Insights
Missouri Hemp Trade Group Files Lawsuit Over Ban on Intoxicating Hemp Products
LOS ANGELES- The Missouri Hemp Trade Association has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) challenging the state's recent ban on intoxicating hemp products. The lawsuit, filed in Cole County Circuit Court, argues that the DHSS lacks the legal authority to enforce the ban, which stems from an executive order ...
Michigan Cannabis Prices Reach Historic Lows Amid Market Oversupply
LOS ANGELES- In July, cannabis prices in Michigan's legal market dropped to an all-time low, with the average price of an ounce of flower falling to $79.70, according to data from the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency. This marks a nearly 14.5% price decline in 2024, driven by market oversupply, regulatory pressures, and competition from illicit ...
Wisconsin Tribal Groups Launch Campaign to Push for Medical Cannabis Legalization
LOS ANGELES- A new campaign to legalize medical cannabis in Wisconsin has been launched by the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association and the Wisconsin Tribal Task Force on Cannabis. The initiative, named Wisconsin Wellness, aims to persuade state lawmakers to legalize medical cannabis for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and chronic pain. Wisconsin remains ...
DEA Reclassification of Cannabis Raises Regulatory Questions for States
LOS ANGELES- The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has initiated steps to reclassify cannabis, potentially shifting it to a status similar to regulated medicines such as Tylenol with codeine or some steroids. This federal change could significantly impact the 26 states where cannabis remains illegal, prompting them to decide whether to ban its sale or ...
atai Life Sciences Reports Q2 2024 Financial Results
LOS ANGELES- atai Life Sciences, a biopharmaceutical company focused on transforming mental health treatment, announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2024 along with updates on its clinical pipeline. The company highlighted significant progress in advancing its VLS-01 and EMP-01 programs, which target treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD), respectively. Dr. ...
Out-of-State Applicants Dominate Minnesota’s Early Cannabis License Applications
LOS ANGELES- Minnesota's newly established cannabis market is attracting significant interest from out-of-state applicants, according to recent data from the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). Of the 1,817 pre-applications submitted this summer for various cannabis licenses, over half originated from individuals residing outside Minnesota. The state's cannabis law does not mandate residency, allowing out-of-state applicants ...
Dispensary vs. Experience: Retail Models Disrupting the Cannabis Consumer Journey
LOS ANGELES — Cannabis retail is undergoing a significant transformation, moving beyond traditional dispensary models to offer more immersive and meaningful customer experiences, represented in the rising introduction of consumption lounges. Companies like NorCal's Urbana are at the forefront of this shift, demonstrating how to deeply connect with a diverse consumer base. Insights from Urbana's ...
Experts Advocate for Rescheduling Psilocybin to Unlock Mental Health and Economic Benefits
LOS ANGELES- A group of academics from The University of Manchester, supported by Policy@Manchester, has submitted evidence advocating for the rescheduling of psilocybin under the UK's drug laws. The submission, authored by Professor Jo Neill, Dr. Sara Tai, and Dr. John Gigg, highlights the therapeutic potential of psilocybin and other psychedelics in treating severe mental ...
Growlink Secures $2 Million Seed Funding to Enhance AI Capabilities and Integration Platform
LOS ANGELES- Growlink, a provider of advanced Internet of Things (IoT) controllers, sensors, and cultivation software for controlled environment agriculture, has closed a $2 million seed financing round led by Casa Verde Capital. The funding will enable Growlink to expand its AI capabilities and enhance its third-party integration platform, ensuring compatibility with various hardware systems. ...
The Battle Over Recreational Cannabis Legalization Heats Up
LOS ANGELES- The debate around legalizing recreational cannabis continues to draw support and opposition from various societal factions. Central to this contentious issue is a push to amend state laws to allow adults aged 21 and over to legally possess and purchase cannabis. This article examines the latest developments in one state’s efforts toward this ...
Government Survey Data Shows Nearly 20 Percent Decline in Teen Cannabis Use Over Past Decade
LOS ANGELES- Government survey data released today by the US Department of Health and Human Services confirms that state-specific cannabis legalization laws have not negatively impacted teen cannabis use rates. The latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reveals that teenagers are significantly less ...
Ohio to Launch Recreational Cannabis Sales
LOS ANGELES- Ohio will commence recreational cannabis sales early next week, possibly as soon as Tuesday, August 6, following the issuance of the first necessary licenses on Monday. Jamie Crawford, Public Information Officer for Ohio’s Department of Commerce, stated, “We intend to issue the first set of non-medical licenses on Tuesday. There will be no ...
Ascend Wellness Stock Rises Amid Major Debt Refinancing Deal
LOS ANGELES- Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. saw its stock price increase by 2.9% on Friday, trading as high as $1.07 before closing at the same price. This trading activity represented a 301% increase in volume, with 48,219 shares changing hands, compared to the average daily volume of 12,015 shares. The company, a major player in ...
Trulieve Contributes $5 Million to Florida Recreational Cannabis Campaign
LOS ANGELES- Trulieve, a medical cannabis company, has contributed an additional $5 million to support the campaign for legalizing recreational cannabis in Florida. This donation, made on July 15th, was directed to the Smart & Safe Florida political committee, which is spearheading the initiative for the November ballot. According to the state Division of Elections, ...
Kamala Harris Emerges as Pro-Cannabis Advocate Amidst Potential Presidential Bid
LOS ANGELES- Vice President Kamala Harris, once opposed to cannabis legalization during her tenure as District Attorney of San Francisco, has now become a leading advocate for the cause. In April, she made history as the first U.S. vice president to publicly support cannabis legalization, emphasizing the need for reform in her statement, "We need ...
NHS Reimburses Cannabis for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
NEW YORK- The National Health Service (NHS) England has reimbursed a patient for the cost of medicinal cannabis flowers to manage chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Michael Roberts, diagnosed with rectosigmoid adenocarcinoma and lung metastases, became the first British patient to receive such a reimbursement.Original Article Michael Roberts (MR) received FOLFIRI chemotherapy and later, FOLFOX ...
Medical Cannabis Industry Demonstrates Strong Economic Contributions and Market Trends
LOS ANGELES- The medical cannabis landscape continues to evolve, demonstrating significant economic contributions and offering vital insights into market trends. In 2024, data from licensed dispensaries and cultivation centers highlight robust retail and wholesale activities, reflecting growth and stability in this sector. This article delves into key figures from the past year and historical data ...
Stockton University to Offer New Undergraduate Degree in Cannabis Studies
LOS ANGELES- Stockton University in New Jersey is set to become the first school in the state to offer an undergraduate degree in cannabis studies. The Bachelor of Science in Hemp and Cannabis Business Management will be available through Stockton's School of Business starting this fall. According to Stockton Adjunct Professor Rob Mejia, the cannabis ...
Florida Voters to Decide on Amendment 3 for Recreational Cannabis Legalization
LOS ANGELES- Voters in Florida are approaching a pivotal decision on Amendment 3, which proposes to legalize recreational cannabis. Multiple polls indicate strong support for the amendment, suggesting it is likely to pass. Amendment 3 would allow individuals aged 21 and older to possess up to three ounces of dried cannabis flower and up to ...
Groundbreaking Belgian Study Explores Magic Mushrooms in Alcoholism Treatment
BRUSSELS- A pioneering clinical study at Brugmann Hospital in Brussels is exploring the use of psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, to treat alcohol addiction. Over the next two years, 62 participants will receive low or high doses of psilocybin in an effort to develop new addiction treatments. The hospital explained on social media ...
Steps to Become a Medical Cannabis Patient in Minnesota
LOS ANGELES- Since 2015, Minnesota's Medical Cannabis Program has provided treatment options for individuals with debilitating medical conditions, aiming to improve their quality of life. The following information outlines the steps to become a patient in the program. Step 1: Certification of Medical Condition To participate, a patient must be a Minnesota resident and have ...
Germany’s Cannabis Law: Maximizing Yield with the Three-Plant Limit
BERLIN — Germany’s new cannabis law, effective April 1, 2024, permits adults to grow up to three plants and possess up to 25 grams of cannabis for personal use. This regulation requires home cultivators to optimize their limited plant count to achieve the highest yield and quality. The Challenge of the Three-Plant Limit With a ...
California Pulls Cannabis Products from Shelves Due to Pesticide Concerns
LOS ANGELES- California this week ordered product recalls for five licensed cannabis products, including four vape pens and a vape cartridge, due to contamination with chlorfenapyr, a banned pesticide. These products, sold by West Coast Cure (WCC), include the Birthday Cake, Lemon Cooler, Lucky Charmz Curepens, Slymer Live Resin Cartridge, and Watermelon Sorbet Curepen. The ...
Evolving Hemp Regulations and Market Dynamics in Louisiana
LOS ANGELES- The hemp market is undergoing significant changes as new regulations affect how products are manufactured, sold, and consumed. The legal landscape shapes the future of hemp-derived products, necessitating staying updated on industry trends and benchmarks. This article delves into the latest developments in hemp regulations, particularly in Louisiana, and explores forecasting tools that ...
Majority of North Dakota Voters Oppose Recreational Cannabis Legalization
LOS ANGELES- A recent poll commissioned by the Brighter Future Alliance and conducted by Public Opinion Strategies revealed that 57% of likely North Dakota voters are against the legalization of recreational cannabis for adults over the age of 21, with 43% in favor. Initiative for Legalization In April, North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe ...