Insights
Minnesota Mayor Arrested for Exceeding Legal Cannabis Cultivation Limits
NEW YORK- In an unexpected turn of events, the mayor of Winnebago, Minnesota, Scott Robertson, and his son Jacob Robertson, have been arrested for operating commercial-grade greenhouses to cultivate cannabis in quantities far exceeding the state's legal limit. The arrests were made following a collaborative investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies, initiated by an anonymous ...
Compass Pathways Launches Phase 3 Psilocybin Study in the UK for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Compass Pathways, a biotechnology firm at the forefront of mental health innovation, has initiated the UK segment of its global phase 3 study of COMP360 psilocybin therapy for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This advancement, approved by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency, marks a critical phase in the exploration of psilocybin as a potential treatment for ...
Idaho Legislators Propose Bill to Ban Out-of-State Cannabis Advertisements
LOS ANGELES- In a move reflecting Idaho's staunch stance on cannabis prohibition, state legislators are deliberating on a bill aimed at curtailing advertisements for cannabis products from neighboring states where it is legal. The proposed legislation comes in response to the visibility of billboards and other forms of advertising that promote out-of-state cannabis, sparking concern ...
atai Life Sciences Appoints Anne Johnson as Chief Financial Officer
NEW YORK – atai Life Sciences a pioneering company specializing in mental health treatment innovations, today announced the promotion of Anne Johnson to Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Johnson, who has served as the interim CFO since October 2023 and Chief Accounting Officer since August 2022, will officially succeed Stephen Bardin in the CFO role. Bardin ...
Cybin Inc. Awarded Patents in Japan, Strengthening Global Psychedelic Research Efforts
NEW YORK— Cybin Inc. a biopharmaceutical industry dedicated to transforming mental healthcare with innovative psychedelic-based therapies, has achieved a significant milestone with the recent grant of two patents by the Japan Patent Office. These patents, numbered 2023-500532 and 2023-533436, mark a crucial step in the company's quest to develop next-generation treatments for mental health disorders, ...
Hawaii Lawmakers Deliberate on Trio of Cannabis Legalization Proposals
LOS ANGELES— In a pivotal legislative session, Hawaii's lawmakers are presented with three distinct proposals aimed at reforming the state's cannabis laws. These include two notable bills pushing for the legalization of adult-use cannabis, alongside the establishment of a regulatory framework, marking a significant moment in the state's approach to cannabis legislation. The proposals, introduced ...
Arizona Embarks on Psychedelic Therapy Frontier with Psilocybin Service Center Legislation
LOS ANGELES- In a significant step towards the integration of psychedelic therapy into mainstream healthcare, Arizona is positioning itself at the forefront of a growing movement. Bipartisan lawmakers have introduced groundbreaking legislation aimed at legalizing psilocybin service centers within the state, marking a bold expansion beyond current research efforts into the therapeutic applications of psychedelics. ...
New York Governor Calls State’s Cannabis Roll-Out a “Disaster”
NEW YORK- Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has openly criticized the state's approach to rolling out its adult-use cannabis market, describing the process as a "disaster." This candid admission comes amidst a series of legal challenges that threaten to further delay the licensing of new cannabis retailers in the state. The governor's comments reflect ...
Maine Explores On-Site Cannabis Consumption: A Leap Towards Inclusivity and Normalization
LOS ANGELES-Amid the serene backdrop of its pine-clad hills, Maine finds itself at the forefront of a significant legislative debate—one that could redefine the cannabis industry within its borders and potentially set a precedent for the nation. Lawmakers in the Pine Tree State are currently deliberating on a proposal that could introduce on-site cannabis consumption ...
Filament Health Corp. Gains FDA Approval for Psilocybin Clinical Trials
LOS ANGELES- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently granted an investigational new drug application to Vancouver-based Filament Health Corp. (OTCQB: FLHLF) (NEO: FH) for its botanical psilocybin substance, PEX010. This approval marks a significant stride for Filament, enabling the firm to conduct clinical trials in the United States aimed at treating substance ...
Broad Support in Canada for Psilocybin Use in Palliative Care, New Study Reveals
LOS ANGELES — A recent Canadian study, published in the medical journal Palliative Medicine, has revealed significant public support for the use of psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, in treating existential dread among end-of-life patients. Conducted by a team led by Michel Dorval, a researcher at CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center and a professor at Université ...
FinCEN’s Corporate Transparency Act Has Arrived
NEW YORK- Enacted by Congress in 2021, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) went into effect on January 1, 2024 and affects more than 30 million American small businesses1 and many smaller foreign companies doing business in the United States. Unless exempted, these businesses must provide ownership information to the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) ...
Organigram Advances in Cannabis Market with Strategic British American Tobacco Investment
LOS ANGELES- Organigram Holdings Inc., a significant player in the cannabis industry, has successfully closed the first tranche of a substantial investment from British American Tobacco's subsidiary, BT DE Investments Inc. This move marks a significant step in the Canadian company's expansion and diversification strategy. The first tranche involves the acquisition of 12,893,175 common shares ...
Ohio Cannabis Market Faces Challenges Amid Optimism for Adult-Use Expansion
LOS ANGELES- Ohio's medical cannabis market, one of the nation's most strictly regulated, showed signs of plateauing in 2023, with an increase of just 1.2% in annual sales compared to the previous year. This marks a significant slowdown from the explosive growth observed in the market's early years, according to a Crain’s Cleveland analysis. Despite ...
New Jersey Moves Forward with Cannabis Consumption Lounge Regulations
LOS ANGELES- The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) is taking significant strides in the realm of cannabis consumption with the unanimous approval of regulations for consumption lounges, a pivotal development in the state's cannabis industry. The decision, made during a meeting on January 17, marks a progressive step towards actualizing these lounges in New ...
Revive Therapeutics Announces $3 Million Private Placement for Clinical and Operational Advancements
Revive Therapeutics Ltd. a prominent player in the biopharmaceutical sector, has recently announced its plan to initiate a significant private placement to fuel its ongoing and future projects. This strategic move, aimed at garnering up to $3 million in funding, represents a pivotal moment for the company's financial and clinical trajectory. Under the terms of ...
Indiana Residents Lean Toward Cannabis Legalization, New Poll Indicates
LOS ANGELES- As Indiana's legislators convene for a new session, the topic of cannabis legalization takes a prominent place in the agenda, bolstered by recent findings from the 2023 Hoosier Survey. Conducted by the Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University, the survey unveils a growing inclination among Indiana residents towards cannabis reform, ...
Study: Medical Cannabis Associated With Symptom Improvements In Patients With Major Depressive Disorder
ESSEN, Germany- A new study published in The Journal of Pharmacopsychiatry, reveals a link between the use of medical cannabis products and decreased levels of depression. German researchers investigated the use of medical cannabis in 59 outpatients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). While medical cannabis, including plant cannabis and cannabinoid treatments like dronabinol, became ...
AlphaFold: AI’s Role in the Future of Psychedelic Drug Development
LOS ANGELES- In the realm of pharmaceutical research, a groundbreaking approach is being adopted in the United Kingdom, where researchers are utilizing AlphaFold, an advanced artificial intelligence tool, to develop new psychedelic drugs potentially useful as antidepressants. The latest research, which awaits peer review, suggests that AlphaFold's AI-generated protein structures could rival traditional experimental methods ...
Pioneering the Future of Concussion Management: NFL and University of Regina Partner in Groundbreaking CBD Study
LOS ANGELES- In an era where concussion management is a paramount concern in sports, a revolutionary collaboration between the National Football League (NFL) and the University of Regina is making headlines. The partnership, aimed at exploring the potential of CBD in concussion treatment, marks a significant stride in athlete healthcare. The concern over concussions in ...
California’s Fiscal Challenge: Balancing Budget Deficit with Cannabis Tax Revenue Reallocation
LOS ANGELES- In the face of a significant $37.9 billion budget deficit, California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed a contentious plan to reallocate funds from the state's cannabis tax revenue. This move has ignited debate over the state's fiscal priorities and the support for the cannabis industry. Governor Newsom's proposal involves redirecting $100 million from ...
Oregon Lawmakers Debate Reversing Drug Decriminalization
LOS ANGELES- In a significant shift in drug policy discussions, Oregon lawmakers from both major political parties are considering proposals to reverse aspects of the state's drug decriminalization, a move that has sparked debate and criticism from various advocacy groups. Last week, Republican lawmakers in the Oregon House put forward a proposal aiming to re-criminalize ...
New Jersey Sets Ground Rules for Cannabis Consumption Lounges
NEW YORK- The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission has recently taken a significant step in the cannabis industry by approving a set of rules for marijuana consumption lounges. This development marks a new business model within the Garden State, albeit with several key aspects still to be determined. As reported by NJBiz.com, while the regulatory ...
Ukraine’s Path to Medical Cannabis Industry
KYIV – Ukraine's Parliament has recently taken a groundbreaking step by approving a draft law to establish a medical cannabis industry, marking a significant shift in the nation's healthcare and economic landscape. However, industry experts predict that it may take years for domestic cannabis cultivation to become operational. The draft law, which is awaiting President Volodymyr ...
FDA Endorses Historic Shift in Cannabis Classification to Schedule III
LOS ANGELES- In a landmark development, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advocated for a significant reclassification of cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The agency proposed that cannabis be moved from Schedule I to Schedule III, marking a transformative moment in the legal status and research potential of this substance. This ...
