Krush Media

Germany is expected to introduce a bill to legalize cannabis under sweeping reforms in a few weeks; which if passed, would greenlight the consumption and sale of cannabis in Europe’s largest economy. The bill could be announced by the end of March or in early April. Cannabis would no longer be classified as a narcotic, and citizens 18+ could carry up to 30 g for personal use. Consumers could grow up to three plants at home, and licensed retailers would be able to sell cannabis products. If approved, the bill could be implemented in phases between now and mid-2024, making Germany the world’s largest regulated national cannabis market and the first country in the EU to permit its commercial sale — with potentially sweeping implications for Europe. Appx. 4 million people in Germany used cannabis in 2021. It is estimated that legalizing could create 27,000 new jobs and bring in an additional 4.7 billion euros ($5 billion USD) a year in tax revenues, social security contributions, and criminal prosecution savings. Medical cannabis has been allowed in Germany since 2016.

Krush Media Group specializes in compliant cannabis advertising, accessing a direct, verified network.

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Voters in Oklahoma have rejected a bill to legalize recreational use cannabis. State Question 820 sought to impose an excise tax on cannabis sales and to expunge cannabis-related criminal convictions, effectively decriminalizing cannabis. Supporters of the measure spent $5MM, outspending their opponents 20:1. The proposal was widely opposed by law enforcement, school administrators, and political and faith leaders. About 10% of the adult population has a medical license, but the program has been plagued by illegal growers, crime, and out-of-state consumers. Voters approved medical cannabis five years ago in Oklahoma. Last November, similar cannabis bills were approved in Maryland and Missouri, but defeated in Arkansas, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Krush Media Group specializes in compliant cannabis advertising, accessing a direct, verified network.

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Senate Bill 5123 has passed the Washington state Senate on a 28-21 vote this week, and awaits passing the House. If it becomes law, WA employers will be prohibited from refusing to hire a worker solely based on a positive cannabis use drug test. WA would join several other states that have enacted laws shielding workers from penalties for off-duty cannabis use. However, WA’s bill only covers drug tests before hiring — an employer could still test an employee for cannabis use after hiring, and could still make a hiring decision based on a drug test that doesn’t include cannabis. Certain jobs are excluded from the bill, including those in the airline and aerospace industries, and those requiring a federal background investigation or security clearance. Recreational cannabis use was approved in WA in 2012.

Krush Media Group specializes in compliant cannabis advertising, accessing a direct, verified network.

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Wholesale cannabis platform LeafLink has secured $100MM in its latest funding round and company president Artie Minson will now serve as chief executive, while co-founder Ryan Smith will transition to executive chairman. With funding led by CPMG, L2 Ventures, Nosara Capital and others, LeafLink has secured $231MM in financing after six rounds. LeafLink is a B2B platform that helps cannabis distributors and retailers manage operations, including shipping and accepting payments. Some form of cannabis use has been legalized in 37 states, plus D.C., Guam, and Puerto Rico, but it remains illegal under federal law. LeafLink currently processes approx. $5B in annual transactions, representing an estimated 50% of legal U.S. wholesale cannabis commerce.

Krush Media Group specializes in compliant cannabis advertising, accessing a direct, verified network.

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A bill to legalize cannabis in Minnesota was approved in its 4th House committee and advanced through its Senate committee yesterday. Lawmakers are working quickly to pass the legislation that was introduced earlier this month. Sen. Lindsey Port (D), one of the sponsors of the bill, stated that their main goals are to legalize, regulate and expunge. With majorities in both the House and Senate and control over the governorship this session, Democratic-Farmer-Labor party officials are confident that legalization will be enacted soon following the extensive committee consideration.

Krush Media Group specializes in compliant cannabis advertising, accessing a direct, verified network.

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