This article first appeared on mjbizdaily.com (Bart Schaneman, Kristen Nichols and Omar Sacirbey | Jan 12, 2018).

New York approves an expanded line of medical marijuana products, a Colorado hemp producer departs for Arkansas, and a Maryland credit union welcomes MMJ businesses.

Here’s a closer look at some notable developments in the marijuana industry over the past week.

New York blues

It’s bullish news that one of New York’s licensed medical marijuana businesses got the green light to offer flower for vaping and lozenges.

Pending approval, Etain also may be able to manufacture water-soluble cannabis powder.

But the expanded product line is not nearly enough to help the state’s struggling MMJ business, said one expert.

If the other four licensed MMJ businesses also choose to expand their product lines, they can.

But “it really doesn’t matter,” said Matt Karnes, founder of GreenWave Advisors, a New York cannabis research firm.

The state fumbled when it implemented the market, he added, because it’s too restrictive in terms of product offerings.

Until the state adds the products people really want to consume – namely smokable flower and edibles – it won’t compete with the black market, Karnes contended.

“The existing model in New York state right now is relatively failed,” he said.

Karnes predicted New York will eventually fall in line with Vermont and other nearby states that are marching toward legal adult-use programs…

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