Ernesto Andrade’s Post

🌿 Cannabis Rescheduling FAQ: What Now? 🌿 The DEA’s proposal to reclassify cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) is a significant development, though the process is still ongoing and could face various challenges before finalization. While this move aligns with the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) recommendations, it does not legalize cannabis federally. 🚀 Jonathan Havens, managing partner at Saul Ewing, emphasizes the importance of this potential change, highlighting it as the most significant federal reform since the CSA’s enactment. He notes that the rulemaking process is swift by Washington standards but still complex, with a public comment period and potential legal challenges expected. 💼 Rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III would alleviate some restrictions, notably removing the burdensome Internal Revenue Code Section 280E, allowing state-legal cannabis companies to take standard business tax deductions. However, it won’t fully integrate cannabis into the legal framework enjoyed by other industries like alcohol and tobacco. ⚖️ Legal experts like Sander Zagzebski caution that Schedule III reclassification won’t immediately normalize cannabis business operations. The industry would still face regulatory challenges, and banking legislation such as the SAFER Banking Act remains crucial. While rescheduling marks progress, comprehensive federal legalization and regulatory clarity are still needed. 📈 As a Cannabis Franchise Broker with Cannabis10X, I see this as a pivotal moment. We have numerous red-hot opportunities in the cannabis market. Reach out to me directly to capitalize on this rapidly growing sector and secure your investment in the future of cannabis. 🌱 #CannabisIndustry #CannabisInvestment #CannabisRescheduling #CannabisBusiness #CannabisReform Orginal art by: HaraLine

🌿 Cannabis Rescheduling FAQ: What Now? 🌿 The DEA’s proposal to reclassify cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) is a significant development, though the process is still ongoing and could face various challenges before finalization. While this move aligns with the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) recommendations, it does not legalize cannabis federally. 🚀 Jonathan Havens, managing partner at Saul Ewing, emphasizes the importance of this potential change, highlighting it as the most significant federal reform since the CSA’s enactment. He notes that the rulemaking process is swift by Washington standards but still complex, with a public comment period and potential legal challenges expected. 💼 Rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III would alleviate some restrictions, notably removing the burdensome Internal Revenue Code Section 280E, allowing state-legal cannabis companies to take standard business tax deductions. However, it won’t fully integrate cannabis into the legal framework enjoyed by other industries like alcohol and tobacco. ⚖️ Legal experts like Sander Zagzebski caution that Schedule III reclassification won’t immediately normalize cannabis business operations. The industry would still face regulatory challenges, and banking legislation such as the SAFER Banking Act remains crucial. While rescheduling marks progress, comprehensive federal legalization and regulatory clarity are still needed. 📈 As a Cannabis Franchise Broker with Cannabis10X, I see this as a pivotal moment. We have numerous red-hot opportunities in the cannabis market. Reach out to me directly to capitalize on this rapidly growing sector and secure your investment in the future of cannabis. 🌱 #CannabisIndustry #CannabisInvestment #CannabisRescheduling #CannabisBusiness #CannabisReform Orginal art by: HaraLine Cannabis10X 5

Cannabis Reform Advocates Push Trump for Federal Legalization Two major cannabis reform groups, the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) and NORML, have urged President-elect Donald Trump to prioritize federal cannabis reforms during his upcoming term. In a detailed memo, the organizations outlined key proposals, including ending federal cannabis prohibition to allow states to set their own policies, protecting Second Amendment rights for cannabis consumers, ensuring banking access for cannabis businesses, and expanding clemency for individuals with federal cannabis-related convictions. They also advocated for removing barriers to cannabis research, restoring access to federal housing and employment for cannabis users, and permitting Washington, D.C., to establish an adult-use cannabis sales framework. Highlighting widespread public support for legalization, the memo cited the STATES Act 2.0 as a roadmap for sensible federal policy, which includes legalizing interstate commerce and normalizing tax regulations for the industry. The groups argued that ending prohibition would reduce federal overreach and empower states while ensuring safety and equity in cannabis regulation. Both MPP and NORML emphasized Trump’s opportunity to lead on a national level by modernizing outdated policies and advancing liberty through cannabis reform. #CannabisReform #EndCannabisProhibition #FederalCannabisPolicy #CannabisLegalization #CannabisRights

Out-of-state applicants are heavily competing for early cannabis licenses in Minnesota as the state moves closer to launching its legal cannabis market. The Office of Cannabis Management received over 1,800 pre-applications, with more than half coming from outside Minnesota. The state law allows non-residents to apply, leading to significant interest from states with established cannabis markets like Arizona, Illinois, and California. These early social equity applicants, including those affected by previous marijuana convictions and military veterans, are vying for 282 available licenses in categories such as microbusiness, mezzobusiness, and retail. The preapproval process is designed to give these applicants a fair chance against well-funded competitors by allowing them to secure necessary investments and local approvals before the official licensing begins. Despite the influx of out-of-state interest, the preapproval is not a full license but rather a first step in a rigorous process that includes navigating Minnesota's developing regulatory framework. The final rules for cannabis licensing in the state are expected to be completed later this year, with licenses likely to be issued early next year. https://lnkd.in/dHqqDwKS

The cannabis industry is over-taxed. Here's the reality: - Studies consistently show that legal cannabis does not lead to increased youth access. - Contrary to common misconceptions, our presence does not increase crime rates. - We don't bring down home values; we revitalize dilapidated buildings and improve neighborhoods. - Cities and counties with access to legal cannabis often experience fewer opioid overdoses. Yet, despite our positive contributions, cities and states are taxing us to the brink of extinction. Excessive taxes and predatory development agreements are forcing cannabis businesses to shut down across the state. We aren't asking for special treatment—just fair treatment. It's time for policymakers to recognize the value we bring and stop treating us like a cash cow.

New York's chief cannabis regulator got a big shakeup last week. New York State Office of Cannabis Management Executive Director Chris Alexander will leave the embattled agency in September when his term ends, after a month-long review ordered after Governor Kathy Hochul called the delayed rollout of legal cannabis in New York disastrous. So, why is this happening now? Who's to blame? Where do we go from here? It seems like the answers to those questions probably depend more on where you stand politically, rather than the reality on the ground. Expansive ideas of using cannabis as a vehicle to lift people out of poverty and help correct the decades-old harms of the War on Drugs on minority communities have crashed into the complicated realities of the rough-and-tumble world of New York politics, a challenging business environment amplified by byzantine regulations guiding the sale and use of cannabis, and a flurry of lawsuits from cannabis companies who say it’s not the government’s job to pick and choose who gets to participate in the free market. There are many reasons why New York's cannabis rollout has been so slow. But I'll go back to what I've been writing: The needs (and spending habits) of regular consumers got lost in the high-minded discussions of social equity and corporations fighting for profits. What do you think? Why are we seeing such a big shakeup in New York cannabis? Has the social equity program been a failure, or are these just growing pains? The latest Cultivated Media hit your inboxes this morning. Subscribe to get in your inbox every day. https://lnkd.in/e4gbEHdU

Exciting news coming out of Arizona as lawmakers introduce a bill that could allow for interstate commerce in the marijuana industry. This development could have significant implications for the cannabis market in the state and beyond. Here are some thoughts and predictions on this news: - Arizona's move towards approving interstate commerce for marijuana reflects a growing trend towards liberalizing cannabis regulations nationwide. - If the bill passes, it could open up new opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses in the cannabis industry to expand their reach and customer base. - Interstate commerce could lead to increased competition and innovation in the market, driving growth and development in the cannabis sector. - The legalization of interstate commerce could also pave the way for more robust regulatory frameworks and standards within the industry. - Overall, this development signals a shift towards a more open and inclusive cannabis market, benefiting consumers, businesses, and the economy as a whole. Stay tuned as we watch how this legislation unfolds and consider the potential impacts and opportunities it might bring for the cannabis industry in Arizona and beyond. Let's continue to advocate for a fair and equitable cannabis market that supports growth, innovation, and responsible business practices.

🌿 The Future of Federal Cannabis Reform: What It Could Mean for the Industry 🌿 Big things are happening in the cannabis industry with the ongoing discussions around federal cannabis reform. As more states move toward legalization, there's a growing push for national changes that could reshape the entire landscape. Here are a few key potential impacts of federal reform: 🔸 Increased Access to Banking: One of the biggest challenges cannabis businesses face is limited access to banking services due to federal restrictions. Reform could open the doors to safer, more reliable financial services and loans. 🔸 Taxation and Revenue: Federal legalization could introduce new tax structures but also allow businesses to benefit from standard tax deductions, which are currently denied under federal law. 🔸 Interstate Commerce: With federal reform, businesses could expand across state lines, creating new opportunities for growth and innovation. 🔸 Research Expansion: National legalization would ease restrictions on cannabis research, providing the scientific community with better opportunities to study the plant’s potential medical and therapeutic benefits. While we still have a ways to go, these conversations are a positive sign for the industry's future. Let’s continue to stay informed and advocate for changes that will help cannabis businesses thrive while ensuring responsible use and safety. What do you think will be the biggest impact of federal reform on the cannabis industry? #CannabisNews #FederalReform #CannabisIndustry #CannabisLegislation #CannabisResearch #CannabisBusiness #BankingAccess

Dope article in Benzinga Cannabis featuring two Marino. clients, including statements from US Cannabis Council and Dutchie on Kamala Harris’s historic VP pick, Tim Walz. For the first time ever, a presidential ticket is explicitly backing #cannabislegalization. As we continue to support industry leaders like USCC and Dutchie, this game-changing move by Harris and Walz highlights the growing influence of #cannabis in mainstream politics. Their stance could reshape the future of #cannabispolicy, paving the way for more innovation and #destigmatization. #cannabispr “Kamala Harris’ selection of Governor Tim Walz as her running mate is a historic milestone for cannabis reform," said David Culver, SVP of Public Affairs for US Cannabis Council in an email to Benzinga. "For the first time, there will be a pro-legalization major party ticket. The US Cannabis Council is confident that a Harris Administration would continue to build on the recent progress made by the Biden Administration toward ending federal cannabis prohibition and addressing the societal impacts of the drug war." “Governor Walz has been an outspoken advocate of cannabis legalization in Minnesota, and with Vice President Harris, they are the first explicitly pro-legalization major party presidential ticket," Bryan Barash from Dutchie said. "We are encouraged by this pick and hope that, if elected, Harris and Walz will continue the progress already made towards ending federal prohibition and supporting a safe and regulated legal market. Cannabis reform is on voters' minds this election cycle, and we look forward to hearing more from Harris and Walz about what they will do to advance cannabis reform if elected." #cannabiscommunity #cannabisreform #MarinoCannabis #NYCannabis