This Canadian Cannabis Company Just Joined Forces With Big Pharma

The deal was announced today by Tilray Inc: the cannabis company just joined forces with Big Pharma. Tilray is a licensed manufacturer of medical marijuana products. The Toronto-based firm has production operations in British Columbia. The company just signed an exclusive agreement with Sandoz Canada of Quebec. Sandoz is a subsidiary of Sandoz International, part of the Novartis healthcare conglomerate.

A Tilray executive says this is the first time a cannabis company has entered into a deal with Big Pharma in Canada.

Under the new deal, Tilray will be the sole partner to create non-combustible medical cannabis products with Sandoz. Together, the two companies will make co-branded capsules, topicals, sprays and similar medicines.

Brendan Kennedy is the president and CEO of Tilray. He told reporters that his firm had considered a deal with several other pharma companies before settling on Sandoz.

“A lot of pharmaceutical companies are paying attention to what’s happening in this industry, and over the past few years, we’ve had conversations with a few of them… This is a huge milestone for us,” Kennedy told reporters.

Deal Puts A Familiar Name On New Products

Kennedy says that for many patients, there is still a stigma attached to cannabis. Therefore, they may be reluctant to try medical marijuana products.

The alliance with Sandoz puts a recognizable name on medicines newly on the market. Consequently, patients, doctors and drug stores are more likely to accept them.

“That was part of the opportunity we saw… To distribute Tilray products that have the Sandoz logo that pharmacists, physicians, and patients are used to seeing in their pharmaceutical packages. I think that will give physicians confidence and trust in our brand and our product,” he said in an interview.

Cannabis Gaining Acceptance In Canada

Canada legalized medical marijuana in 2001. Since then, it has gained in popularity, especially recently. In April 2017 the country’s health department Health Canada reported nearly 175,000 registered medical marijuana patients nationwide. That number soared 35 percent to more than 235,000 in just seven months.

As more patients accept medical marijuana, the healthcare industry has taken notice. The number of doctors who have written medicinal cannabis recommendations has risen, as well. Not totally surprising since we now know the benefits of THC and CBD.

Some pharmacy chains, such as Shoppers Drug Mart and PharmaChoice have signed contracts and begun to set up supply chain infrastructure to provide medical marijuana products.

Even insurance companies are getting in the game. Sun Life Financial responded to client requests and added medical marijuana coverage as an option for its group health plans earlier this year.

And some plan sponsors, such as Loblaw Companies Ltd. and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, already include coverage for medical marijuana.

Canada is scheduled to legalize recreational pot later this year.

Final Hit: This Canadian Cannabis Company Just Joined Forces With Big Pharma

Tilray has a three-step plan to implement its deal with Sandoz.

First, the company will focus on product development to create new medical marijuana therapies. The company then plans to take advantage of its sales and distribution infrastructure to educate pharmacists about the new products.

Finally, the firm will distribute Tilray Sandoz medicines to Canadian pharmacies nationwide. Will the world finally see moonrocks in orange ‘scrip bottles? The possibilities are limitless.

California Lawmakers Are Pushing For Lower Tax On Legal Cannabis

California lawmakers are pushing for lower tax on legal cannabis in an effort to thwart the black market. Two members of the state assembly announced a bipartisan plan Thursday that would reduce taxes on legal pot. California’s fledgling cannabis industry began January 1 of this year after voters passed Prop 64 in 2016.

Assembly Member Rob Bonta, a Democrat from Oakland, and Republican Tom Lackey of Palmdale say taxes on pot are too high. They believe that the impact of taxes on the price of legal weed allows unlicensed growers and sellers to continue to thrive.

“Without tax relief to make taxes more affordable, we will continue to empower California’s mature black market,” Lackey told reporters.

Lackey is a retired 28-year veteran of the California Highway Patrol. He also noted that illicit operators don’t check identification to prevent sales to minors. They don’t pay any taxes or follow strict safety rules, either.

Taxes And Even More Taxes

Cannabis taxes in California are first assessed to cultivators. Growers pay $9.25 per ounce of flower and $2.75 for each ounce of leaves. Once products are sold at retail, even more levies are added. A state excise tax slaps another 15 percent onto the total. Local governments can add their own fees, and sales tax is tacked on for recreational pot buyers.

Retailers in California say when combined, taxes on marijuana approach 50 percent. The cost of legal weed goes up even more with the expenses of required testing and tracking thrown in, especially when specialty items like moonrocks are in the mix.

If Bonta and Lackey succeed, their plan would reduce the excise tax to 11 percent. They would also eliminate the cultivation tax for three years. The lawmakers estimate that total prices at retail would shrink about 9 percent with the proposed reductions.

Not A New Problem

Other states with legal cannabis have also struggled to find the so-called sweet spot for taxation. Activists have long included potential tax revenues as a benefit of cannabis legalization. Consequently, many lawmakers see marijuana as a cash cow for strapped public coffers.

But when taxes are too high, many buyers choose to remain outside the legal supply chain. This means that established black market operators continue to have a steady stream of willing customers.

When the State of Washington became the first state to legalize cannabis in 2012, it also imposed taxes at many stages of production. A tax of 25 percent was assessed up to three separate times on some products. It was added when growers sold to processors, and when processors sold to retail shops. Consumers got hit again when they purchased from the retailers.

Washington reduced and combined those taxes into one 37 percent levy at the retail level in 2015. Buyers also pay the usual sales tax on their purchases.

Final Hit: California Lawmakers Are Pushing For Lower Tax On Legal Cannabis

Assembly Member Bonta noted that is important to support the newly legal pot businesses now so they can compete with the black market.

“If we don’t get it right in the beginning, it will be hard to make up for it later and correct in the future,” he said.

Snoop Dogg Has Raised Over $40 Million For Marijuana Investments

At this point, the name Snoop Dogg is synonymous with cannabis. His passion for weed has never shaken. In fact, Snoop Dogg has raised over $40 million for marijuana investments.

While the rapper, whose real name is Calvis Broadaus Jr., has had an illustrious career in the music business, it’s his second career that could go down as his most productive.

When it comes to cannabis, few have made as large of an impact as Snoop. In 2015, he co-founded Casa Verde Capital, a venture fund specializing in the ‘ancillary’ side of the marijuana business. Or in other words, the parts of the burgeoning cannabis business that don’t actually deal with the plant itself. This includes, but is not limited to, health, tech, financial services, technology, media, compliance, and laboratory technology verticals.

While Snoop’s firm has been in business for almost three years now, it’s far from reaching its apex. However, the company did reach a significant milestone this week. The venture firm finally closed its debut fund. The move raised over $45 million for future business endeavors.

An Expanding Business

In an interview with Tech Crunch, Karan Wadhera, Snoop’s managing partner at the firm, says most of the $45 million was raised over the course of last year, through individual investors and limited partnerships.

At first, Wadhera explained, the company found it difficult to raise money. But between Snoop Dogg’s household name, and the firm’s ancillary business model, the company was able to grow remarkably over the last fiscal year. And, according to Wadhera, this is only the beginning.

“We’re writing seed-stage to Series A-size checks, so $1 million plus, with roughly half our fund reserved for follow-on investments, where we can write another $3 million to $5 million,” Wadhera explained. ” And we’re only focused on the ancillary part of the cannabis industry, so we won’t invest in companies that touch the plants. No dispensaries or cultivators or manufacturers. We’re investing in the picks and shovels.”

As it stands, CVA’s portfolio includes the development of a number of start-up cannabis companies, including Eaze, Greenbits, and Leaflink and Merry Jane. The company has done well to diversify its portfolio throughout the tech, media, and financial sectors of the cannabis industry.

As for Snoop’s role in the company, Wadhera says he’s more of an ambassador of the brand, more than anything else. However, he does occasionally get his hands dirty in some of the media-related projects.

“His involvement lends a lot of credibility and excitement to our portfolio companies. He’s also there for input whenever we need it, “Wadhera explained.

“He’s hands-off on the investment process, but when it comes to certain companies, he’s very involved, including with Merry Jane, a lifestyle media site [focused around cannabis]. That’s content… That’s Snoop’s bread and butter.”

Final Hit: Snoop Dogg Has Raised Over $40 Million For Marijuana Investments

Snoop made a career talking about marijuana back when it was largely considered an illicit substance. Now, he’s transitioning to the business side of the legal cannabis. Shifting focus to legal cannabis can help remove some of the stigmas surrounding the plant.

And Casa Verde has been active over the past several months, as well.

In November, the investment firm took on a new sector of the cannabis industry-laboratory testing. The firm invested over $1 million into Canalysis, a cannabis lab that tests medical and recreational cannabis products for cultivators, manufacturers and dispensaries.

At their current trajectory, $45 million might seem like small potatoes going forward. However, only time will tell.

Arkansas Judge Stalls Permit Process For Growing Medical Marijuana

In an unforeseen twist, an Arkansas judge stalls permit process for growing medical marijuana in that state, pending a lawsuit by unsuccessful applicants. Pulaski County Circuit Judge Wendell Griffen directed state officials not to issue licenses to the applicants they have already selected. Regulators with the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission had planned to issue those licenses today.

Was The Process Unfair?

The commission announced which applications to cultivate medical marijuana in the state they approved late last month. At least two companies with unsuccessful bids subsequently filed lawsuits on Tuesday alleging the selection process was unfair.

Naturalis Health LLC Health LLC and Delta Cannabinoid Corp. are the plaintiffs in the cases. They included in the suits a request that the judge issue a temporary restraining order to stop the commission from granting the licenses.

The judge sees merit in the plaintiff’s arguments, according to reports in local media.

While announcing his order today, he said that Naturalis Health “asserts facts showing a substantial likelihood of success on the merits regarding violations of the Administrative Procedure Act, due process, and equal protection.”

Plaintiffs Don’t Trust The System

The lawsuit from Naturalis Health is 19 pages long, Arkansas Online reports. In the suit, the company states that they have no faith in the permitting process.

“Defendants have caused a complete distrust in the newly implemented medical marijuana industry, approved by Arkansas voters, to serve the medicinal needs of qualifying Arkansans.”

The lawsuit also called on Judge Griffin to act quickly.

“Arkansas is the first state in the south to legalize medicinal marijuana. The State has an obligation not only to plaintiff but to its citizens, to get this right. The State has a limited window of time to correct the problems outlined in this Complaint. This Court must act now.”

The legal filing also notes that one of the commission’s members has an “extremely close personal and professional relationship” with Dr. Scot Michael Schlesinger. Dr. Shchlesinger is a partner in Natural State Medicinals. The commission selected that company to receive one of the permits.

Will A Lawsuit Prevail?

Alex Gray is a lawyer with the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Association. He does not believe a lawsuit against the state can succeed.

He noted that the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled this year that the state can’t be sued in its own courts. Gray has filed lawsuits for growers in the past that were then dismissed by the courts.

“Any challenge naming the state as a defendant is going to have issues prevailing based on the state’s sovereign immunity,” Gray said.

Final Hit: Arkansas Judge Stalls Permit Process For Growing Medical Marijuana

Regulators are now unsure if the commission’s meeting scheduled for this afternoon will still be held. Scott Hardin is a spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA). He issued a statement via email to the press today.

“The DFA’s legal team and [Arkansas Beverage Control Division] leadership are currently reviewing the situation to determine whether or not a meeting will take place today,” Hardin wrote.

Judge Griffin scheduled a hearing on the matter for Friday morning.

This State’s Medical Marijuana Program Might Be Delayed

Montana’s legislature seems to be suffering from some last-minute indecisiveness just weeks before the state implements changes to rules governing legal medical cannabis. Slated to take effect on April 10, now this state’s medical marijuana program might be delayed. The hangup has to do with rules governing the production end of the cannabis industry. The concern from lawmakers is that larger producers can grow so much cannabis, they’ll drive out smaller producers.

Montana Lawmakers Say “Canopy Limit” Rules Are Bad For Small Businesses

Under Montana’s current rules, producers are subject to a “canopy limit” that determines how much cannabis they can grow. The argument from legislators who want to delay the start of the state’s program is that the limits are in fact too high. This, they say, gives an unfair market advantage to large commercial growers.

Specifically, the rules set a 50 square foot limit for each patient registered with the state’s program. In other words, producers cannot grow more than 50 square feet of cannabis per patient registered with the state.

Kate Cholewa, spokesperson for the Montana Cannabis Industry Association, says that amount of canopy space is way too excessive for the state’s medical cannabis program. Cholewa points out that the 50 square feet limit is twice the space allowed for growers in Washington state. Washington has a recreational market in addition to its medical industry.

Legislators in Montana are echoing Cholewa’s concerns. Rep. Tom Jacobson (D-Great Falls) said the current rules leave the door open for larger growers to dominate the market with lower prices.

“That will force small producers out because they won’t be able to compete at that scale,” Jacobson said.

And he’s not alone. State Sen. Jill Cohenour (D-Helena) says the canopy limit decision may have been premature. “I’m concerned that some of this stuff was done quickly and maybe with limited information,” she said.

Both Democratic legislators serve on the Revenue and Transportation Interim Committee of the Montana Legislature. Committee members raised their concerns about cultivation space at a meeting Wednesday.

By the end of that meeting, the committee had approved a motion to draft a letter recommending the health department to change the rules and postpone the effective date.

This State’s Medical Marijuana Program Might Be Delayed

The letter will go under review by the Children, Families, Health and Human Services Interim Committee. This committee conducts the primary oversight of the state’s medical cannabis program.

Erica Johnston, who manages operations services for the state health department, said the committee’s letter is just the latest in the deluge of feedback they’ve received about the grow area limits.

But Johnston also admitted that she wasn’t aware of the reasons for setting the canopy limit to 50 square feet per patient.

The rules, she said, “were made based on what we found in other areas and what we theoretically in design thought would be a good idea,” Johnston said.

Consistent, negative feedback about the limit, however, may compel Montana lawmakers and regulators to revisit the issue. According to Johnston, the health department is already looking at ways to modify the canopy limit rule.

And that’s why this state’s medical marijuana program might be delayed past the April 10 deadline.

In addition to concerns about cultivation space, there’s growing concern the health department isn’t ready for implementation in any case.

With less than a month to go, the Montana Health Department has its work cut out for it. They’re still interviewing facility inspectors. No clear guidelines for product testing are in place. And providers just have to register and get their license by the end of the year, not by April.

In fact, the health department wants to change the rules on how it can change the rules. This way, it will be more prepared to make quicker rule changes in the future.

Montana’s Medical Marijuana Program On Hold

No doubt, Montana is still trying to dial in the right regulations, rules, and procedures for its medical cannabis program. But newness and lack of precedent seem to have gummed up the works.

Indeed, some state lawmakers think Montana should throw the baby out with the bathwater, and start from scratch.

“We’re already in the business,” Rep Alan Refield (R-Livingston) said. “But we don’t have the rules.’

In whatever form legal medical marijuana ultimately takes in Montana, it’s certain that it will come with more rules and regulations. The hope is to set policy that works to the benefit of patients and small producers, not just large-scale commercial growers. Until then, it’s likely that this state’s medical marijuana program might be delayed.

Michigan officials shutter 40 medical marijuana businesses across state

Forty medical marijuana businesses across Michigan got an unpleasant visit Thursday from state officials and the Michigan State Police, ordering them to stop operating.

And those visits are just the beginning. Hundreds more are expected to get cease and desist letters in the coming days.

The state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs began the process of shutting down medical marijuana facilities that are operating illegally and haven't submitted applications to the state for a license.

"Any business that didn't apply for a license by Feb. 15 isn't in compliance with the emergency rules that were set up," said David Harns, spokesman for the department. "We did 40 today all throughout the state and there will be hundreds more."

Harns wouldn't say what kind of businesses got the cease and desist letters or how the state had identified them, but most were probably dispensaries that have been operating outside of Michigan's medical marijuana laws.

More: Detroit could miss out on millions from medical marijuana

More: Michigan towns poised to become medical marijuana hubs

The emergency rules "permits an applicant for a state operating license to temporarily operate a proposed marijuana facility under certain conditions," the cease and desist letter read. "In order to comply with this rule, a temporarily operating facility must have applied for a state operating license by February 15. ... A person that does not comply with this rule shall cease and desist operation of a proposed marijuana facility."

If the business owner doesn't shut down, he or she risks not being able to get a license at all from the state, the letter said, and could also result in a "referral to local, state, or federal law enforcement and other penalties or sanctions as provided in the MMFLA (Medical Marijuana Facilities Licensing Act) and Emergency Rules."

When LARA and the Michigan State Police visited the businesses, they only delivered the cease and desist letter and did not confiscate any products from the businesses, said Harns.

Michigan voters passed a medical marijuana law in 2008 that allowed caregivers to grow up to 12 plants for each of five patients who had obtained medical marijuana cards. There are more than 277,000 people who have medical marijuana cards in the state.

Some of those caregivers banded together to set up dispensaries, some with the blessing of the communities where they were open for business. Others got busted, including many in Oakland County over the years, by police in towns that were more wary of the medical weed.

In 2016, the Legislature decided it needed to get a handle on the medical marijuana business and passed bills to regulate and tax medical marijuana. It's expected to be a lucrative business with revenues exceeding $700 million a year. That could rise even more dramatically if a proposal to legalize marijuana for adult recreational use gets on the November ballot and is passed by voters.

The state began accepting applications for licenses in December and is in the process of doing background checks on the business owners. The Medical Marijuana Licensing Board is meeting next Thursday and will begin considering some of the applications. But licenses aren't expected to be handed out until the board's April meeting.

The licenses are in five categories: growers, processors, testing facilities, secure transporters and dispensaries.

So far 378 applications have come in to pre-qualify for a license, which means that the business owners are going through the state background check, but still need to get approval from a town that has passed an ordinance allowing medical marijuana businesses. Another 117 applications — including 43 growers, 20 processors, 49 dispensaries, 2 secure transporters and 3 testing facilities — have been turned in that include approval from a local community.

Contact Kathleen Gray: 313-223-4430, kgray99@freepress.com or on Twitter @michpoligal.

Watch: California's marijuana market is expected to be bigger than beer

Recreational cannabis sales began at the start of the New Year in California, and the market is already expected to bring in billions in revenue this year. Veuer's Sam Berman has the full story.Buzz60

Could Drivers Under 21 Lose Their License If Caught With Marijuana?

Both detractors and proponents of legal cannabis can, for the most part, agree on one thing—there should be a set of regulations for driving under the influence of marijuana. However, as it stands, most cannabis-legal states do not have a set of rules, or even, a viable way to accurately test drivers for cannabis consumption. Now, lawmakers in California are considering a set of regulations for one sector of the cannabis consumer community—underage users. Which begs the question: could drivers under 21 lose their license if caught with marijuana?

A New Initiative

California drivers under the age of 21 could lose their license for a year due to new regulations. Getting caught driving with cannabis could result in a year of hitchhiking and public transportation.

Much like alcohol, California residents must be 21 or over to purchase and legally consume pot. State Sen. Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo) explained that the upcoming provisions will also closely mirror pre-existing legislation. Especially when it comes to underage drinking and driving.

He added that “the state will adhere to a strict ‘zero-tolerance'” policy.

“This bill will save lives by making it illegal for drivers under age 21 to drive under the influence of marijuana, just like current law for alcohol,” Sen. Hill said in a statement.

The proposed bill, titled SB 1273, would test drivers suspected of driving under the influence of cannabis for delta-9- THC, the main psychoactive component of marijuana.

However, this remains a challenge as the state does not have a way to measure the plant in the body. Nor do they have a way of determining a unified standard for impairment

“We don’t have a device in the field to measure impairment by cannabis,” said the California Highway Patrol.

Final Hit: Could Drivers Under 21 Lose Their License If Caught With Marijuana?

There are potentially severe implications for underage drivers. Despite this, the bill will take exception to medical marijuana patients.

Provided they have the necessary documents to prove they use the plant for strictly medical conditions. Still, testing those without one still remains in the premature stages of development.

The bill expects officers to perform either an oral swab saliva test or another chemical field test, but no such form of testing has proven to accurately test for cannabis, especially considering the fact that THC can remain in a regular smoker’s system for over a month.

It even shows up in urine tests.  According to some of Hill’s aides, there are currently prototype devices being used in some California jurisdictions under limited use.

Michigan has also undergone a pilot program to test drivers saliva for a variety of drugs, including amphetamine, benzodiazepines, cocaine, methamphetamine, opiates and cannabis.

Are Olympic Athletes Allowed To Use CBD?

Ae Olympic athletes allowed to use CBD? It’s a question we’re wondering now that the 2018 Winter Olympics are coming to a close. For the past few years, drug use among Olympians has been a controversial topic. Whether it’s allegations of doping or recreational drug use, sports authorities hold these elite athletes to a higher standard than the average sports player. But what about a certain therapeutic non-psychoactive cannabinoid? Are Olympic athletes allowed to use CBD?

Cannabis and Sports

When we talk about drugs and athletes, we almost always think of steroids and other performance-enhancing substances. For many, a connection between professional athletes and cannabis would never be part of the conversation. Even though studies show that cannabis can improve workout sessions and overall fitness.

But in 1998, the Olympic authorities officially added cannabis to the list of banned substances for competing athletes. Ross Rebagliati, a snowboarder from Canada, tested positive for THC, bringing on the change. The World Anti-Doping Agency was established one year later. The issue of Olympians smoking weed was then on the backburner for a decade.

Then, in 2009, a photograph of Michael Phelps went viral. The Olympic swimmer from the United States, who won 23 gold medals over his career (as well as three silver medals and two bronze ones), was once again in the spotlight for the wrong reason.

Did he get another DUI, like he did in 2004? No. This time, Phelps was the center of controversy because someone leaked a photo of him smoking out of a bong.

He verified the picture was real and issued a public apology. Subsequently, USA Swimming suspended him from competition for three months. He also lost a sponsorship with Kellogg.

Media and authority figures catching athletes with weed is nothing new. Most sports leagues ban drugs, including cannabis. These prohibitions are enforced through drug testing.

But the rules for Olympic athletes seem to be a bit different. Back in 2013, the World Anti-Doping Agency quietly raised the tolerated amount of THC in the system of Olympic athletes. And in 2016, the officials tweaked the rules again.

Now, Olympic athletes have permission to smoke weed. Just not during competition season. Fair enough. But what about cannabidiol? Are Olympic athletes allowed to use CBD?

Final Hit: Are Olympic Athletes Allowed To Use CBD?

The answer to the question is a resounding yes. Seemingly in accordance with scientific research and available information about the cannabinoid, the World Anti-Doping Agency updated their banned substance list. They still don’t allow Olympic athletes to use THC during the competition.

But cannabidiol? Totally fine. The proof is right there on the updated list for 2o18. In Section S8, WADA proclaims that “cannabidiol is no longer prohibited.”

It’s definitely a step in the right direction for the Agency and for athletics as a whole. Especially considering the numerous health benefits CBD offers. To athletes and non-athletes alike. Maybe now some athletes will get sponsorships from companies specializing CBD products!

Congress Can’t Vote on Cannabis Anymore Because of This Man

Have you ever wondered why the government seems to be moving at a snail’s pace when it comes to marijuana legislation? You may not have heard of Pete Sessions, but he’s one of the leading anti-cannabis lawmakers in the United States. Before you ask, no, he is not, in fact, related to Attorney General Jeff Sessions. But Congress can’t vote on cannabis anymore because of this man.

Pete Sessions Blocks Cannabis Legislation

Pete Sessions is a Republican Congressperson from Texas. Currently, he serves as Chairman of the House Rules Committee. That position gives him a lot of power over what legislation makes it to the House floor.

As he describes it on his website: “The House Rules Committee has important oversight responsibilities including oversight of the rules of the House, the House’s internal organization, the Congressional budget process, the ethics process, and relations between Congress and the Executive and Judicial branch.”

Ultimately, all this responsibility gives him the power to dictate what does and does not reach a Congressional vote. And he isn’t shy about this power.

“The Rules Committee assignment has allowed me to use my experience and personal values to influence every piece of legislation before it reaches the House floor,” his website says.

Sessions’ personal influence on legislation is particularly evident when it comes to cannabis law. For at least the last two years, Sessions has enacted a vendetta against cannabis reform, blocking every piece of weed-related legislation from going to a vote in the House. To put it plainly, Congress can’t vote on cannabis anymore because of this man.

The last time the full House voted on a piece of cannabis legislation was May 2016. That’s when representatives approved a proposal to give veterans access to medical marijuana as part of VA healthcare.

Since then, nothing. Sessions has successfully managed to block all national cannabis legislation from going to a vote on the House floor.

Pete Sessions is Clueless When it Comes to Weed

Pete Sessions shares more with Attorney General Jeff Sessions than just a last name. Both of them are outspoken opponents of cannabis. More specifically, they both regularly spout anti-weed propaganda that’s not at all consistent with research, science, or data.

To give you a sense of what Pete Sessions thinks about weed, take a look at a speech he gave this week about the U.S.’s ongoing opioid crisis.

Much of his speech was devoted to blaming opioid addiction on cannabis, rather than on the prescription painkillers being pushed by Big Pharma.

“Where do they start?” Sessions asked about those who end up hooked on opioids. “If it’s marijuana, we ought to stand up and be brave in the medical community to say this political direction is not right.”

He went on to suggest that legal cannabis is the source of addiction in the U.S.

“If addiction is the problem and we have marketers of addiction that include marijuana . . . we ought to call for it what it is,” he said.

Unfortunately for Sessions, none of his beliefs about weed are backed up by data. For starters, more and more researchers are moving away from the idea that weed is a “gateway drug.” In fact, even the National Institute on Drug Abuse says that “the majority of people who use marijuana do not go on to use other, ‘harder’ substances.”

This is especially true when it comes to opioid abuse. Despite what Pete Sessions may say, cannabis could actually be a cure for opioid addiction. For example, a 2016 study found that cannabis may help treat addiction to opioids and alcohol. Researchers went so far as to call cannabis “an exit drug.” They said weed can help people ease off harmful substances like highly-additive opioid painkillers.

Final Hit: Congress Can’t Vote on Cannabis Anymore Because of This Man

Sessions’ comments about weed earlier this week are alarming. The most obvious problem is that they were based more on fear-mongering myths than any actual research.

But beyond that, the real problem is that Sessions holds so much power over national legislation. In his role as Chairman of the House Rules Committee, Sessions plays a huge behind-the-scenes role in dictating what does and does not make it to the House floor.

It appears that his irrational and paranoid fear of cannabis is one of the main reasons that Congress can’t vote on cannabis anymore. The full House hasn’t voted on meaningful cannabis legislation for the past two years.

Marijuana user scores early victory in case that could determine whether employers can fire for pot use

A nurse who was fired from his job at Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas last year after marijuana was found in his system has won a preliminary victory in his wrongful termination case, which will test whether Nevada employment law keeps pace with increasing public acceptance of cannabis.

In an order filed Tuesday, Clark County District Court Judge Mark Bailus rejected the hospital’s motion to dismiss former employee Scott Nellis’ lawsuit on all but one of five counts. Hospital officials defended their position.

“Backed by our mission to surround our patients with caregivers who are dedicated to healing above all else, we strongly believe we acted appropriately and we are prepared to vigorously defend ourselves in this case,” said Sunrise spokeswoman Fran Jacques.

Nellis’ lawyer said he hopes to take it to a jury trial and the Supreme Court to set precedent.

“This is a fight that I’ve been looking forward to for quite some time. It’s amazing. It’s a new civil right of the 21st century,” said attorney Christian Gabroy.

Nellis was hired at Sunrise in 2009 and ended up working in the behavioral health unit. According to his lawsuit, he was attacked by a patient in 2013 and fractured a vertebrae, which led to him applying for and receiving a medical marijuana card.

Pause

Current Time0:00

/

Duration Time0:00

Stream TypeLIVE

Loaded: 0%

Progress: 0%

0:00

Fullscreen

00:00

Mute

In February 2017, Nellis was again attacked by a patient and treated for injuries at an emergency room, where he was asked to provide a urine sample. After the sample tested positive for marijuana, the hospital told him in early March that he was suspected of working while impaired in violation of company policy.

Nellis argued that marijuana shows up in tests as long as a month after the substance is ingested and maintains that he was not under the influence while working.

“I was unaware that I had, and do not believe, I did anything wrong,” Nellis wrote on a disciplinary form ahead of his firing.

GET NEWS HEADLINES SENT DAILY TO YOUR INBOX

SIGN UP!

His lawsuit argues the termination was a violation of Nevada’s medical marijuana law and the Legislature’s direction that employers make reasonable accommodations for marijuana cardholders. It also alleges the hospital was negligent in hiring and training and discriminated against someone lawfully using marijuana — a claim that, if upheld by the courts, could have major implications for recreational marijuana users.

Bailus ruled those claims could proceed, but dismissed a claim that the hospital engaged in deceptive trade practices in the case. Nellis is suing for damages, lost compensation and attorney’s fees and costs.

The case highlights a policy question that came up in the legislative session: What rights do employers have to ban their employees from using marijuana legally? It also underscores a conundrum in the cannabis realm — that the tests used to detect the marijuana active ingredient THC are not a good gauge of impairment in the same way that blood alcohol level can gauge drunken driving.

“My whole goal here is that any employee who is ever terminated for a positive THC finding is going to get the justice they deserve in the courtroom,” Gabroy said. “Our voters, our electorate approved this stuff. We’ve done it in the constitution, we’ve done it at the ballot, and that should not be taken out of context to cause someone financial devastation in a wrongful termination.”