Marijuana Business Daily

Virginia Republicans move to defund state marijuana regulator

Published

2 years ago

February 17, 2023

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Republican lawmakers in Virginia want to cut nearly 70% of the Cannabis Control Authority’s budget, a move that creates further uncertainty for the state’s nascent legal marijuana industry.

Under a state spending plan proposed by Virginia’s House Republicans, the budget for the Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) would be slashed by $13.4 million over two years, Richmond TV station WRIC reported Wednesday.

The budget proposal comes after a Republican-controlled state General Assembly committee killed a bill intended to regulate the state’s impending adult-use marijuana industry.

Virginia has had a limited medical marijuana market since 2020, and adult-use sales were to begin Jan. 1, 2024, under a legalization bill signed into law in 2021 by the state’s former governor, a Democrat.

But new Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, appears more focused on regulating products containing intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids such as delta-8 THC than implementing a recreational market.

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Oklahoma voters could weigh in on adult-use marijuana legalization in 2026

Published

3 days ago

April 4, 2025

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Oklahoma voters could see an adult-use marijuana legalization initiative on their 2026 ballots.

Legacy advocacy group Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action (ORCA) would need to collect more than 172,000 signatures by July to place proposed State Question 837 on state ballots, according to The Oklahoman.

For that to happen, though, the measure’s language must survive any legal challenges.

The measure would be the second attempt by legalization advocates to introduce recreational cannabis in what was for years the most business-friendly medical marijuana market in the country.

Oklahoma voters decisively rejected adult-use marijuana legalization in a low-turnout March 2023 special election, with 61.67% of voters opposed.

ORCA Director Jed Green told The Oklahoman that Question 837 is crafted with that loss in mind.

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MJBizCon offers speakers chance to share cannabis insights, shape industry

Published

3 days ago

April 4, 2025

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The most fulfilling part of an MJBizCon presentation is right after the Q&A, when the speaker is met by exuberant and inspired audience members.

Questions are asked, cards are exchanged and the excitement is palpable.

Cannabis industry experts interested in inspiring their peers and advancing the industry have until 11:59 p.m. ET on April 11 to apply to speak at MJBizCon 2025. Replies will likely go out in May.

So far, nearly 170 speaker applications have been received.

This year’s MJBizCon – the 13th edition – is scheduled for Dec. 2-5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Speaking at the world’s largest marijuana business conference and trade show “offers a chance to share insights and strategies that empower others to elevate their businesses

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As cannabis consumer tastes evolve, industry must look beyond potency

Published

5 days ago

April 2, 2025

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(This is a contributed guest column. To be considered as an MJBizDaily guest columnist, please submit your request here.)

Chris O’Ferrell (Courtesy photo)

For years, the cannabis industry has been shaped by a singular focus: THC potency.

Store menus highlight percentages, consumers chase high numbers, and many strains have been bred to maximize THC content at the expense of other characteristics.

But is that truly what makes marijuana special?

Beyond THC levels, branding, packaging and promotions heavily influence consumer choices.

The classic $200-per-ounce deal has evolved into a $100 mix-and-match special, allowing consumers to explore a variety of terpene profiles and effects.

Just as craft beer enthusiasts appreciate curated tasting flights, cannabis enthusiasts now seek diversity in their experiences.

Keeping up with industry trends while

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