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Rounding Up Our Most-Read Articles

This fall, Cannabis Business Times is launching a monthly newsletter to round up its top 10 most-read articles.

In September, our readers were most engaged with news about federal policy reform, from the SAFE Banking Act’s transformation to the SAFER Banking Act and the reintroduction of the MORE Act to coverage of last month’s big announcement that the U.S. Health and Human Services recommended rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act.

CBT’s audience also explored sales trends, such as Associate Editor Tony Lange’s exclusive feature on the dozen states that sold more than $1 billion in cannabis (combined) in August.

Landing at the top of the list is “8 Tips for Protecting Outdoor Crops Against Heavy Rain During Harvest Season,” a topic that interested many readers as they prepare to harvest this year’s crops and as major storms continue to drop heavy rains on much of the U.S. and Canada.

If you’ve missed these articles, they are surely worth a read to keep you informed on the most important legislative, cultivation-related and other industry news that impacts your business. Stay tuned as we continue our monthly roundups of CBT’s most-read content, and drop us a line to let us know what you’re most interested in reading.

These 12 States Sold More Than $1 Billion in Cannabis in August (With Chart)

Leading the way, Michigan’s cannabis sales are still booming, as the state’s retailers repeat another $276 million month.

Twelve adult-use cannabis states have reported their dispensaries’ sales totals for August 2023, with these markets accounting for more than $1 billion in licensed transactions. The other eight states with adult-use retail programs have yet to report their most recent figures.

Opinion: HHS Rescheduling Recommendation is 'About Damn Time'

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recognition that cannabis should no longer be classified in the same category as heroin is an event to be celebrated. But the trajectory of U.S. policy deserves to be mourned.

Imagine some intrepid explorer discovered deep in the jungles of a far-off clime a plant which, when applied to the skin, ingested or inhaled, had the ability to bring quality of life to cancer patients facing lethal diagnoses, prevented children and adults from experiencing debilitating and often life-threatening epileptic seizures, and substantially reduced neuropathic and other intractable pain.

US Senator Urged to Rescind Support of SAFE Banking

Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who’s been vocally supportive of cannabis banking reform, now represents a battleground vote for prohibitionists.

Despite U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., vocally supporting cannabis banking legislation, his reluctance to officially co-sponsor the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act has put him in the crosshairs of prohibitionists and state lawmakers.

US Health and Human Services Department Recommends Cannabis Reclassified to Schedule III

The move from Schedule I to Schedule III would provide that cannabis has a federally accepted medical use, but the decision now goes to the DEA.

A top official at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommended in an Aug. 29 letter to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that cannabis should be reclassified as a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

SAFE Banking Act on Cusp of Markup, Advancement in Senate Banking Committee

A full committee markup on the legislation is scheduled for Sept. 27.

The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act of 2023 (S. 1323/H.R. 2891) will be moving forward in the U.S. Senate, according to the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. The committee confirmed Sept. 19 that the SAFE Banking Act is scheduled for in-person markup Sept. 27.

New Jersey Cannabis Regulators Fine TerrAscend $100K; Columbia Care $50K

State commissioners threw the book at the multistate operators for violations related to patients’ access and a labor peace agreement.

Two of New Jersey’s biggest and most established cannabis operators are facing fines of $100,000 and $50,000 after the state’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) board members voted to issue steeper than recommended penalties for their violations.

US House Democrats Introduce Bill to Federally Legalize Cannabis

The MORE Act aims to decriminalize and deschedule cannabis, provide expungements, and reinvest in those adversely impacted by the drug war.

Just as major movement on incremental cannabis reform to allow industry banking got teed up in the U.S. Senate, a ranking member in the U.S. House created new thunder with his reintroduction of a broader legalization bill.

Arizona Cannabis Testing Lab Accused of Tampering With COAs; Owner Calls it Sabotage

State regulators say OnPoint Laboratories misreported Aspergillus testing results and then changed a certificate of analysis, among other deficiencies.

A licensed Arizona cannabis testing laboratory that paid its way out of trouble to the tune of $470,000 in early 2022 is back in hot water with state regulators following an unannounced site visit earlier this year.

SAFE Banking Act: How We Got Here, What’s Next For SAFER

The four corners of Washington’s political playbook have repeatedly stood in the way, but will this U.S. Congress be different?

As the newly titled SAFER Banking Act remains calendared for a committee markup at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 27, the center of attention this past week has been on revised language following months of negotiations in the U.S. Senate.

8 Tips for Protecting Outdoor Cannabis Crops Against Heavy Rain During Harvest Season: UPDATED

Cannabis and hemp growers should take preventative measures to guard against crop damage during periods of heavy rains—and know what to do with rain-soaked plants in the aftermath.

Heavy rainfall during harvest season can leave outdoor cannabis and hemp cultivators across the country scrambling to save their crops.

When rain is in the forecast, what’s an outdoor cannabis grower to do?

About CBT:
Cannabis Business Times is the most trusted source of actionable intelligence for plant-touching cannabis businesses throughout North America and is producer of the industry-leading Cannabis Conference.