Black Excellence in Cannabis
(BEC)

Legislators heard the omnibus, production unions, and data dashboard bills on Tuesday and planned to hear two more Wednesday in addition to moving legislation that could revise buffer zone measurement.

Legislators heard supportive testimony to revise buffer zones while committee schedules for the following week showed nearly all cannabis-related legislation and the operating budget would be considered.

The social equity program evaluation bill was advanced, preliminary schedules for the following week were published, and legislators prepared for another day of floor activity ahead of the next cutoff.

Home growing supporters took issue with the cost and need for a traceability requirement amended into the bill which did nothing to lessen opponents’ safety and revenue concerns.

Opponents of home grow appeared to have been assisted by a committee staffer who fabricated revenue impacts, the DUI bill was advanced, and senators may calendar cannabis-related bills on Wednesday.

The lab certification bill was passed in the House before a mishmash of amendments were published on seven cannabis-related bills up for executive sessions Friday morning in advance of the first cutoff.

Two bills were heard and the social equity program evaluation bill was advanced; fiscal committee schedules for the following week remained blank slates; and a SUD treatment bill may be moved.

Three bills were heard Tuesday; advertising and lab certification legislation was advanced; and two hearings were scheduled Wednesday in addition to the controversial social equity program evaluation bill.

Senators heard testimony on out of state ownership, schedules were shuffled, and bills on cannabis producer cooperatives, social equity buffer zones, and retail advertising were up for Tuesday.

Legislation creating social equity buffer zones could be fast tracked and out of state ownership would be heard in the Senate, but many cannabis-related bills remained at risk before the first cutoff on Friday.