420 with CNW Archives - Page 42 of 312

FridayMay 31, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Reports Indicate DEA Didn’t Support Marijuana Reclassification

In a secluded section of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) headquarters known as the 12th-floor “bubble,” director Anne Milgram called a special “marijuana meeting” in March 2024 where she made an unusual request: no one was allowed to take notes. During the meeting, she informed her top deputies that the Biden administration was about to reschedule cannabis as a less-harmful substance, a significant move toward federal legalization that the agency has historically opposed. Moreover, Milgram disclosed that this reclassification would be handled by the U. S. Department of Justice, not the DEA, and the final decision would be signed…

FridayMay 31, 2024 10:00 am

New York’s OCM Head Resigns in Wake of Gov. Hochul’s Criticism

Last week, the executive director of the Office of Cannabis Management in the state of New York resigned. In an email, Chris Alexander stated that despite the deep commitment and connection to the work and his team, he had no confidence in his ability to do the job and effectively lead the team under present circumstances. This move comes after Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her disappointment in January at how the agency had been managed. At the time, the governor referred to the legal market’s launch as a disaster and ordered that a review be conducted into the office by…

ThursdayMay 30, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Marijuana Research Hurdles Could Remain Despite Federal Rescheduling

The Biden administration’s decision to reclassify cannabis as a less-harmful drug might ease some research challenges, though scientists caution that obstacles will persist. Ziva Cooper, director of the UCLA Center for Marijuana and Cannabinoids, described this moment as historically significant but expressed cautious optimism about the actual implementation of these changes. Although many Americans now live in states where marijuana is legal, federal restrictions have historically constrained research into its effects and applications. Researchers who have long studied marijuana believe this reclassification could boost funding and interest in research. However, they acknowledge that regulatory and logistical issues may still dampen…

WednesdayMay 29, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Marijuana Companies Ask Court to Stream Online Proceedings of Case Against Federal Prohibition

Leading cannabis companies are urging a federal court to permit the public to attend a hearing virtually in a lawsuit where the companies are requesting protection for in-state marijuana activities from federal interference. The U.S. Department of Justice has stated it holds “no stance” on this request. The hearing will take place before the United States District Court for the Western Division of the District of Massachusetts. The plaintiffs’ attorneys highlighted in a motion that the disagreement raises issues of public interest. They reported receiving a lot of requests from the media to watch the hearing online, as most can’t…

TuesdayMay 28, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Biden Welcomes Marijuana Reclassification, Slams ‘Failed Approach’

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has moved to reschedule marijuana as a less-hazardous narcotic, marking the most substantial drug-policy reform in the nation in more than half a century. President Joseph Biden celebrated the move as a crucial step toward correcting historical injustices. This marks a notable shift for President Biden, who, 30 years ago, was instrumental in crafting stringent crime legislation that is now a source of political contention. This change could bolster Biden’s appeal among younger voters, a demographic crucial for his re-election campaign. The new proposal, announced on May 16, 2024, stops short of fully legalizing…

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…