👀 The hemp versus weed fight continues

In case you missed it

Jay and Jeremy were joined by Thomas Winstanley of the recently-launched Edibles.com, which is Edible Arrangements’ new bet on the hemp-derived THC space.

We chatted about Winstanley’s new venture, the chaotic state of cannabis and hemp regulations, and much more. Watch it here:

“I do not see my work as a provider of USDA certified organic full spectrum hemp products to the citizens of Ohio to be sinful or disorderly,” Cornbread Hemp Co-Founder Jim Higdon testified on Wednesday in opposition to Ohio bill SB 86, which would impose limits on hemp-derived THC products including forcing them into the state-regulated dispensary system. 

“In fact, we take very seriously our commitment to providing quality products to adult customers in need of natural supplements to help in three general categories: pain, anxiety, and troubles with sleep.”

Cornbread Hemp sells products in 30 Ohio stores. Ohio is the latest state to try and crackdown on hemp-derived THC products — just yesterday, Arizona’s attorney general said selling THC outside of dispensaries violates state law.

Why it matters: It’s yet another sign that the federal government should step in and establish coherent rules for all THC products — whether hemp or cannabis — that are fair to businesses and encourage consumer safety.

Texas pushing full THC ban 👀

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is pushing lawmakers to pass a total ban on THC products in Texas, reports ABC 13. The State Senate passed legislation to that effect — it now goes to the House. Patrick has been on anti-THC crusade in recent weeks, telling reporters that there will be “no compromise.” 

Minnesota’s draft cannabis rules 📈

Minnesota published its draft cannabis rules on Tuesday. The 132-page document outlines how the state will regulate sales, award licenses, and distribute tax revenue. The rules await approval from an administrative judge, which should come inside of two weeks. Check them out. 

California Supreme Court upholds state’s legalization of cannabis 🤝

The California State Supreme Court depublished a prior ruling on March 19 that said cannabis was illegal in California based on its illegality at the federal level, reports The Santa Barbara Independent.

Cannabis businesses fight against California tax hike 🤑

The California Cannabis Operators Association held a press conference with state lawmakers to urge the passage of legislation that would stop the state’s scheduled excise tax hike from 15% to 19% on July 1. Cannabis sales have steadily declined in California, and many businesses say more taxes would be a death knell.

Canadian cannabis company Organigram is officially rebranding to Organigram Global. The company says in a press release this reflects its push to become a “global cannabis leader.” 

Mindful cannabis consumption 🌿

A new paper in the International Journal of Drug Policy suggests that cannabis education campaigns targeted toward young people should move past harm reduction and employ mindful consumption and benefit maximization principles. Read it here. 

Environmental impacts of cannabis cultivation ☀️

Switching from indoor to outdoor cannabis cultivation could cut emissions by up to 76%, according to a new paper published in the journal One Earth. Read more from Marijuana Moment.

AMNY profiled Jews in Weed, a community of Jewish cannabis professionals in New York City and beyond (and friends of Cultivated). 

“It became very apparent to me in the days afterward as I heard various denunciations from corporate America and other kinds of industries, I felt like there was a real silence in the cannabis community,” founder Jordan Isenstadt said.

Read the full story.

“You ain’t medicine”: weed industry responds to damning pesticides reports | GreenState

The Hazy World of Cannabis Policy | Public Health On Call

Pennsylvania Taxpayers Spend Billions On Marijuana Criminalization While Neighboring States Reap Benefits Of Legalization (Op-Ed) | Marijuana Moment