What do bees, hemp, and the Oscars have in common? They are all part of our ‘This Week in Cannabis’ roundup!
Study finds that bees love hemp
What happened: Researchers examined hemp fields in Northern Colorado, specifically looking at what bee species were present.
A total of 23 different genera (that’s plural for genus) of bees were collected, with three genera making up nearly 80% of the total found.
Why it matters: Researchers concluded that ‘the pollen-rich nature of the flowers can make hemp an ecologically valuable crop.’
Bees love hemp, and they have been suffering lately, as has been well documented in the media. More hemp fields are coming, and hopefully, that means more bees.
Oscar gift bags will include cannabis products
What happened: It was announced this week that the gift bags at the Oscars will include cannabis products.
Products include cannabis edibles, topicals, concentrates, and skin care products.
Why it matters: The Oscars are one of the most-watched events in the United States. A lot of international viewers watch as well.
The cannabis products will likely be a major hit, and with it, a major topic of discussion. It helps cannabis move further into the mainstream, which is a great thing.
The United States Senate confirms William Barr to be the next Attorney General
What happened: The United States Senate confirmed president Trump’s nominee for United States Attorney General William Barr.
William Barr is now the permanent replacement for cannabis opponent Jeff Sessions. Matthew Whitaker was serving as an interim replacement.
Why it matters: Barr indicated leading up to the successful confirmation vote that he would take a hands-off approach towards federal cannabis enforcement in legal states.
Only time will tell if he keeps that promise, but the cannabis community seems to feel pretty certain that Barr will not be worse on cannabis policy than Jeff Sessions (which is admittedly not a high bar!).
Louisiana’s first batch of legal medical cannabis passes lab testing
What happened: The first batch of legal medical cannabis passed testing requirements in Louisiana this week.
Medical cannabis has taken a long time to implement in Louisiana, but there’s finally light at the end of the tunnel.
Why it matters: The Southern part of the United States has historically been the most conservative part of the country from a cannabis policy perspective, especially in Louisiana.
Suffering patients in Louisiana getting their medicine will hopefully give hope to patients in non-legal states in the South.
Medical cannabis may be coming to Wisconsin finally
What happened: Wisconsin’s governor put medical cannabis reform in his proposed budget. He also included cannabis decriminalization.
Why it matters: Meaningful medical cannabis reform is long overdue in Wisconsin. Full legalization would be better than decriminalization, but if the budget is passed, it’s a good step in the right direction.
Senators Wyden and McConnell urge quick implementation of federal hemp policy
What happened: Senators Ron Wyden and Mitch McConnell championed the inclusion of hemp legalization in the recently passed federal Farm Bill.
Both Senators are urging the USDA to pursue quick implementation so that farmers across the country can take advantage of growing hemp.
Why it matters: Just because a federal measure was passed does not automatically mean that hemp is legal nationwide.
Certain implementation tasks have to occur so that farmers can get crops legally in the ground from sea to shining sea, so it’s welcomed that these Senators are keeping the pressure on the feds.
