Basel, CH Weed Care pilot offers blueprint for recreational cannabis legalization in Switzerland
Basel and its research partners are recruiting 370 volunteers for the 30-month pilot. Eligible participants are Basel residents aged 18 and older who currently use illicit cannabis. Half of the pilot group can immediately purchase cannabis products from nine participating pharmacies. The remaining group waits for six months while continuing their regular consumption levels. This first-in-Switzerland program evaluates the economic and health benefits of legalization through participant surveys.
Basel, CH
Switzerland
Ann Arbor, MI Deflection Pilot Program uses marijuana tax revenues to help homeless residents
The Deflection Pilot Program fulfills the council's 2021 commitment to counteracting the impacts of marijuana criminalization with tax revenues. The Ann Arbor City Council allocated $572,000 from its marijuana excise tax for the pilot. Mental health and substance abuse counseling are provided without the involvement of police officers. Referrals by local residents and organizations lead to transportation, housing, and medical assistance by service providers.
Ann Arbor, MI
United States
Fairfax County, VA repurposes narcotic-sniffing dogs to detect weapons after cannabis legalization
The Fairfax County Police Department is retiring and retraining narcotic-sniffing dogs after the legalization of cannabis in the Commonwealth. These marijuana-sniffing K-9 units will be repurposed to detect weapons and shell casings in order to improve public safety by reducing gun violence. Through this new four-week program, the dogs are receiving odor imprinting training to recognize when a gun has been fired.
Fairfax County, VA
United States
Lansing, MI modernized and digitized its marijuana business licensing process
The Lansing City Clerk's Office modernized its marijuana business licensing process by upgrading to a new online records management system. The Lansing City Clerk's Office implemented the Laserfiche enterprise content management software for electronic records to create a simpler and more efficient process for applicants and city staff.
Lansing, MI
United States
Chicago, IL lifts downtown zoning restrictions on marijuana dispensaries and cultivation operations
The Chicago City Council approved plans to lift restrictions on downtown marijuana sales. The ordinance also eases zoning requirements for marijuana dispensaries and marijuana cultivation operations across the city. The goal of the ordinance is to make it easier for dispensaries to open, particularly those with firms owned by minorities, without special permission from city officials. Any businesses growing, processing, or infusing marijuana products must be at least 650 feet from homes.
Chicago, IL
United States
Washtenaw County, MI is using over $200,000 in annual marijuana tax revenue for racial equity
Washtenaw County's Board of Commissioners approved a budget amendment to allocate the annual marijuana tax revenue to fund racial equity programs. The county expects to generate more than $200,000 every year from marijuana taxation. The decision was made to help address racial injustices and combat the negative impact that the "War on Drugs" continues to have on minority communities.
Washtenaw County, MI
United States
Monterey, CA conducts EngagementHQ campaign for public feedback on commercial cannabis expansion
City officials are using the platform as they open commercial cannabis licenses outside of the Ryan Ranch Industrial Zone. A five-minute survey asks residents to share location ideas and concerns. The EngagementHQ page houses an open comments section and Q&A feature reviewed by project leaders. Two virtual community sessions and a mailed survey expand Monterey's reach as it considers new retail, production, and testing locations.
Monterey, CA
United States
Long Beach, CA lowers barriers to entry in cannabis retail with Cannabis Social Equity Program
The city developed the program to expand legal cannabis opportunities for residents with little capital. Program participants receive waived application fees, expedited reviews, and tax deferrals on cannabis sales. City staffers also provide technical assistance with application and business plans for new entrants to the industry. Long Beach is considering additional measures like shared retail spaces and delivery-only licensing to encourage participation.
Long Beach, CA
United States