Insights

LOS ANGELES-- In a bid to foster a more user-friendly environment for cannabis consumers and businesses alike, Maine regulators are contemplating a significant overhaul of the existing cannabis regulations, a move that could potentially reshape the burgeoning industry in the state. According to a report by the Portland Press Herald, the Maine Office of Cannabis ...

OHIO– A recent poll conducted by Fallon Research has revealed that a significant majority of Ohio residents are in favor of the forthcoming ballot initiative to legalize adult-use cannabis. The survey, which underscores the shifting attitudes toward cannabis legalization in the United States, found that 59% of respondents support the proposal, while 32% oppose it, ...

LOS ANGELES– In a groundbreaking development for both the music and cannabis industries, the inaugural Miracle in Mundelein music festival is set to become Illinois' first state-approved cannabis consumption event. Scheduled for September 9-10, the two-day festival promises to combine musical performances by renowned artists like Cypress Hill, Action Bronson, and Stephen Marley with responsible ...

LOS ANGELES-- In a proactive move to foster community engagement and inclusivity, the Colorado Natural Medicine Division has announced a series of "listening sessions" scheduled throughout September and October. These sessions are designed to involve stakeholders and educate the public on the unfolding process of regulated access regulations pertaining to the recent psychedelic legalization ballot ...

LOS ANGELES– The path to legal medical cannabis in Alabama, once paved with optimism, has been marred by legal controversies and procedural missteps, leaving patients and businesses in a state of limbo. Last week, officials from the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) announced hopes to issue licenses for medical cannabis cultivators and distributors by the ...

LOS ANGELES-- A recent study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research highlighted alarming levels of pesticides in illegal cannabis samples compared to legal ones in Canada. The researchers scrutinized 36 legal cannabis samples from licensed dispensaries and 24 illegal samples which were confiscated and tested in 2021. In this analytical study, a staggering 92% ...

WASHINGTON, D.C.- In a recent press briefing, White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre underscored President Joe Biden's longstanding support for the legalization of cannabis for medicinal purposes, signaling a potentially significant shift in the federal stance towards cannabis legislation. This statement comes on the heels of a pivotal recommendation from the U.S. Department of Health ...

LOS ANGELES — Chronic neuropathic pain sufferers might find a beacon of hope in the medicinal properties of cannabis. A recent study out of Hamburg, Germany, indicates that cannabis inhalation can lead to notable improvements in pain and sleep for those battling chronic neuropathy. Neuropathy arises from damaged peripheral nerves outside the brain and spinal ...

LOS ANGELES-- The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) hit another roadblock in its licensing process as it announced an administrative stay on Thursday, according to AL.com. This suspension follows two unsuccessful attempts by the AMCC to issue licenses. The first setback occurred due to "potential inconsistencies" in the scoring data, while a subsequent attempt was ...

LOS ANGELES— Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, perceived by many as a strong GOP contender against Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential nomination, voiced strong concerns about the legalization of cannabis during an Iowa campaign stop on August 26. Fielding a question from an attendee during a meet-and-greet event sponsored by the super PAC Never Back ...

LOS ANGELES— In a pivotal stride toward diversifying its economy, The Bahamas has rolled out a comprehensive package of 11 legislative bills, aiming to decriminalize cannabis for medical, research, and religious uses. This move establishes a foundation for a burgeoning medical cannabis industry, aligning with the country’s broader economic vision. According to the Office of ...

LOS ANGELES-- The rapid emergence of research into the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms, has brought with it new hope for individuals struggling with various mental health issues, most notably depression. The recent preprint study titled “Psilocybin desynchronizes brain networks” offers a comprehensive insight into how ...

LOS ANGELES— A proposal aimed at reducing the time frame that law enforcement officer recruits in Nebraska must abstain from cannabis use prior to training has been vetoed by Governor Jim Pillen. The measure sought to decrease the mandatory waiting period from 24 months to 12 months before recruits could commence their training. The proposal, ...

LAS VEGAS, NV — In a strategic move to bolster its presence in the booming Florida cannabis market, multi-state vertically integrated cannabis company, Planet 13 Holdings Inc., announced a membership interest purchase agreement to take over all ownership interests of VidaCann, LLC. VidaCann's Role in the Market VidaCann, primarily based in Florida, is a key ...

NEW YORK-- Canadian cannabis titans have long eyed the American hemp-derived CBD market as a golden opportunity, particularly following the legalization of low-THC hemp in the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill. But as enthusiasm for cannabis investments wanes, several of Canada's leading cannabis firms are retreating from their American hemp CBD endeavors. The Initial U.S. Foray: ...

LOS ANGELES-- The state of Minnesota has experienced a significant increase in tax revenue following the legalization of cannabis-infused products such as gummies and beverages. A recent report from the state Department of Revenue, as highlighted by CBS News, has shown that nearly $600,000 was collected last month alone from the sales of these products. ...

LOS ANGELES-- In a significant policy move, Missouri's Department of Social Services has allowed foster parents in the state to legally possess and cultivate cannabis. The emergency rule, put in place last week, aligns the state's foster care system with Amendment 3, the mandate passed by Missouri voters in November 2022, which legalized and regulated ...

LOS ANGELES — Several Texas cities, in a progressive stride, are taking individual steps toward decriminalizing cannabis possession, a move seen as a response to the state Senate's reluctance to pass a House-endorsed bill centered on cannabis decriminalization, streamlined expungement, and medical cannabis provisions for chronic pain. Lubbock, a prominent city in northeast Texas, is ...

TRENTON, NJ — Governor Phil Murphy, in collaboration with Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, recently unveiled an initiative committing $15 million to Community-Based Violence Intervention (CBVI) programs, with a portion of these funds stemming from New Jersey’s dedicated cannabis tax fund. The recent allocation demonstrates Governor Murphy’s consistent commitment to violence intervention, having previously channeled ...

LOS ANGELES — Missouri, in its latest bid to bolster the integrity of its burgeoning cannabis sector, has ushered in stringent rules to stymie the practice of "lab shopping"— a trend where cannabis producers take their products to multiple testing labs, eventually allying with the one offering the most favorable results. As reported by the ...

LOS ANGELES — South Dakota's medical cannabis program has issued nearly twice as many patient cards as initially projected, according to the state official responsible for overseeing the initiative. Jennifer Seale, the administrator for the program, reported to the state legislature on Monday that the South Dakota Department of Health has distributed around 11,500 cards ...

LOS ANGELES — An unfolding financial dispute between the small Maryland town of Hancock and the Florida-based cannabis giant, Trulieve Cannabis, highlights the intricate dynamics of municipal investments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry. Dating back to 2015, Hancock agreed to permit Arizona's Harvest, a cannabis enterprise, to inaugurate a medical cannabis cultivation and processing ...

LOS ANGELES-- In a move that underscores the shifting landscape of mental health therapy, Tampa-based biopharmaceutical company Psilera announced on Wednesday that it has received a notice of allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for its synthetic psychedelic compounds, crafted specifically for home-based mental health treatments. This crucial patent provides robust protections for ...

LOS ANGELES— The cannabis landscape in the U.S. is rapidly shifting, with each state crafting its narrative. From Maryland's remarkable entry to Michigan's booming market, Illinois's unique challenges, and Colorado's stellar tax earnings, the industry's trajectory offers an array of financial insights. In Maryland: A Strategic Start July witnessed Maryland's debut into the recreational cannabis ...