Cannabis is emerging from the shadows of prohibition. Every week, there are advancements in many fields related to cannabis. Cannabis Reports will be re-capping the weekly events of the cannabis community and industry, so that you can stay up-to-date on the latest developments.
Governor Kasich Signs Ohio Medical Cannabis Bill
On Wednesday, Ohio Governor John Katich finally signed House Bill 523, which provides medical access to cannabis in the Buckeye State. HB 523 does introduce very strict regulations for the medical cannabis program, but many are thrilled that there is now some type of protections for medical cannabis on the books.
The new law will go into effect 90 days after it is filed with the secretary of state, which slates the medical cannabis program to begin sometime in mid-September. Until that time, patients who have written permission from their doctor for cannabis use now have a temporary defense against possession charges.
The regulated cannabis program will take at least the next six months to implement, although many experts believe it will be at least a year until Ohioans can legally purchase cannabis from a licensed medical dispensary.
Alaska Cannabis Agency Begins Approving Recreational Business Applications
Regulators in Alaska are now beginning to dole out business licenses for the first round of legal recreational cannabis companies in The Last Frontier.
On Thursday, Alaska’s Marijuana Control Board reviewed twenty-eight cultivation applications, and an additional two applications for testing facilities. Also considered by the Board on Thursday were five hopeful cannabis manufacturers.
National Poll Shows Major Support for Medical Cannabis, Especially for Veterans
A nationwide poll conducted by the Quinnipiac University Polling Center found that close to 90% of American adults believe that medical patients should have access to cannabis if their doctors recommend the treatment.
The poll also found that the public felt that veterans with PTSD were among the most applicable demographic for cannabis use, with all groups voting in favor of VA doctors being able to prescribe their veteran patients with cannabis in states in which it is legal.
Interestingly enough, legalization of recreational cannabis was not as popular as previous polls from Gallup and AP-NORC have shown, although the marjority was still in favor of cannabis legalization, even with the margin of error of +/- 2.5 percentage points.
In total, 1561 registered voters were polled regarding cannabis legalization.
Nebraska Researchers Getting Ready to Plant the State’s First Hemp Crop
Time is ticking for the University of Nebraska at Lincoln to begin the Cornhusker State’s first permitted hemp crop. The university currently has a hemp seed importation request that is awaiting approval by the DEA.
A professor familiar with the program said that if the seeds are not received by June 15th, then Nebraska’s initial hemp crop will be forced into a greenhouse.
In 2014, the federal government lifted a ban on hemp farming, but only for states that had previously passed hemp laws. The Nebraska legislature decided that only universities would be allowed to research industrial hemp crops initially.
Colorado Governor Signs Jack’s Law, Guaranteeing Access to Medical Cannabis in Schools
Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper signed a bill on June 6th that provides protections for students that need medical cannabis to treat their debilitating conditions at school.
A law passed last year gave schools the option to implement cannabis usage policies, but did not require school districts or charter schools to allow caretakers to administer medicine on site.
Now, under Jack’s Law, all schools must provide reasonable accommodations for sick children who need medical cannabis. The only exception for schools is if they can prove that they have lost federal funding for implementing Jack’s Law, and they announce the absence of cannabis on their district website.
Upcoming Cannabis Events
Diversity in Cannabis Networking Rally – (Portland, OR: June 11)
Join Minority Cannabis Business Association and local cannabis leaders and government officials at the first MCBA Networking Rally. This event is for everyone who’s interested in learning more about the cannabis industry.
San Diego NORML Meet-Up – (Encinitas, CA: June 11)
Come network and volunteer with San Diego NORML on the second Saturday of each month for the regular general meetings. Please arrive around 10:45 am so the event can begin promptly at 11 am.
High Times Cannabis Cup – (Clio, MI: June 11-12)
The High Times Michigan Medical Cannabis Cup is returning to the Auto City Speedway in Clio, Michigan for the first ever all-medical event! The event will only be open to medical patients with the entire festival zoned to medicate, but doctors will be available on site. Any state’s medical marijuana qualification is acceptable for admission.
Oregon Hemp Convention – (Portland, OR: June 11-12)
The Oregon Hemp Convention is an unbelievable opportunity for the entire cannabis industry to come together and meet the rush of new cannabis users in the state of Oregon. With new and exciting legal option available for recreational consumers in the form of concentrates and edibles.
IMPACT: Brain Health & Cannabis – (Denver, CO: June 12)
The monthly IMPACT Network conference will be on Brain Health & Cannabis Sunday, June 12th, from noon to 5 pm at Green Labs in Denver’s RiNo district. Patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and industry leaders are all welcome.
Cannazaar – (Denver, CO: June 12)
Eclectic, Mysterious and Theatrical. This is what you can expect at Cannazaar’s first summer series! An outdoor, daytime bazaar-style event, kicking off June 12th!! Hosting live entertainment, local vendors, various food trucks, yard games, art installations, crowd-pleaser performers and canna-classrooms! Cannazaar has something for ALL to enjoy, with each Cannazaar event having something special and different for each Sunday.
Cannabis World Congress and Business Expo – (New York, NY: June 15-17)
The 2nd Annual Cannabis World Congress and Business Expo is the leading forum for doing business in one of the fastest growing industries in the United States. If you’re employed in the cannabis industry, a current business owner, interested in starting a cannabis business, provide private equity & investment resources, or provide professional or business services, this is an event you can’t afford to miss.
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The post Another Week in the World of Cannabis: June 10th, 2016 appeared first on The Cannabis Reporter.