capitalism

Shortages in Michigan as adult-use sales set to begin

Posted on November 27th, 2019 by Global Ganja Report and tagged , , , , , , .

MichiganLegal cannabis sales are officially starting in Michigan on Dec. 1—but with a big emphasis on the "officially." Cannabis shortages and a dearth of licensed dispensaries mean that the Wolverine State's retail recreational program will be off to a less than flying start. Even last-minute abandonment of the planned firewall between the medical and recreational markets may be insufficient to salvage the situation.

Corporate cannabis eyes Mexico —amid escalating narco-violence

Posted on November 14th, 2019 by Bill Weinberg and tagged , , , , , , , .

MexicoThere is a discomforting sense that Mexico is perpetually on the eve of cannabis legalization, as the country's Congress wins a six-month extension from the Supreme Court to pass a law freeing the herb. But foreign capital is already eyeing Mexico's emergent legal cannabis sector—even amid a terrifying escalation in the bloody cartel wars. 

Cannabis 'appellations' coming to California: how will it work?

cannabisCalifornia is moving toward adopting official "appellations" for cannabis, certifying a strain's regional origin. The concept is inspired by the wine industry, where such a certification system has long been in place in several producer countries. Wine appellations, often a mark of prestige, provide a model for what is now to be applied to high-end cannabis.

Colorado loosens regs on investment in cannabis industry

Posted on November 5th, 2019 by Global Ganja Report and tagged , , , , , , .

ColoradoAs a new law lifts restrictions on investment in Colorado's cannabis sector, many fear consolidation by big money—a concern uniting some small operators with cultural conservatives. But others see a growth opportunity for small enterprises.

Bernie's legalization plan bars Big Tobacco —but is that the whole problem?

Posted on October 24th, 2019 by Bill Weinberg and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , .

BernieBernie Sanders has released his plan for cannabis legalization, which features provisions to keep Big Tobacco from colonizing the new industry. But other exponents of corporate power are already getting a jump on the cannabis sector, and could just as effectively squeeze out independent operators.

The cannabis patent dilemma

Shadow WatchAs the cannabis industry is embraced by corporate power and finance capital, the patenting of strains, products and applications is an increasing concern. But the international patchwork of legality makes for a confusing environment. Illegality has served as a paradoxical break on privatizing of varieties. Growers and advocates are devising means to protect the genetic commons in the new cannabis order.

Giuliani associate busts uncover cannabis industry sleaze

Posted on October 16th, 2019 by Global Ganja Report and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , .

GiulianiThe arrest of a Rudolph Giuliani associate on suspicion of influence-peddling related to the cannabis industry has opened a window into the sleazy underside of the business. Sacramento's mayor has called for an investigation, and the FBI is said to be conducting its own probe. Legalization was supposed to take cannabis out of the hands of criminal networks, but the new model often looks like crony capitalism.

Court upholds protections for cannabis industry workers

Posted on September 25th, 2019 by Global Ganja Report and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , .

grow roomA federal appeals court in Denver has held that protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act apply to "all workers"—including those in the cannabis industry. The ruling sets an important precedent, boosting efforts to unionize the new legal industry.

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