In Today’s Issue:
→ Legalization In 2022. 🔮
→ Cannabis Scare Tactics. 🌿
→ Mike Tyson's Latest Move. 🥊
Legalizing Medical Cannabis In 2022
The states on track to legalize medical cannabis…
It might be impossible to predict when exactly the U.S will legalize cannabis at a federal level, however, one thing which we can say with certainty is that more states will continue to legalize cannabis.
In today’s edition of Four PM we will be breaking down which states are the most likely candidates to legalize cannabis for medical purposes in 2022.
Mississippi, population: 2.97 million
First up is the state of Mississippi.
Mississippi already succeeded in legalizing medical cannabis in 2021, however, the state’s Supreme Court overturned this decision shortly afterwards.
With a majority of people voting in favor of legalizing cannabis for medical purposes, it's crystal clear that the people of Mississippi want access to medical cannabis, and politicians are taking notice.
In July Kevin Blackwell, chairman of the Senate Medicaid Committee, and Lee Yancey, chairman of the House Drug Policy Committee, announced they were working on a bill to legalize medical cannabis.
Wyoming, population: 0.57 million
Next up is the state of Wyoming.
So far, two cannabis reform initiatives have cleared an initial hurdle to give voters the option to legalize medical cannabis during the state’s 2022 ballot.
Additionally, activists in the state are seeking to pass a separate decriminalization bill that would impose small fines on the possession of up to four ounces of cannabis / 112 grams.
People caught in possession of cannabis exceeding this limit would face a maximum $500 fine.
Nebraska, population: 1.93 million
Nebraska has already made two attempts to legalize cannabis for medical purposes in 2015 & 2020.
Despite these setbacks, activists have already filed two new medical cannabis initiatives for 2022.
The first initiative would protect doctors who recommend cannabis to their patients, in addition to decriminalizing patients possessing cannabis.
The second measure is much more in line with what we have seen in other states, where Nebraska would establish a regulated supply chain.
Should they succeed in gathering 250,000 signatures by July 7th 2022, voters could then legalize cannabis for medical purposes.
North Carolina, population: 10.49 million
There is very strong support for medical cannabis in North Carolina
A 2021 poll found that 73% of North Carolinians would like to see medical cannabis made legal.
For far this year the North Carolina Senate Judiciary Committee has successfully passed the medical cannabis legalization bill twice, however, patients are still without access to medical cannabis.
Additionally, 54% of adults support legalizing cannabis for adult-use purposes.
Our Take
Every adult should have the means to decide for themselves whether or not to consume cannabis, however, first & foremost it's essential to ensure every patient has access to cannabis.
With 36 states having already legalized cannabis for medical purposes, it's becoming very clear that the U.S has achieved a consensus on this issue.
Combating The Cannabis Hysteria
As Halloween approaches, the hysteria around cannabis has already begun…
There are two things we can say with certainty will happen this Halloween.
Children will consume lots of candy.
The media will emphasize the dangers of cannabis products.
Adding fuel to the fire…
Historically, Halloween has been a time where the media seeks to emphasize the dangers of children consuming cannabis products.
So far this year, the attorney generals from multiple states have already started issuing warnings to parents about the dangers of illicit cannabis products that resemble popular candies and snacks.
In New York, Attorney General Letitia James said “unregulated and deceptive cannabis products will only confuse and harm New Yorkers, which is why they have no place in our state.”
In what is a clear admission that the Attorney General lacks an understanding of cannabis, she noted “it is more vital than ever that we do everything we can to curb this crisis and prevent any further harm, or even worse, death”
There isn’t a single recorded case whereby someone has died from consuming too much cannabis.
Next door…
In Connecticut, Attorney General William Tong also emphasized the dangers, however, instead of suggesting children could die from consuming cannabis — he focused on the illicit market.
“These look-alike cannabis products are unregulated, unsafe, and illegal”
“While Connecticut recently legalized adult-use cannabis, many of these products fall far outside the range of what will ever be safe”
Combating this narrative…
Whereas once the cannabis industry had little means to offer an alternative perspective, cannabis non-profit NORML has taken the opportunity to highlight the inaccuracy of this information.
“No one is giving out edibles to children as Halloween candy.
Given the average cost of a one dose edible can range from around ten to twenty five dollars it would not only be idiotic and wrong, it would also be incredibly expensive.”
Misleading the public?
Five Attorney Generals have made press releases bringing attention to this issue with three Attorney Generals so far suggesting children can “overdose” from consuming these products.
While it's certainly possible to consume too much cannabis and have a bad time, it’s physically impossible to overdose from consuming cannabis.
The CB1 receptors THC binds with are not located near the brainstem — the area of the brain responsible for regulating our respiratory system.
Our Take
The demonization of cannabis that occurs during this time of year highlights the need to further educate people on the safety profile of cannabis products.
Mike Tyson Doubles Down On Cannabis
The boxing legends cannabis brand will soon be available across America…
Whereas Mike Tyson was once known for his bad temper & his world-class boxing skills — the former world champion has sharply shifted this image to a cool headed cannabis consumer.
Focusing on cannabis…
In 2016 Tyson made his first foray into cannabis when he launched his Tyson Holistic label.
This was followed up two years later when he announced his plans to open Tyson ranch.
Next was the launch of his podcast 'Hotboxing’ with Mike Tyson in 2019 where he interviews celebrities — all the while consuming cannabis on set.
Now in 2021, Tyson has announced that he is once again doubling down on cannabis — this time partnering with the billion dollar MSO Columbia Care to increase the availability of his products.
The partnership…
Columbia Care who has licenses in 18 U.S. jurisdictions and with 99 retail stores will be the brands cultivation & manufacturing partner.
For Tyson, the partnership allows him to significantly increase the number of cannabis retail stores carrying his products.
For Columbia Care this partnership allows them to increase their brand awareness across the U.S, courtesy of the large following Mike Tyson has.
New leaders…
As part of this announcement, the new company Tyson 2.0 will be led by Adam Wilks as CEO & Chad Bronstein who is the current CEO and Founder of Fyllo as the company's chairman.
Tyson 2.0 has also raised a seed round to the sum of $7 million USD.
Our Take
A celebrity slapping their name on a cannabis brand is insufficient to succeed in the cannabis industry.
Individuals like Mike Tyson & Seth Rogen stand out from the growing list of celebrities who are creating cannabis brands courtesy of both individuals having a strong public relationship with cannabis.
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Today's Cannabis Jobs
→ Dutchie is hiring a Strategic Finance Associate.
→ Leafly is hiring a Business Development Manager.
→ LeafLink is hiring a Human Resources Business Partner.
For more, check out our new cannabis jobs board.
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