Marijuana Business Magazine April 2019

Marijuana Business Magazine | April 2019 32 Utah Intermountain Healthcare, the state’s largest health-care provider, told its physicians they’re allowed to write medical marijuana recommendations for patients, which could boost the number of potential customers for the state’s upcoming MMJ industry. Intermountain’s chief physician sent a memo to its network of roughly 1,500 doctors that rescinded a previous policy discouraging MMJ recommendations. University of Utah Health also has indicated it is working on MMJ guidelines for its providers. Vermont The state Senate gave final approval to legislation establishing a commercial recreational marijuana market. Gov. Phil Scott has indicated he likely would veto the bill if it passes both legislative chambers. Scott reluctantly signed an adult- use legalization bill last year, but that measure allows only home cultivation and possession. As a result, businesses have found themselves limited to providing services and goods to home growers and consulting services. West Virginia The state Senate passed a bill addressing banking services for a medical cannabis program, removing an obstacle that had slowed the MMJ industry’s rollout in the state. If signed by Gov. Jim Justice, the bill would authorize the state to allow financial institutions (including credit unions) to bid on contracts to process fees and other transactions collected under the program. Lawmakers approved the program two years ago, and it’s set to launch this summer. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said his first budget will include proposals to legalize medical cannabis and align the state’s laws on cannabidiol with federal standards—a move that potentially could open business opportunities for marijuana entrepreneurs. Evers said he also intends to align Wisconsin’s laws on cannabidiol, also known as CBD oil, with federal standards. Currently, Wisconsin law requires families to possess CBD oil only with yearly certification by a physician. Industry Developments | International & State Note: Entries sourced from Marijuana Business Daily, Hemp Industry Daily and other international, national and local news outlets. These developments occurred before this magazine’s publication deadline, so some situations may have changed.