Marijuana Business Magazine April 2019

Marijuana Business Magazine | April 2019 28 Michigan Industry groups largely praised Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s decision to abolish the state board that considers medical cannabis licenses based on the group’s struggle to make timely decisions. A new body—the Marijuana Regulatory Agency—will conduct the licensing for both medical cannabis and the state’s emerging recreational marijuana program. Missouri The state received more than 400 business applications for cannabis retail, cultivation and processor licenses, generating more than $3 million in “pre-license” fees for the state. The state started taking applications Jan. 5. Missouri regulators aren’t expected to start considering the applications until late summer. Nevada The Clark County Commission postponed deliberations on cannabis consumption lounges, saying it will let the state take the lead on the issue. Despite the county’s decision, Las Vegas, which is located in Clark County, plans to continue discussions about social consumption spaces. New Hampshire The state House of Representatives gave preliminary approval to a bill legalizing a recreational marijuana industry that would allow an unlimited number of licenses statewide. But Gov. Chris Sununu has said he would “absolutely” veto the bill—even if it passes both chambers. The legislation calls for a governor- appointed body to regulate and license adult-use cannabis businesses, with the first retail store licenses issued by Nov. 30, 2020. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and legislative leaders formally announced they’ve agreed on legislation to legalize recreational marijuana that would call for a $42-per-ounce tax on the product. The governor and two fellow Democrats, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and Senate President Steve Sweeney, announced the agreement had been reached after more than a year of negotiations, mostly behind closed doors. How much to tax the adult-use industry had held up the negotiations. Industry Developments | International & State