Insights

LOS ANGELES- The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has requested a federal appeals court to refuse Dr. Sunil Aggarwal's application to use psilocybin for terminally ill patients, citing the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) which does not allow exemptions under Right to Try laws. Dr. Aggarwal, who leads the Advanced Integrative Medical Science Institute in Seattle, ...

LOS ANGELES-  A recent study conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has revealed that a significant majority of smokable hemp products contain THC levels that exceed federal legal limits, classifying them as illegal under current regulations. The analysis, which appeared in the Journal of Forensic Chemistry, tested 53 smokable hemp products ...

LOS ANGELES- In a notable development in the cannabis industry, employees at Cresco Labs' cultivation facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, have opted to de-unionize. The decision, made ahead of the expiration of their current contract this June, marks a significant shift, as it represents one of the first instances where unionized cannabis workers have chosen ...

LOS ANGELES- Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker campaigned for President Joe Biden in Grand Rapids, Michigan, using the occasion of the 420 cannabis holiday to discuss the economic benefits of cannabis legalization. Pritzker highlighted the positive impacts seen in Illinois and Michigan, states that have both legalized cannabis for adult use. He credited these policy changes ...

LOS ANGELES- Recent legislative developments across the United States reflect a broad spectrum of approaches to cannabis-related issues, from medical use and public safety to regulatory and expungement processes. These actions signify ongoing, nuanced dialogues within federal and state governments concerning the status and management of cannabis. At the federal level, the Senate Foreign Relations ...

LOS ANGELES- Florida is approaching a pivotal moment as it prepares to vote on the legalization of recreational cannabis in November. Current polling data suggests a tight race towards achieving the required 60% supermajority needed for passage. Insights from the USA Today/Ipsos and Florida Atlantic University/Mainstreet Research polls depict a hesitant electorate, potentially jeopardizing the ...

LOS ANGELES- The Colorado Senate recently approved SB24-158, legislation aimed at intensifying regulations on social media content concerning cannabis, psychedelics, and hemp products. This bill, met with a significant debate over free speech and the regulation of digital content, is poised to reshape how such substances are discussed online within the state. Amendments and Opposition ...

LOS ANGELES- The Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) announced a new record in adult-use cannabis sales for March 2024, totaling $286.8 million. This figure represents 99% of the state's cannabis sales, with flower products leading at $131.4 million. Vape cartridges followed with $54.4 million in sales, $33.9 million in inhalable concentrates, and edibles at $26.3 ...

LOS ANGELES- In a recent legislative move in Illinois, lawmakers have proposed a ban on intoxicating hemp products, including delta-8 THC. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to implement tighter controls on the hemp industry following the legalization of hemp by the 2018 Farm Bill. The proposed legislation aims to eliminate products like delta-8 THC, ...

LOS ANGELES- In North Dakota, cannabis advocates are rallying to place an adult-use cannabis question on the ballot for the upcoming November general election. The initiative, led by former Bismarck mayor and current Burleigh County Commissioner Steve Bakken, requires the collection of 16,000 valid signatures by July 8 to qualify for inclusion. Bakken emphasized the ...

LOS ANGELES- In North Carolina, the path to legalizing recreational cannabis remains uncertain, with recent legislative efforts failing to achieve the necessary bipartisan support. The state's cautious approach, especially the lack of Republican backing, highlights the political hurdles facing pro-cannabis legislation. Economic considerations are a significant factor in the cannabis legalization debate. Projections suggest that ...

NEW YORK- The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs has recently passed two significant bills concerning the use of cannabis and psychedelics for veterans, gaining unanimous support among the committee members. The proposals, reported by Marijuana Moment, were considered along with a broader package of legislation. The first measure, the Veterans Cannabis Analysis, Research and Effectiveness ...

LOS ANGELES- At a recent House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing, FDA Commissioner Robert Califf was rigorously questioned about the potential rescheduling of cannabis and the regulation of CBD products. The hearing underscored the growing need for clear, standardized federal guidelines for cannabis and CBD. The main focus of the hearing was the proposed shift ...

NEW YORK- The New Hampshire House of Representatives has passed a bill to legalize adult-use cannabis, with a vote of 239 to 136, moving the proposal forward to the Senate where its outcome is less certain. This marks the third consecutive year the House has passed cannabis legalization reforms, yet the Senate has consistently declined ...

LOS ANGELES-  The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has levied a fine of CA$200,000 against Cannabis Xpress for breaching provincial anti-inducement laws designed to regulate cannabis retail operations. The AGCO's inquiry, triggered by allegations of inducement-related activities, uncovered that Cannabis Xpress’ Data Services Program, along with other agreements with licensed producers, were part ...

LOS ANGELES- Clearmind Medicine Inc. a  biotech company specializing in the discovery and development of psychedelic-derived therapeutics, has announced the filing of a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for the use of 3-methylmethcathinone (3-MMC) in the prevention and treatment of eating disorders, either alone or in conjunction with Palmitoylethanolamide ...

LOS ANGELES- Red Light Holland Corp., a North American and European producer of functional mushrooms and mushroom home grow kits, is set to provide an update on its Research and Development (R&D) collaboration with CCrest Laboratories Inc. and PharmAla Biotech Holdings Inc. The company has recently initiated the export of 5 kg of natural psilocybin ...

LOS ANGELES- Montana's Cannabis Control Division (CCD) is spearheading efforts to ensure public health and safety through the implementation of the Montana Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act. The legislation aims to provide safe access to regulated cannabis while reducing the prevalence of unregulated products in the market. The CCD's role involves collaborating with stakeholders such ...

NEW YORK- In a recent development that has stirred the Canadian cannabis industry, Health Canada has announced a pivotal decision affecting Organigram Holdings. The federal agency has reclassified the company's Edison Jolts lozenge products from extracts to edibles. This decision has brought about considerable disappointment for Organigram, as extracts are generally seen as more profitable ...

LOS ANGELES- In a groundbreaking legal case in New Jersey, the debate over off-duty cannabis use by law enforcement officers brings to light the complex interplay between state legalization and federal restrictions. Jersey City has become the focal point of this legal struggle, potentially setting a precedent that could influence the relationship between state policies ...

LOS ANGELES- In an effort to resolve ongoing legal disputes surrounding its medical cannabis licensing process, Alabama has introduced a bill proposing an increase in the number of available licenses. Filed on Tuesday, the legislation aims to broaden the scope of medical cannabis dispensary, processor, and integrated facility licenses. This move is seen as an ...

NEW YORK- Delaware lawmakers have passed a significant bill aimed at broadening access to the state's medical cannabis program. On Thursday, the Delaware Senate approved a proposal that grants healthcare providers the discretion to certify patients for medical cannabis use. Additionally, the bill introduces a groundbreaking provision allowing individuals aged 65 and older to self-certify ...

LOS ANGELES- Last week, the Massachusetts legislature's Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions convened a hearing to deliberate on a proposed initiative aiming to legalize the therapeutic use of natural psychedelics. The measure, which seeks to authorize the consumption of "naturally occurring" psychedelics such as psilocybin mushrooms, peyote, and ibogaine in "therapeutic settings," is championed ...

LOS ANGELES – In a significant move that underscores its commitment to innovative medical research, Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced its decision to prioritize its AP-188 ("N,N-Dimethyltryptamine" or "DMT") stroke research program. This announcement follows the successful sale of its Ifenprodil research program, marking a strategic shift towards exploring groundbreaking therapies in the treatment of stroke. ...