Justice
Texas Attorney General Sues Cities Over Cannabis Decriminalization Initiatives
LOS ANGELES- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated legal action against five cities within the state, challenging their adoption of voter-approved cannabis decriminalization policies. According to reports from The Hill, the lawsuit targets city officials in Austin, Denton, Elgin, Killeen, and San Marcos, accusing them of implementing policies that allegedly contravene both Texas laws ...
Arkansas Attorney General Calls for Revisions to Medical Cannabis Expansion Initiative
LOS ANGELES- In a significant development impacting Arkansas' medical cannabis landscape, the state's Attorney General Tim Griffin has called for revisions to a proposed ballot initiative aimed at expanding the state’s medical cannabis program. This initiative, if passed, would mark a substantial shift in the state's approach to cannabis policy. The proposal, as reported by ...
South Dakota Senate Committee Halts Bill Limiting Medical Cannabis Access
LOS ANGELES- In a significant turn of events, the South Dakota Senate Health and Human Services Committee, with a decisive vote of 5-2, chose to halt proceedings on a bill that threatened to restrict medical cannabis access for many patients. This development, as reported by NORML, reflects the complex dynamics at play in the state's ...
Connecticut Liquor Stores Utilize Legal Loophole to Sell THC-Infused Beverages
LOS ANGELES- In a surprising turn of events, Connecticut liquor stores have begun selling THC-infused seltzers by leveraging a legal loophole in the state's cannabis laws. This development, as reported by CT Insider, involves adjusting the serving sizes of these beverages to comply with THC content limits for non-licensed sales. The loophole comes into play ...
Kansas Advocates Push for Medical Cannabis Legalization
LOS ANGELES- In a recent online meeting, advocacy groups in Kansas intensified their call for the legalization of medical cannabis, highlighting personal stories and the urgency for legislative action. The meeting, originally planned as a "day of action at the Capitol" in Topeka, was moved online due to inclement weather, according to the Kansas Reflector. ...
Federal Investigation Uncovers Lax Pharmaceutical Practices in Trump’s White House Medical Unit
LOS ANGELES- A recent federal investigation has unearthed troubling findings regarding the White House Medical Unit's handling of prescription drugs during the Trump administration. The Department of Defense's 80-page report, released on January 8, reveals a concerning pattern of lax pharmaceutical practices, particularly in managing scheduled narcotics. The investigation, which began in 2018 following complaints ...
Maine Considers Legalizing Cannabis Social Clubs Amid Public Health Concerns
LOS ANGELES- Maine legislators are currently deliberating on a significant bill that could pave the way for the establishment of cannabis social clubs and authorize on-site consumption at dispensaries. This initiative, highlighted in a recent Spectrum News report, marks a potential expansion in the state's cannabis policy. The bill, championed by State Representative David Boyer ...
Red Light Holland Advances in Psilocybin Microdosing Capsules for Australasian Market
NEW YORK – Red Light Holland Corp., a leader in the production and distribution of functional mushrooms and psilocybin truffles, has announced significant progress in the development and distribution of its natural psilocybin microdosing capsules. The company, in a strategic collaboration with CCrest Laboratories, has completed a crucial Product Specification report, paving the way for ...
Governor Hochul’s Budget Proposes Key Changes in Cannabis Taxation and Enforcement
NEW YORK– In a significant move towards reforming cannabis policy in New York, Governor Kathy Hochul has introduced pivotal elements in her Fiscal Year 2025 budget that could reshape the landscape of the cannabis industry in the state. The proposed budget, reflecting the discussions from the inaugural Senate Subcommittee on Cannabis hearing in October, includes ...
FDA’s ‘Breakthrough’ Nod to MM120, An LSD-Derivative, for Anxiety Relief
LOS ANGELES- In a significant development within the field of psychedelic therapy, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized the LSD-analog substance MM120, also known as lysergide d-tartrate, with a 'breakthrough therapy' designation for its potential in treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This status is aimed at accelerating the development and review process for ...
Missouri’s Monumental Task: Expunging 103,558 Cannabis Cases Amid Challenges
LOS ANGELES — In a significant undertaking following the legalization of adult-use cannabis in Missouri, county clerks are rigorously working through an extensive backlog of paper records to identify and expunge cannabis-related convictions. The process, however, is proving to be a formidable challenge due to the sheer volume of cases and the lack of digitized ...
New York Gov. Hochul’s Budget Proposes Shift from Potency to Weight-Based Cannabis Tax
NEW YORK— In a significant move to streamline taxation in the burgeoning cannabis industry, New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2025 outlines a shift from the current potency-based tax to a weight-based excise tax. This change is aimed at simplifying tax obligations for cannabis operators and bolstering the state's regulatory enforcement ...
North Carolina Appeals Court Rules on Cannabis Odor and Probable Cause in Vehicle Searches
LOS ANGELES- In a pivotal case that underscores the evolving legal landscape of cannabis laws in the United States, the North Carolina Court of Appeals has recently made a significant ruling. The case revolves around the contentious issue of whether the smell of cannabis alone can establish probable cause for a vehicle search. The case ...
California’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce Makes Significant Strides in Combating Illegal Cannabis
LOS ANGELES– The Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF) in California has reported a substantial achievement in its fight against illicit cannabis operations. In its first year, the taskforce seized nearly 190,000 pounds of illegal cannabis, valued at approximately $312 million. This feat is a clear indicator of California's intensified efforts to regulate its cannabis market. ...
Ohio Governor Urges Ban on Intoxicating Hemp Products Targeting Youth
NEW YORK– In a decisive call to action, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine urged state lawmakers to ban "intoxicating hemp" products, including all delta-8 THC goods, amid concerns over their appeal to minors. This appeal comes in the wake of a recent law enforcement sting operation that revealed the ease with which minors can access these ...
DEA Proposes Increased Production Quotas for Cannabis and Psychedelics
LOS ANGELES- In a significant policy shift, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has proposed substantial increases in the production quotas for cannabis and various psychedelics for 2024. This move reflects a growing recognition of the potential therapeutic benefits of these substances and underscores the federal agency's commitment to facilitating more comprehensive research. The DEA's initial ...
Rhode Island Explores Psilocybin Reform with a New Legislative Proposal
NEW TORK- In a significant legislative move, Rhode Island Representative Brandon Potter (D) has introduced a bill aimed at reforming the state's approach to psilocybin, the active compound in "magic mushrooms." The bill, H 7047, proposes a temporary allowance for the cultivation, possession, and sharing of up to one ounce of psilocybin, with its provisions ...
Washington D.C. Tightens Grip on Unlicensed Cannabis Gifting Shops with New Penalties
WASHINGTON — The Washington, D.C. District Council, in a decisive move, approved a measure on Tuesday to impose new penalties on unlicensed cannabis gifting shops. This bill, potentially effective this week, aims to regulate these businesses, which have largely operated outside the city's medical marijuana program. Initiative 71, passed in 2014, legalized recreational cannabis in ...
Florida’s New Bill Proposes Limiting THC Potency
LOS ANGELES- In a significant move within the cannabis legislative landscape, Florida Representative Ralph Massullo introduced House Bill 1269, which proposes stringent limitations on THC potency in cannabis products. This bill, introduced on January 5 and read for the first time on January 9, is contingent upon the legalization of adult-use cannabis in Florida, a ...
DEA Clarifies Legality of Psychedelic Mushroom Spores, Highlighting Regulatory Complexities
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently provided a crucial clarification on the legal status of psychedelic mushroom spores. According to a statement from Terrence Boos, Chief of the DEA's Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, these spores are not considered controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) as long as they ...
Over 2.3 Million Cannabis Convictions Pardoned in U.S. Since 2018
LOS ANGELES- In a significant move towards criminal justice reform, U.S. state courts have pardoned or expunged over 2.3 million cannabis-related convictions since 2018, with about half a million cases resolved in the last year alone. This data, revealed in an updated analysis by NORML, underscores the shifting legal landscape around cannabis in the United ...
Florida Bill Proposes THC Limits in Cannabis Amid Legalization Debates
LOS ANGELES- In a move that could significantly impact the cannabis industry in Florida, State Representative Ralph Massullo has introduced a bill proposing to limit the potency of THC in cannabis products. This legislative effort comes amidst ongoing uncertainty about the legalization of adult-use cannabis in the state and debates over market control and regulatory ...
Record Destruction of Cannabis in Canada Points to Market Adjustments and Consumer Trends
NEW YORK- In a striking development, Canadian cannabis operators have destroyed a record amount of legal cannabis in 2022 and the first half of 2023, as per data from Health Canada. This action highlights the ongoing adjustments in the country's cannabis market since its inception in 2018. The report reveals that a staggering 611.7 million ...
California Cannabis Retailer Sues State Agencies Over Alleged Unlawful Tax Collection Practices
LOS ANGELES- HNHPC Inc., part of Long Beach-based Catalyst Cannabis Co., has initiated legal action against several state agencies, including the primary tax collection bureau. The lawsuit, filed on December 28 in Orange County Superior Court, accuses the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) and the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) of conspiring ...
Missouri Legislature Addresses Cannabis Regulation and Law Enforcement Policies
LOS ANGELES— The 2024 legislative session in Missouri, convened in Jefferson City, has sparked significant discussions on cannabis regulation, with a particular focus on cannabinoid products and law enforcement practices. Senate Bill 984, championed by Senator Nick Schroer (R-St. Charles County), proposes a major shift in the state's approach to regulating cannabinoid products, such as ...
