Tom Steyer Calls for Cannabis Legalization

RIVERSIDE, Calif. - Feb. 10, 2020 - PRLog -- Tom Steyer calls for legalizing cannabis and expunging past marijuana convictions in his newly released criminal justice reform plan. The billionaire candidate specifically expressed support for New York democratic Rep Jerry Nadler's social-equity focused MORE Act, the expansion of access to banking services for marijuana businesses, and the creation of a national referendum process in which Americans could directly vote on policies like cannabis legalization.

In Washington state, a new bill is introduced that would limit the THC level in cannabis products for non-medical consumers to 10 percent. The 22 house democrat co-sponsors of the legislation point to research linking high potency marijuana to psychotic disorders as the motivation behind the bill. Because high potency concentrates such as extracts and vapes account for nearly 40 percent of the state's market, however, critics argue the policy will push legal customers to purchase dangerous, illicit products.

In Michigan, the state's Marijuana Regulatory Agency recalls over 9,000 vape cartridges containing high levels of Vitamin E acetate, the cutting agent linked to vaping-related lung illnesses. Around 1300 of the Savage brand name products were sold by MMJ dispensary Plan B Wellness located on 8 Mile Rd. in Detroit.

The largest American Indian tribe in the US considers cannabis reform. The Talequah-based Cherokee Nation is creating a committee to study opportunities for the tribe to grow, process, and sell hemp and cannabis in the state's growing industries. While marijuana use and possession are currently prohibited under Cherokee law, a recent revision of policy to protect MMJ patients in the workplace, as well as the committee's consideration of the role of medical cannabis in the nation's health care system may indicate shifting perspectives.

Aphria enters into a strategic agreement with an anonymous investor worth 100 million Canadian dollars. The investor will purchase just over 14 million units at 7.12 Canadian dollars each, strengthening the company's cash balance to almost 600 million.

In Canada, medical marijuana companies pursuing international business opportunities are eligible for federal financial aid and support through the country's Trade Commissioner Service. The network reaches over 160 cities around the world and may prove a valuable resource in facilitating grants for small-scale companies, establishing relationships with foreign partners, and helping Canadian businesses gain a foothold in new global markets.

Sicilian patients may qualify to receive free medical marijuana after top health administrator Ruggero Razza signs a decree allowing it for those suffering from chronic or neuropathic pain, cerebral palsy, or multiple sclerosis. The move could be the start of a trend in Europe, as Sicily will join Ireland and the Czech Republic in providing government-subsidized medical cannabis.

Written by Jacqui Verdura and Micah Tatum
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