State legislatures have been actively introducing and passing cannabis laws during the 2017-2018 legislative session. We expect this level of legislative activity to continue as the industry’s implementation of adult use and medical marijuana reveals additional legislation that is needed to address challenges.
Big themes during the 2017 / 2018 legislative session include:
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Industrial hemp carve-outs and pilot programs;
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Prohibitions against driving while intoxicated;
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Technical changes to rules and changes to operations;
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Packaging and labeling requirements;
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Independent testing requirements;
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Justice Reform: expungement laws and local equity programs; and
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Prohibition of cannabis-infused alcoholic beverages.
We believe the 2019 legislative session will be just as active as states rush to address issues around banking and the opening of borders for CBD and hemp products. Cannabis businesses that are seeking national growth will seek to further open state borders for the investment opportunity and market expansion. Monitoring next year’s legislation will be imperative for understanding the competitive landscape over the next couple of years.
