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The end of Prohibition READ
November 11, 2016
Alcohol beverage giant Constellation eyes cannabis
The giant beverage company that owns Corona beer and Svedka vodka is considering entering the cannabis industry via MJ-laced libations, a sign that other big players in the alcohol business may eye cannabis as an opportunity rather than a threat.
Constellation Brands CEO Rob Sands confirmed in an interview with Bloomberg that his corporation is “looking at” the marijuana trade. “There are going to be alcoholic beverages that will also contain cannabis,” he observed.
Conference Deadline ApproachingSands added that it only makes sense for companies like his to get into a market that is expected to rival the salty snacks sector in North America by 2026, Bloomberg reported.
“Why wouldn’t big business, so to speak, be acutely interested in a category of that magnitude?” Sands said. “If there’s a lot of money involved, it’s not going to be left to small mom-and-pops.”
It’s an interesting development between two industries that have and haven’t gotten along.
For example, two alcohol industry trade groups in Massachusetts gave $75,000 to anti-legalization efforts there, while the Arizona Wine & Spirits Association contributed $10,000 to the anti-legalization campaign there.
But singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge has produced her own marijuana-infused wine, and top management at Lagunitas Brewing are also known cannabis enthusiasts.
According to reports from investment firm Cowen and Co. and the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the number of cannabis consumers who also drink alcohol has declined over the past decade, while more alcohol consumers now also consume marijuana, Bloomberg reported.
This is going to be soooooooooooo big Millions will be made by the average guy, if he's smart. GLTA
November 11, 2016
Alcohol beverage giant Constellation eyes cannabis
The giant beverage company that owns Corona beer and Svedka vodka is considering entering the cannabis industry via MJ-laced libations, a sign that other big players in the alcohol business may eye cannabis as an opportunity rather than a threat.
Constellation Brands CEO Rob Sands confirmed in an interview with Bloomberg that his corporation is “looking at” the marijuana trade. “There are going to be alcoholic beverages that will also contain cannabis,” he observed.
Conference Deadline ApproachingSands added that it only makes sense for companies like his to get into a market that is expected to rival the salty snacks sector in North America by 2026, Bloomberg reported.
“Why wouldn’t big business, so to speak, be acutely interested in a category of that magnitude?” Sands said. “If there’s a lot of money involved, it’s not going to be left to small mom-and-pops.”
It’s an interesting development between two industries that have and haven’t gotten along.
For example, two alcohol industry trade groups in Massachusetts gave $75,000 to anti-legalization efforts there, while the Arizona Wine & Spirits Association contributed $10,000 to the anti-legalization campaign there.
But singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge has produced her own marijuana-infused wine, and top management at Lagunitas Brewing are also known cannabis enthusiasts.
According to reports from investment firm Cowen and Co. and the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the number of cannabis consumers who also drink alcohol has declined over the past decade, while more alcohol consumers now also consume marijuana, Bloomberg reported.
The End Of Marijuana Prohibition
Written by Adam Sharp on October 2, 2015
New York State Assemblyman Steve Katz was going 80 mph in a 65 mph zone when the cop pulled him over.
The cop smelled marijuana, and a search revealed a “small bag.” Katz was charged with possession.
The charge isn’t a huge deal in New York anymore. Katz paid a $100 fine and did some paperwork.
But here’s the twist: Katz, a Republican, had voted against a New York medical marijuana bill the year before he himself was busted.
Obviously, not an ideal situation for a politician. But Katz appears to be making the most of his run-in with the law.
Since the assemblyman was arrested, he’s completely flipped stances on the issue of marijuana prohibition.
He even joined ArcView, the network for marijuana companies and investors.
Countercurrent News reports [emphasis mine]:
The marijuana bust was “an epiphany,” he explained. “You’re turning me into a criminal? You got to be kidding.”
Katz says he knows doctors, lawyers, businessmen and pillars of their community who all use marijuana.
“We’re all criminals? This is ridiculous,” he emphasized.
The arrest he faced “didn’t change anything other than make me decide that I was going to not only be a champion for medical marijuana, and for its total legalization, I was going to become part of the wave that’s building in the industry itself. It’s a great feeling. It’s very liberating.”
This incident is part of a much larger trend. The U.S. prohibition on marijuana appears to be ending. Nobody wants to arrest people over marijuana anymore, save for a few diehards.
The social stigma is ending too. Walking around San Francisco these days, one can’t help but notice that skunky smell from time to time. None of the locals seem to think anything’s out of place, nor do the cops.
Just this week Oregon legalized recreational marijuana statewide. No medical prescription required.
More than 200 shops in the state began selling pot at 12:00 a.m. Thursday.
Oregon joined Colorado and Washington state as the third state to legalize recreational use. Alaska and others will follow suit next year.
An additional 23 states currently allow medical use of at least some marijuana products. And that list is growing fast (thanks to stories like that of 9-year-old Charlotte, who has for years used a marijuana derivative – CBD – to calm her seizures. Read more on that here).
I believe the trend we’re on leads to total legalization in the next five to 10 years. That means it’s time to…
Think Like an Investor
Now is a time to put your investor cap on. The marijuana brands that are built today will be the industry giants of tomorrow.
And as I’ve said before, I believe the market for marijuana will eventually be larger than the $180 billion U.S. alcohol market.
Why? Primarily because the medical uses for cannabis are very real. Combine them with a recreational market that could rival alcohol all on its own, and you have some very powerful forces at play.
The End Of Marijuana Prohibition
Written by Adam Sharp on October 2, 2015
New York State Assemblyman Steve Katz was going 80 mph in a 65 mph zone when the cop pulled him over.
The cop smelled marijuana, and a search revealed a “small bag.” Katz was charged with possession.
The charge isn’t a huge deal in New York anymore. Katz paid a $100 fine and did some paperwork.
But here’s the twist: Katz, a Republican, had voted against a New York medical marijuana bill the year before he himself was busted.
Obviously, not an ideal situation for a politician. But Katz appears to be making the most of his run-in with the law.
Since the assemblyman was arrested, he’s completely flipped stances on the issue of marijuana prohibition.
He even joined ArcView, the network for marijuana companies and investors.
Countercurrent News reports [emphasis mine]:
The marijuana bust was “an epiphany,” he explained. “You’re turning me into a criminal? You got to be kidding.”
Katz says he knows doctors, lawyers, businessmen and pillars of their community who all use marijuana.
“We’re all criminals? This is ridiculous,” he emphasized.
The arrest he faced “didn’t change anything other than make me decide that I was going to not only be a champion for medical marijuana, and for its total legalization, I was going to become part of the wave that’s building in the industry itself. It’s a great feeling. It’s very liberating.”
This incident is part of a much larger trend. The U.S. prohibition on marijuana appears to be ending. Nobody wants to arrest people over marijuana anymore, save for a few diehards.
The social stigma is ending too. Walking around San Francisco these days, one can’t help but notice that skunky smell from time to time. None of the locals seem to think anything’s out of place, nor do the cops.
Just this week Oregon legalized recreational marijuana statewide. No medical prescription required.
More than 200 shops in the state began selling pot at 12:00 a.m. Thursday.
Oregon joined Colorado and Washington state as the third state to legalize recreational use. Alaska and others will follow suit next year.
An additional 23 states currently allow medical use of at least some marijuana products. And that list is growing fast (thanks to stories like that of 9-year-old Charlotte, who has for years used a marijuana derivative – CBD – to calm her seizures. Read more on that here).
I believe the trend we’re on leads to total legalization in the next five to 10 years. That means it’s time to…
Think Like an Investor
Now is a time to put your investor cap on. The marijuana brands that are built today will be the industry giants of tomorrow.
And as I’ve said before, I believe the market for marijuana will eventually be larger than the $180 billion U.S. alcohol market.
Why? Primarily because the medical uses for cannabis are very real. Combine them with a recreational market that could rival alcohol all on its own, and you have some very powerful forces at play.
Time to get on the train is now. The whole sector is turning green this will follow next week. PR coming soon, then we move up. Remember this company is located in N. California Sales of Cannastrips will be astronomical, Buy and Hold. GLTA
Anytime the whole sector is down it means that pretty soon the whole sector will be up again. All you can do is buy. Be careful about sitting on the sidelines. I'm picking up more shares on Monday. Always make your own decisions, listen to your brain not your heart.
[color=red][color=red][/color][/color]PS Anyone up for building a shooting Gallery using MM's for targets :) GLTA
Hang ON, they are trying to chase everyone out of the MJ stocks so obvious. Those bastards are not getting any of my shares. GLTA
Not going anywhere wings, I will hold this way into 2017 and beyond. This is to well positioned in Northern California, sales will be bringing higher, highs to this stock, along with Momentum. Holding over a million shares at low entry points, not a bag holder as of this writing and don't expect to be one. GLTA
Another sector wide attack today my whole portfolio is red today. The only green stock today for me is WOFA. GLTA
November 8th was a Huge Win for the Marijuana Industry
9 states voted on legal marijuana programs. From those 9 states, eight voted yes. This is a huge breakthrough and I expect the recent approvals to be a strong catalysts for the industry and its companies.
Hold on people MM's still manipulating MJ stocks but that will soon end. READ
Cannabis Industry Bats 88% as 8 out of 9 States Vote Yes on Marijuana Programs
November 9, 2016 - Issue Date
Michael Vodicka, Editor
The results are in. November 8, 2016 will go down in history as a great day for the legal cannabis industry and the world.
Nine U.S. states had medical and recreational marijuana programs on the ballot.
From those nine states, eight have voted yes.
On the recreational side, four out of five states have approved new initiatives.
•California: passed
•Massachusetts: passed
•Nevada: passed
•Maine: passed
•Arizona: failed
As you can see this list includes California, the world's largest marijuana market.
On the medical side, all four states voted yes.
•Florida: passed
•Arkansas: passed
•North Dakota: passed
•Montana: passed
Florida looked like a huge baller this election cycle.
Not only did it virtually decide the presidential election as a key swing state, it also decided to throw another log on the fire and legalized medical marijuana for good measure.
These results mark a watershed moment for the legal cannabis industry. I expect these additional legalizations to serve as a huge catalyst for the industry.
On January 1, 2017, 29 states, more than half the country, will have medical and recreational programs in place.
That will create new jobs, increase tax revenue and decrease crime.
I also expect it to be a powerful catalyst for marijuana stocks.
I am, thought it was my computer.
WOFA one of the only MJ stocks in the green today up 34% WOW. MM's will let the sector run soon, they can't keep it down forever. Wofa now up 74% go baby go. GLTA
How could you ay that, one of the best out there the whole sector is being taken down by the Greedy MM's F&%KS. It will bounce back as soon as these thieves let it go they can't hold this down for much longer.
If you were in big cap stocks I hope you got out Monday, major decline there today. Mega millions will come into the MJ sector from big blue starting today. We should be the benefactor of all that money. Many will rush into MJ companies like WOFA and try to recover their losses. Plus California and three other states legalize MJ, a major catalyst, We should start to gap up today but I'm really looking forward to the weeks ahead as sales of cannastrips start to escalate all over California and the other 20 states that have Medical and Rec. use legal. Also now that it's legal big institutional money will start pouring in. Good times ahead for all of us. If your on the sidelines now is the time to buy go WOFA $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Prop 64 will be the High Tide that raises all boats. Good night folks and I wish all the best of luck.
The sellers today will be sorry. Bottom line is you gotta have big stones to make the big gains in the otc.
Cali legalization is a lock for passage but many won't jump in headlong until tomorrow. Glad I'm locked and loaded already at very reasonable prices. Wait until the rest of this week plays out. Should be a beautiful thing guys!!
Boy oh Boy the MM's are going to play this to the bitter end but think this will be Green by EOD and then blastoff. GLTA
Red light "Green" light 1 2 3 remember that game folks, it will be played here soon.
MM's have been bringing down the whole sector today, their going to buy all those shares that people are selling. I feel sorry for those sellers, they're going to miss out on the big money. I wouldn't be surprised to see a major swing to the upside by EOD. After tomorrow there's going to be astronomical amounts of money coming into the sector including WOFA. We should see news later on this week also. We are well positioned in Northern California for large sales of Cannastrips
Remember large institutional buyers can't buy an illegal substance, that will all change tonight and tomorrow. GLTA
Look at the Bid/Ask the gap is closer then ever, this will POP very soon, I expect Green by EOD. GLTA
I truly believe this is the last head fake before the mms can't control it from blasting off. Mj is passing in all but 2 states. Think about how much that opens up the customer base for WOFA. It's easy math. The results will happen tonight. Today we might have a very positive power hour EOD. GLTA
its very clear- "big money" investors are-
waiting for confirmation that MJ passes before committing millions of dollars. they will get that after today, and we should start to see a nice post-election rally ,like many are saying.
You are absolutely correct, same thing happening with my other MJ stock. People selling now will regret it very soon. GLTA
Hold on people after the election "yes vote" on Prop 64 WOFA will gap up. GLTA $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Keep informed ELECTION NIGHT (Tuesday) State by state coverage of the vote cannabisradio.com. GLTA
http://www.cannabisradio.com/news/marijuana-election-night-2016-special-live-coast-to-coast-coverage/
A Watershed Moment for Marijuana Legalization
Posted by CN Staff on November 05, 2016 at 20:01:09 PT
By Ilya Somin
Source: Washington Post
USA -- Ignored in the tumult of the presidential race is the fact that the 2016 election may be a milestone in the struggle to end marijuana prohibition. Five states – Arizona, California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Nevada – all have marijuana legalization initiatives on the ballot. Polls indicate that all five are likely to pass, as well as a medical marijuana initiative in Florida. Medical marijuana legalization initiatives in Arkansas and North Dakota seem too close to call. A recent nationwide Gallup poll finds that a record 60% of Americans support pot legalization.
If these five states all legalize recreational marijuana – adding to the four states that have already taken this step – it would be a major blow to marijuana prohibition nationwide. The California initiative is particularly important, because the state is so big and has such a large population.
Even if all of the legalization referenda pass, marijuana possession will still be illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act. The constitutionality of sweeping federal marijuana prohibition was upheld in Gonzales v. Raich, the poorly reasoned 2005 Supreme Court decision holding that Congress’ power to regulate interstate commerce allowed it to ban the possession of medical marijuana that had never crossed state lines or been sold in any market. In Raich, constitutional federalism became yet another casualty of the War on Drugs.
But even if federal marijuana prohibition is entirely constitutional and remains on the books, it will be extremely difficult to enforce without the cooperation of state governments. As a practical matter, the federal government has only a very limited supply of law enforcement personnel, and depends heavily on state police and prosecutors for help in waging the War on Drugs. If that assistance is no longer forthcoming in many of the nation’s largest states, it is unlikely that Washington will ramp up its own enforcement efforts enough to compensate – especially since such action might be very unpopular in the affected states. The growing trend towards legalization at the state level might even incentivize Washington to repeal federal marijuana prohibition entirely.
There is an ongoing debate over the effects of marijuana legalization in Colorado, which voted to legalize in 2012. But, so far, there is no evidence of significant negative effects on health, violent crime, or fatalities caused by driving under the influence. Black market marijuana sales persist, but largely because legalization has not gone far enough (high taxes incentivize illegal sales).
The really big advantage of ending marijuana prohibition is not the possible health benefits, but eliminating the harm caused by the arrest and imprisonment of many thousands of people, many of them poor and disadvantaged. The FBI estimates that some 643,000 people were arrested in for marijuana offenses in 2015, including some 574,000 for mere possession. While only a small minority of these arrests lead to prosecution, the arrests themselves can be traumatic and dangerous, and can end up damaging the educational and employment prospects of those targeted. Arrests also often unavoidably create confrontations in which suspects and police officers could be injured or (in rare cases) killed. Over 12,000 people are incarcerated for marijuana offenses in federal prison. I have not been able to locate good recent data on marijuana-related incarceration in state prisons. But the numbers are likely to be much higher. All of these arrests and incarcerations inflict serious harm on suspects, and expend vast amounts of law enforcement resources that could better be employed combating violent crime.
Whatever else can be said of state-level marijuana legalization, it greatly reduces marijuana-related arrests and incarceration. In Colorado, marijuana possession arrests have declined by 95 percent, and in Washington by 98 percent.
If marijuana legalization does indeed prevail nationwide, it might also stimulate efforts to put an end to the broader War on Drugs, which inflicts massive harm on society far greater than that of marijuana prohibition alone. Standard measures may even somewhat underestimate the large numbers of people incarcerated for drug offenses.
We should not be too confident about the results of Tuesday’s referenda. Six years ago, the last California marijuana legalization initiative failed by a 54-46 margin, after some polls indicated that it might narrowly prevail. But public opinion has shifted since then, and this year’s Proposition 64 enjoys a much larger, double-digit leads in the polls.
If Proposition 64 does pass, it would help vindicate my 2010 prediction that generational change would ultimately produce a majority in favor of legalization. This may seem obvious in retrospect, and perhaps it should have been obvious back then. But at the time, I had to contend with prominent skeptics who argued that elderly voters and parents would block legalization for the foreseeable future.
Be that as it may, the success of marijuana legalization may turn out to be one of the rare pieces of good news in what has otherwise been a terribly depressing election year
Tomorrow the big bang begins Prop 64 will pass in California and all MJ stocks will rise to the occasion including WOFA, located in northing Cali. Distributor of Cannastrips ready for market. This is going to be huge. GLTA
http://www.forbes.com/sites/debraborchardt/2016/11/07/could-californias-marijuana-law-affect-the-entire-country/#3daf92c34216
Big tobacco joining the MJ craze. This is going to be soooo BIG don't miss the ride. The whole sector is ready to explode. WOFA $$$$$$$$$ GLTA
https://www.facebook.com/kingdemic/videos/1109187919163804/
Buy when there's blood in the streets. MOMO will carry all MJ stocks next week. GLTA
Shake, Shake MM's, more cheapies for me. Every pot stock down today, so obvious what's going on. Dam MM's want the whole sectors shares before elections, massive greed. They are not getting mine. Sell at your own risk. GLTA
Nov. 8th Judgment Day all MJ stocks will rise to higher highs. Don't miss the boat WOFA $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ GLTA
**Huge Article**WOFA Cali Polls are WAY Ahead for winning !!
https://www.yahoo.com/news/marijuana-ballot-initiatives-2016-five-more-states-may-make-pot-legal-212846585.html
UP dates will come, besides after prop 64 is voted yes on Nov 8th momentum alone will drive the whole sector up including WOFA. GLTA
http://www.medicalmarijuanainc.com/legislation-limits-dea-dojs-ability-interfere-mmj-states-extended-congress/
Porkypig either is By-Polar, or a very conflicted individual. Maybe just another greedy piggy trying to get back in at a lower PPS? Humm I really dislike two face people, especially when they hurt the weak for profit. GRNH will be a runner very soon, stay strong. GLTA
www.capradio.org/articles/2016/10/31/prop-64-recreational-marijuana-maintains-lead-in-polls/
Still here and will be until after the elections. GLTA
The Big Picture: State-by-state marijuana ballot initiative update
Marijuana vote/election
By John Schroyer
This year could prove a historic turning point for the legal cannabis industry, with pro-cannabis ballot measures in front of voters in nine states Tuesday.
If some or most are approved, that could translate into untold business opportunities for cannabis entrepreneurs across the nation.
But there are risks, too, particularly if California’s proposed recreational marijuana ballot measure is rejected on Election Day. That could set back marijuana legalization in California – and the entire country – by years.
Below is Marijuana Business Daily’s latest update on the states that have cannabis on the ballot, following our last snapshot on June 23.
ARIZONA
•Initiative: Proposition 205, The Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act, by the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol (run by the Marijuana Policy Project)
•What it would do: Change state statute to legalize recreational marijuana.
•Number of signatures needed: 150,642
•Number of signatures submitted: Almost 259,000
•Key business highlights: The rec system would be tilted in favor of existing medical businesses. They would be grandfathered into the adult-use market and get first crack at rec licenses. And, by law, they would enjoy an advantage over would-be newcomers. For example, current MMJ dispensaries, which already must be vertically integrated, would automatically have the authority to grow unlimited amounts of adult-use cannabis, while new market entrants would first have to prove their viability on a smaller scale before being granted the right to grow more plants. Also, only about 147 rec licenses would be permitted.
•Latest polling: An Arizona Republic/Morrison/Cronkite News poll conducted Oct. 10-15 found that 50% of voters support Prop 205, while 42% are against it and 8% are undecided.
ARKANSAS
Image of Arkansas medical marijuanaThis is the only state where more than one legalization initiative has made the ballot. But while Issue 6 may succeed, the state’s Supreme Court disqualified Issue 7 in October. The latter will still appear on the ballot, but even if voters approve it, the court’s ruling prevents it from becoming law.
•Initiative: Issue 6, Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment, by attorney David Couch and Arkansans United for Medical Marijuana
•What it would do: Amend the state constitution to legalize medical marijuana.
•Number of signatures needed: 84,859
•Number of signatures submitted: On July 8, the campaign submitted roughly 106,000 signatures but was short of the necessary goal. After a 30-day grace period, the campaign handed in another 35,000 signatures and was certified for the ballot.
•Key business highlights: The amendment would allow for eight cultivation facilities statewide, and the state Medical Marijuana Commission would determine the owners. That has opponents worried that it could turn into a pay-to-play system and that politics would quickly corrupt it. The same commission would issue 20-40 dispensary licenses. And the proposed amendment includes anti-monopoly language so that a single company or individual could not own more than one dispensary and grow operation. For-profit businesses would also be permitted.
***
•Initiative: Issue 7, The 2016 Arkansas Medical Cannabis Act, by Arkansans for Compassionate Care
•What it would do: Change state statute to legalize medical marijuana.
•Number of signatures needed: 67,887
•Number of signatures submitted: 117,469
•Key business highlights: Allows for up to 38 dispensaries across the state. The state could increase that to ensure patient access. Or the number could fall if local governments choose to ban MMJ businesses. All dispensaries would be nonprofits. However, the patient pool could be sizable given the immense list of specific qualifying conditions, which range from asthma to intractable pain and post-traumatic stress disorder.
•Latest polling: A Talk Business & Politics-Hendrix College poll conducted Oct. 21 found both ballot questions behind, with Issue 6 polling at 45% support and 50% against, and Issue 7 polling at 40% support and 53% opposed. It’s worth noting, however, that the study was conducted before the Arkansas Supreme Court disqualified Issue 7 from the ballot.
CALIFORNIA
•Initiative: Proposition 64, The Adult Use of Marijuana Act, by Let’s Get it Right CA (supported by billionaire Sean Parker)
•What it would do: Change state statute to legalize recreational marijuana.
•Number of signatures needed: 365,880
•Number of signatures submitted: More than 600,000
•Key business highlights: The initiative would establish a colossal 19 different business licenses, including 13 differing cultivation permits depending on size and whether an operation is indoor or outdoor. The regulations are intended to build on the medical marijuana industry rules the state approved last year. Licensing would begin about the same time, in January 2018. Anti-monopoly provisions in the initiative are designed to protect smaller operators, so big corporations can’t corner the market.
•Latest polling: A SurveyUSA poll released Nov. 1 found Prop 64 passing with 54% approval and only 39% opposed, with just 6% undecided.
FLORIDA
FloridaMedicalMarijuana
•Initiative: Amendment 2, by United for Care (supported by millionaire attorney John Morgan)
•What it would do: Amend the state constitution to legalize a broader medical marijuana system than the one already in place.
•Number of signatures needed: 683,149
•Number of valid signatures submitted: 716,270
•Key business highlights: The initiative would legalize one of the largest medical marijuana systems in the country and establish an enormous market, perhaps including out-of-state residents looking to enter the industry. The legislature would have to write many of the regulatory details if the measure wins. But the potential patient pool is in the hundreds of thousands.
•Latest polling: A whopping 69% of Florida voters back Amendment 2, with just 24% opposed, according to a WESH 2 News/Public Policy Polling study conducted Oct. 12-13. But the campaign faces a big hurdle to win, because Florida law requires a 60% supermajority to pass a constitutional amendment.
MAINE
•Initiative: Question 1, The Marijuana Legalization Act, by the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol (run by the Marijuana Policy Project)
•What it would do: Change state statute to legalize recreational marijuana.
•Number of signatures needed: 61,123
•Number of valid signatures submitted: 62,848
•Key business highlights: Maine could be one of the first states to license “marijuana social clubs,” which would be allowed under the initiative. Such business models have been attempted in states such as Colorado – with little to no success – although Alaska has been working on a similar licensing system for lounges.
•Latest polling: The race is closer than expected, with 50% of voters behind Question 1, while 41% oppose it and 9% are undecided, according to a poll by the Survey Center of the University of New Hampshire conducted Oct. 20-25.
MASSACHUSETTS
Massachusetts MMJ news, medical marijuana industry updates, MMJ dispensary developments
•Initiative: Question 4, The Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act, by the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol (run by the Marijuana Policy Project)
•What it would do: Change state statute to legalize recreational marijuana.
•Number of signatures needed: Initially, 64,750 by Dec. 2, 2015, and another 10,792 by June 22
•Number of signatures submitted: 70,739 in December and then an additional 25,000 in June
•Key business highlights: The initiative doesn’t have a residency requirement or a long-term numerical cap on permits. But local governments could establish such limits. The measure would give existing medical cannabis dispensaries the first crack at rec licenses. If 75 dispensaries are licensed by October 2017 (173 dispensary applications had been filed by June 2016), the next round of businesses would have to wait at least a year before applying, and new cultivators would have to wait until October 2019 to apply for business permits.
•Latest polling: Just under 49% of voters are support Question 4, while 42% are opposed and 8% are undecided, according to a Suffolk University/Boston Globe poll released Oct. 27.
MONTANA
•Initiative: I-182, by the Montana Cannabis Industry Association
•What it would do: Amend state statute to essentially legalize MMJ dispensaries by overturning a 2011 law passed by the state legislature that was upheld in February by the Montana Supreme Court. That law limits medical cannabis providers to three patients apiece, effectively regulating dispensaries out of business.
•Number of signatures needed: 24,175
•Number of signatures submitted: More than 40,000
•Key business highlights: The measure is largely designed to give cover to existing dispensaries in Montana, but many of them were forced to close by the end of August. That could provide an opening for new industry entrants (though there is a residency requirement). But even if the market remains dominated by longtime players, the initiative would provide new legal stability for the MMJ industry. There’s no set limit on how many business licenses could be issued.
•Latest polling: 51% of voters are against I-182 and 44% are supportive, with 5% undecided, a study commissioned by Lee Newspapers in mid-October found.
NEVADA
medical marijuana in nevada
•Initiative: Question 2, by the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol (run by the Marijuana Policy Project)
•What it would do: Change state statute to legalize recreational marijuana.
•Number of signatures needed: 101,666
•Number of signatures submitted: About 200,000
•Key business highlights: A limited number of retail business licenses would be available, and for the first year and a half of the licensing process only existing MMJ companies in Nevada would be allowed to apply. But the measure contains no residency requirement, meaning out-of-state owners and/or investors could play a big role in the Nevada industry’s development.
•Latest polling: 47% of voters favor Question 2, while 43% are opposed and 10% are undecided, according to a poll commissioned by the Las Vegas Review-Journal and conducted Oct. 20-23.
NORTH DAKOTA
•Initiative: Initiated Statutory Measure 5, the North Dakota Compassionate Care Act, by a committee chaired by Ray Morgan
•What it would do: Change state statute to legalize medical marijuana.
•Number of signatures needed: 13,452
•Number of signatures submitted: About 17,600
•Key business highlights: All dispensaries would have to be vertically integrated not-for-profit models, and inventory would be limited to 1,000 growing plants and 3,500 ounces (218.75 pounds) of “usable” marijuana at any given point. The measure contains a residency requirement, but there is no cap on the number of dispensaries that may be permitted.
•Latest polling: A 2014 poll by the University of North Dakota College of Business and Public Administration found that 47% of voters at the time supported legalizing medical cannabis, with 41% opposed and 9% neutral. The same study found that 68% of voters opposed legalizing rec.
John Schroyer can be reached at johns@mjbizdaily.com
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