News Nuggets August 2016

National

Illinois Governor Extends the State’s Medical Cannabis Program

Governor Bruce Rauner recently signed Senate Bill 10 to extend the Medical Cannabis Pilot Program of Illinois by two years. The bill is now valid through the year 2020 and also extends the state’s program to include Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and terminal illnesses to qualifying conditions for medical cannabis. Originally, the bill only allowed for 39 conditions and diseases to qualify for cannabis. Now, the new law allows patients with terminal illnesses not explicitly outlined in the law access to medical cannabis. The law defines a terminal illness as a prognosis of six months or less to live. Last year, Rauner vetoed a bill that aimed to allow patients with PTSD and other conditions access to medical cannabis. According to Medical Jane, Rauner said he didn’t authorize the expansion of adding ailments to the program, because the program was still in its early stages. He didn’t want to expand the qualifying conditions, “before we have had the chance to evaluate it.”

WORLD

Canadian Cannabis Producer Begins Legally Exporting Cannabis

Tilray, a Canadian cannabis producer, is exporting cannabis liquid capsules to patients in Croatia. The company has created two forms of liquid capsules, one which contains 5mg of THC and 5mg of CBD, and the second contains 2.5mg of THC and 2mg of CBD. According to The Huffington Post, President of Tilray, Brendan Kennedy said, “Health Canada informally told us that they issued us the first export permit.” He went on to explain that they received the permit following a long application process. Tilray is the first Canadian cannabis producer to get the okay from the government to ship medical cannabis internationally. This is a smart business move for Tilray, because Canada actually has a lower number of registered cannabis patients than what was projected. The ability to ship their product overseas means that Tilray can tap into the fast-growing international cannabis industry. Kennedy said, “Our intent is to build a global company that is investing significantly in global expansion.” Tilray plans to next begin exporting its products to Australia and Europe in the future.

Oregon

Live Cannabis Plants to Appear at Oregon State Fair

Oregon Cannabis Growers’ Fair is happening for the first time ever at the state’s fairgrounds, and also for the first time, more than 60 growers will have live cannabis plants on display. Attendees will get the opportunity to share ideas with experienced growers, as well as check out new technology, learn about testing, review applicable rules and regulations, among other activities. Cannabis will not be sold or consumed at the event. There is also a contest portion of this new event, in which the top nine winners will win the opportunity to have their live plants on display at the 2016 Oregon State Fair. Ed Rosenthal will be judging the competition this year, and he will be rating the plants on criteria regarding their aroma, color, general health node stacking, leaf structure, shape and lack of pests. This premiere event is sure to set a precedent for other states that allow the recreational use of cannabis.

New Pilot Program Aims to Deter Portland Youth from Using Cannabis

“Stay True to You” is a new pilot program launched in Portland to help deter young people from using cannabis. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) launched the youth cannabis use prevention campaign in July with hopes of decreasing the use of cannabis of youth between ages 12 to 20, according to KTVZ. The pilot is focused on the Portland metro area and Southern Oregon. The program came following audience research alongside a large series of 28 focus groups throughout Portland, and the research included participants from a diverse collection of communities, including African American, Asian, Latino, Alaskan Natives, Native American, Pacific Islander and Caucasian. The OHA launched a report in 2016 called “Marijuana use, attitudes and health effects in Oregon,” and they find that while over half of the adults in Oregon had seen some type of cannabis or cannabis advertising around their community, less than one-third of those same adults saw anything about health effects of cannabis. OHA’s goal is to make sure cannabis legalization also provides the public with information regarding potential health issues that may be associated with cannabis.

Bay Area

Lawmakers Approve Bill to Allow Cannabis Growers Access to Water

A budget bill that allows cannabis growers to access water is receiving a lot of opposition from Republicans. The bill gives cannabis growers the ability to divert water from lakes, rivers and streams, and Republicans claim cannabis growers cannot do so without state guidelines or environmental considerations. Republican Assemblyman James Gallagher of Plumas Lake believes the law punishes ranchers and farmers who have obtained water legally while rewarding cannabis growers who have been illegally diverting water to their grows, according to The Union. Democratic Assemblyman, Rob Bonta of Alameda, opposes Gallagher’s claim. Bonta says the Republicans have misinterpreted the bill and that medical cannabis regulations already set forth last year will ensure those growing cannabis do not act illegally with their water consumption. The bill is now moving on to the Senate.

California’s Democratic Party Endorses Legalization of Cannabis

The Democratic Party in California just endorsed legalizing cannabis for recreational use, according to The Sacramento Bee. Their endorsement was in conjunction with Democratic Representatives Ted Lieu of Torrance and Jared Huffman of San Rafael. California’s U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer opposed Proposition 19 this year, however she may change her stance the next time around. Boxer stated that there was one legitimate concern she had surrounding the legalization of recreational cannabis, which is also worrisome in Colorado and Washington, and that is that there has been an increase in driver fatalities. Addressing the concern, Boxer followed with, “But, there’s something within the initiative that does address [increased driver fatalities]. So, I’m wishing that I’ll have the ability to support it this time around.” Boxer is a leading candidate up for re-election in the U.S. Senate, so many Democrats hope her endorsement of cannabis does not harm her campaign.

Colorado

Public Consumption of Cannabis May Be Permitted in Denver

Two competing bills in Denver aim to further the regulation of recreational cannabis, with one bill that could permit the public consumption of cannabis. There are legitimate arguments on either side of the debate regarding whether or not to allow consumption of cannabis in communal areas of Denver, and now voters may get the chance to allow it once and for all at the upcoming election in November. Each bill still needs to get 4,800 signatures from verified Colorado voters to be considered for ballot entry. The first bill was drafted by Denver NORML. This bill would allow people over 21 to consume cannabis in private cannabis clubs throughout Denver, while the second bill would allow businesses like bars and restaurants the right to designate areas where adults over 21 can consume cannabis. The second bill would still enact further regulations for businesses to follow in order to allow public consumption of cannabis. Supporters of the second bill would like Denver NORML to step down from the first piece of legislation, because they believe the private clubs will continue to separate cannabis users from the public.

Teen Use of Cannabis Drops Following Legalization

The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) published in a recent survey that teens are using less cannabis since the legalization of recreational cannabis, in comparison to teen cannabis use data since 2009. The CDPHE study collected a wide range of health behaviors (including teen alcohol and cannabis use, mental health and community engagement) from 17,000 randomly selected students from 157 randomly selected Colorado middle and high schools. Another interesting finding from the recent survey is that teenagers perceive a lower risk of cannabis, as 54 percent believed cannabis had a moderate or great risk in 2015 compared to 58 percentage of teens in 2011. The drop in teen usage of cannabis is a positive reflection on the better control authorities have over cannabis in the monitored recreational market in comparison to when cannabis was illegal.

Los Angeles

Long Beach Medical Cannabis Initiative Qualifies for Ballot

There will be two cannabis-related initiatives on Long Beach’s November ballot, after supporters of medical cannabis collectives collected enough verified signatures. The Long Beach Collective Association along with United Food and Commercial Workers Local 324 are huge supporters of the bill. Board Member of the collective association, Adam Hijazi, told Press-Telegram, “We are ecstatic. We are very happy.” The decision to move forward with these cannabis initiatives followed the announcement of the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, which could potentially legalize recreational cannabis in California this November. It is a possibility that a third, more restrictive cannabis initiative could be on the ballot, because some lawmakers want to limit the number of legal cannabis deliveries, as well as storefront collectives. However, the council did reject this request for an additional initiative in June. Only time will tell if either of the initiatives prevail.

San Bernardino to Consider Legalization of Cannabis Collectives

A large number of supporters of a proposed cannabis measure in San Bernardino forced the city council to put it on the November ballot. An estimated 6,000 registered voters signed a petition to allow medical cannabis collectives to operate within the city with certain restrictions. The city council clearly stated that they personally opposed the measure, but the large number of signatures forced them to either implement the legislation or put it on the ballot for voters to approve. Mayor Carey Davis opened up dialogue about the cannabis measure with negative reports surrounding cannabis and deadly car crashes, crime and pollution. The measure was supported by an Upland-based group called California Cannabis Coalition, however no members of the group were present at the meeting. The president of the coalition, Craig Beresh stated that there was no reason for the coalition to attend when the council wasn’t able to dismiss the measure entirely. Now the council members intend to put a countermeasure on the ballot to manage cannabis in a way more consistent with their opinions.

Michigan

Civil Rights Lawsuit Filed Against Michigan’s Faulty Cannabis Test Results

Medical cannabis caregivers and patients in the state of Michigan have filed a lawsuit against the Michigan State Police, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and other law-enforcement agencies for allegedly misrepresenting test results from the crime lab, according to The Detroit News. The suing group is the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan (PAAM). PAAM alleges that cannabis confiscated during criminal investigations was intentionally inaccurately tested to contain synthetic THC. According to The Detroit News, the plant’s-based oils and edibles would be treated as synthetic THC under the crime lab’s established policy. Although medical cannabis patients in the state are allowed to possess cannabis flower and other cannabis products, Michigan residents who don’t have a medical recommendation can face a misdemeanor for possessing cannabis, while the possession of synthetic cannabis can bring a felony to either party. Michael McCabe, the Oakland County Undersheriff, denied the allegations, stating, “Quite frankly, it’s all untrue. We have never had any conversations with PAAM, no correspondence, they never called us, never emailed us, never contacted us at all on any of this.”

Michigan Police Begin Pilot Program of Saliva DUI Testing

Drivers who are suspected of driving under the influence of cannabis in the state of Michigan may be subjected to roadside saliva drug tests, as part of a new one-year pilot test program being rolled out by trained state police officers, according to AMI Newswire. State police will conduct the program in five counties that are known for the most drug-related arrests and DUI incidents. The program was just announced mid-July, and the names of the counties have yet to be released. The program is set to start after this summer, but a definitive date is pending. It is believed this program could set a precedent for other states still struggling to regulate people driving under the influence of cannabis. The program was signed into law by Governor Rick Snyder in June and he stated, “The five-county pilot program will be used to help determine accuracy and reliability of the tests.”

San Diego

New Event Brings Together Cannabis and Cuisine

A dessert bar catering company called Sugar & Spyked held a new event that focused on cuisine and cannabis in a sophisticated way. Held at a venue in Huntington Beach on July 24, Culinary and Cannabis gave participants a taste into the classy world of cannabis-infused dishes that upheld decadent flavor. The Founder and Coordinator of Culinary and Cannabis, Tamara Anderson, stated in a press release, “The purpose of our event is to teach attendees how they can incorporate cannabis beyond the basic recipes and desserts in-stores. The possibilities are endless when good food and cannabis are combined, and that’s just what we want to show our participants.” Culinary chefs for the event were trained first-class. Those who attended the event not only got to try the culinary masterpieces created by these professionals, but they also learned how to prepare their own cannabis-infused butters and oils. Culinary and cannabis also included notable speakers from both the cannabis and culinary industries. This classy event set the bar very high for any cannabis and food event that follows.

San Diego Tax on Cannabis Heading to November Ballot

The San Diego City Council appears to be thinking ahead and planning for the potential future of recreational cannabis. The council approved a ballot measure for the November election that could potentially impose an eight percent tax on recreational cannabis businesses if passed. A vote of 7-2 in early July moved the measure to the City Attorney’s office to draft the measure, according to KPBS Radio News. It will take a few weeks for the final approval to be given. This measure would only go into effect if recreational cannabis becomes legal in California this November. Councilman Mark Kersey was responsible for proposing the measure, and he explained how the tax money would be used for licensing and enforcing the legal cannabis businesses. This is because the legalization of recreational cannabis would cause San Diego to have “an unfunded mandate.” This measure would instead curb any potential lack of funding for the recreational cannabis industry without having to take tax money away from other city programs.

WA Reminds Businesses About Proper Cannabis Patient Data Collection and Verification

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) and the Department of Health (DOH) sent out a press release to licensed cannabis retailers and medical establishments after receiving information that a third party commercial traceability software systems had been requesting personal information about patients. Timothy Gates reminded licensed cannabis businesses in the state that it is illegal for personal information about cannabis patients to be shared in third party commercial software systems. Instead, the DOH has a database, BioTrackTHC, which allows the WSLCB the ability to track the sale of cannabis within the state. Placing patient information into a different database could mean the perpetrator faces a Class C Felony charge. This is because the database was created to ensure safety and confidentiality of cannabis sales and personal information. State-licensed cannabis producers, processors and retailers to use their own inventory tracking system, as long as it allows them to abide by the WSLCB’s rules and regulations.

New “Not For Kids” Label to be Required for Edibles in Washington

A new labeling requirement for cannabis in the state of Washington is set to roll out this January. The label will be on all edible cannabis products sold at legal dispensaries, and it will consist of a bright red hand signaling “stop” with the words, “Not For Kids.” The label will also include an emergency number. According to OPB FM, the Managing Director of the Washington Poison Center, Dr. Alexander Garrard, said there have been over 150 calls to the center regarding cannabis exposure, however it was not specified that the exposure happened to children. The original label proposed by Washington’s Liquor and Cannabis Board was a “Mr. Yuk” sticker, which consists of a cartoon face making a grossed out face with its tongue sticking out. After cannabis retailers and producers objected this sticker, the board developed this new label, which appears to be better received. The new labels will hopefully deter children from accidentally ingesting edible cannabis products in the state.