[author: Susan Ryan]
Welcome back to The Week in Weed, your Friday look at what’s happening in the world of legalized marijuana. This week, Minnesota is accepting license applications, and several tribes are looking to sell cannabis outside their reservations. The administration’s nominee for the top lawyer at the Department of Health and Human Services is not a fan of marijuana. Switzerland moves to legalize cannabis. And finally, Snoop Dogg serves as a contest judge.
MINNESOTA
The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management began accepting business license applications this week. The application period will run through mid-March. Both social equity and general business licenses are available for a variety of different entities. In addition, cities and counties that wish to open a single retail store may also apply for a license.
In addition, a 2023 law allowing tribal nations to negotiate compacts with the state’s governor will allow off-reservation sales. Each tribe is limited to five retail stores; if all 10 tribes reportedly interested in a compact proceed, this would mean 50 stores. That would make the tribes major players in the state’s cannabis industry.
HHS LAWYER
The administration’s pick for lead attorney at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has expressed some pretty strong anti-marijuana views. Mike Stuart, a West Virginia state senator and former U.S. district attorney, has described cannabis as a “gateway drug,” and believes that current products are “genetically engineered hard drugs.” Perhaps the optimism with which the cannabis industry greeted RFK Jr.’s nomination for HHS head was a bit premature?
SWITZERLAND
Turning our attention abroad, we note that Switzerland has begun the process of legalizing adult-use cannabis. A parliamentary commission has proposed a regulated market. It would be a government monopoly, with little room for private sector involvement. Revenue would go towards prevention, harm reduction and drug addiction treatment. Penalties for any illicit operations would be increased; Switzerland has a significant black market at present. The commission’s vote was merely the first step in what is likely to be a long process; further bulletins as events warrant.
AND FINALLY
If you’re looking for someone on the opposite end of the cannabis spectrum from the new HHS pick, Snoop Dogg would fit that bill. His business empire continues to grow: he introduced a new line of blunt wraps, called Dogg Woods. This was after judging a blunt-rolling contest in Las Vegas.
Be well everyone – we’ll see you next week.
