Vermont gov vetoes legalization, how MMJ could take $4B+/year from Big Pharma, Washington weed law changes, cannabis consultant acquitted in South Dakota & more

May 24: Vermont gov vetoes legalization, how MMJ could take $4B+/year from Big Pharma, Washington weed law changes, cannabis consultant acquitted in South Dakota & more The Cannabist]( [thecannabist.co]( | [@cannabist]( | [fb/cannabist]( If someone forwarded this to you and you'd like to sign up yourself, just go here: [(. To view this on the web or share a link, [click here.]( [Vermont governor vetoes marijuana legalization bill: "We must get this right"]( Republican Gov. Phil Scott said Wednesday that he planned to veto a bill making Vermont the ninth state to legalize recreational marijuana but indicated that he was willing to work with the legislature on a compromise. "We must get this right," Scott said. "I think we need to move a little bit slower." [Report: Medical marijuana could poach more than $4B from pharma sales annually]( If the United States legalized medical marijuana for conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety and seizures, cannabis could siphon more than $4 billion annually from the nation’s pharmaceutical industry, a new study hypothesizes. A report by cannabis analytics firm New Frontier Data explores how cannabis could disrupt pharmaceutical sales in nine key treatment areas. Quote of the Day “I never once thought that I was guilty.” [—Eric Hagen, 34, a Colorado marijuana consultant who worked with the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe and was charged with conspiracy to possess, possession by aiding and abetting and attempted possession of more than 10 pounds of marijuana](. A South Dakota jury acquitted Hagen of all charges Wednesday. Regional Headlines [Here’s what changed in Washington state marijuana laws]( A week ago, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed an omnibus marijuana bill, containing many changes to the regulations put in place in 2013, after Washington voters legalized recreational marijuana sales in 2012. The changes that could affect how Washingtonians and visitors experience legal weed in The Evergreen State include: How you can share your stash; who medical marijuana patients can buy from; what's up with home growing; and organic-grade certification for cultivators. [Prosecutors say Sessions' severe penalities order "unnecessary and unfortunate"]( A week after Attorney General Jeff Sessions told federal prosecutors to "charge and pursue the most serious, readily provable offense" and follow mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines, a bipartisan group of prosecutors at the state and local level is expressing concern. Thirty current and former state and local prosecutors have signed an open letter saying his call "marks an unnecessary and unfortunate return to past 'tough on crime' practices" that will do more harm than good in their communities. More Regional Headlines + [Texas’ ‘second-chance’ bill would seal some criminal records, including weed possession]( + [Rhode Island judge rules in favor of medical marijuana patient in discrimination case]( + [Arizona Supreme Court overturns weed conviction of man frisked by cops]( Numerology 8... or 9 That's the [number of medical marijuana distributors Florida will have,]( depending on how the Department of Health implements the administrative ruling handed down this week. Lifestyle [You can get weed delivered to your door in the District of Columbia. But is it legal?]( More than two years after the District of Columbia allowed residents to legally cultivate and possess cannabis for personal use, a growing gray market of companies has sprung up that will bring orders of high-priced cookies, juice, clothing or even artwork to your house, along with the “gift” of a few fat buds. Those who want to imbibe can also pay to attend dance parties and craft fairs where vendors sell edibles and smokables at what one regular terms a “farmers market for weed.” Business and Tech [Startup Hound Labs raises $8.1 million for portable marijuana breathalyzer]( Oakland-based Hound Labs reports it raised $8.1 million and began clinical trials for its portable marijuana breathalyzer test — the first of its kind. Technology already exists to test for THC in blood, saliva and urine. But THC can remain in those bodily fluids for days or weeks, meaning a user risks being wrongfully accused of DUI even if he or she is no longer under the influence of the drug. When THC is measured on a user’s breath, the molecules are detectable for just a few hours before disappearing, according to Hound Labs. [From chrysanthemums to cannabis: the ‘Green rush’ in Salinas Valley]( A beloved but beleaguered landscape is now sprouting new luxury greenhouses, fueled by a dream of marijuana riches that is changing the people and produce of this corner of Steinbeck Country. Salinas Valley was once the heart of the nation’s flower-growing business. But now collapsing wood-and-plastic greenhouses are being replaced by tall and gleaming high-tech European structures guarded by gates, barbed wire and cameras. Cultivation [Why generating marijuana seeds at home from a clone is a complex endeavor]( A reader writes in: "I want to produce marijuana seeds. Could it be possible to induce a male from a cloned female? How do you get the male?" Our cannabis cultivation expert Jorge Cervantes responds. [Like our Facebook page]( to get fresh Cannabist headlines throughout the day. --------------------------------------------------------------- You are receiving this newsletter because you signed up at The Denver Post. Please add "members@mail.denverpost.com" and "members@direct.denverpost.com" to your trusted senders list. To unsubscribe from this mailing, [click here.]( To change your e-mail preferences, [click here](. To view this newsletter on the web [click here.]( The Denver Post 101 West Colfax Ave. Denver, CO 80202