It’s cold in New England, but cannabis is getting warm

NEW ENGLAND 🍁
It’s still winter, but cannabis is getting warmer in New England

Driving the news:  Of the six New England states, New Hampshire is the lone legalization hold out, but perhaps not for long. And while New Hampshire moves forward, Rhode Island is taking steps to ease the tax burden of cannabis businesses.

Live free or…: The New Hampshire House will vote on a legalization bill on Thursday. The bill would be a very New Hampshire approach to cannabis, with tightly controlled limits on numbers and locations of dispensaries. Recall that New Hampshire tightly controls alcohol sales as well, via the New Hampshire State Liquor Store. 

Easing the 280E tax burden: A bit south of New Hampshire, a proposal by the Governor of Rhode Island would allow cannabis businesses in Rhode Island to deduct: “the amount equal to any expenditure that is eligible to be claimed as a federal income tax deduction but is disallowed under 26 U.S.C. § 280E.” 

Bottom line: New England is quickly normalizing cannabis, both by making it safely and legally available to residents, but also by understanding the benefit these businesses pose for the tax base — and we’re here for it!

“We knew that there would be some increase in legal activity or illicit sales, which was happening in every other market. But because this is New York, it’s more,” New York Office of Cannabis Management Executive Director Chris Alexander told New York Magazine in a wide-ranging interview.

We’d call that the understatement of the century, but you should read the full story — it's a great insight into the numerous challenges of Alexander’s job.

The FDA took a deep dive into social media posts when reviewing the Schedule 1 nature of cannabis, Marijuana Moment reports. 

With the very slow roll-out of cannabis in New York, every new dispensary opening is still newsworthy, especially when that dispensary opening is in Utica. Now, you can find out all about chicken riggies while you shop for your cannabis.

Why isn't Canada's cannabis market thriving? Here are some ideas | MJ Biz Daily

Cleveland’s green scene: Cannabis enthusiasts flock to first-ever farmer’s market | Cleveland.com

Edibles brand Goddess Growers launched in Ohio, ahead of the launch of the adult-use market in the not-too-distant future. 

Mendo Medical brings the Beard Bros Pharms brand to Canada