Category: Article
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David Lakeman Reportedly Declines Top Role at Massachusetts Cannabis Commission
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) is facing renewed challenges in its efforts to stabilize and lead the state’s cannabis industry. According to reporting by the Boston Globe, David Lakeman, an official with the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the CCC’s unanimous choice for executive director, has declined the role and will remain in Illinois.…
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DEA Hearing on Rescheduling of Marijuana
You can tune in NOW to the historic commencement of formal hearing proceedings regarding the proposed rescheduling of marijuana by viewing below or by going directly to this link.
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The Future of Cannabis & Hemp Policy: Taking the Best, Leaving the Rest
As debates around hemp’s place in the cannabis industry intensify, it’s frustrating to see efforts to re-criminalize a plant that represents one of the cannabis movement’s greatest wins. Today, the state-legal marijuana industry face several challenges due to their federal illegality, including the burden of 280E tax restrictions, lack of access to banking services, inability…
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Exploring the Future: Key Takeaways from the Illinois Cannabis Research Institute Launch
I recently wrote about a new state reference lab, mentioned in the Chicago Tribune, which is part of the Cannabis Research Institute (CRI). CRI operates under the Discovery Partners Institute, a research center within the University of Illinois system. The Cannabis Research Institute (CRI) officially launched with an event, which was live-streamed on Youtube. Supported…
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Update from Illinois Cannabis Research Institute
I recently wrote about a new state reference lab, mentioned in the Chicago Tribune, which is part of the Cannabis Research Institute (CRI). CRI operates under the Discovery Partners Institute, a research center within the University of Illinois system. Tomorrow at 1 PM, the Cannabis Research Institute will host a livestream update featuring panelists and…
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Illinois Responds to ‘Hemp Hysteria’: Officials Clarify Intent of New Regulations
On November 12th, during a scheduled second reading of Illinois’ new hemp regulatory rules, state officials addressed mounting confusion and panic within the Illinois hemp industry. In the lead-up to the hearing, many people became increasingly concerned that these changes would drastically impact the market. In this article, I share perspectives from both the industry…
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Illinois Bureau of Cannabis Testing is Focusing “Exclusively on Getting Lab Open for State Testing”
Background I recently published an article that detailed the ongoing development of a state-run cannabis testing lab in Illinois. It highlighted my interactions with state officials, including representatives from the IDFPR and IDOA, who provided insights into the lab’s purpose and the anticipated role it will play in enhancing cannabis safety and regulatory compliance. The…
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Illinois Cannabis Division Manager David Lakeman Selected as Executive Director of Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission
UPDATE 12/4/2024: David Lakeman has reportedly declined the offer to lead the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission and will remain in Illinois On October 28, 2024, the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) held final interviews for the Executive Director position. Among the candidates were Travis Ahern, Matt Giancola, Marty Golightly, and David Lakeman. The 3 commissioners…
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“Craft” Cannabis at Dual-Use Dispensaries, Medical Tax Rates, and Future Expansions
In this article, I detail the guidance from the Illinois Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office (CROO) regarding the sale of “craft-grown” cannabis at dual-use dispensaries and the application of the medical tax rate. I briefly highlight recent developments, as covered by Illinois News Joint, regarding the state’s efforts to expand medical tax rate access to all…
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Illinois Releases 2024 Annual Cannabis Reports
On September 30th, as anticipated by The Cole Memo*, the Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office for the state of Illinois published the 2024 Annual Cannabis Report. You can view the entire reports below.
The Cole Memo 