for…
Read MoreVirginia Preps for Legal Cannabis Sales
Hemp and the state of Virginia have a long history. From the beginning, nearly every arriving ship had marijuana seeds for Virginia on board. Jamestown records reflect the popularity of this crop, mainly due to its versatility around a working farm. In 1619, the order to grow hemp was announced there; it became as good…
Read MoreMissouri Marijuana is on the Ballot in November
Is Missouri marijuana legalization finally here? Legalization in the United States typically comes to fruition two ways: a legislative bill or an initiated ballot measure. Missouri recreational weed is up for legitimacy via the latter, thanks to the efforts of Legal Missouri 2022, who in May submitted roughly 400,000 signatures for a legalization initiative. The…
Read MoreIs the Cannabis SAFE Banking Act Already Cashed?
For those keeping track of the winding path taken by the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act legislation (a.k.a. the marijuana banking bill), we’ve got the latest information. The SAFE Act, which seeks to protect banks and other financial institutions that serve cannabis companies from federal money laundering charges, was removed from the National…
Read MoreRaw Cannabis Odor No Longer Cause for Vehicle Searches, Warrants
The odor of cannabis from a vehicle, dwelling or person has historically landed pot smokers in serious hot water. Due to long-standing search warrant criteria for cannabis, law enforcement officers have relied upon the smell of marijuana as probable cause for searching and often arresting citizens — even when the cannabis was in raw, unburnt…
Read MoreNew York’s New Marijuana Drug Testing Rules
A workplace drug test in New York may never look the same again. Per the state’s Department of Labor (DOL), employers there are not allowed any longer to test most workers, with limited exceptions, for cannabis THC. This is a bold step in the United States, as the legality of cannabis ranges from fully illegal,…
Read MoreAlabama Legalized Medical Marijuana, But What Does That Mean?
Is medical marijuana legal in Alabama? The South is no longer a desert for those seeking relief from ailments; recently, medical cannabis advocates of Alabama experienced hard-earned success when Governor Kay Ivey signed a bill into law that allows a medical marijuana market, albeit a restrictive one. Under the law, rules are to be adopted…
Read MoreWhat Sets CannaCon Apart from Other Cannabis Conferences
Here at CannaCon, we’ve positioned ourselves as the nation’s best B2B cannabis conference. Our premier goal is to expand the cannabis industry by educating cannabis business owners on all things cannabis and CBD. We’ve developed a trade show that spans 6 locations, hosts over 800 exhibitors and more than 25,000 attendees, effectively covering most regions…
Read MoreThe California CBD Market is Opening to Global Operators
AB45, or Assembly Bill 45, has officially been signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom of California last week, opening the state to producers of hemp-derived CBD products worldwide. With California’s estimated $3.2 trillion gross state product, this change has garnered attention from the CBD industry’s largest operators. CBD companies in California could see some…
Read MoreRegulations on Cannabis Advertising by State [N – Z]
Welcome to part two of a two-part series about US cannabis advertising regulations. This state guide to cannabis advertising regulations provides concise information in alphabetical order. Click here for Part One of the state guide to cannabis advertising regulations! Nevada: here, advertising within the cannabis industry may not appeal to children, including without limitation, advertising using…
Read MoreTips to Market Your Oklahoma Cannabis Business
Marketing a cannabis business is not an easy job. With regulations on advertising, restrictions on social media and a myriad of other roadblocks, some businesses may choose not to market at all rather than face the obstacles – but that’s not the best method for growing a business. Cannabis is a rapidly expanding marketplace, with…
Read MoreCannabis Expungements Status in U.S.
It is essential the legalization of cannabis in the United States not only reshapes the future of the industry, but amends past offenses in the legal and penal systems. Due to the inordinately high number of people serving jail time and probation periods solely for cannabis convictions, expediting expungement must be kept in the limelight.…
Read More5 Reasons to Attend a Cannabis Expo in Virginia
Virginia possesses a rich history – from its early days as a colonial settlement and a strategic location during the Civil War, this capital city has an ever-changing landscape. Today, it’s a thriving hub for culture, shopping, outdoor adventures and…cannabis. Virginia passed adult-use cannabis legalization earlier this year and with this legislation, flocks of cannabis…
Read MoreCompassionate Cannabis is Back in California, Finally.
Compassionate care programs flourished for decades in the historically green state of California, but recreational use laws enacted in 2016 all but buried the long standing tradition. Thankfully activists and a few legislators rallied long enough to pass another version of compassionate care in California, Senate Bill 34, in late 2019. This post explores the…
Read MoreIllinois Fights Violence with Cannabis (and Other Positive Impacts)
The financial impacts of legalization have been long theorized and quickly proven. Other societal benefits have not always been easy to predict but some states that have passed laws allowing for medical and recreational cannabis are demonstrating what good can come from ending cannabis prohibition. Illinois, for example, is a leader in utilizing taxes to…
Read MoreColorado is Issuing New Cannabis Licenses
For those looking to break into the market with a new Colorado cannabis license, Denver is welcoming entrepreneurs for the first time since 2016. Recently, city officials from the Department of Excise and Licenses announced the acceptance of licenses for new cannabis businesses. New applicants will still be required to follow all proximity restrictions, which…
Read MoreCannabis is Now Legal in Connecticut!
As of July 1st, cannabis is legal in Connecticut. This is a change in the Connecticut cannabis law that previously decriminalized cannabis use and means that adults can begin consuming legal cannabis in Connecticut in the coming years. It has been a long road for the state, but the recent change in the law was…
Read MoreThe CCC Has Launched an Online Marijuana Catalog
Identifying legal marijuana has become a whole lot simpler in Massachusetts thanks to the cannabis catalog. Learn more about the marijuana catalog. Massachusetts has taken a proactive stance when it comes to managing legal marijuana identification in the state. The first of its kind in the country, the Cannabis Control Commission launched its cannabis catalog…
Read MoreDoes Your Cannabis Business Need Insurance?
Distinct aspects of the cannabis industry separate it from other types of business, however, all business includes elements of protection and preservation. Just as banking has been a thorny subject, cannabis insurance held the same reputation until recently. Today, however, the ability to obtain coverage for all divisions of the industry is less convoluted. Diligence…
Read MoreNew Marijuana Banking Bill: What’s Included and What’s Missing
The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act (a marijuana banking act) has been reintroduced to the House by Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO); this bill protects financial institutions that service state-legal marijuana businesses from being penalized by federal regulators. Previously, the bill had cleared the House but did not advance in the Republican-controlled Senate. There…
Read MoreMichigan Legalizes Cannabis-Infused Beverages
One of the many benefits of legalization is the opportunity to research and develop new ways of consuming cannabis. Cannabis-based beverages are an example, and the state of Michigan has taken notice. Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency Director Andrew Brisbo had noted in October 2020 cannabis-infused beverages were “an area of interest to a lot of processors…
Read MoreCan New Jersey’s Slow Start to Cannabis Legalization Recover?
Is recreational weed legal in New Jersey? Despite the recent bill NJ Governor, Phil Murphy signed to finally legalize cannabis in New Jersey and put an end to arrests for possession, some say it’s long overdue. The main position from his 2017 campaign for governor included committing to sign any cannabis legalization that ended up…
Read MoreWill Kentucky (Finally) Legalize Cannabis?
Both medical and recreational cannabis are illegal in Kentucky but times may be changing for this southern state. In early 2020, House Bill 136 passed 65 to 30; this bill marked the first occasion in which a medical marijuana bill had been taken up by the full House. Proposed in the Kentucky cannabis laws bill…
Read MoreMichigan Cannabis Licensing Expansion
Although Michigan has been a recreationally and medically legal state since 2018 and 2008 respectively, the laws that govern the businesses are not static. Nearly two full years into recreational legalization, the medical side is under review and proposals are in play to ease one burdensome aspect of the industry that impact people with a…
Read MoreCannabis Legislation and the Coronavirus
Cannabis legislation and the coronavirus update as of May 2020. As the world adapts to eradicate COVID-19, lawmakers from the United States have not forgotten the cannabis industry. Although relief to other small businesses has been rolled out by the federal government in the form of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs),…
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