ADDITIONAL STATES PUSH FOR LEGALIZATION, OHIO ANNOUNCES NEW DISPENSARY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY

Welcome to another installment of the Unity Rd. Chronicles, brought to you by U.S. cannabis dispensary franchise Unity Rd.

There's never a dull moment in the cannabis industry as state and federal lawmakers continue to push for cannabis reform. Louisiana's legalization bill has advanced to a House floor vote, Minnesota's legalization bill cleared yet another House committee, and Ohio announced 73 new dispensary licenses will become available -- check out the latest!

NATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

New Bills Introduced to Make Cannabis Businesses Eligible for Small Business Aid

Federal House lawmakers have introduced three new bills to make state-legal cannabis businesses eligible for federal small business services including loans, disaster relief, and grant programs. The legislation pursues equality for cannabis businesses, which are currently prohibited from receiving federal aid because cannabis is still classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. However, the United State's legal cannabis industry supports nearly 320,000 full-time jobs, according to industry estimates. (Marijuana Moment)

STATEWIDE CHATTER

Louisiana

A cannabis legalization bill has advanced to a full House floor vote in Louisiana. The bill would allow adults 21 and older to purchase and possess cannabis from licensed retailers, and those interested in growing cannabis at home for personal use would need to apply for a permit. A separate bill was approved in a House committee to impose fees and set up a cannabis business licensing system if legalization is enacted. The licensing legislation would establish a $2,500 annual fee for a cannabis business licenses and a $100 fee for a personal cultivation permit. The legislature has until June 10 to consider, vote on, and pass the bills. (Marijuana Moment)

Massachusetts

Banking is becoming more available for cannabis businesses in Massachusetts, with at least six financial institutions servicing the industry. The number has doubled since 2018, when only three banking institutions were publicly discussing their work with cannabis. Moreover, at least one institution is lending directly to cannabis clients. This is great news for entrepreneurs looking to enter the cannabis industry, since obtaining banking services usually a challenge in other markets. Massachusetts is always accepting applications for cannabis business licenses on a state level – the competition lies on a local level since cities and counties are able to ban or regulate cannabis businesses in their area. The cities of Holyoke and Northampton are accepting applications with no deadline. (Mass Live)

Minnesota

A tenth Minnesota House committee has approved a bill to legalize adult-use cannabis in the state, making it one of the most vetted reform measures to move through a state legislature. The bill would allow adults 21 and older to possess and purchase up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis and grow up to eight plants at home, four of which could be mature. A seven-person Cannabis Control Board would be formed to regulate the market and issue cannabis business licenses, and cannabis retail sales would launch on December 31, 2022. The bill has faced a long journey in the House and still needs approval from more committees before being sent to the House floor for a vote. If it passes the committee and House floor votes, it will then be sent for consideration in the Republican-controlled Senate, where it is expected to face more of a challenge. Gov. Time Walz has indicated he will sign the bill if it makes it to his desk. (Marijuana Moment)

Montana

The Montana Legislature has successfully passed House Bill 701, a bill to implement the adult-use cannabis program approved by voters last year. The bill now awaits a signature from the governor to become law. The legislation underwent a series of amendments as lawmakers discussed and compromised on its contents to make it more similar to the voter-passed ballot initiative. Language regarding local excise taxes, counties’ right to ban commercial cannabis, and where to direct cannabis tax revenue were among some of the final changes made to the bill. Retail sales would launch on January 1, 2022, with existing medical marijuana licensees becoming licensed to service the adult-use market first. Licenses wouldn’t become available to new applicants to Montana’s market until July 1, 2023. (Marijuana Moment)

New Mexico

New Mexico is already preparing for the implementation of the state’s new adult-use cannabis program. A new website for the Cannabis Control Division was launched by the state last week, which includes a timeline of important deadlines and milestones that must be reached before sales begin. A new Cannabis Regulatory Advisory Committee must be formed by September 1 to help inform the division on how to regulate the industry. The state began accepting applications on April 19 from individuals qualified and interested in becoming a part of the committee. All business regulations and applications for licenses must be available by January 1, 2022, and sales will launch no later than April 1, 2022. If you’re looking for custom assistance through the application process and ongoing operational support from an industry veteran, contact our Unity Rd. team. (KOB)

Ohio

On April 19, the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy approved increasing the number of dispensary licenses in Ohio by 73. The announcement can be accessed here. If all 73 licenses are awarded, this will bring the total number of Ohio dispensary licenses to 130. The decision to expand patient access by adding dispensaries was based on three key factors: the state’s population, the number of patients seeking to use medical cannabis, and the geographic distribution of dispensary sites. Licenses will be awarded using a Request for Applications process anticipated to be announced this spring or summer, depending on when the Board’s pending rule changes are made final. (Cannabis Business Magazine)

EXPLORE THE UNITY RD. FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY

If you or someone you know is interested in opening a dispensary, join a live Unity Rd. presentation. Take a deep dive with us into the Unity Rd. franchise opportunity, learn about the current cannabis landscape, and ask questions. Sessions are every Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. MT -> Click here to register.

Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions: 
opportunities@unityrd.com
720-923-5262