Black Storm Switzerland – How The Expertise Can Impact The Extraction Market
A common issue within hemp growers is that their plants produce higher amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) than expected, falling into the raw of illegal plants. Few years ago the European Parliament approved to increase THC levels from 0.2% to 0.3% for hemp crops used for industrial purposes. In Switzerland the threshold of THC content is 1%, above which the hemp plants and the products are classified as narcotic substances. Nevertheless, depending on the desired final outcome, a THC free product might be the goal.
For this reason a company like Black Storm gained an important role in the Swiss and European market, offering a service requested by many: the large scale extraction of THC from cannabis buds, capable of transforming an unsellable crop into a rewarding one. In addition to that and as main and initial activity of Black Storm, they are experts in efficiently producing high quality extracts and isolate Cannabidiol (CBD) or other to produce a large array of products that can be sold as white label. Many shops sell Black Storm extracts and other cannabis derivatives: you will not find black storm logo, but you’ll recognise their undoubtable quality.
Notably after Black Storm processing, hemp inflorescences are still good-looking and can still be attractive to the market of recreational amateurs consuming low-THC content cannabis. We got the chance to interview the founders of the Black Storm company Roland Jeker and Luboš Lev. Their expertise and passion are visible and result in a multifaceted company capable of supplying high quality products both to big traders and small businesses.
What is the mission of “Black Storm”?
Our mission is to produce reliable products, without any residue and with the analytical proof attesting the absence of pesticides, heavy metals, mycotoxins and so on. We always try to achieve the best final product quality and we care about our customers’ satisfaction. We produce everything as we would do for ourselves.
We are also interested in acquiring more knowhow and getting more knowledge on the techniques we use and the materials we process.
How did you decide to open this company? Tell us a bit more of your background and how you ended up in this field.
(Roland Jeker) I’ve always been a grower and fascinated about the entrepreneurial aspect of this field. I like to think about the cannabis industry as a white paper, to shape and create your ideas to reach in the most efficient way the expected goals. I like the challenge of building up a company and realize what is in mind. I met Luboš as a friend of a friend. He came at first as a helper, but directly from the beginning he actively participated in the development of our company. Since always, we both worked in the cannabis sector and we lived in the extraction industry, starting with small scale equipment, pilot scale machineries till large scale industrial settings.
Which kind of products do you produce?
We can create products containing different percentages of THC and CBD upon request.
We produce a wide range of products such as: isolates, distillates, CBD hash, THC hash, crumble, moon rocks, icerocks, crude extracts, winterized extracts, distillates, European distillates with less than 0.2-0.3% of THC, e-liquids, THC-free extracts, tinctures, broad-spectrum oils, full-spectrum oils, terpenes fractions, washed-out flowers that fit for the European market with lowered amount of THC.
We know that you use pentane to lower the THC levels of cannabis buds. Why did you decide to use this kind of solvent?
We prefer liquid alkanes because they are easy to handle compared to the ones in gas state but they can still evaporate easily. The equipment used are simpler and pressure adjustments are not necessary. There is less risk of explosions compared to a solvent like BHO and the final product looks nicer compared to the buds washed with .
How do you check the purity of your solvents?
We always buy our solvents from reliable sources. We double-check their purity and absence of contaminants through HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) and with GC (gas chromatography) before using them.
Which analytical techniques do you use to quantify the cannabinoid content of your products?
Internally we have an HPLC and we always use it for an initial quantification of cannabinoid content in our products. But, depending on the customer needs, we always send a few samples of the same lot to third party laboratories in order to get additional analysis through HPLC-MS and GC. In addition to cannabinoid content, in third party laboratories we check the absence of pesticides, mycotoxins, heavy metals and solvent residues.
Which kind of companies ask for your services?
Most of our customers are big traders. They generally use our services to finish their products. We also work with small businesses that order a certain amount of our extracts and isolates as white labels and then they add something to create their own final product.
In general, our products are often used as starting material or additional ingredients to create our customers special formulations.
The flower washing is a service we added because of the strict European regulations. We started to do it because it was a need of the market.
Do you also have a store selling your products?
We produce as white labels. Many stores sell our products in the food and beverage sector and in the cosmetic one. In Switzerland we also supply pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies.
Do you sell your products mainly in Switzerland or also abroad?
This year we mainly sold our THC-free distillates to Japan. But in addition to Switzerland we work all over Europe and in the UK.
Can you tell a few objectives Black Storm would like to achieve in the next future?
We want to expand the array of extracts we can do and we like to adjust the procedures and the extraction process also to other starting materials. We are not just extracting cannabis anymore, we also started extracting mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) and Reishi (Ganoderma sichuanense). In addition to that we are also starting to extract coffee bean shells. We also plan to start producing our own cannabis biomass. It’s something we’ve been thinking about for a long time and now it’s almost about to happen.
Madkind-v-Mankind. A Race Against Time
Madkind-v-Mankind.
A Race Against Time
Just under the surface of daily life two starkly opposing forces are at work: ‘the will for life’ and ‘the will for no life’. Both are wrestling their way towards becoming the dominant reality of this era. It’s a race against time.
The clock has been set by Madkind, with the disturbingly passive acceptance of much of Mankind.
Madkind is obsessed by mechanical time. It sets the clock and demands its agenda be implemented according to the time frame it decrees.
‘The Great Reset’ is the appropriately named most recent clock setting event initiated by Madkind.
It has placed some key dates in its agenda for the transference of organic life into a digitally controlled robotic look-alike, with the purpose of rendering Mankind obsolete.
It finds 2025/26, 2030 and 2045/50 useful markers by which to achieve particular phases of this ambition.
We know Madkind’s game plan because it is explicitly laid out in UN Agenda 2030 and the World Economic Forum’s Fourth Industrial Revolution/Green New Deal.
On the financial side, for a start, a central bank digital currency with a social credit compliance program to control individual’s access to their bank accounts, is clocked in for circa 2026.
Global economic stagnation and swathes of human starvation are timed to follow.
By 2030, Madkind’s agenda states that the process of digitalisation and artificial intelligence (IT) will have usurped much of Mankind’s emotional and rational thinking capacity; with natural powers of reproduction also sterilised into submission by ever increasing atmospheric geoengineering, water and food denaturing, electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) and weaponised vaccination programmes.
By the same date around fifty percent of food is planned to be created in factory laboratories. Synthetic, genetically modified and with no connection with soil.
Insects are high on the list for protein replacement, once milk, meat and eggs have been rendered ‘off the menu’ due to their being identified as complicit in Madkind’s mad global warming invention.
Energy production is slated to be largely divorced from fossil fuel burning practices by this same date. Replaced by what it sees as ‘Green’ solutions taking over the powering of what is left of productive industry.
By 2045/50 Madkind sees itself in the driving seat with its so called ‘Net Zero’ (no carbon dioxide) policy having further reduced natural biodiversity and world populations to a fraction of current levels, replacing Mankind with the AI Transhuman cyborg version and a slave race of Humankind preserved for menial duties unsuited to robots.
This is a purely cursory, indicative list – as there is far more insanity in the pipeline than mentioned here. And Madkind has a plan B, C and D if A fails to materialise (on time).
To further remind one’s self, just check Mad Schwab’s description of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Mad Harari’s declaration “We will do better than God”.
Meanwhile, in the race against time, a still small but steadily growing percentage of Mankind is realising that its future on this planet is under threat, like never before.
Information concerning the nature of this crisis is humming through the internet ether; is under discussion in thousands of conference venues, private homes and work places.
Mankind is stirring and Madkind is trying to block the growing momentum.
There are energetic forces at play here that we cannot see, but can feel. They counteract the brain targetted torpor manufactured by Madkind’s ‘Cerebral Valley’ military industrial complex and directed at chosen targets by devious ‘intelligence’ operatives in the CIA, Mossad, MI5, MI6, FBI and more.
Mankind is awakening to the reality of its slavery to Madkind’s mad ambitions. This is the epicenter of the clash Life-v-Death. And we are all, whether we know it or not, active players in this unprecedented drama.
Yes, it’s a race against time: will the power of awakened spirit get there first and break the Satanic code of the psychopaths – thereby freeing Mankind from Madkind’s inhuman prison?
Or will the psychos keep their grip on the mental and physical health of enough mortals to maintain its grinding momentum?
Nobody can second-guess the future; but everyone capable of ringing the bell and jumping onto the fire engine cannot any longer turn their backs on the challenge facing Mankind. But must turn to face and to combat the threat of extinction that Madkind has planned and already set in motion on may levels.
Although there are one hundred and one ways of taking up the call to action, there are two foundational principles which we should all respect in order to build our strength of purpose and our pureness of intent to be victors of life over death: an inner nurturing of light and an outer manifestation of that light’s powers.
These two actions should become instilled in us, to constitute the central daily rhythm of our lives.
By ‘outer manifestation of light’s powers’ I specifically mean taking action in support of social, economic, environmental and political change for the overall emancipation of Humanity and nature.
No matter what other tasks or work schedules we have to maintain, each day should start and end with a space dedicated to the nurturing of our deeper self and the activation of resulting powers in the cause of breaking our oppressor’s cult of death.
Always inner reflection leading to outer action, never just one or the other.
Highly recommended is also a point during each day when one remembers why one is here, what one’s bigger role is in this life and how one can properly manifest it.
Our (human) soul lives forever. Its journey is eternal and the area of travel is infinite.
But this onward journey into the bosom of creation – and ever closer to the birth place of Life, will not materialise from wishful thinking or from prayer.
Only through our determination to realise and to manifest our true selves, our higher energies – and, I repeat, channel these into actions dedicated to the emancipation of all mankind and of nature. That is our passport to eternal freedom.
There is therefore no point in thinking “I’ll be glad to leave this crazy world and finally be free.”
Such is the great deception perpetrated by religious authoritarianism and the teachers of spiritual escapism, that many suffer this grand illusion.
Until we gain the power to break out of Madkind’s selfish and seductive soul trap, we have no passport to freedom, in this life or in the after life.
Without making a continuous effort for self realisation – and without cultivating the will to direct the fruits of this process towards the manifestation of justice and truth, one commits a form of soul suicide.
This means never escaping the wheel of repeating returns to the ‘slave status’ one has been trapped in, in previous existences.
Madkind’s extinction agenda counts on us not taking-up this daily commitment for the realisation of true freedom. This beautiful sense of finally being settled on the path of a profound truth. Of oneness with the Cosmic Nucleus from whence we came.
How many times must one return to this planet, only to find the same – but further rotted – garbage one left behind on the last time around?
Failure to clean up and move on – means being caught-up in a perpetual cycle of mental and physical imprisonment.
This is a universal law – which in the East is called Karma – from which there is no escape. Except the one based on the process I have outlined, however briefly.
There is no time to loose. We are in this race against time, and it’s probably the most meaningful stimulus any of us will ever get in order to train ourselves to become spiritual warriors.
In order to manifest that which is impregnable to Madkind’s agents of degradation and destruction, our focus must be on becoming fully primed for victory.
This is our raison d’etre. Why we came to this tarnished yet radiant planet earth.
We are brothers and sisters engaged in birthing the global realisation of our true potentiality.
We are empowered since our inception with all that’s needed to rise up and defeat Madkind.
If it’s only due to a lack of necessity that we have squandered this potential thus far, then that time has passed.
Have no doubt about our ability to defeat Madkind. Over fifty percent of what it takes to win our battle simply involves reinforcing our determination to fully express our humanity – that which contains the seeds of invincibility.
Nurturing all that is warm, loving, true, determined and courageous. I stress ‘courageous’, as Madkind is essentially cowardly.
Behind its facade of pomp and power is a debilitating weakness, a Godless void. Madkind has no spunk – it cowers behind its digitalised surveillance weaponry and addiction to broadcasting fear.
Just stand up to Madkind – and it is finished.
Armed with courage and gifted with a determined sense of self belief – we hold the Ace card.
It’s time to play it!
Julian Rose is an organic farmer, writer, broadcaster and international activist. He is author of four books of which the latest ‘Overcoming the Robotic Mind’ is a clarion call to resist the despotic New World Order takeover of our lives. Do visit his website for further information www.julianrose.info
Overcoming the Robotic Mind – Why Humanity Must Come Through
https://cultivateelevate.com/antioxidant-trio-6mix-dragons-blood-pearl-powder/?ref=2bfG3v4vqhqnIp
420 with CNW — German Marijuana Imports Reached Record Levels in 2023
Germany saw a significant surge in its marijuana imports for scientific and medical purposes last year, reaching a record high, indicating a growing interest from international businesses eyeing opportunities in Europe’s largest federally regulated medical cannabis market. According to the latest data from the Federal Institute for Drugs & Medical Devices (BfArM), the country imported 36.4 tons (31,398 kilograms) of marijuana products last year. This marks a notable increase of 26.2% compared to the previous year’s import volume of 24,876 kilograms.
The trend of increasing imports has been consistent through the years. In 2022, the country saw imports of 27.4 tons (24,876 kilograms) of marijuana, reflecting a 19.8% increase from the previous year. The year 2021 saw imports of 22.9 tons (20,771 kilograms), representing a significant surge of 77% over the previous year.
In 2020, imports totaled 12.8 tons (11,746 kilograms), indicating a 46% increase from 2019, while in 2019, Germany imported 8.9 tons (8,057 kilograms) of marijuana, which was an 80% increase from the previous year’s imports. While some of these imports are re-exported to other European Union countries annually, experts suggest that the data underscores the rapid growth of the industry.
Only three businesses were authorized to grow medical cannabis in 2019; these companies were given strict output targets that would last for four years. Due to this restriction, cannabis had to be imported from overseas to meet demand. However, changes in marijuana law have the potential to reduce its dependence on imports in the future. The new law eliminates the quota system, allowing companies to apply for permits to grow medical cannabis through the agency.
Furthermore, the recent revision of the marijuana law, effective April 1, 2024, has reclassified the substance, removing it from the list of narcotics. This regulatory change simplifies the process for patients seeking medical marijuana because they will no longer be required to have a narcotic prescription form. Standard prescriptions will now suffice, likely stimulating demand in the market.
Despite the optimism for increased domestic cultivation, Germany is expected to continue relying on significant imports in the foreseeable future. German-based Demecan’s managing director, Von der Groeben, pointed out Article 21 of the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, which suggests that domestic demand must be met before imports can be halted. However, he acknowledges that achieving self-sufficiency in marijuana production may take several years.
Canada remained the primary supplier of marijuana to the German market last year, accounting for approximately 50% of imports. Portugal came in second, while the Netherlands was the third-largest supplier.
The further easing of marijuana laws in Germany could create additional opportunities that major players in the North American cannabis landscape, such as Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF), may look to exploit as they expand their footprint in different legal markets.
About CNW420
CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer
CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com
CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN
BizCann Expo 2024 by ZJ Events, is Coming to Latin America
Date: May 18-19, 2024
Venue: Plaza Mayor, Medellin Colombia
ZJ Events brings BizCann Expo to Latin America, hosting the BizCann Expo 2024 in Medellin, Colombia, May 18-19, 2024. This event promises to boost cannabis investments and offer phenomenal cannabis business avenues in the region. The BizCann Expo 2024 conference offers cannabis traders, entrepreneurs, legislators, enthusiasts, and influencers, two days of networking, innovation, business, and education on the cannabis industry.
The BizCann Expo 2024 is a premier event that will connect the leading American cannabis markets for better opportunities. It will boost cannabis trade by offering a networking platform to all the cannabis businesses from all segments. 30+ eminent speakers of the industry will present insightful sessions covering the latest trends, hurdles, legislations, regulations, as well the innovations in this field.
BizCann Expo 2024 has partnered with well-known brands, from plant touching, non-plant touching, as well as ancillary services in the canna industry. The wide gamut of speakers comprises of manufacturers, professionals, service providers, legislators, software and accounting wizards, all catering to the cannabis industry.
The attendee list consists of growers, entrepreneurs, C-level executives, accountants, legal advisors, investors as well as newbies developing a foothold in the Latin American cannabis industry. Attendees can connect with the industry people and build their own cannabis community, and will also gain insights into the legal and licensing aspects of business. During the networking sessions, they can connect with industry veterans and peers to establish long-term business ties across the American landscape.
With its proximity to the US, Colombia offers the perfect venue for the expo. In addition, Medellin has great connecting facilities, a favourable legislation framework, and a vibrantly rich culture and history.
To know more, please visit https://cnw.fm/rUlkW.
About CannabisNewsWire
CannabisNewsWire (“CNW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on cannabis news and the cannabis sector. It is one of 60+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.
To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer
CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com
CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN
Auxly announces expansion into Quebec and launches new pre-roll and vape innovation
(CNW) Toronto — Auxly Cannabis Group Inc. a leading consumer packaged goods company in the cannabis products market, is pleased to announce that a curated selection of its branded products are now available online and in select retail stores in the province of Quebec. The company is also thrilled to introduce its latest array of innovative pre-roll and vape products, designed to redefine standards and enhance user experiences.
The Company has officially launched its first branded product in Quebec, where consumers are able to experience the simple, uncomplicated products of Back Forty. The initial products available now are the company’s new, slim style, large format 0.75g three-pack pre-rolls.
Building off the incredible success of Back Forty slim pre-rolls, which is currently the #1 selling pre-roll brand in Ontario, the company is thrilled to introduce its advanced, fully automated for precision, 0.75g three pack pre-rolls, that deliver a full flower taste and offer a consistent burn from start to finish. This three pack uses Auxly’s latest top performing cultivar, Liquid Imagination, a potent cross between Blue Zkittles and Jet Fuel Gelato and developed at Auxly Leamington’s advanced greenhouse. Consumers will be delighted by its high-potency blend that is chock-full of trichomes.
In addition, Auxly is continuing to build its presence in the competitive vapour category where it currently holds the #2 LP position in national sales. Late last year, the company introduced its new all-in-one vape hardware through its Back Forty brand, this convenient format was designed to be held in the palm of your hand and offer big flavour in a small size. It quickly became a consumer favourite, securing the top 4 selling SKU positions in Ontario for the last three months3 while propelling the company and the Back Forty brand to the #1 position in national disposable vape sales. The company is thrilled to announce further expansion in its hand held all-in-one vapes, with new flavour profiles like White Freeze, a nostalgic experience for the senses with notes of cream soda, vanilla and lemonade, being introduced through the Back Forty brand, as well as the launch of a new offering under its premium brand Kolab Project. This new Kolab all-in-one rechargeable vape uses innovative dual-heat settings that allow consumers to customize their experience to their personal preference, guaranteeing a carefully crafted experience, and will offer one of the Company’s most potent extracts at 92-98 per cent THC.
Advertisement
“We are thrilled to announce our entry into the Quebec market,” said Mike Lickver, president of Auxly. “Quebec makes up approximately 12 per cent of the total Canadian recreational cannabis market, so this expansion represents a significant milestone for us and the beginning of a long-term relationship with the province. This entry also solidifies our national market presence by ensuring our products can get into the hands of Canadian consumers coast to coast, as we now have a presence in all provinces and two territories. As we continue our mission to help consumers live happier lives by providing them with quality cannabis products, we are dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions that address their evolving needs.”
As the U.S. moves to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, could more states legalize it?
As the U.S. government moves toward reclassifying marijuanaas a less dangerous drug, there may be little immediate impact in the dozen states that have not already legalized cannabis for widespread medical or recreational use by adults.
But advocates for marijuana legalization hope a federal regulatory shift could eventually change the minds — and votes — of some state policymakers who have been reluctant to embrace weed.
“It is very common for a state legislator to tell me, ‘Well, I might be able to support this, but … I’m not going to vote for something that’s illegal under federal law,’” said Matthew Schweich, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project, which advocates for cannabis legalization.
Advertisement
Although a proposal to reclassify marijuana would not make it legal, “it is a historic and meaningful change at the federal level that I think is going to give many state lawmakers a little less hesitation to support a bill,” Schweich added.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has proposed to shift marijuana from a “Schedule I” drug, which includes heroin and LSD, to a less tightly regulated “Schedule III” drug, which includes ketamine and some anabolic steroids. Federal rules allow for some medical uses of Schedule III drugs. But the proposed change faces a lengthy regulatory process, which may not be complete until after the presidential election.
In the meantime, the proposed federal change could add fresh arguments for supporters of ballot measures seeking to legalize marijuana. Florida voters will decide on a constitutional amendment allowing recreational cannabis this November. Public votes could also be held in several other states, including South Dakota, where supporters plan to submit signatures Tuesday for a third attempt at legalizing recreational marijuana.
Following two previous failed attempts, a Nebraska group is gathering signatures to get two measures onto this year’s ballot: one to legalize medical marijuana and another to allow private companies to grow and sell it.
In North Dakota, criminal defense attorney Mark Friese is a former police officer who is backing a marijuana legalization ballot initiative. He said the proposed federal reclassification could immensely help this year’s initiative campaign. North Dakota voters rejected legalization measures in 2018 and 2022 but approved medical marijuana in 2016.
“The bottom line is the move is going to allow intelligent, informed discussion about cannabis legislation instead of succumbing to the historical objection that marijuana is a dangerous drug like LSD or black tar heroin,” Friese said.
Others aren’t so sure the reclassification will make a difference.
Jackee Winters, chairperson of an Idaho group backing a ballot initiative to legalize medical marijuana, said it’s tough to get would-be supporters to sign their petition.
“People are literally afraid to sign anything in Idaho that has to do with marijuana,” she said. “They’re afraid the cops will be coming to their house.”
The proposed federal change may have little affect in 24 states that already legalized recreational marijuana for adults, or in an additional 14 states that allow medical marijuana. But advocates hope it could sway opinions in a dozen other states that either outlaw cannabis entirely or have limited access to products with low levels of THC, the chemical that makes people high.
Georgia has allowed patients with certain illnesses and physician approval to consume low-THC cannabis products since 2015. But until last year, there was no legal way to buy them. Eight dispensaries are now selling the products.
The Georgia Board of Pharmacy last year also issued licenses for low-THC products to 23 independent pharmacies, but the federal DEA in November warned pharmacies that dispensing medical marijuana violated federal law.
Dawn Randolph, executive director of the Georgia Pharmacy Association, said a federal reclassification of marijuana could open the way for pharmacists to treat marijuana products “like every other prescription medication.”
In other states, such as Tennessee, elected leaders remain hesitant to back either medical or recreational marijuana. Tennessee Senate Speaker Randy McNally, a Republican, previously said he wouldn’t support changing state law until the federal government reclassifies marijuana.
But after reports about the DEA’s recommended reclassification, McNally still held off on supporting any push to legalize medical marijuana.
Removing marijuana as a Schedule I drug “would only start the conversation in my mind. It would not end it. There would still be many issues to resolve if the downgrade to Schedule III happens as proposed,” he said Thursday.
A proposal to legalize medical marijuana died in a Kansas Senate committee without a vote this year, and an attempt to force debate in the full Senate failed by a wide margin. The strongest and most influential opposition came from law enforcement officials, who raised concerns that any legalization could invite organized crime and make it difficult to assess whether people are driving under the influence.
Kansas Bureau of Investigation Director Tony Mattivi considers the DEA effort to reschedule marijuana “misguided and politicized,” KBI spokesperson Melissa Underwood said.
The head of the South Carolina state police force also has opposed efforts to legalize medical marijuana, saying it opens the door to other drug use. A legalization bill backed by Republican state Sen. Tom Davis passed the Senate this year but has stalled in a House committee.
“It’s difficult to rewire a lot of people who have been conditioned to think of marijuana in a certain way,” said Davis, who vowed to push a medical marijuana bill again next year if reelected.
Although not fully embracing medical marijuana, Iowa and Texas both have laws allowing limited access to some cannabisproducts with low levels of THC. Some Texas cities have passed ordinances allowing small amounts of marijuana. But a similar effort in Lubbock, home to Texas Tech University, was derided in a Facebook post by Republican state Rep. Dustin Burrows as part of “nationwide effort by the left to undermine public safety.”
In Wyoming, a decade of pro-marijuana efforts through ballot initiatives and legislation has gotten nowhere. Gov. Mark Gordon, a Republican, has been ambivalent about legalizing medical marijuana and opposes legal recreational pot. The GOP-led Legislature didn’t even debate the latest bill to decriminalize marijuana and legalize medical marijuana.
Yet one organizer, who helped unsuccessful petition efforts in 2022 and 2023, hopes federal reclassification of marijuana nudges more lawmakers to support legalization.
“Resistance will be a lot less palpable,” legalization advocate Apollo Pazell said.
Humboldt Seed Company Partners With Apollo Green to Bring California Cannabis to Canada
Canopy Growth Announces Financing to Further Strengthen Balance Sheet
Recent Comments