Marijuana worth $345K found in southwest of Rochester

September 28, 2018

“High quality” marijuana worth hundreds of thousands of dollars was recovered Monday in southwest of Rochester. This was informed by Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office.

As per the Sheriff’s Office, the marijuana was packed in three storage bins and two garbage bags. They were separated into 112 vacuums-sealed plastic packages weighing roughly 1 pound each and were found abandoned along a rural road southwest of Rochester.

While the identity of whoever is responsible for the pot is yet to be known, the Sheriff’s Office said it’s keeping under wraps other details about who found the marijuana or where it was located as the matter is under investigation.

“No one has come forward, and I’d be very surprised if they did,” Sheriff’s Capt. Scott Behrns said late Thursday morning.

“There are concerns for people’s safety due to the large amount that a dealer has lost, and we simply don’t want to place someone in danger for informing law enforcement,” a statement from the Sheriff’s Office read.

“We estimate the value of the marijuana, due to its high quality, to be approximately $345,000,” the statement continued, describing the location of the discovery as “a concealed spot.”

The Sheriff’s Office has asked people having information about the unattended marijuana to contact CrimeStoppers at 1-888-222-TIPS assuring to keep the callers’ details anonymous.

1st legal Medical Marijuana Plant sold in Oklahoma

September 27, 2018

The first ever medical marijuana plant has been sold at a dispensary in Fairfax Oklahoma in the state. 

One John Frasure, a Vietnam-era veteran who struggles with PTSD and a variety of ailments, purchased the seedling which is the first plant to be legally grown and sold after the state legalized medical marijuana in June this year.

"I didn't think this was going to happen in my lifetime. And that’s what's so really great about this is, that's why we did the sale. We want everybody to know that yes cannabis is for sale here in Oklahoma. Medical cannabis is for sale,” said Frasure.

Voters had passed State Question 788 back in June. However, those products, which contain oils extracted from the cannabis plant, were already legal to sell as long as they don’t contain traces of tetrahydrocannabinol — or THC — the psychoactive chemical found in marijuana.

As per the State Question 788, the medical marijuana license holders can legally have up to six seedlings and six adult plants. However, all plants sold in Oklahoma have to be grown in Oklahoma itself as the federal government says it’s illegal to bring the plants from other states.

Meanwhile, a state legislative committee met Wednesday for the 10th time to discuss the matter.

In Oklahoma, it costs 100 dollars to get a license for two years.

Virginia selects 5 Firms to dispense Medical Marijuana

September 26, 2018

As many as five companies have been selected in Virginia Tuesday to dispense medical marijuana in the Commonwealth.

The Virginia Board of Pharmacy named the five winning applications after private discussions that lasted more than five hours.

The conditional awardees include Maryland-based Green Leaf Medical, Illinois-based PharmaCann and New York-based Columbia Care. The other two licenses were awarded to newer ventures from Virginia entrepreneurs partnering with out-of-state partners: Dharma Pharmaceuticals and Dalitso LLC.

The Virginia Board of Pharmacy said that the companies will open state's first authorized marijuana-growing facilities within a year. However, they are only allowed to sell non-psychoactive oil to approved patients.

Total 51 companies had filed their applications each of which required a $10,000 filing fee.

The General Assembly had in 2016 and 2017 passed several bills to expand its medical marijuana use laws to allow in-state production, sale and dispensing of medical cannabis oil or THC-A to alleviate symptoms of any diagnosed condition or disease for patient use.

In March this year, the lawmakers also expanded marijuana medical use to include “any diagnosed condition or disease determined by the practitioner to benefit from such use.

Man shot dead during break-in attempt at Detroit Marijuana Dispensary

September 26, 2018

An unidentified man died after he was shot while he was trying to break into a medical marijuana dispensary Monday.

According to Detroit police, the deceased along with three others tried to break into a medical marijuana dispensary around 11:20 p.m. Monday at Motor City Kush on 8 Mile Road at John R, just west of I-75.

Police say an employee of the marijuana dispensary rushed to the spot after he heard the alarm going off. Later, found a man in the garage and opened fire and fatally shot the man in the direction of the break-in.

While three of the four suspects managed to escape from the site, another got the bullet injury and fell in the garage.

Cops arrive after getting information about the incident and found the man lying face down in the garage. He was declared dead by the police at the scene. However, his identity is yet to be ascertained.

Police have started an investigation into the matter and a man haunt also has been launched to trace the three men who remain at large.

Cops, even, circulated a phone number (313-267-4600) and asked the residents to provide information of the three persons involved in the attempted break-in, if they get any.

Punishment for smoking Marijuana in public relaxed in DC

September 24, 2018

In a major relief, People caught smoking marijuana in public will not be arrested anymore but will get a citation in the nation’s capital as a new policy has been adopted.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and Metropolitan Police Chief Peter Newsham announced the policy change from Friday with immediate effect.

As per the initiative 71, which was passed in 2014, people in the district were allowed to have 2 ounces of marijuana, and give away 1 ounce. But, it had restricted selling and smoking of marijuana in public.

However, now, enforcement of that last portion of the law has changed following which arrests for public consumption will now be “noncustodial.”

DC officials say those caught smoking marijuana outside will receive a citation.

Those who qualify to receive a citation must go to a police station for booking within 15 days and will either pay a $25 fine or go to court.

Some people including minors, people with outstanding warrants and those who police think won’t answer the citation, will not be eligible for citations.

Currently, people are allowed to possess 2 ounces (57 grams) of marijuana in the district.

Merced's City's Planning Commission approves 4 Marijuana Dispensaries

September 24, 2018

The city planning commission approved four marijuana dispensaries in Merced's. All four of the businesses were approved after two days of a public hearing.

The four marijuana dispensaries which got the approval are Blue Fire - to be located along Olive Avenue, The Green Door - to be located along Main Street, Manzanita - to be located on the 1500 block of 18th Street and The Harvest of Merced - to be located inside an old warehouse on 15th Street.

Speaking about the development, City Development Services Scott McBride said, "They're going to hire local people, they're going to use local contractors, they're going to inject money into the local community."

All the marijuana dispensaries will have an extensive video and alarm security system and have security on site during business hours.

Some dispensaries may open up by the end of the year. "We'll issue (applicants) a certificate, they can start the state license process. They all have substantial renovations at the buildings. There's a lot of money and a lot of work," added McBride.

As many as 22 companies, including the four, had submitted complete applications for cannabis dispensaries in March.

A committee of City Manager Steve Carrigan, Police Chief Chris Goodwin and Director of Development Services Scott McBride reviewed the applications.

The cannabis dispensaries were given scores based on criteria which included public outreach programs, parking, business hours, previous experience and qualifications of the owners, access to capital, inclusion of certain safety features, local residency and other details.

US Governor signs Historic Marijuana Legalization Bill

September 21, 2018

Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres Friday signed H.B. 20-178 into law Friday. With this, Northern Mariana Islands became the first U.S. territory to legalize and regulate marijuana for adult use.

With the Governor's signature, it is also the first U.S. jurisdiction to do so through its legislature, rather than via ballot initiative.

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)—a tiny Pacific territory with a population of just over 50,000.

H.B. 20-178, titled the Taulamwaar Sensible CNMI Cannabis Act of 2018, was approved 6-0-2 in the Senate last week and 18-1-1 in the House on August 8.

Under the new law, it is now legal for adults 21 years of age and older to possess limited amounts of marijuana (one ounce), marijuana-infused products (16 ounces in solid form, 72 ounces in liquid form), and marijuana extracts (five grams).

Regulators will issue licenses for cannabis producers, testing facilities, processors, retailers, wholesalers and lounges and the home cultivation of a small number of plants will be allowed as per the new law.

CNMI is the first place in the U.S. to launch a commercial cannabis legalization system through an act of lawmakers—as opposed to by voters with a ballot initiative. Vermont legislators passed a bill to end marijuana prohibition this year, but it only allows for possession and home cultivation, not legal sales.

The territory is also the first U.S. jurisdiction to go from having cannabis totally illegal to allowing recreational use without first having a medical marijuana program.

In U.S, eight states namely Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, voters have adopted the laws legalizing and regulating marijuana for adult use. However, the lawmakers in Vermont and voters in D.C. have adopted laws that make marijuana possession and cultivation legal for adults, but they do not regulate commercial production or sales.

Chicopee Medical marijuana Dispensary to have Grand Opening

September 18, 2018

The Mass Alternative Care Inc., a medical marijuana dispensary that became operational last month at 1247 East Main St., will have a grand opening this Friday.

Ronald P. Campurciani, the former West Springfield police chief, who is a security consultant for the company, Monday informed that the grand opening will have a cake cutting ceremony in the parking lot of the medical marijuana dispensary at 11 a.m.

People are invited for the event but interior tours of the facility are unavailable and only employees, authorized visitors and clients with medical marijuana identification cards are permitted inside, he added.

Campurciani further said that Chicopee Mayor Richard J. Kos along with the members of the City Council will be among other distinguished guests who are scheduled to attend the grand opening.

Mass Alternative Care Inc. started its operational after getting a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Besides, it has obtained a special permit and a zone change from the Planning Board and City Council.

The company had spent $6 million to renovate the Chicopee Engineering Associates building to the current facility.

Now it is pursuing a license from the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission to produce and dispense over 25 different kinds of recreational marijuana products, from edibles to capsules, at the same location.

According to Mass Alternative Care Inc. officials , the company will produce four thousand pounds of marijuana at the site every year.

Medical Marijuana campaign kicks off in Utah

September 16, 2018

Proposition 2, a medical marijuana campaign officially kicked off Saturday at the Overstock.com headquarters.

Hundreds of supporters from different age group participated actively at the event, which included music, food trucks and bounce houses, picking up T-shirts and lawn signs to distribute in advance of the November election.

Faith Corbin — a 14-year-old with brain tumor – also came with her mother and younger siblings to show her support for Proposition 2. Though Corbin isn’t old enough to cast a ballot, is anxiously awaiting the vote.

Like Corbin, Carolyn Bayly of Lehi, who is in a similar situation, also came forward to extend her support.

“I don’t know if medical marijuana would be effective for me,” said Bayly, who takes seven medications for her multiple sclerosis, and many of the drugs have negative side effects. “But I’d like my doctor to have the option to prescribe it,” she added.

The Proposition 2, if approved by Utah voters, would allow the patients to get a medical marijuana card with a doctor's recommendation to obtain, possess, or cultivate cannabis for medicinal use despite marijuana's lack of the normal Food and Drug Administration testing for safety and efficacy.

As per a Dan Jones and Associates poll, conducted for UtahPolicy.com, found 64 percent of likely voters to be “somewhat” or “strongly” in support of the measure.

However, there are several groups who are opposing the move vehemently saying the initiative as written lacks procedural safeguards.

Two of the strong oppositions of Proposition 2, are the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Drug Safe Utah Coalition — made up of medical experts, clergy, law enforcement, educators and business leaders.

Most of the states in U.S that have medical marijuana laws have private dispensaries, rather than pharmacies, that distribute cannabis products containing the psychoactive ingredient THC.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as per the law, prohibits the doctors from prescribing marijuana. It had in June approved the first medication that’s derived from cannabis.

Currently, 31 states have legalized the plant for its medicinal use in U.S.

Man arrested while trying to take marijuana that washed up on Florida Beach

September 15, 2018

Flagler County Sheriff's Officer arrested a Florida man while he was trying to take marijuana that had washed ashore on the beach.

According to reports, authorities went to Jungle Hut Park after getting a call about marijuana washing up on the beach on Thursday morning.

The caller also said that she saw Robert Kelley, 61, of Palm Coast, Florida, trying to take some of the packages of marijuana – and other people were reportedly trying to do the same.

After reaching the beach, the deputies found Kelley attempting to open the packaging and carry them after finding marijuana in it.

When questioned about his activities, Kelley told the deputies he had taken the pot and was keeping it in his car and was waiting for the arrival of law enforcement officers.

Later, the officials found an 11-pound brick of marijuana inside the vehicle that had been wrapped in a brown beach towel following which Kelley was arrested for possession of marijuana over 20 grams.

Post his arrest, Kelley is at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility under $2,500 bond.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection, meanwhile, is continuing the investigation after getting the recovered marijuana from the deputies.

The deputies said that they have recovered about 100 pounds of marijuana that has washed up on beaches in Flagler County during the past two days.

98 Medical Marijuana Dispensaries to be closed in Michigan

September 13, 2018

As many as 98 medical marijuana dispensaries will have to shut down in Michigan under new emergency rules adopted by the state Tuesday.

The 98 dispensaries will close their doors as they haven’t submitted the second step of the application in a timely manner or at all after submitting their initial applications by February 15.

The Medical Marijuana Licensing Board is all set to serve them the cease and desist orders next week, following which the norm violators must shut down their dispensaries.

The state will release the list of the 98 dispensaries later this month. If they continue operating, the owners risk not being able to get a license at all.

On the other hand, about 108 medical marijuana dispensaries that have been operating while they’re waiting for the board’s consideration for their application for a license will get to stay open until December. 

As per reports, these 108 medical marijuana dispensaries, which got their initial applications in by February 15, had submitted the second step of the application process by June 15.

More than 200 dispensaries that were operating, but didn't submit applications for licenses, were issued cease and desist letters from the state in March ordering them to shut down.

The new December 15 deadline is the third time the department has extended the deadline for dispensaries to get a license or shut down.

The medical marijuana became legal in Michigan after voters approved it in 2008. The state will consider legalizing weed for recreational use on Nov. 6.

The licensing of recreational marijuana businesses, if gets approved by voters, will be the responsibility of LARA, not the politically-appointed board that hands out licenses for medical marijuana businesses.

Two arrested on charges of Child Endangerment

September 10, 2018

The New Scotland police arrested two persons after a 3-year-old girl handed them a bag of marijuana from a car during a traffic stop Thursday.

The state police arrested driver of a car Scott Hill, 26, and passenger Megan Karl, 33, each of Clarksville. They were arrested on charges of child endangerment.

According to a news release Sunday, the state police stopped the car along Route 32 in New Scotland, South West of Albany, when they found Scott Hill with an ashtray that contained the ends of marijuana cigarettes. While a trooper interviewed the driver outside of the car, another trooper checked on a 3-year-old girl who was in the backseat without a proper child safety restraint.

After noticing the trooper, the child reached under a front seat and pulled out and handed it over to the police. Apart from containing a bag of marijuana, the cops say that the pouch also had a metal grinding device and smoking pipe, both containing the drug, inside it.  

After finding the drug from the vehicle, police arrested Scott Hill and Megan Karl for child endangerment. Scott Hill was also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.  

While the girl was turned over to relatives, the Albany County Child Protective Services was informed of the arrests.

Police said Hill and Karl were released after they appeared in the New Scotland Town Court. Both of them are salted to return to court at a future date.

Canadian Military issues Marijuana Policy

September 08, 2018

The Canadian military Friday issued consumption guidelines on recreational marijuana for its forces.

Defense Chief Gen. Jonathan Vance says, as per the guidelines, the Armed Forces will be permitted to possess and consume cannabis as long as they follow the federal and provincial laws. However, it warned that those in uniform could face disciplinary action or charges if they fail to comply.

However, they will not be allowed to consume cannabis during a shift or domestic exercise. They will not be allowed to bring cannabis on any aircraft or vessel. Besides, they are not permitted to bring cannabis with them internationally.

Service members who plan to handle or maintain a weapon, ammunition or piece of equipment, have to face a 24-hour restriction while the military personnel who are about to serve on submarines and military aircraft, or who are planning to operate a drone, will face a 28-day restriction.

Voluntary medical treatment will be given to any soldier found to have an addiction to cannabis, or a “cannabis use disorder.” If the member denies treatment, a permanent note is added to their medical file.

As per the guidelines, those who break the rules or are otherwise suspected of “misusing cannabis” can face a variety of disciplinary actions as well as charges.

The service members who suspect a colleague of such misuse also have been asked to report the matter.

The supervisors have been given directions on how to detect someone who might be impaired while on the job, including the presence of glassy eyes and slow reaction times.

The restriction will apply to all 100,000 uniformed members of the Canadian Armed Forces as well as the roughly 25,000 civilians currently employed by the Department of National Defense.

The Canadian Military’s guidelines will come into effect on the same day when the recreational marijuana becomes legal in Canada on October 17.

Nevada Marijuana Firm faces 6 separate Lawsuits

September 07, 2018

According to reports, six separate lawsuits have been filed against CWNevada including fraud, failure to pay lenders on time and, in one case, misappropriation of intellectual property.

CWNevada, which calls itself “the premier cannabis distributor in Nevada’’, owns at least two cultivation facilities, a production facility and three dispensaries under the Canopi brand.

The court documents revealed that the company is struggling to pay back millions of dollars it raised from lenders over the past few years for cultivation, production and distribution of marijuana products,

The lawsuits were filed by Highland Partners NV LLC, MI-CW Holdings LLC, MI-CW Holdings NV Fund 2 LLC and Green Pastures Group LLC and CIMA Group LLC.

According to court records, all the lawsuits with the exception of the one filed by the CIMA Group have been condensed into one case.

The MI-CW Holdings NV Fund 2 alleged that CWNevada had taken a lone of $3.25 million for equipment; however the company has not paid it back.

Likewise, the MI-CW Holdings NV Fund 2 accused CWNevada of “fraudulent conduct” and has asked the court to require CWNevada to provide it with “true and correct financial statements.”

The Green Pastures Group and MI-CW Holdings filed lawsuits seeking access to the CWNevada’s financial statements and alleged it did not repay loans, the amount of which it did not disclose in its lawsuit.

The MI-CW Holdings’s lawsuit alleged that it had given CWNevada a three-year loan of $161,802.61 in June 2017. However, CWNevada stopped making its monthly payment of $5,914.60 on the loan in January this year.

Highland Partners’ lawsuit alleged the company has not paid rent or operating expenses. “To date, CWNevada has not paid any Base Rent to Highland whatsoever, despite being in possession of the Premises for over twelve (12) months,” according to the Highland lawsuit filed July 6, 2018.

The lawsuit of Highland also accused the company of fraud and alleged Padgett removed a mutually approved accountant after a $1.3 million discrepancy was discovered.

The company asked the court for access to CWNevada’s financial records and to appoint a receiver.

According to the Nevada Department of Taxation, CWNevada owns three dispensaries in Clark County under the Canopi brand, CWNevada owns three dispensaries in Clark County under the Canopi brand which are located at 1324 S. 3rd St., Las Vegas, 2113 N. Las Vegas Blvd., North Las Vegas and 6540 Blue Diamond Rd., Las Vegas.

First Marijuana Dispensary opens in Redding City

September 05, 2018

Redding City has got first storefront recreational marijuana dispensary. One business, Synergy, opened its door Saturday as the first legal recreational marijuana dispensary located at 345 Hemsted Drive.

Synergy opened its door after months of meeting and paper work. It is the first state-licensed cannabis retail store of the six proposed dispensary that are set to come into the city.

Synergy has various cannabis products – buds, sublingual drops, chocolates, transdermal patches and creams – in the store.

Jamie Zargot, the owner of Synergy, explained more about what customers can expect.

She said they offer recreational marijuana to customers for recreational users who are at least 21-years-old and present a valid ID, and medicinal marijuana to patients with a valid recommendation, and valid ID. 

Zargot already owns a cannabis store in the city of Shasta Lake but she said this location is a lot more centrally located.

That's why she thinks the new store to take-off quickly.

For those concerned about keeping their cannabis purchase private, Zargot said she chose and designed the new location to protect the customers.

"Once they walk through the doors and realize 'Oh this is normal. This is professional,' they immediately relax and become more open and receptive to the experience. And that's an important first step I think. Also what's important about this location is the discrete parking at the back," said Zargot.

Zargot added the only thing for people to keep in mind is that they will check your ID twice before any purchase. 

"It's beautiful," said one of the 40 customers who visited Synergy on the opening day. "It looks gorgeous it feels natural. Clean much more like a pharmacy or doctors’ office." 

They locals considered the opening of Synergy is going to be a game changer because they can now feel their cannabis needs right at home.

Synergy is open from 9 am to 7 pm, all week.

Sundial Collective LLC, Bulldog Holdings LLC, The Green Door, Hype Cannabis Co. and Bryant Wellness Partners are the other cannabis retailers who have got the tentative approval from the state to open their marijuana dispensaries.