The Trump Administration Bill: Barr Not To Pursue Or Interfere With The Medical Cannabis Industry
There are two sides to every coin and two outcomes to every flip. But if there was ever a president good at sitting on the fence, Trump is that guy. Medical cannabis has generated a lot of debate recently with no end in sight. With different states treading their own paths, the Federal government is left with a huge sack to carry.
Since every buck seems to stop at his feet, the president has decided to allow medical cannabis a breath of fresh air. This includes certain leverages to conduct more research into its health-related benefits. With the never-ending spar with AG Jeff Sessions, Trump has effectively carried the baton of the pro-cannabis movement. He has stated many times that he has no issues with cannabis. And with AG nominee Bill Barr giving positive feedback on the issue, a crackdown on the cannabis industry is a long way off. Barr also acknowledged that, due to the passage of the Farm Bill and its hemp legalization provisions late last year, hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) and other components and products made from low-THC cannabis plants are legally distinct from those that come from marijuana.
Why Does The Bill Do?.
Reporters and users of medical cannabis felt elated and somewhat bemused by Trump’s decision to allow States to make their own decisions on cannabis (AG nominee, Bill Barr is taking the same views). In effect, the bill makes it a federal policy enabling states to take cannabis-based decisions by themselves. But to paraphrase Shakespeare, ‘to legalize or not to legalize?’. That is the question. While Trump’s bill is important, it somehow avoided the tricky question of legality. The Bill quite clearly does not legalize medical cannabis but as stated by a Republican senator, Cory Gardner of Colorado (a state that legalized cannabis use), the Bill allows for true federalism by making the component states take the decisions.
The Bill is like an adrenaline shot up the arm of the medical cannabis industry. With it, banks will be able to offer financial services to businesses that operate in the cannabis industry. The prospects are limitless. Expect more ground-breaking research and products in the health industry. The question of legality has long hampered banks from operating in the medical cannabis industry due to fear of sanctions for violating federal law as he wrote in response to a question.
What It Means For The Cannabis Industry.
With Bill Barr set to let the industry flourish, the sky is definitely the starting point. However, it is important to note that Barr has put the question of legality to Congress. He feels federal legislation cannot look the other way while states make some far-reaching decisions. In essence, he wants a ‘unified’ approach to the cannabis conundrum. Overall though, his ambiance towards the medical cannabis industry is positive.
Apart from normal regulations, the medical cannabis industry can expect a huge growth. Entrepreneurs and business owners can diversify resources into what has now become a legal business. Again, companies and other small businesses will have access to public markets, banks, and other financial tools.
Even though the Bill is essentially a ‘Farm Bill‘, medical cannabis business owners can have access to insurance and investment capitals. They can also actively source for the cannabis plant and sell across state lines. The bottom line is prohibition is over. Increased demand and boosted sales. More health innovations and infused products to deal with challenging ailments.
In conclusion, stores that offer medical natural solutions from cannabis can operate a licensed medical facility without the worst.
If you or someone you know is interested in meeting with a medical marijuana doctor in Florida, please contact our offices today.
Smokeable Medical Marijuana Will Be Available in Florida Very Soon
This article chronicles the implementation of the smokeable medical marijuana that will be available in Florida very soon while Florida Marijuana Doctors are seeing an increase in patients. As expected, once applied to our human tapestry, smokeable medical marijuana has been subjected to some classic interpretations, with a strong promise of more to come.
Last week, the Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis announced that he has asked the Legislature to change Florida law to allow the use of smokeable medical marijuana. The governor also wants to limit the restrictions on who can grow and sell cannabis products. The new Agric Commissioner has plans to create a Director of Cannabis position.
It appears that the newly sworn-in Florida lawmakers are taking a positive approach to try to limit access to medical cannabis in Florida. The Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative which was passed in November 2016 which is also known as Amendment 2, gave patients the right to make use of medical marijuana if they have been diagnosed with a good medical condition. However, its implementation has been controversial. The 2017 bill which was signed into law, made it legal to access marijuana when in oil, pill, edible and vape form, but not to smoke it.
The state was sued over the smoke issue and lost, but was appealing that ruling. Last week DeSantis announced that he wants to drop the appeal and have lawmakers make it clear that patients can smoke medical marijuana. The governor directed the legislature to take action towards the implementation of the amendment and he said it has until 15th of March to do so before the appeal is dropped.
The Governor also announced that he wants to put a stop to ‘’vertical integration’’ for licensed cannabis operators in Florida, which requires marijuana operators to grow, process, distribute and sell products. Such a change would allow operators to be licensed manufacturers or growers.
The current law also limits the number of marijuana licenses and dispensaries. More than a dozen court decisions have ruled that the limitations are in conflict with Amendment 2. The Governor suggested he may also withdraw from addition lawsuits.
It’s not only DeSantis who wants quick action towards expanding access to smokeable medical marijuana. The Agriculture Commissioner announced that she wants to create a Director of Cannabis position in her department who will have the responsibility to oversee all the different parts of the medical marijuana program which is currently overseen by the department. Most of Florida medical marijuana industry is regulated by the Florida Department of Health.
The 2018 Farm Bill which was signed to law in December by President Donald Trump, classified hemp as an agricultural commodity which removes it from the federal controlled substances list. According to the U.S Food and Drug Administration, making use of CBD oils as a dietary supplement or food additive is illegal.
Even though, the Florida legislature won’t be pushing for recreational use anytime soon, but the constitutional amendment is a possibility. The smokeable medical marijuana will be available in Florida soon, and it’s a welcome development.
If you are interested in getting started on your medical marijuana card in Florida, please contact our offices in today!