Marijuana Business Magazine February 2020

Marijuana Business Magazine | February 2020 40 Pennsylvania The state’s medical marijuana dispensaries sold more than $500 million in MMJ products since sales began two years ago. About 147,000 people are certified to buy medical cannabis in 72 dispensaries in the state, according to John Collins, director of Pennsylvania’s Office of Medical Marijuana. Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondi is proposing to legalize recreational cannabis despite opposition from legislative leaders. Her annual budget proposal would create an adult-use MJ program controlled by the state. The first marijuana stores would open in March 2021. Under the Democratic governor’s plan, the state would: • Determine the location of retail facilities. • Control inventory through subcontracting. • Establish retail pricing. • Limit the potency of available products. South Dakota In November, South Dakota will become the first state to vote on both medical marijuana and adult-use legalization initiatives on the same ballot. South Dakota Secretary of State Steve Barnett said his office validated a petition for a proposed constitutional amendment that would legalize, regulate and tax recre- ational marijuana for adults. The measure also requires the state Legislature to enact a hemp cultivation law. Tennessee A staunch proponent of researching medicinal marijuana for the treatment of military veterans plans to retire from the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Phil Roe of Tennessee, a Republican who serves as the ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, said he will retire at the end of the year. He pre- viously introduced legislation to direct the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to research the efficacy and safety of medicinal cannabis usage on veterans diagnosed with PTSD, chronic pain and other illnesses. Industry Developments | International & State