PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY
Biden grants clemency to people with cannabis convictions
At long last, President Biden’s administration has granted clemency to 78 individuals, dozens of whom have cannabis-related convictions, per the White House.
They include Jose Luis Colunga of Juniata, Nebraska, who was sentenced to 240 months of prison time after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 1000 kg of cannabis and Stacie Demers of Constable, New York, who was sentenced to 120 months of prison time after being convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
“America is a nation of laws and second chances, redemption, and rehabilitation,” tweeted the president. “During Second Chance Month, I am using my authority under the Constitution to uphold those values by pardoning and commuting the sentences of fellow Americans.”
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MIND THE GAP
Report highlights the gap between state and federal cannabis laws
A new report by congressional researchers shows the policy gap is growing between state and federal cannabis laws, per Marijuana Moment, creating “unique consequences for individuals who act in compliance with state law but violate federal law.”
Two examples they cited are individuals who face losing their jobs for using cannabis in legal states as well as consequences researchers and postsecondary students face.
“Other consequences include, but are not limited to, an inability to obtain or dismissal from certain types of employment, the inability to purchase and possess a firearm, inadmissibility for federal housing, and ineligibility for certain visas,” reads the report.
COMPASSIONATE DOSAGE
Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club meets with Health Canada over higher doses
Longtime B.C.-based compassion club Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club (VCBC) is facing $6.5 million in fines in part for dispensing higher doses than are allowed by Health Canada.
On Monday, representatives of VCBC planned to meet with Health Canada to explain why doses of hundreds of milligrams of cannabinoids in edibles can be beneficial to patients. Health Canada doses are limited to 10 mg.
VCBC
- Has operated since 1996
- Has more than 8500 clients with conditions such as diabetes, arthritis and cancer
- Clients need a referral from a medical professional to try cannabis instead of opioids
“When you eat cannabis as medicine, it’s when it can be really beneficial for fighting pain, inflammation, anxiety and a number of other issues,” said VCBC president Ted Smith.
PINK SLIPS ABOUND
Canopy Growth lays off another 245 employees
Ontario-based Canopy Growth has laid off another 245 employees in a cost-cutting move, reports MJBizDaily, which is 8% of its workforce.
According to a news release, the company, which has not yet reported a profit, will save up to CAD $150 million within 12 to 18 months.
Approximately 1600 jobs at the cannabis company have been terminated since 2020.
