On July 8, California’s Department of Cannabis Control (“DCC”) issued draft regulations looking to standardize cannabis testing across the state. According to a statement, the DCC issued the proposed regulations in reaction to concerns about cannabis potency inflation and “laboratory shopping,” by cannabis businesses looking to secure THC levels that may be higher than what is actually contained in the cannabis flower or product. These new regulations would standardize the ways in which licensed cannabis labs in California can conduct their cannabinoid testing.Continue Reading California Proposes New Cannabis Lab Testing Regulations
Cannabis Legal Report – Week of July 6, 2022
Cannabis: In Focus
- Florida Lawsuit Challenges Federal Regulations Regarding Firearm Purchases for Medical Cannabis Patients
- Texas Upholds Ban on Smokable Hemp
- Maryland Court Rules Aroma of Cannabis is Sufficient Evidence to Lead to a Brief Investigatory Stop
Continue Reading Cannabis Legal Report – Week of July 6, 2022
Proposing a Harmonized Approach for Testing Consumer Cannabis Products
Perkins Coie and the National Cannabis Laboratory Council (NCLC) are proud to announce the release of “Standardizing Cannabis Lab Testing Nationally,” a white paper authored by numerous lab scientists and operators from around the country and edited by Perkins Coie attorneys.
As the legal cannabis market continues to expand, and potential federal legalization and inevitable
CLIMB Act Introduced in Congress
Late last week, a bi-partisan pair of federal lawmakers introduced a new bill to expand cannabis companies’ access to financial resources and opportunities. Introduced by Reps. Troy Carter (D-La.) and Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.), the Capital Lending and Investment for Marijuana Businesses (“CLIMB”) Act, H.R. 8200, aims to permit cannabis businesses to engage with community development, small business, minority development, and other public or private financial capital sources for investment and financing. Further, the bill aims to create a safe harbor for security exchanges to list securities for legitimate cannabis businesses.Continue Reading CLIMB Act Introduced in Congress
Cannabis Legal Report—Week of June 19, 2022
Cannabis: In Focus
- New Mexico class action calls for insurance coverage for medical cannabis
- Bicameral attempt to legislate bipartisan cannabis omnibus package
- Oregon ban on “artificially derived cannabinoids” in cannabis products set to take effect July 1, 2022
Continue Reading Cannabis Legal Report—Week of June 19, 2022
Where Is the SAFE Banking Act?
As Congress continues to debate the SAFE Banking Act, cannabis business and financial institutions should pay close attention to the bill’s potential to transform the accessibility of banking and payment processing solutions within the cannabis industry. In May, a national group of state banking regulators issued open letters to Congress urging passage of the bill. This action by state banking regulators builds upon prior support from groups like the American Bankers Association as well as dozens of state governors and attorneys general. Here, we check in on the status of the SAFE Banking Act and look ahead for its implications if passed.Continue Reading Where Is the SAFE Banking Act?
Mississippi Legalizes Medical Marijuana
On February 2, 2022, Republican Governor Tate Reeves signed the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act, which legalizes medical marijuana for the treatment of certain debilitating conditions. Those debilitating conditions include, among others, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, HIV/AIDs, sickle cell anemia, Alzheimer’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, and autism. The law became effective immediately, making Mississippi the 37th state
Dr. Robert Califf Confirmed to Head FDA
By a 50-46 vote, the Senate today confirmed Dr. Robert Califf as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The narrow decision reflected opposition to the nomination by several Democratic senators, notably Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., who co-wrote a recent op-ed against Califf’s nomination. Six Republicans, including Susan Collins, R-Me., and Richard Burr, R-N.C., voted
Introduction of Senate Cannabis Descheduling Bill Anticipated in April 2022
In July 2021, three Democratic senators—Cory Booker, Ron Wyden, and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer—distributed a discussion draft of the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act, a major bill promising sweeping reforms of cannabis regulation at the federal level, notably descheduling the substance under the Controlled Substances Act. The senators’ offices invited public comment from stakeholders. On
Research and Regulation for the Cannabis Industry: A Conversation With Sheri Orlowitz
The discussion about federal regulation for the cannabis industry is complex. The Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation wants to ensure that federal regulations are informed by and grounded in science, best business practices, sound public policy, and social justice principles. Sheri Orlowitz, founder and chairman of the board of the Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation,