Jan 22 2025

Former Verano Executive and Three Others Indicted for Insider Trading in Cannabis Industry

A former cannabis executive used insider information obtained from his employment to purchase shares of a rival cannabis company that was privately the target of an acquisition, according to an indictment returned in federal court in Chicago.

The indictment accuses Anthony Marisco of obtaining material, non-public information about his company’s agreement to purchase the rival company, according to a press release sent by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the North District of Illinois.

Prior to the public announcement of the agreement, and while the two companies were privately negotiating the proposed acquisition, Marsico allegedly used the information to purchase more than 900,000 shares in the rival company’s stock, resulting in illegal profits of approximately $607,338, the indictment states.  Marsico later sold all of the stock before it was publicly announced that the potential acquisition was canceled, the indictment states.
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Jan 22 2025

Full-Spectrum CBD Oil Reduces Key Markers of Muscle Damage in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

A new study published in the peer-reviewed journal Muscle & Nerve shows that full-spectrum cannabidiol (CBD) oil may help treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Conducted by researchers at the Federal University of Alfenas in Brazil, the study focused on both in vitro and in vivo models, using an animal model.

“Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by pathogenic variants in the DMD gene, making muscle fibers susceptible to contraction-induced membrane damage”, states the study’s abstract. “Given the potential beneficial action of cannabidiol (CBD), we evaluated the in vitro effect of full-spectrum CBD oil on the viability of dystrophic muscle fibers and the in vivo effect on myopathy of the mdx mouse, a DMD model.”
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Jan 21 2025

Washington State Weighs Kratom Ban: Advocates Rally to Protect Legal Access

Kratom, a plant used for thousands of years for its medicinal properties, is facing a potential ban in Washington State, with the officials considering reclassifying it as a Schedule I controlled substance.

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa).

In order to voice their opinions, advocates are being urged to submit comments and participate in a listening session scheduled for February 6, 2025. Those interested in submitting oral comments at the meeting can sign up by emailing PharmacyRules@doh.wa.gov by noon on January 23, 2025. Written comments will be accepted until noon on January 30, 2025.

This move stems from a CR-101 (a formal document used in the rulemaking process by Washington state agencies) filed by the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission in August 2024, which initiated the process of reviewing kratom’s legal status. While the commission discussed the issue during its December 2024 meeting, it decided further input was necessary before proceeding. This decision highlights the contentious debate over kratom’s benefits versus potential risks.
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Jan 21 2025

Legislation to Legalize Personal Marijuana Cultivation Filed in Washington Legislature With 16 Sponsors

Legislation to legalize the personal cultivation of marijuana has been filed in the Washington State House of Representatives.

House Bill 1449 was filed today by a coalition of 16 state representatives, all Democrats. The measure wood allow everyone 21 and older to cultivate marijuana for personal use. The bill has been referred to the Consumer Protection & Business Committee for consideration.

Under the proposed legislation, individuals could grow up to six cannabis plants on the premises of their housing unit, with a maximum of 15 plants allowed per household, regardless of the number of occupants. Cannabis derived from these plants would also be permissible for personal use, allowing for possession above the state’s current one ounce limit,
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Jan 21 2025

Idaho House Votes 54 to 14 to Establish Mandatory Minimum Penalty for Marijuana Possession

Idaho’s full House of Representatives voted today to approve legislation that would establish a mandatory minimum fine for possessing less than three ounces of marijuana.

The House voted 54 to 14 on House Bill 7, sending the measure to the state’s Senate. Approval through the Senate will send the bill to Governor Brad Little.

Under current Idaho law, possessing less than three ounces of marijuana is a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000, with no set minimum. This has led to some judges issuing fines as little as $1 or $2, something that proponents of HB 7 argue encourages cannabis use.
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Jan 21 2025

Nebraska Legislation Filed to Restrict Medical Marijuana to Pills and Tinctures

A month after two voter-approved medical marijuana initiatives took effect in Nebraska, State Senator Jared Storm has introduced a measure that would significantly restrict allowable forms of medical cannabis.

Marijuana capsules.

The bill, filed today, seeks to limit medical marijuana products to pills and liquid tinctures, excluding other forms such as edibles, concentrates, and smokable products.

This proposal comes in the wake of the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act (Initiative 437) and the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act (Initiative 438), which both became law last month. These initiatives established legal protections for patients and healthcare providers, allowed patients to possess up to five ounces of marijuana with a physician’s recommendation, and set the framework for a regulated medical marijuana market.
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Jan 21 2025

Hawaii Bill Allowing Telehealth and Easing Out-of-District Access for Medical Marijuana Passes First Reading

Hawaii House Bill 600, introduced by State Representatives Diamond Garcia (R) and Gene Ward (R), cleared its first hurdle today, passing its initial reading in the state’s House of Representatives.

This legislative proposal focuses on refining regulations for the medical use of marijuana, including addressing qualifying out-of-state patients and allowing for telemedicine appointments.

The bill would simplify access for non-resident patients by removing current registration requirements for those who are already authorized for medical marijuana use in other U.S. states, territories, or the District of Columbia. Additionally, the legislation proposes to eliminate the fees previously imposed by the Department of Health for medical cannabis registration certificates. By easing these restrictions, the bill aims to create a more seamless process for visiting patients, including enabling them to access medical cannabis without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
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Jan 21 2025

South Dakota House Committee Unanimously Approves Bill to Regulate Kratom Products

The South Dakota House Health and Human Services Committee unanimously approved House Bill 1056 today, marking a significant step toward regulating kratom products in the state.

Introduced on January 16 by eight Republican lawmakers, the bill now has 12 sponsors and outlines restrictions on the preparation, sale, and distribution of certain kratom products. It also establishes penalties for violations, classifying them as Class 2 misdemeanors.

House Bill 1056 would prohibit the distribution of products that fail to meet specific standards. The bill outlines six key requirements for kratom products, including limits on certain alkaloid levels, a ban on synthetic compounds, and labeling requirements.
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Jan 21 2025

New York Judge Halts Warrantless Raids on Licensed Marijuana Shops, Calls Them Unconstitutional

A New York judge has ordered law enforcement and state regulators to stop conducting warrantless raids on licensed marijuana businesses, a practice that has drawn sharp criticism for treating legitimate operators as if they were illegal dealers.

The ruling, issued by Judge Thomas Marcelle, addressed the actions of the New York City Sheriff’s Office and the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), which have come under fire for invasive and heavily armed inspections.

Despite the legalization of marijuana for adult use in 2021, New York law enforcement has continued aggressive tactics. Licensed cannabis shops have reported raids where deputies and inspectors, armed and without warrants, seized products and posted notices on doors accusing them of illegal activity. Business owners said these stickers harmed their sales, placing their stores at risk of closure.
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Jan 21 2025

DEA Has New Acting Administrator

Derek S. Maltz is the new Acting Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Anne Milgram is no longer the administrator of the DEA, a position she held for over three years. Given President Trump has not nominated a new administrator, Maltz has filled in the role as acting administrator, a position he will retain until removed by Trump or until Trump’s pick to lead the agency is confirmed by the Senate.

The mix-up at the DEA comes at a crucial time: Recently DEA Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney cancelled a series of public hearings on marijuana rescheduling, which were scheduled to start today and run through March 6. In cancelling the hearings, Mulrooney left open the possibility that the DEA could continue the hearings at a later date. He has directed relevant parties to provide an update within 90 days.
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