MJBizMag October 2022 - 28

INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS State by State
Massachusetts
Gov. Charlie Baker signed into law a comprehensive overhaul of the state's marijuana regulatory
system that's intended to bolster the industry in several ways.
Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission member Ava Callender Concepcion described the bill as
" monumental " because it will:
* Give state regulators more direct oversight of fees charged by local governments, which have led
to corruption investigations.
* Pave the way for cannabis consumption lounges.
* Create a Social Equity Trust Fund to award grants and loans to marijuana entrepreneurs who were
harmed by the war on drugs.
Additionally, Shannon O'Brien is the new chair of Massachusetts' Cannabis Control Commission.
The former state treasurer and Democratic candidate for governor in Massachusetts replaces Steven
Hoffman, who resigned in April, near the end of his five-year term.
Minnesota
Several cities in Minnesota imposed moratoriums on cannabis edibles, and others are considering
bans in the wake of a first-of-its kind law allowing adult-use THC sales in outlets other than medical
marijuana dispensaries.
Food and beverages containing THC from hemp became legal in Minnesota on July 1.
The new law allows packages containing a total of 50 milligrams of THC to be sold in grocery stores
and convenience stores to adults 21 and older.
But the law leaves enforcement and additional regulations up to local entities.
Marshall, Robbinsdale and St. Joseph passed moratoriums on sales of THC-infused food and drinks;
the city of Stillwater enacted a one-year moratorium on cannabis sales last November.
Mississippi
Medical marijuana dispensaries could begin sales as early as November, according to the leader of a
cannabis trade association in the state.
Ken Newburger, executive director of the Mississippi Medical Marijuana Association, said patients in
the state should have access to MMJ by the end of 2022.
According to Newburger, most MMJ dispensary applicants are receiving licenses, and those who
haven't are working through the process with the state to become compliant.
As of mid-August, more than 100 medical marijuana business applicants had been licensed across
the state, mostly in the larger urban areas.
Licensed cultivation facilities are mostly around Jackson, Hattiesburg and in the northeast section of
Mississippi.
New Mexico
More recreational cannabis cultivation production is coming online in New Mexico, and new retailers
are establishing the connections they need to secure supply.
At the same time, some warn that production could soon outpace demand, and the coming fall
" Croptober " outdoor harvest could flood the market and depress prices.
Ben Lewinger, executive director of the New Mexico Cannabis Chamber of Commerce, a
140-member, statewide organization based in Albuquerque, said the market has shifted dramatically,
evidenced by the price per pound of wholesale flower, which fell from $4,000 to $2,200 in about eight
weeks.
Duke Rodriquez, CEO and president of Ultra Health, based in Bernalillo, said New Mexico's cannabis
growers are still not fully ramped up.
28 October 2022 | MJBizMagazine

MJBizMag October 2022

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