420 with CNW Archives - Page 8 of 293

ThursdayJan 23, 2025 10:00 am

Biden Commutes the Sentences of Almost 2,500 Inmates Convicted on Drug Offences

Former U.S. President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of almost 2,500 inmates convicted of various non-violent drug offenses (including marijuana) during his last days in the Oval Office. Biden noted that with this last round of commutations, he has granted clemency to more Americans than any other president in U.S. history. Biden also conducted two mass pardon rounds early in his term where he also granted clemency to Americans who had federal marijuana possession offenses on their records. He released a statement saying the last round of commutations ‘provided relief’ for people who had received long prison sentences based on…

WednesdayJan 22, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Marijuana is Widely Available in Texas Despite its Prohibitive Laws

In Texas, getting high has never been easier, despite the state’s reputation for strict policies and socially conservative values. While recreational cannabis remains illegal, Texas boasts over 7,000 marijuana dispensaries—nearly double the number in California. The market has expanded to include 24/7 marijuana delivery services, mobile dispensary trucks, vending machines, and even mail-order options. The contradiction arises from the state legislature, which has consistently opposed legalizing recreational cannabis. Yet, due to a rapidly growing and loosely regulated hemp market, Texas has unintentionally earned the nickname “the THC Republic.” It began when Congress passed Farm Bill 2018, which legalized hemp by…

TuesdayJan 21, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Illinois OKs Additional Conditions for Which Women Can Use Medical Marijuana

Cannabis regulators in Illinois have expanded the list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana for the first time since legalization in 2019, focusing specifically on women’s health issues. The state’s public health department, following recommendations from the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board, approved four new conditions: female orgasmic disorder, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and endometriosis. While cannabis cannot shrink cysts or fibroids as some treatments might, it can help alleviate the pain brought by these conditions, explained Doctor Leslie Mendoza Temple, co-chair of the advisory board. She expressed satisfaction with the state’s decision to approve the conditions after nearly six years…

FridayJan 17, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Observers Say Budgetary Pressures Could Boost Efforts to Legalize Marijuana in Iowa

A significant portion of adults in the U.S. remains in favor of cannabis legalization. However, despite this momentum, three out of four recreational legalization initiatives—proposed in Florida, South Dakota, and North Dakota—failed during the November elections. Projections indicate that about five states might legalize cannabis this year, though Iowa appears to be an exception. As with many policy matters, expanding access to medical marijuana or legalizing recreational marijuana sales in Iowa involves multiple layers of complexity. Issues such as health, social justice, law enforcement, economic impact, agriculture, and employment are all intertwined in this debate. Observers note that financial considerations…

ThursdayJan 16, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Dallas Police Get New Instructions on Making Marijuana-Related Arrests, Citations

Dallas police have updated guidelines on handling cannabis possession cases after Proposition R was put into effect. An internal memo from the Dallas Police Department (DPD) outlines the changes, stating that officers are no longer permitted to arrest or issue citations for possession of cannabis weighing less than four ounces. Furthermore, cannabis odor alone cannot be used as probable cause for a search, except in high-priority narcotics or violent felony cases. Previously, the policy required officers to confiscate cannabis from individuals with less than two ounces without issuing citations or making arrests. However, the recent memo, circulated on Friday, declares…

TuesdayJan 14, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Governor Wants Wisconsin Voters to Legalize Marijuana as GOP Lawmakers Block Reform Efforts

Wisconsin governor Tony Evers has proposed granting voters the power to introduce binding questions directly on the ballot to enact new laws. He cited widespread bipartisan support for issues like cannabis legalization, which the Republican-led legislature has consistently refused to address. During a recent press conference, Evers announced his intention to include a proposal in the 2025/27 biennial budget allowing citizens to initiate ballot measures for constitutional or statutory changes, provided they receive majority approval. Evers specifically highlighted popular issues such as the legalization and taxation of cannabis akin to alcohol, gun safety, abortion rights, and more financing for civic…

MondayJan 13, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Marijuana Industry Predictions for 2025

The marijuana industry experienced a sluggish pace of progress in 2024. Efforts to pass cannabis reform measures in Congress fell short, and the DEA delayed rescheduling cannabis as a recognized medicinal substance. Moreover, voter rejection of recreational cannabis legalization initiatives, including a high-profile defeat in Florida despite almost $150 million spent by multistate operators, suggests that easy reform opportunities may have reached their peak. However, significant changes are looming. Relief from the burdens of Section 280E taxation appears closer, and with Donald Trump assuming office, he will become the first president to have publicly supported recreational cannabis legalization. Here are…

FridayJan 10, 2025 10:00 am

420 with CNW — Oklahoma Lawmakers Table Two Bills to Regulate Medical Cannabis

With the Oklahoma legislative session just a month away, state legislators have proposed two measures to regulate medical cannabis. One bill aims to regulate how much a person can purchase in a week, while the other one focuses on regulating how cannabis dispensaries in the state can advertise their products. Likewise Cannabis founder Corbin Wyatt shared his thoughts on the significance of medical cannabis for numerous individuals, noting that many patients state that they have been able to quit using strong medications, such as fentanyl, over time. “Their lives have been changed by marijuana,” Wyatt added. Senate Bill 320, presented…

WednesdayJan 08, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — New York Governor Announces That Legal Cannabis Sales Have Reached $1bn

New York has reached a major milestone in its legal cannabis market, surpassing $1 billion in sales. Governor Kathy Hochul described this achievement as a reflection of the dedication of individuals who have worked tirelessly to build an industry that prioritizes fairness, public safety, and community empowerment. Another statement from the governor’s office highlighted how this milestone underscores the efforts of communities, entrepreneurs, and consumers in embracing the legal market, further solidifying New York’s reputation as a leader in innovation and equity within the industry. The Office of Cannabis Management’s (OCM) acting executive director, Felicia A.B. Reid, underlined that the…

TuesdayJan 07, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Latest Scientific Review Finds CBD Has Potential to Treat Depression, with Minimal Side Effects

A recent scientific review highlights increasing evidence that cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in cannabis, has antidepressant effects on both animals and humans, with minimal side effects. The review also suggests that CBD may contribute to reducing inflammation and encouraging the growth of new brain cells. According to the study, CBD shows promise as a potential depression treatment. While its antidepressant properties have been noted before, the exact mechanisms driving these effects remain unclear. To address this gap, the paper examines the molecular pathways, safety, and pharmacokinetics profile of CBD. The study’s authors analyzed recent clinical and experimental studies and…