West Virginia House Wants to Limit Medical Marijuana Testing Facilities
West Virginia’s House passed a bill that would limit the facilities that can test medical marijuana to only two companies. The legislation was created to make sure that the two facilities that have been working with the state’s Department of Health and Human Resources on marijuana testing see a return for their commitment and investment. The primary criticism of the bill is that it shuts out any other companies that may want to conduct medical cannabis testing. The bill, known as House Bill 4627, is sponsored by Delegate Brandon Steele and passed the House with a vote of 67-33. It is now onto the Senate for review.
South Dakota House Committee Defeats Marijuana Legalization Bill
On Monday, the South Dakota House State Affairs Committee defeated a bill to legalize cannabis. The measure, SB 3, was narrowly approved in the Senate. To reject the bill, the House committee voted to move the legislation to the 41st day of the session, which is one day after the session ends, effectively eliminating the ability to review and consider it. There is a possibility that SB 3 could be revived if 24 lawmakers force the floor to consider it, however, it remains to be seen if the bill has enough support. Advocates don’t feel the fight is over yet, and South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws is already working to gather signatures to place legalization on this year’s ballot.
Washington Legislators Considering a Ban on Delta-8 THC
Despite being one of the first states to legalize recreational cannabis, lawmakers in Washington are considering a bill that would ban the manufacture and sale of “intoxicating” hemp-derived products, such as delta-8 THC. The ban would apply to those currently licensed to manufacture and sell cannabis products as well. The issue of hemp-derived cannabinoids is causing a great deal of division in the state-legal industry. Hemp flower is typically much cheaper than cannabis flower, and products derived from hemp can be sold in a wider variety of retail locations. However, lawmakers are concerned that the availability of these products is putting them in the hands of minors, and the last-minute legislation is meant to curb that.
