NewsRoom Articles - Page 4 of 583

TuesdayFeb 25, 2025 10:00 am

Michigan to Distribute Almost $100m from Cannabis Taxes to Communities

The Department of Treasury in Michigan announced on Friday that it will be distributing approximately $100m in cannabis tax revenue to 302 local communities and tribes. Detroit stands out as it will receive over $3m, the largest amount that any community in the state will receive. Every eligible county and municipality will get just over $58,000 for each retail store or microbusiness licensed to conduct operations within that jurisdiction. This sum was calculated based on the excise tax of 10% levied on all adult-use marijuana sales. This unit share is nearly the same as what was distributed last year when…

MondayFeb 24, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — New Florida Bill Wants Patients with MMJ Cards to Grow Cannabis at Home

While the push to legalize recreational cannabis in Florida did not succeed in the November election, lawmakers are now focusing on expanding access to medical marijuana. A proposed piece of legislation, Senate Bill 546, aims to give medical cannabis patients the ability to cultivate their own marijuana plants at home. If passed, the measure would allow registered patients to grow up to two plants for personal medical use. For many patients relying on medical cannabis, accessibility remains a challenge, especially in remote areas of Florida. Some people live hours away from the nearest dispensary, making it difficult to obtain their…

FridayFeb 21, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Germany’s Growing Marijuana Industry Holds its Breath as Elections Loom

Germany is set to hold its national elections on February 23, 2025, a pivotal event that will determine whether the Social Democratic Party (SDU) retains leadership or whether power shifts to the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). The outcome of this election is of particular interest to the country’s emerging marijuana industry, which has seen significant legislative progress under the SDU and its governing allies. The most significant changes included reforms that greatly expanded access to medical marijuana, leading to a surge in patient numbers. Additionally, although limited, a new recreational cannabis legislation was introduced, opening discussions about the possibility of…

FridayFeb 21, 2025 10:00 am

Proposed Bill Would Make Ohio Marijuana Less Potent, More Expensive

Lawmakers in Ohio have proposed a new measure that would make cannabis products sold throughout the state less potent and more expensive. Although legal marijuana in Ohio already costs twice as much as the cannabis sold in Michigan, the proposal seeks to make the drug even more costly, a move that would make it incredibly difficult for people who need cannabis to access it. Republican lawmakers introduced a measure titled Senate Bill 56 that would limit the number of plants Ohioans could grow at home and lower the level of THC allowed in cannabis products sold in the state. Ohio…

ThursdayFeb 20, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Poll Finds 70% of Marijuana Consumers Intend to Maintain or Increase Expenditure on Marijuana This Year

A recent survey has revealed that nearly 70% of cannabis consumers in the U.S. intend to either maintain or increase their spending on marijuana in 2025 compared to 2024. Additionally, 62% of users continue to rely on cash transactions due to ongoing financial restrictions within the industry. The poll, conducted by financial services firm Bankrate in collaboration with YouGov, examined consumer spending habits across six different vice categories: alcohol, sports betting, marijuana, tobacco, casino gaming, and lottery tickets. Among the vices, marijuana is the least frequently spent on, which is not surprising given that it is still banned on a…

ThursdayFeb 20, 2025 10:00 am

Testing Lab Fraud Could Be Addressed by Involving Marijuana Industry Actors

Involving cannabis industry players in marijuana testing could help U.S. states address testing lab fraud, scientist David Vaillencourt says. Testing is critical to ensuring the cannabis products entering the U.S. market are free from potentially harmful contaminants like heavy metals, residual solvents, and bacteria. However, data has consistently shown that America’s state-approved cannabis industry is awash with untested products. In late 2024, a state-approved cannabis operator in Colorado ran a series of tests on retail cannabis products purchased in licensed marijuana stores from the Denver area, revealing something shocking: the majority of the products violated state health and labeling standards.…

WednesdayFeb 19, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Trump’s DEA Pick Causes Concerns About the Likelihood of Marijuana Rescheduling

President Donald Trump has appointed Terrance Cole to lead the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Cole, a seasoned DEA professional, is currently serving as a high-ranking law enforcement agent in Virginia. Trump announced the decision on social media on Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 11. However, Cole’s appointment as the new DEA administrator may not encourage those hoping for the agency to continue the Biden administration’s efforts to reschedule cannabis. His selection follows the withdrawal of Florida sheriff Chad Chronister, who had previously been Trump’s nominee for the position. Cole’s career with the DEA spans more than 20 years. He retired in…

TuesdayFeb 18, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Pain Increases Odds of Cancer Patients Using Marijuana, Tobacco

A recent study published in the journal Cancer suggests that cancer survivors experiencing pain may be more likely to use cannabis and cigarettes. The research also highlights a link between cigarette smoking, pain, and an increase in side effects related to treatment, ultimately leading to poorer health outcomes for cancer survivors. Chronic pain, generally described as pain lasting three months or longer, affects approximately 30 percent of cancer survivors. In those with advanced stages of the disease, the prevalence can rise to 50%. As cancer treatments improve and more individuals live longer after their diagnosis, the number of survivors dealing…

FridayFeb 14, 2025 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Claims of Cannabis Testing Fraud Hit the Recreational Marijuana Market in New York

Reports of alleged fraudulent activity in cannabis testing labs have surfaced once again in New York’s recreational market, with claims that some vape oil cartridges are being labeled with cannabinoid levels exceeding 100%. Similar accusations of labs inflating THC levels to meet client demands and possibly altering data meant to ensure consumer safety have been raised in other states as well. Critics argue that such fraudulent practices could erode public trust just as New York’s recreational market surpasses $1 billion in sales for the first time following a challenging launch. Adding to the concern, New York lab operators say that…

FridayFeb 14, 2025 10:00 am

Illinois Recorded $2bn in Cannabis Sales in 2024

The Illinois Department of Revenue has revealed that the Buckeye State generated over $2 billion in legal cannabis sales and almost $500m in tax revenue last year. Illinois legalized recreational cannabis use on January 1, 2020, becoming the 11th state to allow adult-use cannabis and the first state to legalize the controversial drug via a state legislature instead of a ballot initiative. Recreational cannabis operators in Illinois earned $1.72 billion in total last year, with over $153 million worth of sales occurring in December. Medical marijuana sales for the year 2024, on the other hand, reached $285 million. Illinois earned…