Connecticut Legalizes Cannabis
Members of the state House and Senate approved S.B. 1201 on Thursday, legalizing the adult-use marijuana market.
Next, they submitted the measure to Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont, who is expected to sign the bill into law.
The Nutmeg State will be the fifth after New York, New Mexico, Virginia, and technically New Jersey that approved legalization this year.
Rhode Island Senate Approves Adult-Use Cannabis
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill on Monday that would legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana for adult use, marking the first time such a bill has moved to the floor of either chamber of the General Assembly in Rhode Island.
The bill would create an independent cannabis control commission to oversee the program and issue licenses for cannabis retailers passed 6 to 2.
It’s expected to go to the full Senate next Tuesday.
Legalization in Virginia
Cannabis becomes legal in Virginia on July 1.
According to Virginia’s chapter of NORML, the legalization law allows for possession by adults 21+ of up to one ounce and personal, home cultivation of up to 4 plants per household by adults 21+ at their primary residence, if the plants have labels, are out of public view, and kept away from children.
Additionally, adult-sharing of up to one ounce in private without remuneration; and continued participation in the medical cannabis program, which allows buying marijuana. It delivers at Virginia dispensaries.
However, the selling of marijuana seeds will still be illegal, and so will transporting seeds across state lines.
Product Launches
CannaCraft launched its new brand Gem + Jane: A sparkling botanical beverage that blends simple ingredients with microdoses of cannabinoids, including THCV, Delta-8 THC, and CBD.
The drink will be available exclusively at Sweet Flower dispensary locations throughout greater Los Angeles beginning June 17th.
The original, pioneering edibles editor for High Times magazine and author of cannabis cookbook Bong Appetit, Chef Elise McDonough, serves as Brand Manager for Gem + Jane.
“I am happy to use my experience as a cannabis industry veteran –from writing a book on edibles to sampling countless products– in order to create an inviting product for both new and experienced consumers to enjoy,” says McDonough.
Emphasizing the natural tastes and aroma of citrus, berries, herbs, and flowers (Think Petal with cannabis added), the Gem + Jane beverage line blends complex layers of playful flavors on the palate.
It delivers a light, manageable dose of cannabis for most consumers.
It comes in four sophisticated flavors, as well as an unflavored, pure Simply Seltzer for mixing up mocktails or enjoying on its own.
The Elderflower Pear, Lemon Blueberry Lavender, and Strawberry Hibiscus varieties contain a blend of 4mg Delta-8 THC and 2mg CBD for more mellow moments like relaxing with friends.
The Simply Seltzer and Yuzu Rose Raspberry flavor each contain 4mg THCV and <2mg THC.
Drop 2.0
Drop Delivery, an all-in-one delivery technology suite for cannabis retail businesses, announced Wednesday the launch of a new white-labeled consumer e-commerce web-based app, Drop 2.0.
The app includes a more customizable homepage, improved product search capabilities, highly detailed product filtering, and a more engaging way for consumers to take advantage of retailers’ deals.
Drop Delivery CEO and Co-founder Vanessa Gabriel cite wanting to emulate and elevate the best mainstream e-commerce experiences with the development of Drop 2.0.
Expanding upon ordering ahead, Drop 2.0 offers retailers an app-based e-commerce shopping experience akin to Sephora or Instacart.
The new app provides more freedom to customize the web-based app based on their specific hyperlocal preferences and provides customers with fresh, powerful shopping tools.
“While cannabis e-commerce is relatively new, e-commerce is not, and consumers expect certain features to be a part of that shopping experience,” said Gabriel. “That includes being able to search for products based on current and past searches, highly categorized product filters, and being able to take advantage of discounts and deals all in the same place.
Mendi CBD
Because the world needs yet another celebrity-endorsed CBD brand, Mendi Founder and CEO Rachael Rapinoe, sister to 2x World Cup Champion Olympic gold medalist and Victoria’s Secret model Megan Rapinoe, and co-founder Brett Schwager have created Mendi.
The Portland, Oregon-based brand is “championing their cause to level the playing field by innovating natural alternatives to sports medicine.”
Their “proprietary blends of all-natural hemp CBD products target pain relief, inflammation, and mood to improve sleep and recovery.”
Like Carli Lloyd using CBD Medic before it, Mendi aims to soothe the shin splints for the athlete or gym rat in all of us.
