D.C. Saw an Increase in MMJ Registrations After “Self-Certification” Law Went into Effect
On July 6, Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser signed a bill into law that allows residents to “self-certify” for medical cannabis. This means individuals no longer need a doctor’s recommendation to access medical marijuana products. Last week, the District’s Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) posted the monthly numbers for July, which showed that more than 1,200 individuals registered to become medical marijuana patients. This data shows the most significant jump in registrations this year. While medical cannabis registrations have been steadily increasing in D.C., most months have only seen an increase of a few hundred patients.
Idaho Cannabis Advocates Campaigning to Put Medical Cannabis on 2024 Ballot
There is a new campaign to provide Idahoans with access to medical marijuana. Activist group Kind Idaho filed a ballot measure with the secretary of state earlier this month. The group is hoping to get their measure on the ballot for 2024. The initiative is being called the Idaho Medical Marijuana Act of 2024 and supporters say it is nearly identical to one that fell short of making the ballot this year. The proposed measure would legalize medical marijuana for patients that qualify with one of any number of conditions or illnesses, such as cancer, chronic pain, or PTSD, among others. According to the group, the next step in the process is to revisit the secretary of state’s office in approximately five weeks to review any changes that the state’s attorney general recommends.
Cannabis Companies in Virginia Focus on Medical Facility Expansion as Recreational Sales Launch Remains Uncertain
Last year, lawmakers in Virginia approved legislation that legalized recreational cannabis for the state. However, at the time, Democrats controlled the state government. Now that much of the state government is controlled by Republicans, the 2024 launch date for recreational cannabis sales seems uncertain. Because of this, multistate operators with facilities in Virginia are focusing on expanding their medical cannabis businesses in the state. In addition, the state legislature made changes to the medical marijuana program earlier this year, effectively expanding patient access. The most significant change streamlines the application process so that patients can purchase medical cannabis products the same day they receive a doctor’s recommendation. Many believe this change to the program will increase demand for medical marijuana.
