NewsRoom Articles - Page 67 of 611

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…

MondayMay 20, 2024 10:00 am

Ouster of OCM Chief in New York Raises Questions

Chris Alexander, executive director of the state entity charged with overseeing the implementation of the recreational marijuana industry in New York State, has been asked to leave office when his tenure draws to an end this September. This ouster has raised more questions than it answers. For starters, many watchers of the roll-out of recreational marijuana sales in the state indicate that many departments had roles to play in the implementation of the adult-use cannabis program. However, none of those departments was mentioned in the report, which was released after the state governor launched a review of the recreational marijuana…

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…

FridayMay 17, 2024 10:00 am

Medical Marijuana Campaign in Nebraska Meets Crucial Signature Requirement

Activists in Nebraska say they have met a pivotal requirement in the signature gathering process to put two measures to legalize medical cannabis on the ballot this November. This milestone was communicated in an email blast which was sent out on Tuesday to supporters. Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana (NMM), the group behind this campaign, revealed that IT had so far collected a minimum of 5% voter signatures in 38 out of the 93 counties in the state. This meets one of the key requirements for the initiatives to appear on November’s ballot. Crista Eggers, an NMM campaign manager, was quick…

ThursdayMay 16, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Marijuana Rescheduling Likely to Reduce Barriers to Research

The Biden administration’s move to reclassify cannabis as a less hazardous substance is anticipated to ease some of the limitations on research. However, experts caution that while the change will alleviate certain restrictions, it won’t eliminate all of them. Additionally, it may not necessarily reduce the potential risks associated with cannabis or enhance users’ understanding of those risks. Currently, cannabis is categorized as a Schedule I substance, indicating it is deemed to have a high abuse potential and no recognized medical value. The proposed shift by the Biden administration aims to move cannabis to Schedule III, acknowledging its medical benefits…

WednesdayMay 15, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Three Changes That Could Happen Post-Marijuana Reclassification

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is planning to reclassify cannabis, marking a significant shift in American drug policy that could have widespread implications nationwide. Melba Pearson, a legal expert specializing in civil rights and criminal law, shared insights on the potential changes following the reclassification. Working at Florida International University’s Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy, Pearson directs prosecution projects, focusing on technical assistance, training and community engagement in prosecution. She previously served as deputy director at the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida. Pearson noted the magnitude of the proposal, highlighting its potential impact despite not…

WednesdayMay 15, 2024 10:30 am

Software Effective Solutions Corp. (SFWJ) Subsidiary Looks to Ride Expansion Trend, Moving into Central American Cannabis Markets

The global textile industry is increasingly turning to hemp, celebrating the plant’s ability to enhance soil health, support biodiversity, suppress weeds, and increase yields Central American expansion is part of MedCana’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the global cannabis and agricultural technology sectors MedCana is a pioneer in the integration of technology and agriculture, focusing on cannabis and emerging technologies Worldwide, more farmers are opting to grow hemp because of its agricultural benefits. Leveraging that trend, Eko2o Environmental Solutions S.A.S., a majority-owned subsidiary of Software Effective Solutions (d/b/a MedCana) (OTC: SFWJ), is expanding operations into Costa Rica and…

WednesdayMay 15, 2024 10:00 am

Officials Highlight Areas of Failure as Cannabis Program in New York Is Overhauled

Major changes are being made at the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) in New York State after the governor directed that a review be conducted. The review, as ordered by Governor Kathy Hochul, led to the discovery that New York’s rollout of legalized recreational cannabis had been a failure. One report, released last week, cites an underspent budget and inexperienced leadership as some of the errors by the office. According to the report, a total of $26 million, which could have assisted in clearing application backlogs, remained unused. In her statement, Hochul announced that the director of the OCM, Chris…

WednesdayMay 15, 2024 9:45 am

More Than Just Green: Zoned Properties Inc. (ZDPY) Experts in Complexities of Opening a Cannabis Dispensary

With cannabis legalization exploding nationwide, there are now over 19,500 incorporated U.S. cities, town, and villages that will govern local cannabis regulations Zoned Properties is comprised of a team of experts in cannabis zoning codes utilizing proprietary technology to identify premium cannabis dispensary locations Focused on its dispensary landlord model, the company has listed its largest cultivation property in Arizona for sale for $16 million The cannabis industry is flourishing, but opening a dispensary isn't a walk in the park. Aspiring entrepreneurs face a maze of regulations and considerations beyond simply having a quality supply chain. Unprecedented Geographic Growth California…

TuesdayMay 14, 2024 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Germany May Initiate Legal Adult-Use Cannabis Sales Via Regulations, Bypassing Standalone Law

Germany is progressing with the next stage of cannabis legalization by initiating a pilot program for commercial sales using an administrative process instead of waiting for legislators to pass a separate measure as initially anticipated. It has long been expected that lawmakers would introduce and approve additional sales bills to complete the second phase of legalization. However, the government is opting for a rulemaking approach, potentially expediting the implementation process. Cannabis legalization was set in motion under a measure led by Germany’s Ministry of Health, which went into force in April 2024. This allows adults to use and grow marijuana…