Marijuana Business Magazine April 2019

Marijuana Business Magazine | April 2019 26 Industry Developments | International & State Hawaii Regulators announced medical marijuana cardholders from other states now may register to buy MMJ during visits to the Aloha State. Hawaii attracts nearly 10 million visitors annually, and the state health department estimates that 5,000 out-of-state visitors will apply for a 60-day MMJ card in the first year of the reciprocity program. Louisiana An ongoing dispute intensified in Louisiana, pitting regulators against one of the state’s medical marijuana cultivation teams, but it’s unclear whether the quarrel will further delay an MMJ program that’s been slow to get off the ground. The state’s agriculture department told Louisiana State University’s AgCenter and its cannabis-growing partner, GB Sciences, they had violated the law and state regulations by moving plants from a temporary facility to a main processing plant without permission. Maine The state withdrew its $150,000 contract with Florida-based Franwell—maker of cannabis seed-to-sale tracking software Metrc—over concerns the deal could draw a challenge that results in a delay of recreational marijuana sales. The state’s new Office of Marijuana Policy said it will seek competitive bids for tracking services by releasing a request for proposals. Maryland State lawmakers formed a bipartisan group to study the possibility of legalizing recreational cannabis in 2020 via legislation or referendum. The working group’s formation indicates legislation to legalize adult-use marijuana isn’t likely to pass this year. The working group will examine the best way to license and tax the industry as well as how to ensure market participation by small businesses, women-owned enterprises and minority-owned companies. Massachusetts The state marijuana czar disputed claims by a Salem cannabis retailer that flaws in the state’s traceability system caused the store to run out of flower. Steven Hoffman, chair of the state’s Cannabis Control Commission, said the problem stemmed from an error made by Alternative Therapies Group (ATG), which incorrectly logged its inventory. According to Hoffman, ATG unfairly blamed the state’s seed-to-sale tracking system, Metrc, after halting sales of adult-use cannabis flower.