MONTCLAIR: JERSEY’S CANNABIS CAPITAL?

MONTCLAIR, N.J. , has granted four more licenses to Cannabis businesses – moving the city closer to becoming the “marijuana capital of New Jersey.”

In May, the town council awarded two more recreational licenses – bringing the total to three with Ascend, which opened last fall.

The percentage of employees in the general U.S. workforce testing positive for marijuana following an on-the-job accident increased to its highest level in 25 years in 2022, according to a new analysis released in May by Quest Diagnostics, a provider of diagnostic information services.

In 2022, post-accident marijuana positivity of urine drug tests in the general U.S. workforce was 7.3%, compared to 6.7% in 2021. The new peak follows a steady increase in post-accident marijuana positivity every year from 2012 to 2022. In that 10-year timeframe, postaccident marijuana positivity increased 204.2%. From 2002 to 2009, post-accident marijuana positivity declined.

"The new peak follows a steady increase in postaccident marijuana positivity every year from 2012 to 2022."

Cannabis Provides Significant Health Help

THE USE of medical marijuana is associated with “significant improvements” in quality of life for people with conditions like chronic pain and insomnia. Those effects are “largely sustained” over time, according to a new study published in May by the American Medical Association (AMA). Researchers carried out a retrospective case series analysis that involved 3,148 people in Australia. Patients were prescribed medical Cannabis for the treatment of certain eligible conditions. For all eight wellbeing indicators that were tested, marijuana appeared to help. Adverse side effects were “rarely serious,” according to the study.

These increases in post-accident marijuana positivity correspond with legalization of marijuana in certain states. In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize for adult use. Since then, 19 additional states and the District of Columbia have followed, while 38 states (plus DC) have legalized medical use. Either kind of use remains illegal under federal law.

"Intoxicating Cannabis products, including marijuana, can have a major impact on safety at work and have been proven to slow reaction time, impact memory and impair skills essential to driving. State legalization of the drug creates new challenges for employers," said Katie Mueller, a senior program manager at the National Safety Council focusing on Cannabis safety. "The Quest data provides compelling evidence that increased use of Cannabis products by employees can contribute to greater risk for injuries in the workplace. It is imperative employers take the proper steps to create and maintain a policy that addresses Cannabis use, build a safety-focused culture and educate the workforce to keep all workers safe on and off the job."

Minnesota One Step Closer To Legalization

LEGAL ADULT-USE CANNABIS is almost certainly coming to Minnesota, with lawmakers signing off in May on a final version of the bill. The conference committee agreed on a state tax of 10% on top of sales taxes – with 80% going to the state mainly to fund the Office of Cannabis Management and 20% going to local governments. Residents may possess up to two pounds in their home, and two ounces everywhere else.

N.M. ADDS INSOMNIA AS QUALIFYING CONDITION

INSOMNIA will soon be a qualifying condition to obtain medical marijuana in New Mexico. “From a health equity perspective, medical Cannabis can offer a legal alternative to the expensive medications sometimes utilized by those suffering with insomnia,” announced the state’s medical marijuana program. The Department of Health’s Medical Cannabis Program will allow the condition to qualify for enrollment starting in June.

One went to two Montclair entrepreneurs, George Marable and Eric Payne. They plan to open Night Owl at the site of the former DLV Lounge on Bloomfield Avenue. Marable owned the iconic jazz venue, which closed in December after 50 years. The second recreational license was granted to Kush Connections. Licenses for cultivation and manufacturing were granted by the council in April. Both of these businesses, Genuine Grow and TLEHL, will share space at 154 Pine Street, currently under renovation.

Normalization

MICHIGAN MOVES TO END PRE-EMPLOYMENT TESTING FOR GOV. WORKERS

Michigan officials are proposing to end preemployment drug testing for marijuana for most government job applicants, while also giving people who’ve already been penalized over positive THC tests an opportunity to have the sanction retroactively rescinded.

The Michigan Civil Service Commission released the proposed amendments to the government’s employment code in May, opening a public comment period on the two policies.

“Michigan voters legalized marijuana’s medicinal use in 2008 and recreational use by adults in 2018.”

“Michigan voters legalized marijuana’s medicinal use in 2008 and recreational use by adults in 2018,” John Gnodtke, the state’s personnel director, wrote in a memo.

“In light of these changes, commissioners have requested circulation for public comment of potential regulation amendments to end the pre-employmenttesting requirement for marijuana for classified employees hired into non-test-designated positions.”

$202m

For those who choose to stand out, be di erent, and create their own path

2nd Annual AWARDS PARTY

The cool weather brought a chill air to an even cooler crowd as the 2023 Oregon Leaf Bowl’s festivities kicked off in Portland.

At what is beginning to feel like an annual “family” reunion, both friends and friendly competition alike were in abundance for the tangibly terpy and sizeable step up from last year’s

Competitors and connoisseurs gathered in the Redd on Salmon—SE Portland’s intriguing industrial hall and plaza. The 30,000 combined square feet of indoor and outdoor space provided ample room to roam, reconnect, sip and smoke – none of which were in short supply. Inside, free alcoholic beverages flowed while folks outside explored the booths and a healthy heap of each other’s head stashes. Some friends formed dab tables, while others opted to step into smoke circles, browse the vendors, watch some live glassblowing, grab a bite at the Nacheaux food truck, or take in the performers. One moment, a magical unicorn in skates may have rolled by … or was there a man on stilts in the sky?

This year’s Bowl competition brought a barrage of new products and producers, along with some familiar faces. The team tells us that included a notable number of rosin entries – something that stands out from last year. Trophies in a host of concentrate, extract, edible, topical and flower categories were awarded by Leaf Magazines CEO/ Founder Wes Abney, Operating Partner Mike Ricker, and Leaf Bowl Competition Director Bobby Black in front of the main hall’s audience. Individuals and whole teams took the stage to acknowledge another year’s hard work and labor of love. Keep reading to check out the full list of 2023 Leaf Bowl champions in each category.

A special thank you goes out to all of our contestants, vendors, and sponsors...and congratulations to each and every winner!