NEW ZEALANDERS AWAIT VOTING RESULTS OF CANNABIS LEGALIZATION REFERENDUM | TRICHOMES Morning Buzz
Cannabis News Update October 20, 2020
Today in the world of cannabis: Kiwis await the results of a nationwide cannabis legalization referendum, the Pennsylvania governor continues his monthly cannabis advocacy series, and medical cannabis dispensaries open in Missouri for the first time.
The Morning Buzz presented by TRICHOMES brings you late-breaking news that tells you what’s happening within the cannabis industry.
Check in with the cannabis community at TRICHOMES.com
First up: Following a successful reelection campaign by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, NZ Herald reports that the voting results on a cannabis legalization referendum are likely not to be released until late October.
Over the weekend, New Zealanders voted on a referendum that if approved would allow for the recreational adult use of cannabis for its 5 million nationwide residents.
On October 30th, preliminary results of the vote based on “ordinary votes” will be published, with the final referendum results scheduled to be released on November 6th, which will include special votes, such as people who voted from outside their electorate, overseas, in prison or hospital, or enrolled late.
And next: For the third month in a row, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has continued his series of press conferences focused on cannabis legalization. This according to Weedmaps News and Marijuana Moment.
“I renew my call on the Pennsylvania legislature to legalize adult-use marijuana,” Gov. Wolf said in a tweet. “This move would bring much-needed financial relief to those harmed by COVID-19.”
Wolf, who first expressed support for cannabis legalization last year, criticized the Republican-led state government for not implementing a legalization framework. Wolf noted that cannabis legislation would generate useful tax revenue, uphold social justice, and facilitate an economic recovery for the state following strains from coronavirus pandemic.
“So once again, my third call to the General Assembly to send legislation to my desk to legalize cannabis for adult use,” Gov. Wolf said. “It’s what Pennsylvania wants. It’s what Pennsylvania needs.”
Last up: Almost two years after Missouri residents voted in favor of a constitutional amendment to permit the sale of medical cannabis, The Independent reports that the state’s first licensed dispensaries opened over the weekend to long lines of expecting patients.
According to The Missouri Departments of Health and Human Services, 192 licensed dispensaries are expected to open in the state by the end of the year.
“Missouri patients have always been our North Star as we work to implement the state’s medical marijuana program,” Dr. Randall Williams, department director, said in a news release. “We greatly appreciate how hard everyone has worked so that patients can begin accessing a safe and well-regulated program.”
Among the dispensaries opened on the first weekend of sales in the state was N’Bliss, operating locations in Ellisville and Manchester. On opening weekend, an eighth of an ounce of cannabis flower was retailing for $125.
https://theindependent.com/news/national/long-lines-as-missouri-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-open/article_a77908cf-e00e-5d2e-82ab-b7d3d9b548a4.html
source