New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) is delaying his signature on the state’s pending legalization and decriminalization bills due to a technical issue that shields minors from cannabis-related penalties

 A Pennsylvania-based cannabis investor is suing Missouri over residency requirements for the state’s medical cannabis business licenses.

A Pennsylvania cannabis investor is suing Missouri over its residency requirements for cannabis industry licensees, the Missouri Independent reports. Mark Toigo, a minority owner in Organic Remedies MO Inc., which holds three dispensary licenses, one cultivation license, and one manufacturer license, argues that the residency requirement discriminates against non-residents and violates the commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution.

The constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2018 requires cannabusinesses to be “majority owned by natural persons who have been citizens of the state of Missouri for at least one year prior to the application.”

The lawsuit argues that the residency requirement “has been and will continue to be to stifle Missouri’s medical marijuana program by severely restricting the flow of investment into the state.”

“This will mean that Missouri’s medical marijuana businesses will not be able to access the capital necessary to build a vibrant, viable, and successful industry,” the lawsuit states, according to the Independent. Toigo argues he is prohibited from investing freely because further investments could drive his ownership stake over 49 percent.

The lawsuit names the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, as well as its director, Randall Williams, as defendants.

Similar lawsuits aimed at cannabis licensing residency requirements have been filed throughout the U.S. In June, Oklahoma medical cannabis firms filed a lawsuit against the state over its two-year residency requirements. That case has not yet been resolved.

As part of a legal agreement, Maine regulators in May said they would not enforce the state’s four-year residency requirement for the industry. The plaintiffs in that case argued that the requirement violated the commerce clause and the state Attorney General’s Office said it was unlikely to win the case as the state Supreme Court had struck down residency requirements in the past. That decision was subsequently challenged in court by the Maine Cannabis Coalition who argue it violates the state’s legalization law and is ongoing.

In the Missouri lawsuit, Toigo estimates that the state’s medical cannabis market could be worth $175 million to $275 million a year.

Native Leaf Co Launches Market’s First Whole-Leaf Hemp Wraps

For the first time ever, cannabis enthusiasts can purchase hemp leaf wraps that are handpicked from cannabis plants and slow-cured for 30 days, creating a natural, sustainable, and native smoking experience

Las Vegas, December 17, 2020 – Today, Native Leaf Co launched its line of hemp leaf wraps handpicked from the cannabis plant – becoming the first and only company to offer a natural hemp wrap from cured hemp leaves. Accessing these types of hemp leaves, known as fan leaves, has always been difficult for the everyday cannabis enthusiast as it involves growing the plant themselves – making it inaccessible for most. Creating wraps from fan leaves, which are typically discarded, makes the process completely sustainable. All of Native Leaf Co’s leaves undergo rigorous quality control testing, with each leaf inspected individually for proper condition and size.

Native Leaf wraps are available in two styles – LUCY, a double stacked hemp leaf sealed with organic plant glue for an easier rolling experience, and ABEL, a wide hemp leaf sealed with organic plant glue for the ability to add more cannabis.

“The cannabis experience was being diluted with non-natural wraps that weren’t native to the plant. Hemp was processed into paper, and natural leaf options weren’t hemp-based. We solved that by creating a wrap made from naturally-cured hemp leaves handpicked from everyone’s favorite plant,” said Sidney Quitorio, CEO & Founder of Native Leaf Co.

Hemp leaves contain chlorophyll, a pigment that gives the leaf its natural green color, but can add a harsh, grass-like taste. Native Leaf Co removes the pigment through a 30 day slow-curing process using Earth’s elements, maximizing the taste of each unique terpene when smoking. In addition, slow-curing converts the starches within the leaf into sugars, which allows for an effortless inhale from the smoothest smoke. Removing the chlorophyll turns the leaf into a stunning natural taupe brown color with a clean taste to match – fully unlocking the flavor from the flower.

All Native Leaf kits include three leaves, a Boveda for optimal moisture content, three filters for a barrier of separation, organic plant glue to assist with sealing, a mini leaf for any patching needed for a preservative-free wrap, and hemp wick to prevent lighting directly with butane and changing the taste of the herb.