New York has legalized medical cannabis by implementing the Compassionate Care Act in 2014 that follows very strict laws but is carried out by a very expensive program. Just when the COVID-19 started to spread, New York’s lawmakers and advocates were already over a year in the process of legalizing recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older. Political negotiations were made, proposals were presented from all sides but a “final deal” did not take place since, among other things, issues …
Oklahoma – An Exceptional Cannabis Boomer State
Oklahoma used to be very conservative concerning cannabis laws (6 months jail time and a $1,200 fine for possession) but has flipped the switch to becoming less strict about it since June 2018. Medical cannabis is now legally permitted in Oklahoma (possession of up to 3 ounces and grow a maximum of 12 plants, possession is fined $400) and has …
Iowa and New Mexico Opens Dispensary and Manufacturer Applications
Iowa Dispensary Applications The Iowa Department of Public Health is looking to replace two dispensaries in an application round that began on April 17, 2020. Submissions are due June 8, 2020, by certified mail. The dispensaries are required to operate in accordance with Iowa Code chapter 124E and 641 Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) Chapter 154. There is a section dedicated …
Similarities and Differences: Cannabis in Canada and the United States
Despite state-by-state legalization, Canada remains one of the most common cannabis tourist destinations for many Americans. Cannabis was legalized in October 2018 with the federal Cannabis Act, and the country currently allows up to 30 grams of cannabis flower per adult and 4 homegrown plants per household. Implementing this policy took about 3 years and brought tremendous change to the …
BREAKING NEWS- Illinois Adult-Use Cannabis Application Extension
BREAKING NEWS- The Illinois Department of Agriculture is extending the deadline for Craft Grow, Infuser, and Transporter Adult-Use Cannabis applications until March 30, 2020. The Department is urging Applicants to submit via certified mail rather than in person. The Illinois application extension was issued by an Executive Order signed by Governor JB Pritzker on March 12, 2020 and extends the previous …
Cannabis: The Past, Present, and Predictions for the Future
You’ve likely noticed cannabis’ new presence in your hometown: marijuana leaves on billboards, CBD stores popping up, or a dispensary opening down the street. But, cannabis has been present in the United States since before its founding. Hemp, which is fast growing and easy to cultivate, was valued by early colonists for its versatility, and was even used as legal …
West Virginia (Finally) has Medicinal Cannabis
After two years of waiting and months of delays, West Virginia will finally begin accepting applications for medical cannabis dispensaries, grows, processors, and laboratories. The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and the Bureau for Public Health have announced that the Office of Medical Cannabis will begin accepting applications at 3:00 p.m. EST on December 19. Applicants will …
Texas Cannabis Updates
Update on 10-9-19: The Texas DPS announced: “The Department’s Compassionate Use Program is not accepting applications at this time.” We will monitor the situation.
Attention Illinois Cannabis Community
Applications were released today for Conditional Adult Use Dispensing Organizations. The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation will begin accepting applications on December 10, 2019, and all applications must be submitted by January 2, 2020, at noon. You’ve been planning your cannabis application for months. Now it’s time to start writing! The application is broken into 10 scored sections for a total …
Dallas Consultant of the Year 2019
Sapphire Risk Advisory Group is pleased to announce it has been honored as the Dallas Award Program’s 2019 Consultant of the Year. We were commended for our exceptional marketing success and our contribution to our community and to the U.S. economy. Over the past five years, Sapphire Risk has written the security section in over 200 state/city cannabis applications in …