States are continuing to post record sales, a few Northeastern states are looking at legalization and others are working to collect signatures to get legalization on the November 2020 ballot. Let's dig in!
NATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Forget Toilet Paper And Clorox Wipes, Cannabis Edibles Are Hot Pandemic Must-Haves
Since March, the cannabis industry has seen an influx of new customers: Eaze, an online cannabis retailer, told The Associated Press that first-time purchases of cannabis were up more than 50 percent in early March. And as fear of inhaled products has risen — spurred partly by studies of “vaping illness” and exacerbated by respiratory risks associated with the coronavirus — many consumers have opted to enjoy cannabis in edible form. (New York Times)
Democratic Senator Says Congress Will Legalize Marijuana In 2021
Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) was asked about a variety of cannabis-related issues during an interview on Saturday, and he said Democrats are positioned to advance marijuana reform as soon as they have a majority in both chambers of Congress. While Biden remains opposed to adult-use legalization, the senator said supporters will have the votes to pass it in any case. (Marijuana Moment)
STATEWIDE CHATTER
Arkansas
Since the first dispensary opened in the state last May, Arkansans have spent nearly $100 million on medical marijuana. According to the latest report from the Medical Marijuana Commission, reflecting sales through June 25, patients have purchased 15,838 pounds of medical cannabis for $99.16 million. (KNWA Fox 24)
Colorado
Cannabis sales in Colorado set a new monthly record in May, hitting their highest level since recreational sales began in 2014. Dispensaries sold $192,175,937 worth of products in May, according to data from the Department of Revenue’s Marijuana Enforcement Division. That’s up about 29% from April and an increase of 32% from May 2019. Sales at both medical and recreational dispensaries hit monthly all-time highs, at $42,989,322 and $149,186,615, respectively. Collectively, both sectors have sold more than $779 million in 2020 and paid more than $167 million in taxes and fees to the state. (Denver Post)
Northeast Lawmakers Pushing Legalization Forward
A few states have spoken up recently about legalization:
Pennsylvania: A majority of Pennsylvania Senate Democrats sent a letter to the governor and legislative leaders arguing that lawmakers should pursue adult-use marijuana legalization in order to generate revenue to make up for losses resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. The letter stresses that the state’s economic situation is “dire” and that the government “should do absolutely everything we can to raise revenue.” (Marijuana Moment)
Virigina: On July 1, a law decriminalizing the possession of a small amount of cannabis took effect in Virginia. Now, a state lawmaker said she plans to introduce a bill, which, if passed, would go a step further. “If we can decriminalize, we can legalize,” said Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy, a Democrat representing parts of Prince William and Stafford counties. (WTOP News)
November 2020 Ballot
Over the past few weeks, a few states have been pushing for cannabis legalization to be included on the November 2020 ballot: ARIZONA (adult-use; Marijuana Moment), IDAHO (medicinal use; Marijuana Moment), and NEBRASKA (medicinal use; Marijuana Moment).
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