New Mexico Cannabis Regulation Act Faces Intense Debate and Proposed Amendments in Senate Session

SANTA FE, N.M. – A bill aimed at addressing the unintentional consequences of New Mexico’s Cannabis Regulation Act faced a series of proposed amendments and hours of debate on the Senate floor. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Katy Duhigg, sought to fill gaps in the state’s marijuana industry regulations and sparked discussions about conflicts of interest among lawmakers. The Senate voted 25-15 to approve the bill, known as Senate Bill 6, and it will now move to the House of Representatives for consideration with just nine days remaining in the session. Among the provisions of … Read more

Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management Urges Lawmakers to Revamp Marijuana Laws for Faster Business Launch and Social Equity Support

Bloomington, Minnesota – The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management has urged state lawmakers to make adjustments to marijuana laws during this legislative session to expedite the establishment of cannabis businesses. In their initial report to the Legislature, the agency proposed various specific changes, one of which includes implementing a temporary license system, with a particular focus on aiding social equity applicants. These applicants are individuals who have been impacted by past criminal enforcement of marijuana laws, either directly or indirectly. The report emphasizes that implementing a temporary license system would not only speed up the … Read more

New Jersey Bill Proposes Clever Solution to Conflict of Interest in Cannabis Industry

Trenton, New Jersey – Senate President Nicholas Scutari has introduced a bill aimed at addressing potential conflicts of interest in the state’s cannabis industry. The bill comes as the vice chair of the State Democratic Committee, Peg Schaffer, recently took on a board position at the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority while also serving as the president and managing principal of a law firm. Schaffer’s role at the Authority raises concerns about possible violations of the state’s conflict of interest laws when it comes to representing cannabis applicants. In response, the bill (S4268) proposes … Read more