Both states join a growing chorus lining up to either limit or outright ban products containing intoxicating hemp derivatives. It has been a hectic week in the world of hemp and cannabis. With the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) finally deciding to reschedule cannabis as part of the Controlled Substances Act and Senate lawmakers announcing proposed frameworks for the much-anticipated Farm Bill renewal this week, advocates and stakeholders from both industries had cause for minor celebrations as the archaic legislative blockades for each market sector continue to fall. However ..read more

Legislators hope to renew the massive spending measure later this year, seeking to define hemp more definitively and provide more precise guidance for farmers on various agricultural issues. With yesterday's announcement by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to reschedule cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 as part of the Controlled Substances Act, leaders in Washington are ratcheting up their commitment to continue removing barriers concerning the legality of marijuana. However, many other lawmakers are also working diligently to address several pressing and polarizing aspects su ..read more

While the new designation does not end the federal prohibition of marijuana, it does signify a massive shift in government policy toward the enigmatic and financially lucrative plant. It is a new and significant day for advocates, stakeholders, and consumers of cannabis in the United States. On Tuesday, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) finally made the decision to take the recommendation from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and reschedule cannabis from a Schedule I narcotic to a Schedule III drug on the federal government's Controlled Substances Act. Ultimat ..read more

Advocates and stakeholders hope to pass measures allowing growers to plant early, but state cannabis officials said they would not offer legislation for that effort due to social equity concerns. The French writer and activist Voltaire once said, "Don't let the perfect become the enemy of the good." By constantly striving to achieve the absolute best and highest result, those individuals seeking perfection can sometimes avoid accomplishing the desired task or project altogether. - Voltaire, French Writer and Activist The case of Minnesota's ardent intentions to launch America's most social ..read more

Joining close to 30 other states targeting the hemp market, California is by far the largest jurisdiction to go after the legal sale of products containing intoxicating hemp cannabinoids. The political and legal tidal wave crashing down on the intoxicating hemp derivative (IHD) sector in the United States continues to gain strength and momentum. Last week, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey (R) opened an investigation into four businesses as part of a crackdown on items containing IHDs. Similar to other states, the effort in Missouri centers on concern over the potential adverse ..read more

Stakeholders worry if farmers aren't allowed to begin growing cannabis plants soon, the anticipated launch next Spring could be a disaster. As the saying goes, 'Never place the cart before the horse.' This adage underscores the importance of thorough preparation for the success of any endeavor, regardless of its scale. Just as a home's stability relies on its foundation, the success of Minnesota's eagerly anticipated adult-use cannabis market launch hinges on ensuring a sufficient supply of marijuana plants to cater to the substantial demand expected from cannabis enthusiasts in the state ..read more

The 'Show Me State' is the latest example of just how convoluted and confusing the witch hunt to eradicate hemp-derived intoxicants across the country has become. The Civil War continuing to rage between hemp and cannabis interests has reached the hearty and supposedly no-nonsense state of Missouri. According to multiple local and national media outlets, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey (R) opened an investigation into four businesses as part of a crackdown on items containing intoxicating hemp derivatives (IHDs) last Wednesday. Similar to other states, the effort in Missouri center ..read more

As one of only a handful of states that does not have any form of medicinal cannabis, the Palmetto State is once again attempting to enact a highly restrictive and limited medical marijuana measure. It has been almost 30 years since California enacted the country’s first medical marijuana law in 1996. Since then, 39 other states have passed similar measures, and 25, including California, have installed adult-use cannabis laws enabling millions of Americans to enjoy the recreational benefits afforded by the ancient plant. However, not all states are created equal. Some, like this author’s h ..read more

With the growing uncertainty surrounding major hemp byproducts like CBD, many growers are pivoting to supply their crop yields to other industries. One of the primary reasons for hemp’s long and successful history is its wide-ranging versatility. Although the plant and its sister crop, cannabis, are most associated with uses related to health, wellness, and psychoactive recreation, historically, the hemp plant has been used for much more practical purposes, such as providing canvas sails for ships, paper, clothing, and food. When Congress relegalized hemp by passing the 2018 Farm Bill, the ..read more

The new bill should help state cannabis officials and prospective businesses meet the Spring 2025 deadline for launching the regulated adult-use marijuana sector. Springtime is celebrated as a period of rebirth and new beginnings, as the cold and dark winter months give way to longer days, warmer temperatures, and the emergence of new life, both in plant and animal forms.  However, for advocates and supporters of the American cannabis industry, this time of year, in particular the date of April 20, serves as a period of celebration for those who love cannabis. In honor of the "4/20" m ..read more