Beard Bros Pharms’ Post

Delaware has recently expanded its medical marijuana program, removing specific eligibility requirements based on qualifying health conditions. Now, doctors can recommend cannabis for any condition they deem appropriate. This change, effective from July 1, allows older patients aged 65 and above to self-certify for medical cannabis, eliminating the need for a doctor's recommendation. The state is also preparing to launch a recreational cannabis market, aiming to enable existing medical marijuana businesses to start selling to adults sooner than initially planned. This legislation could potentially favor larger companies already operating in multiple states. https://lnkd.in/gVJjre2U

The recent recommendation from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) has sparked much debate and discussion. However, a new report from the Congressional Research Service (CRS) offers insights into the potential legal consequences of this proposed change. The Congressional Research Service is a nonpartisan research organization that provides information and analysis to Congress. Their report delves into the complexities of marijuana’s current Schedule I classification and the potential impact of moving it to Schedule III. Rescheduling marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III would acknowledge its potential medical value, potentially opening the door for further research and FDA approval of prescription marijuana products. However, it could also create challenges for state-legal markets and the regulation of cannabis products. “Moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, without other legal changes, would not bring the state-legal medical or recreational marijuana industry into compliance with federal controlled substances law.” the CRS report says. This is something we've been saying for a while now; continue reading to find out what other issues there are at the link below.

Ohio is now accepting dual-use applications from medical marijuana dispensaries to expand their services to include recreational cannabis. The process, overseen by the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control, requires dispensaries to update security, point-of-sale systems, and employee permissions. Although applications are open, with a deadline set for June 7, the actual commencement of recreational sales remains uncertain, with various speculated start dates but no confirmed timeline. The process is described as a gradual rollout, where a few dispensaries will start selling recreational cannabis initially, followed by more over several months. The state also requires cultivators and processors to apply for adult-use licenses. Despite the speculative dates for the availability of recreational cannabis ranging from mid-June to the end of the year, the superintendent, James Canepa, emphasizes a focus on meeting legal deadlines rather than setting specific dates for dispensary openings. https://lnkd.in/gmKgb6n4

New Hampshire is progressing towards becoming the 25th U.S. state to legalize recreational marijuana, with legislation advancing alongside significant expansions to the state's medical cannabis program. Separate bills that would expand medical cannabis access and allow for adult recreational use are nearing final passage after recent agreements in conference committees. One bill, which allows doctors to recommend marijuana for any condition they deem suitable, has returned to each legislative chamber for votes. Another bill aims to expand the range of healthcare professionals who can recommend medical marijuana, adjusting references to out-of-state physician assistants. Additionally, a proposal for recreational legalization plans for a state-regulated franchise system, launching 15 stores by 2026, and includes a 15% franchise fee on purchases. The legislation suggests a phased approach to legalization, starting with decriminalization and moving towards full legalization of possession up to two ounces by 2026. The efforts reflect a broader initiative to adjust both medical and recreational cannabis policies in New Hampshire, with continuous dialogue and negotiation among lawmakers to finalize the terms and structure of the new laws. https://lnkd.in/gfiYepBM

It's great to see #arkansas Medical Cannabis market thriving. "So far, the state has collected $23.5 million in tax revenue from medical marijuana sales in 2023, bringing the total to $113 million since the first dispensaries were opened in 2019." "demand for medical marijuana has grown with 96,056 active medical marijuana ID cards issued in Arkansas compared with 89,855 in January 2023, according to the Arkansas Department of Health." Doing some rough math that means about 1 in every 24 adults in Arkansas has a medical marijuana card. Which is about 4.16% of the population. If each cardholder spends $100 per month on medical marijuana that would estimate sales of $115.2 Million annually. With 3 months left in the year I'd forecast Arkansas breaks $140 Million this year. This would be a win for Arkansas's tax base and its patient base. * Its interesting to note that in 2020 there were over 700 fatal overdoses in Arkansas in 2022 that number was just under 460 https://lnkd.in/gAt_fqPV

New Mexico Officials Celebrate Marijuana Milestone As Sales Cross $1 Billion Mark Since Recreational Market Launched! New Mexico #officials are #celebrating a new milestone for the state’s #marijuana #industry, with #retailers hitting recording more than $1 billion in total sales since the launch of the state’s adult-use #cannabis #market. February’s sales totals included more than $35 million in adult-use purchases—the second-highest monthly amount on record, according to figures from the New Mexico #Regulation and #Licensing Department’s Cannabis Control Division. The state’s medical marijuana market, meanwhile, recorded over $12 million in sales. With those additions, the #cumulative amount sold in the state reached $1.01 billion. That includes both medical and adult-use #cannabis receipts going back to April 2022, when the #recreational market opened for #business. The state does not publish medical cannabis #dispensary sales data prior to that date. #Average #transaction prices in February were $41.99 for adult-use purchases and $51.96 for #medical# marijuana buyers. The medical number is higher than at any point since April 2023. https://lnkd.in/gfecDRvD

Welcome to Florida, where the sun is shining, and the debates on legalizing recreational marijuana are heating up. In 2022, a proposed adult-use cannabis bill made its way onto the ballot, sparking discussions about its potential impact on the state. However, according to a recent poll by The Florida Chamber of Commerce, this bill may not have enough support to pass. But is that really the case? Let’s dive deeper into the polls and see what they have to say about the future of adult-use cannabis in Florida. As it stands, the proposed adult-use cannabis bill in Florida would allow existing Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers and other state licensed entities, to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute to adults 21 years or older to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal consumption. Flower possession limits would be set at one ounce and concentrate set at five grams. However, there are some key details missing from the bill that have sparked controversy. Keep reading at the link below.

Exciting news for the cannabis industry in Arkansas! The attorney general has approved a ballot measure to expand the state's medical marijuana program and potentially pave the way for full legalization. My prediction is that this ballot initiative will have a significant impact on the cannabis market in Arkansas and could lead to a surge in demand for medical marijuana products. It also sets a positive precedent for further cannabis legalization efforts in the state. Here are some key takeaways and implications of this development: - The expansion of the medical marijuana program will likely increase access for patients in need of cannabis for medicinal purposes. - The potential for full legalization opens up new opportunities for businesses in the cannabis industry to grow and innovate. - This move reflects a broader shift towards more progressive cannabis policies nationwide, reaffirming the momentum of the legalization movement. - Entrepreneurs and investors should keep a close eye on Arkansas as it moves towards expanding its cannabis market, presenting potential lucrative opportunities. Overall, this development marks a significant step forward for cannabis reform in Arkansas and sets a promising outlook for the future of the industry in the state. Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting journey towards expanded medical marijuana access and potential full legalization in Arkansas!

Since the legalization of medical and adult-use cannabis in Missouri, the state’s industry has seen tremendous growth. In 2023, Missouri’s total cannabis sales reached an impressive $1.3 billion mark, breaking previous records and solidifying its place as one of the top states for cannabis sales in the country. In addition to this record-breaking achievement, it is worth noting that Missouri’s cannabis industry is still relatively new, medical marijuana was passed in 2018. and with adult-use sales only being available since February 2022. This rapid growth and success within a short time is a testament to the potential of the cannabis market in Missouri. Keep reading at the link below.

The Alabama Cannabis Coalition issued a "Press Release" today, May 13, 2024, and fortunately, al (dot) com picked up the PR and ran a story. We are grateful to the Press in the state of Alabama for keeping this important issue alive. "Press Release" in the comments. A Montgomery-based coalition that advocates for the legalization of marijuana, says it is “extremely disappointed” in state lawmakers for not taking steps needed toward getting a medical marijuana program started in Alabama. The statement from the Alabama Cannabis Coalition comes more than three years after the Alabama Legislature, in 2021, passed legislation authorizing a medical marijuana program in Alabama under a state law signed by Gov. Kay Ivey. Alabama, at the time, joined 36 other states in doing legalizing marijuana use for medical purposes. As of this spring, there are 41 states with a medical marijuana program. “The sick, suffering and dying citizens of Alabama continue to be denied access and they do not have the luxury to wait for that access,” said H. Marty Schelper, founder/president of the Cannabis Coalition, and founder/president of the Alabama Republicans Against Marijuana Prohibition. Schelper, in a news release Monday, called the lack of implementing a medical marijuana program as a “quagmire,” and requested an update on “how and when this quagmire will be resolved.” The concern, Schelper said, was the lack of attention on getting the program implemented by state lawmakers. His comments come after lawmakers adjourned their spring legislative session on Thursday. “We were hopeful that on February 6, 2024, at the beginning of the 2024 legislative session, that ‘medical cannabis’ would be first and foremost in the hearts and minds of our Legislature,” Schelper said. “We were sorely mistaken.” Schelper said that only one bill was passed dealing with the issue -- HB390, sponsored by Rep. Danny Crawford, R-Athens. That legislation removes the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries from the shared responsibilities for the regulation and enforcement of the program. (click on the link to read more.) https://lnkd.in/ghcvmrjx