Officials in Alabama Approve Rules for Medical Cannabis Program
After several months of revisions and a public comment period, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission approved rules for the state’s medical cannabis program. The 171-page document establishes the rules and regulations for the licensing of medical cannabis businesses. Now that the rules are officially approved, the next step is for the commission to send out applications, which is expected sometime in late October. Officials expect that the earliest medical cannabis products could appear on dispensary shelves would be in late 2023. The available products will not include edibles or cannabis flower as those forms of medical cannabis are expressly prohibited under Alabama’s medical cannabis program.
North Dakota Voters Will See Cannabis Legalization Measure on November’s Ballot
On Monday, North Dakota became the most recent state to certify a question on cannabis legalization for the November ballot. According to a release from the activist group New Approach North Dakota, the proposal for recreational cannabis was certified by the secretary of state after it was verified that the group had collected enough voter signatures. If North Dakotans vote in favor of the measure, it would legalize the possession and sale of up to one ounce of cannabis by individuals 21 and older. The legislation would also set up regulations for the adult-use market as well as safety standards for product quality. The measure would prohibit public consumption but would allow for the home-growing of up to three plants.
Marijuana Advertising Giant Weedmaps Lays Off Portion of their Staff
Well-known cannabis advertising company Weedmaps has reportedly laid off approximately 10 percent of its staff. The cause is a “widespread slowdown” of the cannabis market across the United States. Weedmaps CEO Chris Beals said the move would hopefully allow the company to weather any coming recession or economic downturn. Beals said, “Though difficult, we believe this restructure better positions the company to weather end market turbulence and operate profitably in the second half of the year.” An internal memo from earlier this month also pointed to rising gas prices and cannabis market issues in California, Colorado, and Oregon.
