Arizona Law May Protect Medical-marijuana Users From Feds' New Stance - Seite 2

WHAT ARE THE FEDS TO DO? 

For the moment, AG Sessions and his prosecutors really can't do anything about Arizona.

A provision in the federal budget adopted in 2014 prevents his agency from using any resources to target patients. It also prevents actions against providers in states where medical-marijuana is legal. That provision has been continuously renewed every year since, and shows no signs of being rescinded.

It's important to note though that this protection expires Jan. 19th unless Congress includes it in the new spending bill. Then again, they could adopt another "continuing resolution" to keep the government operating while a budget deal is being negotiated.

"If it is not included, or if there is a government shutdown, the Department of Justice will no longer be prevented from targeting state-legal medical-marijuana," said Morgan Fox, spokesman for the Marijuana Policy.

Again, that's not likely under the current climate.

DEMAND CONTINUES 

Despite the Federal Government's actions, the demand for quality cannabis continues.

According to a recently released report from Marijuana Business Daily titled "Marijuana Business Factbook 2017," the U.S. legal cannabis industry is expected to grow by about 30% in 2017, 45% the following year, and an aggregate of 300% between 2016 and 2021.

The numbers look even better in neighbouring Canada: the annual retail marijuana market there could be at least $4.9 billion, but possibly as high as $8.7 billion considering ancillary markets.

This has given rise to a race to create more products right away.

Companies like MYM Nutraceuticals are aggressively pursuing the next stage without regard for the enforcement issues by the US Government. Their strategy is based on superior growing technology, well-crafted branding and innovative distribution opportunities.

Last year MYM signed an exclusive deal with the Quebec municipality of Weedon to build a 1.5 million square foot facility. At completion, Weedon will be one of the largest greenhouse facilities dedicated to marijuana growth in the world, expected to produce over 150,000 kg of cannabis per year.

MYM has also announced two more production facilities; a smaller facility in Laval, Quebec which is due to come online shortly, and the other in Australia that's a co-venture with local government. That facility in New South Wales will house a 1 million square foot growing space slated to start in 2018.