This past week for cannabis was slower than most with states vying for acceptance and understanding of our favorite plant. Following California’s recent decision to prohibit all forms of infused food and drinks, the battle escalated. The Department of Public Health’s Food and Drug branch cited that lack of scientific evidence for infused foods safety for animals and humans. The issue remains unresolved as many shops have refused to remove products from their shelves.
Stay tuned for any changes in California’s battle for compliance and read below for more cannabis news.
Cannabis Opposing Florida OMMU Director Resigns
According to Orlando Weekly, Florida has some bittersweet news as the Director of the Office of Medical Marijuana Use, Christian Bax, resigned late last week. After serving the recently the states cannabis office for 3 years, Bax made the announcement and was met with an array of mixed reactions; some even citing that it was “a shame that it took this long.”
Bax remained stern in his approach to cannabis that many felt was in opposition despite his position. His time as director was plagued by delays in legislation as well as unpopular amendment changes to the 2016 ballot on medical cannabis. Few see the obstacles as expected hiccups in the new market for the state, as growing pains for a state that was assumed to be one of the largest markets in the U.S. Most, such as Orlando trial lawyer John Morgan, see if as the office dragging their feet.
“He was so inept that it had to be intentional. Anyone would be better and more capable,” Morgan said in an email. “He was to health care in Florida what Barney Fife was to law enforcement. This is a great day for the sick and injured in Florida.”
Morgan led a case against the state on the behalf of ailing cannabis patients when a ban on smokable cannabis items came in 2016. As the state is gearing up for a new roundup of applications for medical license, Morgan’s clients see it as a blessing as this was also delayed while Bax was in office.
Bax will be succeeded by his deputy director, Courtney Coppola as he leaves no later than August 10.
“The bipartisan frustration with the slow implementation of this law has been well documented. Last week, Ms. Coppola gave the Legislature a plan to finish implementation[sic] of the law. Now that she is in charge, our expectation is for her to execute her plan and finish the job.”
Bill Provides Federal Protections for Cannabis Users
In a surprisingly supportive move, Congress introduced the bipartisan bill, “Fairness in Federal Drug Testing Under State Laws Act”. This past Thursday, Democratic Congressman Charlie Crist and Republican Congressman Drew Ferguson introduced legislation that would prevent the federal government from firing its employees for cannabis use under legal state laws. The bill would prevent federal employees from being negatively impacted by their private use of cannabis if their state allows for its recreational use. The only exception would be if there is probable cause to believe that the individual is under the influence at the workplace.
Similar measures for military veterans have been introduced but all not see a floor vote due to Republican House leaders. This new bill, however, protects employees from various departments in the federal realm from adverse action if they are in compliance with the state law. It doesn’t protect those with particularly high positions with access to sensitive programs or those with a top-secret clearance.
California Cannabis Market Issues First Recall
The year has been full of many “first” for the cannabis industry; this particular “first” may not be one that anyone expected. The California based manufacturer and their distributor voluntarily issued a recall of a batch of products that were sold to local shops earlier this month. The Bloom Brand and the distributor in question, Greenfield Organix 4th St made this joint statement via Bloom’s website:
Batch Number B-180504 contains the pesticide Myclobutanil and does not comply with the Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) standards. We are working closely with the BCC to remedy this issue and expect clean, compliant products to be back on shelves in three weeks. …
“If you suspect that you are affected by the recall, please return the product to the retailer where it was purchased for a full refund. DO NOT CONSUME this product if you have it in your possession as it is deemed that it may be harmful to your health and wellbeing.”
— The Bloom Brand official statement, in the product recall press release
Ganjapreneur reports that the alert was posted before the weekend but, there is no word yet of the widespread effect of the recall. Check here for a list of stores affected and strains to keep an eye on.
Democrats Want Cannabis Decriminalization in First 100 Days in Congress
With another congressional vote coming along, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) has introduced a 10-point list of “must-do” policies. The CBC, made up of 48 African-Americans in Congress, presented the list on Friday under the circumstances of Democrats taking back the House. The CBC insist “they pass these policies within the first 100 days,”
The list, much aimed at ending the war on drugs, consist but is not limited to the following:
- Decriminalize the use and possession of marijuana allowing states to make their own decisions and end federal prohibition and related law enforcement of marijuana.
- Remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act and create a “Community Reinvestment Fund” to invest in communities most impacted by the War on Drugs, for programs such as job training, reentry, community centers, and more.
- Retroactively eliminate mandatory minimums for federal drug offenses and require the Attorney General to reinstitute the Smart on Crime directive and pass codifying legislation.
- Instruct the U.S. Sentencing Commission to amend the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines accordingly.
Moreover, the decision was made to ease racial issues that have created division in the past, citing the rates at which groups of people consume cannabis but blacks are more likely to be arrested, convicted, and incarcerated for cannabis offenses.
Written by: Joycelin Arnold
