420 with CNW Archives - Page 40 of 309

ThursdayMay 23, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Adult-Use Cannabis Sales Could Begin in Ohio by June

The sale of recreational cannabis is on track to commence around mid-June in Ohio following the recent approval of new licensing regulations for dispensaries. Since December 2023, when a voter-approved statute came into effect, the state has been in a state of uncertainty regarding recreational sales. While individuals 21 years and older were permitted to cultivate and use marijuana at home, the absence of legal avenues for purchase raised concerns about the emergence of a black market, prompting attention from Governor Mike DeWine and certain GOP legislators. The Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review granted passage to the regulations necessary…

WednesdayMay 22, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Impact of Federal Marijuana Reclassification on State-Level Programs Remains Unclear

A proposal put forth by Merrick Garland, U.S. Attorney General, calls for a relaxation of federal laws prohibiting marijuana. However, this move does not imply the federal government’s endorsement of medical or recreational marijuana use in the numerous states where it has been legalized. Shifting cannabis from its current classification as one of the most hazardous and least beneficial substances to a less severe category indicates a desire within the federal government, particularly under Biden's administration, to alleviate restrictions on a substance that has gained legality in an increasing number of states over the past decade. Over the years, federal…

TuesdayMay 21, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Poll Suggests Florida Cannabis Legalization Measure Will Narrowly Miss Voter Approval

A recent survey by a group opposing the legalization of marijuana in Florida reveals that while a majority of voters support the initiative, support falls short of the required 60% threshold for approval. Conducted by Cherry Communications for the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the poll indicates that 58% of Florida’s probable voters favor legalization while 37% oppose it, with 5% undecided. On the other hand, an alternative ballot item related to abortion rights has 61% of the vote, which means it will probably pass. This marks the third survey indicating insufficient support for the marijuana initiative since Florida’s Supreme Court…

MondayMay 20, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Thai PM Wants Marijuana Recriminalized Barely Two Years After Decriminalization

Thailand’s prime minister announced plans to classify marijuana once again as a narcotic by the end of the year, marking a significant reversal of its earlier decision. Just two years ago, Thailand took a progressive step in Asia by decriminalizing recreational marijuana use. Despite this reversal, Thailand has witnessed a rapid expansion of its domestic cannabis retail sector. Over the past couple of years, thousands of businesses and stores have emerged, projecting an industry value of potentially up to $1.2 billion by next year. Expressing the government’s intentions on X, SretthaThavisin, Thai prime minister, called upon the health ministry to…

FridayMay 17, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — White House Noncommittal on Biden’s View of DOJ’s Stand on Cannabis Reclassification

The White House hasn’t disclosed whether President Joseph Biden backs the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) proposal to reclassify cannabis after a review he initiated. During a conversation with Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, reporters asked questions regarding the president’s stance on the DOJ’s proposal to shift marijuana from Schedule I to III. Jean Pierre responded by noting that Biden’s administration would let the review process unfold, so she wouldn’t “preempt the matter.” She also stressed the president’s clear stance against incarcerating individuals solely for cannabis possession. Jean-Pierre has consistently refrained from directly addressing the administration’s stance on…

FridayMay 17, 2024 10:00 am

Medical Marijuana Campaign in Nebraska Meets Crucial Signature Requirement

Activists in Nebraska say they have met a pivotal requirement in the signature gathering process to put two measures to legalize medical cannabis on the ballot this November. This milestone was communicated in an email blast which was sent out on Tuesday to supporters. Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana (NMM), the group behind this campaign, revealed that IT had so far collected a minimum of 5% voter signatures in 38 out of the 93 counties in the state. This meets one of the key requirements for the initiatives to appear on November’s ballot. Crista Eggers, an NMM campaign manager, was quick…

ThursdayMay 16, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Marijuana Rescheduling Likely to Reduce Barriers to Research

The Biden administration’s move to reclassify cannabis as a less hazardous substance is anticipated to ease some of the limitations on research. However, experts caution that while the change will alleviate certain restrictions, it won’t eliminate all of them. Additionally, it may not necessarily reduce the potential risks associated with cannabis or enhance users’ understanding of those risks. Currently, cannabis is categorized as a Schedule I substance, indicating it is deemed to have a high abuse potential and no recognized medical value. The proposed shift by the Biden administration aims to move cannabis to Schedule III, acknowledging its medical benefits…

WednesdayMay 15, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Three Changes That Could Happen Post-Marijuana Reclassification

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is planning to reclassify cannabis, marking a significant shift in American drug policy that could have widespread implications nationwide. Melba Pearson, a legal expert specializing in civil rights and criminal law, shared insights on the potential changes following the reclassification. Working at Florida International University’s Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy, Pearson directs prosecution projects, focusing on technical assistance, training and community engagement in prosecution. She previously served as deputy director at the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida. Pearson noted the magnitude of the proposal, highlighting its potential impact despite not…

TuesdayMay 14, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Germany May Initiate Legal Adult-Use Cannabis Sales Via Regulations, Bypassing Standalone Law

Germany is progressing with the next stage of cannabis legalization by initiating a pilot program for commercial sales using an administrative process instead of waiting for legislators to pass a separate measure as initially anticipated. It has long been expected that lawmakers would introduce and approve additional sales bills to complete the second phase of legalization. However, the government is opting for a rulemaking approach, potentially expediting the implementation process. Cannabis legalization was set in motion under a measure led by Germany’s Ministry of Health, which went into force in April 2024. This allows adults to use and grow marijuana…

MondayMay 13, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Marijuana Advocates See Rescheduling as Tool to Enact Reforms in Prohibitionist States

The anticipated reclassification of cannabis by the federal government to a less-dangerous category may not have an immediate effect on states where cannabis use for either recreational or medical purposes is still illegal. Nonetheless, cannabis legalization proponents see the federal shift as potentially influencing state policymakers who have been hesitant about endorsing cannabis. Matthew Schweich, head of the Marijuana Policy Project, a prolegalization advocacy group, often encounters state legislators who express potential support but are reluctant due to federal illegality. While reclassification wouldn’t legalize cannabis outright, Schweich believes it could alleviate some concerns among state legislators, potentially making them more…