November 2024 - CannabisNewsWire

WednesdayNov 27, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Key Lessons from the Marijuana Liberalization Journey of the US

The journey toward cannabis legalization in the United States has been significant, with nearly half of the states now allowing its recreational use. However, the topic remains contentious and divisive, frequently leveraged by politicians. Some invoke fears about potential harm to oppose legalization, while others emphasize benefits such as increased revenue and reduced violent crime to advocate for it. Scientific research on marijuana-related harms is relatively comprehensive. Regular consumption of high-potency marijuana, especially when initiated at a young age, is linked to mental health issues, including schizophrenia. It may also lead to cognitive difficulties, reduced academic performance, and an elevated…

TuesdayNov 26, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Australian Parliament to Vote on Cannabis Legalization This November

Australian legislators are preparing to vote on legislation that could pave the way for adult-use cannabis legalization across the nation. Senator David Shoebridge of the Greens Party, who has spearheaded the effort, announced on social media that the proposed bill is scheduled for a vote in Parliament on November 27. The legislation seeks to establish a regulated cannabis market, complete with taxation and licensing. Central to the plan is the creation of the Cannabis Australia National Agency (CANA), which would oversee licensing and regulations and maintain a comprehensive register of cannabis strains. The bill also explicitly permits home growth for…

TuesdayNov 26, 2024 10:00 am

Texas AG Goes to Court to Block Marijuana Decriminalization in Dallas

Attorney General Ken Paxton of the state of Texas is suing Dallas over its proposal that decriminalizes cannabis in the city. The suit names the defendants as the city council of Dallas; Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, the city’s interim manager; Mayor Eric Johnson; and Michael T. Igo, the city’s interim Chief of Police. The charter amendment in question, Proposition R, was approved by 67% of voters in the city during elections. It was placed on the ballot by Ground Game Texas, a group focused on advancing social justice while strengthening democracy. Despite the favorable win, Paxton argued in a press release…

MondayNov 25, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — New Report Says Millennials Lead Other Generations in Buying Marijuana Pre-Rolls

Millennials, the largest generational group in the U.S., are shaping spending habits across industries, including marijuana. According to a recent survey, this age group, ranging from 28 to 43 years old, has become a dominant force in the joint market, making up 45% of the $3 billion industry. Harrison Bard, the CEO and co-founder of Custom Cones U.S., noted that millennials occupy a unique position. “They have more disposable income and greater freedom compared to younger generations,” Bard explained, adding that the generation grew up during a time when cannabis was becoming more normalized. The study, conducted by Custom Cones…

FridayNov 22, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — New Study Explores the Health Conditions for Which Individuals Use Medical Cannabis

A recently released analysis of numerous medical cannabis patients within the United States reveals that PTSD, pain, and anxiety are the most common conditions qualifying individuals for medical marijuana programs. The study indicates that 58.6% of patients reported managing more than one medical condition with cannabis. Among those dealing with multiple conditions, chronic pain and anxiety were the most frequently cited, followed by issues such as PTSD, insomnia, and muscle spasms. The research was conducted by Leafwell, a specialized platform that facilitates access to medical cannabis cards, in collaboration with San Diego University’s Center for Marijuana Research and Duke University…

FridayNov 22, 2024 10:00 am

Maryland Starts Using Dashboard for Tracking Marijuana Use

The Department of Health in the state of Maryland recently rolled out a tool to track the effects of marijuana use on public health. The tool, dubbed the Cannabis Public Health Data Dashboard, offers user-friendly visualizations of marijuana trends prior to and after the legalization of recreational marijuana. It also provides data on the use of the drug by youth as well as adults, visits to the ER, the utilization of substance use services, and calls made to the D.C. and Maryland poison centers. Data obtained from the dashboard shows that a 44% increase in ER visits related to the…

ThursdayNov 21, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Trump’s Pick for AG Triggers Hope Within the Marijuana Community

Donald Trump’s choice of Florida Representative Matt Gaetz as the next Attorney General has sparked controversy across party lines. Gaetz’s resignation from his congressional seat followed shortly after the announcement, just days before the House Ethics Committee was expected to address an ongoing investigation into allegations against him. These accusations, which Gaetz has denied, include claims of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use. The nomination raises uncertainty about Senate approval, but it has already ignited significant interest within the cannabis industry. According to David Culver, senior vice president of public affairs at the U.S. Marijuana Council, Gaetz is among the…

ThursdayNov 21, 2024 10:00 am

Cannabis Stakeholders Walk Tight Rope by Seeking to Contribute to Rescheduling Hearing

Business leaders and marijuana advocates were recently invited to take part in a hearing about cannabis rescheduling set for next month. The participants, all twenty-five of them, were listed in a letter penned by Chief Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney II of the Drug Enforcement Administration. The witnesses were selected by DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. During the hearing, the participants will be required to explain why maintaining the drug’s current schedule is unjustified. The legal threshold also requires that witnesses explain how they will be impacted negatively by cannabis’ rescheduling to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. This means…

WednesdayNov 20, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Scientists Doubt Findings of Study Indicating Federally-Sourced Research Marijuana Doesn’t Differ from State-Legal Products

A recent study conducted by Mahmoud ElSohly, one of the few individuals authorized by the federal government to grow cannabis for research, has found that marijuana available in the U.S. market has a consistent cannabinoid profile, primarily shaped by genetics rather than regional factors. The research indicates that THC levels in cannabis samples seized or sourced from state-legal programs are similar, typically falling between 10 and 20% THC content. The study, published in Frontiers in Public Health Journal, presents a possibly contentious claim: that cannabis available in state-legal dispensaries is chemically similar to the marijuana provided for research by the…

TuesdayNov 19, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Advocates in Idaho File Ballot Measure to Legalize Marijuana in 2026

Public use would remain off-limits, ensuring that cannabis consumption is kept private and not visible in open areas. The measure specifically avoids creating a commercial cannabis market, unlike the recent ballot efforts in other states that sought to legalize the production and sale of marijuana. Joe Evans, treasurer for Kind Idaho, highlighted this distinction in a statement back in September when the group first submitted the measure. He noted that the group’s approach is based on the belief that people should be allowed to manage their health and well-being privately, without interference from the state, as long as they’re acting…