New opportunities can be found in more mature markets such as California, Colorado, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, where local governments used to opt out of state-regulated programs.

There are some possible trends and lessons that can be found in these markets. Legalization isn't a sure thing.

States are trying to level the playing field for small businesses. It's difficult for new entrants to get into limited-license markets.

Everyone is in development. We still don't know a lot. The chair of New York's Cannabis Control Board thinks there are some similarities. We are all taking our own paths, and we are seeing a focus on equity.

There are a lot of innovative ideas that support the industry, she said. A strong cannabis industry is what we want. Each of us has to do our own test case.

There is a $2 billion adult-use cannabis market.

The state wants to act on the lessons learned from the medical marijuana program.
Medical and microbusiness license holders will likely be the only ones allowed to participate in the state's recreational marijuana program.

Connecticut is a difficult market to crack due to the limited licenses available.
More medical operators are expected to join the sector in the years to come.
Alabama's medical marijuana program will be slow to launch, according to experts.
As Mississippi prepares to welcome medical marijuana, low incomes and a lack of cannabis business experience are likely to be issued.

Keywords: Rhode Island, state,marijuana, January issue

Source: mjbizdaily.com

DCP to Medical Marijuana Patients: Score Some cannabis Now, Man

The Department of Consumer Protection advised registered medical marijuana patients in Connecticut to stock up on cannabis ahead of the launch of the state's recreational cannabis adult-use market on Tuesday.

Adults over the age of 21 can purchase up to a quarter ounce per transaction at nine hybrid retailers around the state on Tuesday.

While those transaction limitations are intended to ensure an adequate supply of cannabis for both the commercial and Medical cannabis markets, the DCP encouraged the state's roughly 50,000 patients to replenish before the launch to avoid an expected rush.

Commissioner Seagull said in a press release that it was always best to be prepared and that they hoped there wouldn't be any disruptions to patients. Cannabis Patients who can make purchases in advance or have their cannabis medicine delivered are advised to do so. Although many of the hybrid retailers will provide separate checkouts for Medical Marijuana Program patients, they may still experience increased traffic, as well as crowds in and around the hybrid retailers in the opening days of the market.

Medical marijuana patients don't have to pay taxes on their purchases.

They are allowed to purchase up to five ounces per month. Participants in the program will no longer be required to pay a registration fee.
Connecticut legalized recreational cannabis through a law that went into effect this week. While state officials expect more cannabis businesses to come online in the coming year, the nine retailers opening to the public Tuesday are hybrid operations. There are also Fine Fettle Dispensary in Newington and The Botanist locations in Danbury and Montville.

Seagull said last month that the initial quarter ounce per transaction limit would be reviewed. 

Seagull said the agency needed time to assess the demand for the product and how it stacked up against the state's cannabis producers.

She said that they would continue to evaluate how things play out. It's difficult to know what the demand will look like on the first day.

Connecticut has a medical marijuana program. Patients who are being treated for at least one of the state's approved conditions and have been certified by a Connecticut physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse are served cannabis.

Keywords: Pharma cannabis plant, medical marijuana patients, Christine Stuart photo, Consumer Protection advised

Source: ctnewsjunkie.com

Senate GOP 'close' to supporting medical marijuana, leader Devin LeMahieu says

The Senate is close to supporting the legalization of marijuana for medical use, according to the majority leader.

Legislation to create a medical cannabis program in the state could be passed this legislative session as long as regulations are put forward to make sure it's for those in serious pain, according to LeMahieu.

LeMahieu said that the caucus is close to approving medical marijuana. A lot of our members want to make sure it's regulated well, because they may be able to vote for it now.

We don't want people to go in because of their back problems. It has to be cancer pain.

It is the first time a leader of the Senate Republicans has supported the idea. The opposition within the caucus has been a hurdle in the past

Scott Fitzgerald, the former Senate Majority Leader who now represents the 5th Congressional District, had previously expressed deep skepticism toward the idea of medical marijuana legalization. He said he wouldn't support the legalization of cannabis for medical use if the FDA approved it as a prescription drug.
Vos' spokeswoman didn't say if Assembly Republicans are on board. He believes they could be.

Democrats have long advocated for the legalization of cannabis in Wisconsin.

Lawmakers and Evers will soon begin negotiating and writing the next state budget, which will include a proposal to legalize marijuana. Evers wants to use the revenue from the plan to help fund schools.

"Wisconsinites overwhelmingly support a path toward legalization and regulation of cannabis, like we do alcohol." On Tuesday, Evers said that he was looking forward to working with legislators on both sides of the aisle to find common ground on the issue.