Recent Polling Shows the Majority of Black Americans Strongly Support Legalization
A recent poll from the Pew Research Center shows that the majority of black Americans strongly support cannabis legalization and relief and expungement for past cannabis-related convictions. The poll found that nearly six in ten black Americans are in favor of legalizing medical and recreational marijuana. Of those surveyed, only 11 percent supported keeping cannabis criminalized. When asked whether those convicted of cannabis-only offenses should be released from prison and have their records expunged, 74 percent of black Americans favored these policy changes.
More and More Cannabis Retailers Are Discounting Their Products
Marijuana retailers in both Canada and the United States are increasingly offering discounts on their products. Krista Raymer of cannabis retail consulting agency Vetrina Group says the growing number of discounts is likely due to the increase in marijuana products and brands that are becoming available to consumers. This increase in products has caused retailers to have more unsold stock, particularly as many cannabis markets are seeing recreational sales slow. Many cannabis retailers are offering a variety of promotions and sales to offload some of their surplus inventory. Raymer expects this trend to continue, at least until the industry as a whole has more data and experience to manage inventory and prices better.
Connecticut Lawmakers Crack Down on Cannabis “Gifting” Practices
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed legislation to crack down on marijuana gifting practices. Not only would the bill impose a $1,000 fine for exchanging marijuana products for donations or as a “gift” for another purchase, but it would also permit cities to issue a $1,000 fine for failing to pay sales tax on these purchases. Since Connecticut legalized cannabis last year, several unlicensed pop-up cannabis bazaars have arisen. The hope is that the legislation will combat this illicit activity. Officials in Connecticut plan to have legal cannabis sales up and running by the end of this year.
