Insights
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 ...
Kentucky to Begin Accepting Medical Cannabis Business Applications Next Week
LOS ANGELES- Kentucky officials will begin accepting applications for the state’s medical cannabis growers, manufacturers, and retailers starting on Monday, July 1. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has announced that officials will begin accepting business applications starting Monday, July 1, for the state’s medical cannabis growers, manufacturers, and retailers, ABC News reports. Additionally, starting next week, ...
NCAA Removes Cannabis from Banned Substance List for Championships
NEW YORK- The NCAA Division I Council made a significant policy shift on Tuesday, voting to remove cannabinoids from the banned substance list for championships and postseason football participation, effective immediately. This decision marks a pivotal change in the treatment of student-athletes' cannabis use, aligning with the broader trend of increasing acceptance of cannabis in ...
Minnesota Receives Over 700 Social Equity Cannabis License Applications in 24 Hours
LOS ANGELES- Officials from the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management reported receiving more than 700 applications for social equity licenses within the first 24 hours of the application window opening. This surge in applications underscores the high level of interest in the state’s new cannabis licensing program. The state program prioritizes social equity candidates, including ...
Cybin Inc. Reports Financial Results and Prepares for Phase 3 Study of Lead Drug CYB003
LOS ANGELES- Cybin Inc. announced its audited financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024. The company, which currently has no revenue, reported cash holdings of C$209 million at the end of the fourth quarter. Financial Performance Cybin reported a net loss of C$21 million for the fourth quarter, with operating expenses totaling ...
New Hampshire Residents Support Cannabis Legalization Despite Legislative Setback
LOS ANGELES- A recent poll by the University of New Hampshire Granite State Poll reveals that 65% of New Hampshire residents support legalizing cannabis for adult use, reflecting strong public backing. This contrasts sharply with House lawmakers' recent decision to table a cannabis legalization bill, effectively halting its progress. Public Opinion on Cannabis Legalization The ...
Advanced Nutrients Propels Flower of Life Michigan to Market Leadership
LOS ANGELES – In a market hit hard by falling cannabis prices, Flower of Life Michigan faced a potential business collapse. Brothers Devin and Donovan Murphy, the driving forces behind the company, turned a crisis into an opportunity by partnering with Advanced Nutrients, a leader in cannabis-specific nutrient solutions. Overcoming Challenges with Innovation Initially, Flower ...
Colorado Survey Shows Significant Drop in Teen Cannabis Use
LOS ANGELES- The latest Healthy Kids Colorado Survey reveals a notable decline in cannabis use among high school students, with a 37% decrease in reported use over the past month from 2013 to 2023. Additionally, the survey found that the number of teens who found cannabis “easy” to obtain dropped by 27% during the same ...
Dutch State Committee Report on MDMA Highlights Public Health and Therapeutic Uses
LOS ANGELES- On June 6, 2024, the Dutch State Committee MDMA presented its report titled "MDMA: Beyond Ecstasy" to the Dutch Minister of Medical Care. The six-member committee, chaired by Brigit Toebes and co-chaired by Wim van den Brink, included experts in international law, addiction, psychiatry, criminal law, emergency medicine, and prevention. The committee's task ...
California State Fair Introduces Cannabis Sales and Consumption Area
LOS ANGELES- This year’s California State Fair, beginning July 12 in Sacramento, will feature cannabis sales and a designated consumption area, signaling the growing acceptance of cannabis in mainstream America. This marks the first time in the fair's 170-year history that such activities are permitted. In 2022, the California State Fair introduced cannabis with an ...
Minnesota Codifies Ban on Cannabis Odor as Sole Reason for Searches
LOS ANGELES- Minnesota lawmakers have codified a Minnesota Supreme Court decision that prevents law enforcement from using the smell of cannabis as the sole basis for searching a vehicle. This decision follows the legalization of cannabis in the state and was officially incorporated into law as part of the judiciary and public safety supplemental budget bill ...
AMA Approves Support for Drug Decriminalization
LOS ANGELES- The American Medical Association (AMA) voted to support drug decriminalization at its annual House of Delegates meeting in Chicago on June 12. MD/PhD candidate Ryan Englander highlighted the inefficacy of the war on drugs, urging for a shift towards more effective measures. Englander emphasized the failure of criminalization in addressing the substance use ...
New York Advances Cannabis Regulation Amid Enforcement Challenges
NEW YORK- New York has made notable progress in cannabis regulation, introducing new rules that allow adults to cultivate plants for personal use. This development is part of the state’s broader strategy to foster a regulated cannabis market. However, it coincides with growing concerns over unlicensed sales and enforcement issues, creating a complex landscape for ...
Ohio’s Cannabis Law Faces Varied Municipal Responses
LOS ANGELES- Ohio's cannabis law permits individuals aged 21 and older to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and up to 15 grams of cannabis concentrates. Additionally, residents can cultivate up to six cannabis plants at private residences. The law also allows licensed cannabis stores, regulated by the Division of Cannabis Control, to sell ...
Nebraska Advocates Push for Medical Cannabis Initiative Signatures
LOS ANGELES- Nebraskan advocates are urgently working to collect signatures for their medical cannabis initiative to be included on this year’s ballot. The advocacy group Nebraska for Medical Marijuana (NMM) is appealing to supporters to help gather the necessary signatures before the approaching deadline. NMM campaign manager Crista Eggers sent an email on June 6, ...
Rhode Island Launches Free Cannabis Industry Training Program
LOS ANGELES- The Rhode Island Department of Labor, in collaboration with the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), will offer a free cannabis training program to a select group of students. This initiative aims to equip individuals with the skills needed to enter and thrive in the state's growing cannabis industry. Announced on May 29, ...
South Dakota Adult-Use Cannabis Initiative to Appear on 2024 Ballot
NEW YORK- South Dakota voters will have another opportunity to decide on the legalization of adult-use cannabis. Initiated Measure 29, which aims to legalize the recreational use, possession, and distribution of cannabis, will be on the ballot for the 2024 general election on November 5. On June 3, Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson confirmed ...
House Approves Amendments to Authorize Medical Cannabis Recommendations for Veterans and Support Psychedelics Research
LOS ANGELES- The U.S. House of Representatives has approved amendments to a significant spending bill, enabling Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) doctors to issue medical cannabis recommendations to military veterans and support research into psychedelics. The amendments were passed as part of the appropriations legislation covering Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilConVA). The ...
Red Light Holland Completes Initial Phase of Psilocybin Extraction
LOS ANGELES- Red Light Holland Corp. a company specializing in the production and sale of functional mushrooms and psilocybin truffles, announced the successful completion of the first phase of psilocybin extraction. This milestone was achieved at Chiral Labs, in partnership with PharmAla Biotech Holdings Inc. Following a Health Canada-approved import of Red Light Holland’s natural ...
Study Finds Cannabis Sativa Oil Enhances Social Interaction via Oxytocin Pathway
NEW YORK- A study titled "Cannabis Sativa Oil Promotes Social Interaction and Ultrasonic Communication by Acting on Oxytocin Pathway" has been published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, and made available online by the US National Library of Medicine. Conducted by researchers at the Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine at the University of ...
Minnesota Prepares for Cannabis Market with New Legislation
LOS ANGELES- Minnesota will allow some commercial cultivators to begin growing cannabis later this year in preparation for the state's upcoming retail market. The state will award cannabis business licenses through a vetted lottery system instead of the previously used merit-based application process. Governor Tim Walz signed a cannabis policy bill on Friday that implements ...
Martha’s Vineyard Dispensary Sues for Cannabis Transport Rights
LOS ANGELES- A dispensary in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, has filed a lawsuit against the state Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) over rules prohibiting the transport of cannabis products by boat across the Vineyard Sound. The lawsuit, initiated by Geoff Rose, owner of Island Time, challenges the regulations that prevent him from importing cannabis from the mainland, ...
Louisiana Senate Bill Could Shift Medical Cannabis Cultivation to Private Sector
LOS ANGELES- If signed into law, Senate Bill 228 will allow private contractors to replace Louisiana State University (LSU) and Southern University (SU) in the cultivation of medical cannabis, ending their unique role in this industry. This bill, sponsored by Sen. Patrick McMath, aims to refocus these universities on higher education and transition cannabis cultivation ...
Daily Cannabis Use Surpasses Daily Alcohol Consumption in the U.S.
LOS ANGELES- Recent analysis of national survey data reveals that more Americans now admit to daily cannabis use than to daily alcohol consumption. Published in the journal Addiction, the research found that in 2022, approximately 17.7 million people reported using cannabis daily or near-daily, compared to about 14.7 million daily or near-daily drinkers. Survey Data ...
House Armed Services Committee Approves NDAA with Provision on Cannabis Testing for Military Recruits
LOS ANGELES- The House Armed Services Committee has approved the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a comprehensive defense bill crucial for funding national defense and military operations. A significant provision within the bill prohibits the testing of cannabis for military recruits and potential officers. Section 531, titled “Prohibition on Cannabis Testing for Enlistment or ...
