Marijuana Business Magazine September 2019

Industry Developments | International & State Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration asked for a review of a recent appellate panel ruling that the state’s MMJ laws requiring vertical integration and impos- ing dispensary caps are unconstitutional. If that request isn’t granted, then the state wants the Florida Supreme Court to weigh in on the issue. Lower courts and the appellate panel already ruled that Florida’s restrictive MMJ laws run counter to the intent of the 2016 voter-initiated constitutional amendment that legalized medical cannabis. Meanwhile, Florida regulators are allowing a second medical marijuana company, Atlanta-based Surterra Wellness, to exceed the statutory cap of 35 dispensaries per company. The first MMJ firm to exceed the cap was Trulieve. Hawaii The state’s fledgling medical marijuana reciprocity program has experienced a slow start since its launch. From early March through the end of May, Hawaii’s out-of-state program added an average of 160 patients per month. Growth slowed in June with fewer than 50 patients joining the roster, bringing the total to 533. The out-of-state program allows registered patients from other medical marijuana states to apply for a temporary card to use during visits to Hawaii. Why Imperial Valley? Learn More ICHemp.org 760.353.8332 The leading Southwestern region for industrial hemp: Abundant and affordable land, water and energy rates in California Optimal climate and quality soil for multiple harvests per year Agricultural hub and the largest supplier of winter vegetables to the nation