NewsRoom Articles - Page 26 of 599

ThursdayDec 26, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — South Carolina Legislator Files Bill to Legalize Medical Marijuana

A senator in South Carolina has proposed a measure aimed at legalizing medical marijuana for individuals suffering from certain medical conditions. The measure was pre-filed by Senator Tom Davis (R) in preparation for next year’s legislative session. The legislation closely mirrors earlier legislation introduced by Davis that gained approval in the state Senate earlier in the year but failed to progress in the House of Representatives. If passed, it would allow patients diagnosed with specific debilitating or terminal conditions to access medical marijuana. Conditions covered under the bill include Crohn’s disease, cancer, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, PTSD, and terminal illnesses where…

ThursdayDec 26, 2024 10:00 am

Recent Scientific Findings Altering Our Knowledge about Marijuana

While around one in every five Americans now use marijuana, the understanding of its health effects has historically been limited. However, as regulations surrounding cannabis ease, scientists are gaining new insights into its benefits and risks. Many believe it’s a safe and natural option for managing pain, muscle spasms, nausea, appetite issues, and PTSD. While research supports this, cannabis isn’t as risk-free as some assume. With fewer barriers to conducting research on the drug, scientists are uncovering potential long-term impacts on mental health, the lungs, the digestive system, and the heart. Still, much remains unknown due to limited studies. Let’s…

MondayDec 23, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — New York Marijuana Firms Call for Tax Reforms as They Struggle to Survive

New York marijuana cultivators and processors are pushing Governor Kathy Hochul to approve a measure that would simplify how they handle tax filings, switching the system to an annual basis. Currently, businesses are required to pay a 9% marijuana excise tax on wholesale prices every quarter. The change would be a minor adjustment to existing regulations but one that could offer significant relief to those struggling in an already challenging market, according to Jaunty co-founder and CEO Nick Guarino. Companies like Jaunty, alongside Ayrloom and Alliance, collaborated with Park Strategies to draft the measure, receiving support from Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo…

FridayDec 20, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — DEA Requests Judge to Compel FDA Officials to Testify During Cannabis Reclassification Hearings

The DEA is requesting approval from an agency judge to issue subpoenas compelling officials from the FDA to testify at forthcoming hearings regarding the Biden administration’s proposal to reschedule cannabis. Friday was the deadline for parties involved in the hearing to submit additional materials, including evidence and witness information, to DEA Judge John Mulrooney as part of the pre-hearing process. The DEA stated in its filing that it plans to subpoena four FDA officials, even though the HHS previously stated that it wouldn’t voluntarily participate in the proceedings. Additionally, the DEA announced its intention to introduce thousands of comments from…

FridayDec 20, 2024 10:00 am

Ohio’s Recreational Marijuana Market Stands Out as the Only One Launched This Year

In a year that will go down in history as one of the quietest for state-level marijuana market launches in the U.S., Ohio's adult-use market stood out with the only launch of 2024. Ohio debuted its recreational cannabis market on August 6, making it the only state to unveil a new cannabis market in the U.S. this year. This marks a significant departure from a young industry that has gone through non-stop market expansion for more than 10 years. Unfortunately, Ohio's recreational marijuana market launch wasn't as successful as previous launches. The state recorded a sales dip right after it…

ThursdayDec 19, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Elton John Thinks Marijuana Legalization in Canada, the US is a Grave Mistake

Elton John has been vocal about his stance on the legalization of cannabis, openly criticizing its approval in parts of the United States and Canada. The legendary musician expressed strong concerns about the drug, reflecting on his own experiences and observations during a Time magazine interview. According to him, marijuana is undeniably addictive and often acts as a gateway to more dangerous substances. Recalling his own struggles, he admitted, “When you’re under the influence—and I’ve been there—you don’t think clearly or make rational choices.” He went on to describe the legalization of marijuana as one of the worst decisions ever…

ThursdayDec 19, 2024 10:00 am

New York Regulators Consider Limiting the Issuance of Marijuana Retail Licenses

New York state marijuana regulators are considering whether they should temporarily cap the number of marijuana retail licenses to 1,600. According to a statement from Cannabis Advisory Board (CAB) chair Joseph Belluck, the Cannabis Advisory Board sent the suggestion to cap state retail licenses to the Cannabis Control Board (CCB). The CCB’s suggestion is nonbinding and it will be up to the Cannabis Control Board to take steps and facilitate the temporary cap on licenses. New York's regulated cannabis industry is still in its infancy after the state legalized marijuana in March 2021 and began adult-use sales before the end…

WednesdayDec 18, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — New Lawsuit Aims to Invalidate Nebraska’s Medical Marijuana Ballot Measures

A top medical marijuana opponent in Nebraska has initiated a new legal challenge aiming to nullify two recent ballot initiatives to legalize and regulate marijuana in the state. John Kuehn, a former state senator from Heartwell and a past State Board of Health member, filed a second lawsuit this year targeting the Nebraskans for Medical Cannabis campaign and Bob Evnen, the Secretary of State. The recent case comes after Kuehn lost a related lawsuit in late November, a decision he is currently appealing. The new lawsuit also involves Governor Jim Pillen and argues that state cannabis legislation is unconstitutional and…

TuesdayDec 17, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Portugal Looks Forward to Standing Out as a Medical Marijuana Hub

Portugal is rapidly emerging as a leading center for medical marijuana in Europe. Its mild, temperate, subtropical environment, frequently likened to that of California, makes it an excellent location for cultivating cannabis. “No other European country offers better environmental conditions,” said Martins of FAI Therapeutics, a Portuguese pharmaceutical firm. Located near the hills of Serpa, surrounded by cork oaks and olive trees, FAI Therapeutics’ 13.3-acre farm produces approximately 30 tons of marijuana flowers annually. The operation began in 2022 following a surge of interest from international marijuana producers drawn to Portugal’s ideal climate and supportive legislation. Currently, over 60 companies…

TuesdayDec 17, 2024 10:00 am

US Marijuana Research is Witnessing an Evolving Landscape

The nascent cannabis research field recently hit a major milestone after the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) finally greenlit Phase 2 of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) study on the feasibility of using smoked cannabis to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans. The authorization came after three years of discussion between the FDA and MAPS. Titled MJP2, the study will test the efficacy and safety of inhaling high-THC cannabis in managing PTSD symptoms in veterans compared to a placebo. Nearly 320 veterans from Michigan and three additional states will take part in the study. The Michigan…