Legislative & Licensing Update: January 5, 2022
Opt-outs in New York and New Applications in Connecticut
We’re starting off 2022 cannabis legislative and licensing news with these updates: Opt-out tally in New York, licenses opening in Connecticut, and early legislative action in Indiana, Kentucky, New Hampshire, and Delaware. Plus, continued uncertainty from Mississippi’s governor.
Municipal Opt-Outs for Cannabis Businesses in New York
In New York the deadline of December 31, 2021, for cities, towns, and villages to opt out of the state’s cannabis program has passed. New York has more than 1,500 towns, villages, and cities and the opt-out rate for dispensary operations is about 42% with the opt-out rate for on-site consumption at about 48%.
Also in New York, the state’s hemp plan received federal approval from USDA.
New Connecticut Adult-Use License Applications Open in February
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) announced they will begin accepting applications for certain adult-use cannabis establishment license types starting on February 3. In addition to unveiling upcoming deadlines and the number of available licenses per establishment type, the DCP says it will hold multiple lotteries on an ongoing basis, with the next period expected in the second half of 2022.
Early Cannabis Legislative Action in 4 States
Indiana lawmakers pre-filed bills for the 2022 session that would legalize marijuana possession, create an infrastructure for how to eventually regulate cannabis sales and set rules for “craft hemp flower.”
In Kentucky, Democratic House and Senate leaders are including legalizing medical cannabis as a top legislative priority for 2022.
New Hampshire lawmakers pre-filed 2022 bills to decriminalize psilocybin and all drugs. The broad reform proposals come as the legislature is also set to consider at least six measures to legalize marijuana in the new year.
Delaware State Representative Ed Osienski said he has spent the last few months tweaking his marijuana legalization bill in an attempt to get enough votes to pass it in 2022.
Uncertainty & Progress in Other Cannabis Programs
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves hinted he may veto a medical cannabis bill unless there is a reduction in the amount of marijuana patients may buy from the daily purchase limit of 3.5 grams to 1.75 grams. However, the Mississippi Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Brice Wiggins said lawmakers are well-positioned to override Governor Tate Reeves if he vetoes a medical cannabis bill.
Montana recreational marijuana sales began, and the state’s top cannabis regulator Kristan Barbour confirmed the state’s readiness for the cannabis program.
Louisiana smokable medical cannabis flower sales launched however there is some frustration with prices from some stores ranging from $440 and $480 an ounce.
New Mexico regulators published a checklist for marijuana retail business applicants.
And in Ohio the Medical Marijuana Control Program will draw the winners for the medical marijuana licenses on January 27, 2022.
Win A 2022 Cannabis License
Ready to join what’s slated to be one of the fastest-growing industries in 2022? Don’t wait! Contact our team of cannabis consultants today and let’s put you in the driver’s seat of a cannabis business license this year.