Cannabis News

Michigan Sheriff Running For Governor Pledges To Repeal Marijuana Tax Increase

Published

3 months ago

March 31, 2026

admin

“We cannot balance state budgets on the backs of one industry. Excessive taxation drives consumers back to the illegal market and shrinks the legal one.”

By Katherine Dailey, Michigan Advance

Genesee County Sheriff and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris Swanson was adamant. A 24 percent cannabis tax was approved as part of the 2026 budget Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) plan to fund road repairs across the state.

In a video posted to Facebook Friday evening, Swanson promised that, if elected, he would work to repeal the tax, saying it is “not fair and just” to an industry that provides goods and services, as well as jobs, to the state of Michigan.

Swanson’s campaign added in a press release that the tax “undermines the legal market and the intent of voter-approved legalization,” referring to the 2018 ballot initiative that legalized cannabis in the state of Michigan.

“As governor, I will work to roll back the 24 percent wholesale excise tax to ensure fairness and equity,” the press release continued. “We cannot balance state budgets on the backs of one industry. Excessive taxation drives consumers back to the illegal market and shrinks the legal one.”

“I’ve never been a fan of fixing budget issues by targeting one industry, and that’s what happened,” Swanson said in the video. “The people spoke. This is an industry that’s here to stay. And anything that tries to disrupt that is going to be non-negotiable for this administration. And we’re also going to keep it from expanding into the black market, where they can lead to other, more dangerous situations. So we’re going to make sure that this industry is taken care of.”

The tax narrowly passed the State Legislature in early October and came into force in early 2026, and has been heavily criticized…and even taken to court—the leaders of the cannabis industry— because they harm the industry and the small companies that make it up.

Swanson’s press release also quoted Robin Schneider, executive director of the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association, as praising his opposition to the tax, a law enforcement agency focused primarily on keeping the industry out of the black market.

“Candidate Chris Swanson came out publicly against a 24 percent wholesale tax,” Schneider said. “Now it’s up to us to build momentum behind the message that we’re brave enough to carry.”

Swanson also emphasized in the press release that he still plans to fund the kinds of infrastructure projects that cannabis taxes will fund.

“It’s about doing what’s right for Michigan. Even with the repeal of this tax, I’m 100 percent committed to funding all future road and bridge projects. That’s a priority, too,” he said. “Supporting a fair system protects people, strengthens small businesses and respects voters who have made their voices heard.”

Swanson has trailed Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) in polls and campaign fundraising in the primary, but has continued to campaign ahead of the August primary.

This story was first published by the Michigan Advance.

Marihuana Moment is made possible with the help of readers. If you rely on our pro-cannabis journalism to stay informed, consider a monthly Patreon pledge.

Cannabis News

Massachusetts CCC pauses license applications

Published

5 hours ago

June 17, 2026

admin

The Cannabis Control Commission, the government body that oversees the marijuana business in the state of Massachusetts (USA), has decided to temporarily stop accepting new license applications for growing marijuana, both indoors and outdoors. This hiatus officially began on June 16, 2026.

Anyone planning to apply for a new marijuana cultivation license after June 16, 2026 will not be able to do so while this suspension is in effect. The Commission will not accept such requests during this period.

There are two groups that can continue normally. First, anyone who submitted an application before June 16, 2026, will continue to review and process applications as usual. Second, applicants for specific programs designed to help communities historically affected by drug laws, known as the Social Equity Program and the Economic Empowerment Program, are exempt from this suspension if they apply for a smaller-scale “Microenterprise” license.

The suspension will be in effect for 120 days from June 16, 2026, which is currently scheduled to be lifted around mid-October 2026. However, the Commission has the power to terminate earlier or extend further, depending on market conditions.

Source: Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission

Cannabis News

Federal Marijuana Rescheduling ‘Does Not Appear To Apply’ To Washington Businesses, State Officials Say

Published

5 hours ago

June 17, 2026

admin

Marijuana regulators in Washington say the Trump administration’s move to re-regulate cannabis at the federal level “doesn’t appear to apply” to the state’s businesses.

US Department of Justice in April He issued an order that immediately reclassified the state’s licensed medical cannabisas well as marijuana products approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under Schedule I through Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). A trial scheduled for this month will take place consider marijuana III.

“Washington does not issue licenses to producers, processors or retailers of medical cannabis,” the state’s Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) said in guidelines released Tuesday. “Instead, Washington has a single recreational market and within that market producers/processors can manufacture (DOH) compliant products, and certain retailers can sell DOH-compliant products to adult patients and all designated providers.”

“Therefore, Washington cannabis licensees do not appear to qualify as ‘state medical marijuana licensees’ and therefore may not be eligible for registration under the final Rule,” the agency said, referring to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Registration process for legal marijuana businesses in the state to take advantage of the federal benefits that come with the reform.

That said, the LCB “does not take a position if licensees decide to apply for federal registration,” the guidance continues. “If a licensee is seeking federal registration, we would be interested in learning about their experience and federal decisions.”

However, “based on our analysis, the federal reorganization in its current form does not appear to apply to cannabis licensees in Washington, primarily because of the legal framework governing recreational cannabis,” the LCB said.

The agency emphasized, however, that while it has consulted with the Cannabis Regulatory Association, the National Governors Association and industry stakeholders, its current opinion does not represent Washington’s formal opinion and “may not be our final interpretation as information is evolving and the decision may not rest with the state.”

“We await additional guidance from the federal agencies involved, new or updated federal agency processes and/or other federal procedures,” he said. he saidreferring to the next administrative hearing and Ongoing litigation calls into question the rescheduling of cannabis.

“The LCB recognizes that there are many cannabis growers, processors, and retailers actively involved in the production and sale of medical cannabis in Washington. These businesses may or may not be eligible to use the 280e tax deduction, and may also register with the DEA III. Ultimately, they have no input into whether their licensees meet the criteria for “state medical marijuana licensees,” as that determination can be made unilaterally by the DOJ within the meaning of the Final Rule. to reasonably interpret and determine that Washington cannabis licensees qualify as “state medical marijuana licensees.”

The US Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) said they plan to issued new tax guidelines for the marijuana industry after reprogramming. The reform will benefit state-licensed marijuana businesses by allowing them to take federal tax deductions that are currently prohibited under IRS Code Section III, known as Section 280E.

In California, regulators recently approved emergency rule changes to the state’s marijuana licensing process. to make it easier for companies to receive benefits In line with the Trump administration’s latest move to federally regulate medical cannabis.

Marijuana Moment is made possible with the help of readers. If you rely on our pro-cannabis journalism to stay informed, consider a monthly Patreon pledge.

Cannabis News

How New Zealand showed up in London’s cannabis industry

Published

1 day ago

June 16, 2026

admin

The medical cannabis market is expected to grow from $47 billion to $149 billion by 2031, and New Zealand has a real role to play in that story. And thanks in large part to New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), the government’s international business development agency, Puro is starting to play.

At Cannabis Europa 2026 London, NZTE hosted an evening event at the City Arts Bar with Puro, New Zealand companies Bluelab, Rua Bioscience and CannFX. Puro called it The NZ Room.

Beyond all things Kiwiana – including Puro brand kiwifruit, Kiwi’d – the room was filled with some pretty amazing people: Ivy League scientists, company founders, patients, advocates, industry players, government officials, Maori tribal leaders and a tough Scotsman. All in the same space with the same true passion for where this industry is going.

It was one of those rooms where conversations went well when they had to end. That’s usually a sign of something well done.

Made possible by NZTE
For Puro, the NZTE relationship has been formative. With ongoing support, Puro has entered the Australian market with 47 unique product SKUs and signed a £7 million supply agreement with UK distributor IPS Pharma.

NZTE understands the potential of the New Zealand cannabis industry. The willingness to support this nascent industry and put New Zealand in the spotlight at events like Cannabis Europa is very significant. New Zealand is a small country and the country’s credibility in international markets is built from relationship to relationship, room by room. NZTE helps build those rooms.

what’s next
For the first time, patients in the UK have access to medicinal cannabis grown in New Zealand. That’s the direct result of years of work by Puro’s team, but it’s not worth much if you can’t connect with buyers globally. Creating international relationships that events like Cannabis Europa make this possible.

“We are grateful for the extensive support from the New Zealand Government that drives our progress, including the Ministry of Primary Industries’ support for our genetic breeding, product innovation and market access goals. This collective effort from agencies such as the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, NZTE and the New Zealand Export Credit Bureau ensures that Mail that started in London will continue to grow in Puro’s international goals,” he said. a statement

For more information:
clean
www.puro.co.nz