The agency asked a North Carolina-based business to stop selling hemp extract and CBD for livestock, citing fears it could leach into human foods the animals produce.
The state will award licenses via a lottery system – six to applicants in areas affected by the war on drugs and six to general applicants. There was no limit set on how many applications one entity could submit.
Rising anxiety and worsening chronic health conditions led to a surge in demand for cannabis that businesses have capitalized on. But thanks to state law, the industry is dominated by just 22 companies.
Companies including Pepsi, General Mills and Kellogg say kids are increasingly being duped by the use of "famous marks" on edible products containing THC.
Anyone 21 or older could buy medical marijuana without a prescription under the proposal, which would also impose penalties on stores giving out cannabis with the purchase of other items. Such businesses have taken off in the city, where pot is legal but Congress has blocked efforts to establish a recreational market.
The Mohawks, like tribes in other states, moved quickly to set up their own regulations. That's OK with state officials, but federal regulators' position is less clear.
Chemically changing hemp extract to mimic the intoxicating compound in marijuana is becoming more common. And while the resulting CBD products aren't expected to compete with top-shelf cannabis offerings, chemically-made THC is so cheap to create some fear it could undercut established growers.
After years of debate, the state's Republican-dominated legislature moves closer to allowing some form of cannabis use. The bill's co-sponsor described people whose lives have been "turned around by these products," but who also feel like they're criminals.
Paying for words of wisdom, most of which can be readily found online, to legally obtain cannabis just shows how outmoded federal marijuana laws are, advocates say.
In the District, where marijuana is legal to possess but not to purchase, local leaders concerned about a growing illegal market had been preparing to allow sales. But because D.C. is not a state, the decision isn't up to them.
The first 100 to 200 licenses will be aimed at helping casualties of the war on drugs, including people with family convicted of a marijuana-related offense, state officials said.
The state's Republican-controlled House defeats an effort to begin some sales this year. But possessing cannabis is already legal in the state, and that could mean big business for illegal sellers.
An estimated 200 small-scale farmers could be granted licenses a year before the state's recreational cannabis market opens. Many have struggled since hemp prices collapsed in 2019.
College athletes can immediately have more cannabis in their systems before triggering a positive test and those who do test positive will likely not be suspended from games for a first offense.
State officials want 'the most diverse and inclusive' cannabis market in the nation, but advocates say the timing of funding and services is more important than the amount.
Recreational marijuana was legalized last year, when the state government was controlled by Democrats, but now Republicans are in charge and there's little agreement on how to regulate it. Some fear illegal sellers are poised to take advantage.
As the state works to launch its recreational marijuana market, some businesses have already started gifting it, citing a line in the law that allows "transferring, without compensation."
It's true the state has mostly embraced the industry, but local decision making was a big part of its groundbreaking legalization bill, meaning there are lots of highly-populated cities without easy access. Here are the 10 biggest.
By law, marijuana legalization in the state must benefit minority communities harmed by the war on drugs. The Alliance for Cannabis Equity aims to make sure that happens.
The court rules that a constitutional amendment legalizing hemp, medical marijuana and recreational marijuana unfairly forced a choice on voters who supported legalizing one, but not all three.
Medical and recreational marijuana are legal in New Mexico, but because its tribal lands are policed by a federal agency, cannabis users face increased risks.
The proposal, which is still being drafted, is expected to have less oversight than what Democrats are calling for and regulate marijuana more like alcohol.
Seniors appear increasingly willing to consider cannabis as an alternative to more traditional medications and companies have taken notice, offering discounts and promotions like "Silver Tours."
Illicit edibles mimicking well-known candy like Skittles have led to accidental overdoses by children, authorities say. Candy companies are fighting back in the courts.
Democrat John Carney has previously spoken against legalizing recreational marijuana. The bill would allow possession of up to one ounce.
