Employers more open to recreational marijuana legalization, but concerns over drug testing, other issues persist – Hartford Business Journal
Connecticut this year has its best chance yet to legalize recreational marijuana as Gov. Ned Lamont and top Democratic lawmakers favor the move. But the business community still has its concerns, though its stance against legalization may not be as strong as it was in the past. In fact, an increasing number of employers, legal experts say, view recreational pot legalization as inevitable, but want workplace safeguards put in place. The General Assembly is currently debating two bills — one from Gov. Ned Lamont, the other from House Democrats — that would legalize the recreational use of marijuana, following in…
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Employers more open to recreational marijuana legalization, but concerns over drug testing, other issues persist – Hartford Business
Connecticut this year has its best chance yet to legalize recreational marijuana as Gov. Ned Lamont and top Democratic lawmakers favor the move. But the business community still has its concerns, though its stance against legalization may not be as strong as it was in the past. In fact, an increasing number of employers, legal experts say, view recreational pot legalization as inevitable, but want workplace safeguards put in place. The General Assembly is currently debating two bills — one from Gov. Ned Lamont, the other from House Democrats — that would legalize the recreational use of marijuana, following in…
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With marijuana legalization on the table, many CT lenders may sit on the sidelines – Hartford Business Journal
An emerging industry with 50,000 customers and tens of millions of dollars in annual revenue would be attractive for most banks and credit unions. Except if it’s the state’s medical marijuana industry. Of the 146 banks and credit unions operating in the state, a mere five — three banks and two credit unions — are banking licensed marijuana operators, and to a limited extent, mainly focused on deposit services and cash management rather than loans, according to an industry expert. Strict and costly compliance measures to ensure institutions don’t run afoul of federal law, which still deems marijuana to be…
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With marijuana legalization on the table, many CT lenders may sit on the sidelines – Hartford Business
An emerging industry with 50,000 customers and tens of millions of dollars in annual revenue would be attractive for most banks and credit unions. Except if it’s the state’s medical marijuana industry. Of the 146 banks and credit unions operating in the state, a mere five — three banks and two credit unions — are banking licensed marijuana operators, and to a limited extent, mainly focused on deposit services and cash management rather than loans, according to an industry expert. Strict and costly compliance measures to ensure institutions don’t run afoul of federal law, which still deems marijuana to be…
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Connecticut Poll Shows Majority Support For Marijuana Legalization And Expungements As Lawmakers Consider Reform – Marijuana Moment
Ohio activists have collected enough signatures to force the legislature to take up the issue of marijuana legalization, the secretary of state’s office confirmed on Friday. This comes about two weeks after the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol (CTRMLA) submitted a final round of signatures for the measure. The petitions’ formal validation triggers the legislative review of legalization, but it does not require lawmakers to enact the reform. The legislature now has four months to consider the campaign’s cannabis reform proposal. Lawmakers can adopt the measure, reject it or pass an amended version. If they do not pass the…
Read More »New Meriden wellness center will feature hemp and CBD products – Meriden Record-Journal
MERIDEN — Instead of rakes and lawn mower parts, the former Civali’s Hardware store at 1387 E. Main St. will become a health and wellness center with a doctor’s office, a hemp and CBD product shop, and a glass accessory shop. The new plaza, which has yet to be named, is Tomarin Holdings LLC’s latest venture in the city. It is expected to open in several weeks. “It’s really beautiful,” said Tomarin partner Rino Ferrarese. “It’s really exciting, new businesses, jobs. There is a body of water behind the property. We’re cleaning it up and putting in benches. We’re going to try to make it as nice as…
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Connecticut Marijuana Hearing Shows Governor’s Legalization Bill Likely To Be Amended After Equity Pushback – Marijuana Moment
Caregivers say the lobbying efforts come down to a lack of understanding and greed. By Marla R. Miller, Michigan Advance Medical marijuana caregiver Ryan Bringold has been involved in Michigan’s grassroots efforts to legalize cannabis for years. But as larger licensed recreational and medical cannabis grow facilities and provisioning centers crop up across Michigan, caregivers like Bringold who helped legalize marijuana feel they are being pushed out. A small group of corporate activists want to tighten state restrictions for medical caregivers and patients. The goal: Cut plant counts, require product testing and reduce homegrown cultivation. Bringold, 49, who lives in…
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Connecticut Governor Touts Marijuana Legalization Bill Ahead Of First Hearing – Marijuana Moment
At a press conference on Wednesday to build support for his plan to legalize marijuana in Connecticut, Gov. Ned Lamont (D) and other backers described the proposal as a thoughtful, data-driven measure designed to address decades of disproportionate harm to the state’s Black and brown residents. While the bill is set for its first committee hearing on Friday, some social justice advocates have deep concerns about how the legal market would be structured. “This has been a long time coming,” the governor said of his proposal. “We’ve been talking about this for ages, and I think now is the time…
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