Anticipation for state-level cannabis legalization and federal reform tied to the upcoming presidential election had Cannabis Business Times readers not wanting to miss out on being in the know this month.
A 2024 election preview for the four states where voters could legalize cannabis on Nov. 5 led CBT’s top 10 most-read articles in October. These states include Florida (adult-use), Nebraska (medical), North Dakota (adult-use) and South Dakota (adult-use).
“One common ingredient plays into the likelihood of success for all four states this year: Higher voter turnouts for presidential elections are generally viewed as favorable for passing cannabis-related ballot measures by legalization advocates,” CBT reported.
Reader’s attention also gravitated toward a pair of articles on Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign promises to legalize cannabis as the “law of the land” and prioritize federal cannabis legalization on her to-do list.
“[My agenda] will legalize recreational marijuana and ensure that all Americans have opportunities to succeed as this new industry takes shape,” Harris said in a public statement this month.
Meanwhile, an in-depth report on 21 states with the highest and lowest cannabis sales per dispensary location took the No. 3 spot on this month’s list; and an article on GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump’s appearance in a Florida cannabis legalization ad landed in the No. 5 spot.
Articles covering California’s mass embargo for KUSH-manufactured products; California’s path to save hundreds of Mendocino cannabis growers; California delivery company Eaze’s apparent demise; eight dispensary workers’ arrests in Arkansas; and the legal tug-of-war on hemp-derived cannabinoid regulations also appeared among the most-read stories in October.
CATCH UP ON THE TOP 10 STORIES FROM OCTOBER
The Top 10
No. 10: A Legal Tug of War on Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Regulations
As states crack down on hemp-derived products, challengers see mixed results in battling the new laws in court. Here’s a closer look at recent and pending cases.
No. 9: Arkansas Authorities Arrest 8 Former Greenlight Dispensary Cannabis Workers
The Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Enforcement Division announced the arrests in connection to the possible diversion of medical cannabis.
No. 8: Eaze ‘Winding Down’ Operations, Will Update Employees About Cannabis Delivery Service’s Future
The company’s management is working with new ownership to determine if operations will reopen in 2025.
No. 7: California Clears Path to Save Nearly 500 Mendocino Cannabis Growers From Market Exit
The Department of Cannabis Control certified an Environmental Impact Report in the county, removing a longstanding licensing barrier.
No. 6: California Cannabis Regulators Revoke KUSH’s License, Embargo All Company’s Products
The California Department of Cannabis Control indicated the manufacturer couldn’t guarantee its product inputs came from the regulated market.
No. 5: Donald Trump Headlines Pro-Cannabis Legalization Ad in Florida
The GOP presidential candidate says passing Amendment 3 is ‘going to be very good’ for his fellow residents in the Sunshine State.
No. 4: Kamala Harris Adds ‘Legalize Recreational Marijuana’ to To-Do List
The Democratic presidential candidate included cannabis reform among 14 items on her immediate priority list.
No. 3: 21 States With the Highest, Lowest Cannabis Sales Per Dispensary
With only seven dispensaries, Rhode Island tops the list with nearly $17 million in annual sales revenue per store. But that will soon change.
No. 2: Kamala Harris Vows to Legalize Cannabis as ‘Law of the Land,” Fight for National Industry
The presidential candidate said she plans to legalize marijuana at the federal level to break down ‘unjust legal barriers’ for Black men and other Americans.
No. 1: 4 States That Could Legalize Cannabis in 2024 Election
Voters in three states will cast ballots on adult-use measures, while another state will have a pair of medical cannabis legalization initiatives.
