FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — A northwest Arkansas company plans to work with the University of Arkansas to grow, research and process hemp flowers for the budding cannabis oil industry.

Fayetteville-based Arkansas Hemp Genetics LLC says it has secured a partnership with the university’s horticulture department to research industrial hemp for the first time since its prohibition after World War II.

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Gov.-Elect J.B. Pritzker campaigned on a platform to end cannabis prohibition in Illinois, often emphasizing the ways legalization could benefit minority communities that have been ravaged by the drug war and largely left out of the state’s budding cannabis industry.

But some black leaders have been slow to endorse the Pritzker-backed legalization effort that’s being spearheaded by state Sen. Heather Steans and state Rep. Kelly Cassidy. The Chicago Democrats plan to introduce a new bill to legalize marijuana when lawmakers reconvene in Springfield next month.

“Clarity is really important,” said state Sen. Kimberly Lightford, D-Maywood, joint chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus. “We do not want to find ourselves in the position where we’re just generating revenue—which is terribly needed. We’re creating a new statute that I believe I could support provided that it has parameters in place that are clear and understood among state’s attorneys, judges, law enforcement and the community.”

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TORONTO, Dec. 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PRESS RELEASE -- Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd., a cannabis company with cultivation, production and retail operations built around recognized brands, has announced that it has hired William Kulczycki as its new CEO and President. Former CEO and President William Simpson will remain with Golden Leaf on a full-time basis to assist Mr. Kulczycki and the Board with strategic and day-to-day activities of Golden Leaf in his capacities as “founder” and a Board observer.

Kulczycki brings over 40 years of experience to Golden Leaf as an executive with public and private companies involved in the outdoor industry, where he has successfully built strong management teams, improved profitability and provided support and advice on acquisitions as well as distribution strategies. Kulczycki’s experience includes 28 years as vice president of Patagonia Inc./Lost Arrow Corp.; four years as CEO/president of C.C. Filson of Seattle; four years as brand president of Gregory Mountain Products, and V.P. of Black Diamond Inc., a publicly traded outdoor company; and two years as executive director of Mountain Khakis of Jackson, WY.  While at Patagonia, Kulczycki was responsible for global sales and marketing, as well as product development.

Simpson commented, “We are fortunate and privileged to have a man of William Kulczycki’s track record, experience and talent join Golden Leaf. As Golden Leaf has matured, its operations have become increasingly complex as its business evolves and the company expands its geographic footprint. Now, more than ever, the company needs a leader with a proven, successful background in international retail and distribution business operations. I look forward to working with Bill to achieve the goal of attaining Golden Leaf’s full potential.”

Kulczycki stated, “I am looking forward to both the challenges and opportunities that Golden Leaf presents.  I intend to build on the company’s positive attributes and address its deficiencies. I believe that my background and experience is well suited for leading a strong management team, improving the company’s business operations, and implementing a profitable, sustainable business model."