420 with CNW Archives - Page 33 of 312

WednesdayOct 16, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Nebraska Officials Question Voter Signatures in Bid to Thwart Medical Marijuana Measure

Nebraska’s top election official and the state’s chief prosecutor are raising concerns about the validity of most signatures gathered for two medical marijuana petitions set to appear on the ballot this November. Mike Hilgers, Nebraska’s attorney general, who filed a legal motion on behalf of Bob Evnen, secretary of state, stated that inquiries are still being conducted to determine whether the 49,000-plus confirmed signatures on these petitions are authentic. With early voting already underway on whether to legalize or regulate medical cannabis, Evnen and Hilger are urging the court to verify the total number of valid signatures and potentially nullify…

TuesdayOct 15, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Study Shows Teen Marijuana Users Have Poorer School Outcomes

According to a recent examination of the existing data, teenagers who use marijuana typically do poorly academically. The JAMA Pediatrics study analyzed information from 63 different studies involving nearly 440,000 adolescents. The findings revealed that marijuana use during teenage years is likely associated with lower academic performance, decreased chances of finishing high school, less likelihood of enrolling in college or university, and a higher likelihood of dropping out of school and being frequently absent. One significant point the researchers noted was that marijuana use among teens is widespread, with about 22% of high school students in the United States using…

MondayOct 14, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Report Says NY Marijuana Program Has Undergone Successful Moments, Growing Pains

New York authorities recently published a comprehensive report on the progress of the state’s cannabis legalization law, which was signed by former Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2021. The state’s cannabis management office (OCM) shared the document, outlining the advancements made toward achieving the law’s primary goals. The outlined advancements include fostering equity and creating opportunities for groups that have been disproportionately impacted by marijuana prohibition, building a strong and thriving industry, and preserving the environment, among others. Tremaine Wright, head of the state marijuana control board, stated, “This report demonstrates our dedication to transparency and equity. I’m proud of how…

FridayOct 11, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Survey Finds Difference in View of Chronic Pain Patients, Doctors on Medical Cannabis

If you suffer from chronic pain and think medical cannabis could help, your doctor may not always share the same opinion. A recent survey of individuals living in states with legalized medical cannabis revealed significant differences in opinions between patients and healthcare providers. According to the survey, which included responses from 1,000 doctors and 1,600 chronic pain patients, 71% of patients felt the federal government should legalize cannabis. However, only 59% of doctors agreed with this view. The survey also showed that 64% of patients believed that medical marijuana should be covered by health insurance, while 51% of doctors supported…

ThursdayOct 10, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Newsom Signs Measure Authorizing Cannabis Cafes to Operate in California

California Governor Gavin Newsom approved a measure that will allow the operation of marijuana cafés, modeled after those in the Netherlands. The law is set to come into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, subject to local government approvals. Last year, Governor Newsom vetoed a similar proposal from Assembly Member Matt Haney, which would have permitted California’s cannabis retailers to run full kitchens and host events. Newsom’s main concern at the time was the lack of adequate worker protections in the bill. In his latest signing statement, he expressed support for Haney’s improvements to the current bill. These changes include protecting…

TuesdayOct 08, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Five Highlights from US NASEM Report on Marijuana

Cannabis legalization has made significant progress in the United States, with more than one-half of the states allowing its use for medical or recreational purposes, or both. However, despite these developments, cannabis is still illegal at the federal level. A recent report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) highlights the growing divide between federal and state laws, which creates inconsistent policies and could pose risks to public health. Initially, state regulations focused on the business side of cannabis, such as revenue and sales, overlooking public health. This has led to a situation where policymakers are now…

MondayOct 07, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Officials in Ukraine Approve Medical Marijuana Qualifying Conditions

The government of Ukraine recently approved a list of medical conditions that qualify for medical marijuana following the enactment of the country’s marijuana legislation by President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Ministry of Health shared a list of roughly 20 medical conditions eligible for marijuana treatment, noting that more conditions could be included later if medically approved. The current list covers a variety of health issues, including neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, shingles, cerebral palsy, chemotherapy-related complications, childhood epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease. While Zelensky and other officials have said access to medical marijuana can help soldiers address mental and physical wounds incurred during the…

FridayOct 04, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Does Florida Cannabis Ballot Measure Stand Chance of Passing?

Former President Donald Trump recently expressed support for Amendment 3, a ballot initiative scheduled for Nov. 5, 2024, that would legalize recreational cannabis in Florida. This unexpected endorsement has added a new twist to the ongoing legalization efforts in the state. Proponents of the measure are hoping that Trump’s backing will help sway the 15% of undecided voters to vote in favor of the legislation. With just over a month before the election, the fate of Amendment 3 is still uncertain as polls show the decision could go either way. To pass, the measure needs at least 60% of the…

ThursdayOct 03, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Kentucky Officials Prepare to Hold Medical Cannabis License Lottery

Kentucky will begin its lottery for medical cannabis business licenses next month, marking a key milestone in launching the state’s medical marijuana program. There has been an overwhelming response to the program, with Kentucky officials receiving close to 5,000 applications for business licenses before the Aug. 31, 2024, deadline. Most of these applications, around 4,096, came from individuals and groups wanting to open dispensaries. However, only 48 of those dispensaries will be granted licenses. Governor Andy Beshear commented on the significant interest, stating, “The results speak for themselves. There is amazing, even overwhelming, interest, particularly from Kentuckians. This demonstrates that…

WednesdayOct 02, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — IRS to Keep Applying 280E Until Marijuana Reclassification Completed

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) intends to continue seeking tax payments from cannabis businesses that have taken deductions in anticipation of possible federal changes, according to an attorney with the agency. Even if marijuana is rescheduled federally, the IRS could theoretically seize assets from marijuana companies that fail to meet their tax obligations. Luke Ortner, IRS senior counsel, spoke about the possible effects of rescheduling marijuana from schedule 1 to 3 under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) in a recent discussion at the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) marijuana conference in Denver. The change, if enacted, would…