Czech Republic Could Still Move Forward with Marijuana Legalization
According to a research note from Owen Bennett, an analyst with New York-based investment banking firm Jefferies, the Czech Republic could still legalize recreational cannabis to some degree. In Bennett’s note, he wrote that the Czech Republic wants to continue with adult-use legalization but first wants to see how the European Commission reacts to Germany’s draft law once it is published. He cited a report that appeared in the publication Business of Cannabis. Bennett noted that creating a legal and regulated adult-use market will not be without challenges under European and international law. But the biggest issue may come from one of the primary tenets of the European Union, which is the free movement of goods and services across the continent. If only a few EU countries legalize cannabis, it could create friction with the countries that choose to continue prohibition.
Alabama Issues Its First MMJ Licenses
In 2021, the state legislature in Alabama passed medical marijuana. But, the bill that approved the medical cannabis program specified that business licenses could not be issued until September 1, 2022. As such, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) awarded 16 licenses on Monday. Over 90 businesses applied for the available licenses. The AMCC is allowed to issue 12 licenses for medical cannabis cultivation, four licenses for processing, and four licenses for dispensaries. The commission is also permitted to award five additional licenses for integrated businesses that would cultivate, process, and distribute medical cannabis products. Each integrated facility would be responsible for operating five dispensary locations and they would need to grow the marijuana sold in their dispensaries. The AMCC is also allowed to issue an unknown number of licenses for the testing and transportation of medical marijuana.
NC Lawmakers Make a Late Attempt to Pass Medical Marijuana Legalization
North Carolina is one of the few states that does not allow for any form of medical marijuana. But lawmakers in the state hope to change that with a late push to legalize medical cannabis. Earlier in the year, the Senate passed the Compassionate Care Act. The bill would permit individuals suffering from one of 15 conditions to legally access medical cannabis. The legislation includes access to smokable flower. But, the House has yet to hold a vote on the Compassionate Care Act despite several hearings on the matter. Some legislators hope that the vote happens before the July 4th recess. But, as many have pointed out, there are other issues competing for lawmakers’ attention in the next few weeks.
