NewsRoom Articles - Page 41 of 612

TuesdayDec 03, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Study Finds That Adolescents Suffer More Severe Psychosis Symptoms if They Use Marijuana

A recent study by researchers from St. Louis’ Washington University has found that teenagers who use marijuana experience more signs of psychosis spectrum and higher levels of distress due to the symptoms. This suggests that both self-medication and shared vulnerability play a role in linking marijuana use to an increased risk of psychosis. Previous research indicates that teenagers who use marijuana have a two to four times higher risk of developing psychosis than their non-user counterparts. Marijuana usage that starts in youth is frequently linked to more intense symptoms, a higher chance of relapse, and an earlier beginning of psychotic…

TuesdayDec 03, 2024 10:00 am

Judge Halts Upcoming Minnesota Marijuana Business License Lottery

Last week, a judge in Ramsey County stopped a lottery that would’ve awarded marijuana licenses in Minnesota. This is a huge setback for regulators in the state, who are prepping for legal sales come 2025. The lottery would’ve awarded preapproval licenses to business owners who met the criteria for social equity applicants, giving them a head start before the normal licensing period began in 2025. However, after the Office of Cannabis Management dismissed over half of applications for not proving proper documentation as required, lawsuits were filed. In their suits, the plaintiffs claimed that they were wrongfully excluded from the…

MondayDec 02, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Nebraska AG Pledges That Ongoing Investigations Won’t Impact Cannabis Measure’s Certification

Mike Hilgers, Nebraska’s Attorney General, assured the public on Tuesday that his office’s current investigations into two medical marijuana ballot measures will not affect his decision to certify the election results. Speaking at a press conference on an unrelated lawsuit, Hilgers stated that the election certification process would proceed independently of the marijuana-related legal disputes or the timing of any court ruling. Hilgers is one of five state constitutional officials who will convene on December 2 to decide if, or not to certify the election results from November 5. This includes the resounding support of two initiatives from voters: Measure…

MondayDec 02, 2024 10:00 am

Trump’s Pick for Health Department to Favor Experimental Treatments Over Prescription Medications

Public health experts have raised concerns that Trump’s pick for the Health and Human Services department may impede access to pharmaceuticals and instead, favor experimental therapies. Robert F. Kennedy Jr, who was selected by the incoming president recently, is an attorney with no background in government public health. He has in the past voiced his distrust for pharmaceutical drugs, going as far as to ‘call out’ the country’s healthcare system for allocating billions to the powders, potions and pills instead of getting individuals to strengthen their immune systems. Kennedy has also criticized the Food and Drug Administration for suppressing psychedelic…

WednesdayNov 27, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Key Lessons from the Marijuana Liberalization Journey of the US

The journey toward cannabis legalization in the United States has been significant, with nearly half of the states now allowing its recreational use. However, the topic remains contentious and divisive, frequently leveraged by politicians. Some invoke fears about potential harm to oppose legalization, while others emphasize benefits such as increased revenue and reduced violent crime to advocate for it. Scientific research on marijuana-related harms is relatively comprehensive. Regular consumption of high-potency marijuana, especially when initiated at a young age, is linked to mental health issues, including schizophrenia. It may also lead to cognitive difficulties, reduced academic performance, and an elevated…

TuesdayNov 26, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Australian Parliament to Vote on Cannabis Legalization This November

Australian legislators are preparing to vote on legislation that could pave the way for adult-use cannabis legalization across the nation. Senator David Shoebridge of the Greens Party, who has spearheaded the effort, announced on social media that the proposed bill is scheduled for a vote in Parliament on November 27. The legislation seeks to establish a regulated cannabis market, complete with taxation and licensing. Central to the plan is the creation of the Cannabis Australia National Agency (CANA), which would oversee licensing and regulations and maintain a comprehensive register of cannabis strains. The bill also explicitly permits home growth for…

TuesdayNov 26, 2024 10:00 am

Texas AG Goes to Court to Block Marijuana Decriminalization in Dallas

Attorney General Ken Paxton of the state of Texas is suing Dallas over its proposal that decriminalizes cannabis in the city. The suit names the defendants as the city council of Dallas; Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, the city’s interim manager; Mayor Eric Johnson; and Michael T. Igo, the city’s interim Chief of Police. The charter amendment in question, Proposition R, was approved by 67% of voters in the city during elections. It was placed on the ballot by Ground Game Texas, a group focused on advancing social justice while strengthening democracy. Despite the favorable win, Paxton argued in a press release…

MondayNov 25, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — New Report Says Millennials Lead Other Generations in Buying Marijuana Pre-Rolls

Millennials, the largest generational group in the U.S., are shaping spending habits across industries, including marijuana. According to a recent survey, this age group, ranging from 28 to 43 years old, has become a dominant force in the joint market, making up 45% of the $3 billion industry. Harrison Bard, the CEO and co-founder of Custom Cones U.S., noted that millennials occupy a unique position. “They have more disposable income and greater freedom compared to younger generations,” Bard explained, adding that the generation grew up during a time when cannabis was becoming more normalized. The study, conducted by Custom Cones…

FridayNov 22, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — New Study Explores the Health Conditions for Which Individuals Use Medical Cannabis

A recently released analysis of numerous medical cannabis patients within the United States reveals that PTSD, pain, and anxiety are the most common conditions qualifying individuals for medical marijuana programs. The study indicates that 58.6% of patients reported managing more than one medical condition with cannabis. Among those dealing with multiple conditions, chronic pain and anxiety were the most frequently cited, followed by issues such as PTSD, insomnia, and muscle spasms. The research was conducted by Leafwell, a specialized platform that facilitates access to medical cannabis cards, in collaboration with San Diego University’s Center for Marijuana Research and Duke University…

FridayNov 22, 2024 10:00 am

Maryland Starts Using Dashboard for Tracking Marijuana Use

The Department of Health in the state of Maryland recently rolled out a tool to track the effects of marijuana use on public health. The tool, dubbed the Cannabis Public Health Data Dashboard, offers user-friendly visualizations of marijuana trends prior to and after the legalization of recreational marijuana. It also provides data on the use of the drug by youth as well as adults, visits to the ER, the utilization of substance use services, and calls made to the D.C. and Maryland poison centers. Data obtained from the dashboard shows that a 44% increase in ER visits related to the…