Nov 29 2024

Study: Medical Marijuana Legalization Shows No Impact on Driving Attitudes in Kentucky and Tennessee

Researchers from Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Ohio State University have published a new study examining the effects of medical marijuana legalization on attitudes and behaviors toward driving after marijuana use (DAMU) in Kentucky and Tennessee.

Using survey data, researchers applied a novel matched design to infer causal relationships while accounting for observational data challenges such as unequal sampling probabilities and potential confounding.

The study, published in the Biometrical Journal, found no evidence linking medical marijuana legalization to increased tolerance of DAMU. This conclusion remained robust even after sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the impact of unmeasured confounding. Unlike previous studies that suggested minor associations between legalization and self-reported DAMU, this research evaluated both behaviors and attitudes using multiple survey items. The study highlighted regional differences, focusing on Southern and Midwestern states, where self-reported DAMU was rare.
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Nov 28 2024

Trump’s Second Term: What It Could Mean for Marijuana Law Reform

The 2024 election resulted in a decisive victory for former President Donald Trump, who has a mixed but clearly evolving history when it comes to marijuana law reform. Here’s what we can expect out of the next four years.

During Trump’s previous term, while he did not support legalizing medical or recreational marijuana or back any specific marijuana legislation, his administration took a hands-off approach to state marijuana laws. His first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, did rescind the Obama-era Cole Memo, which had provided verbal assurances to state-legal marijuana businesses. However, this did not lead to Trump or his administration attempting to supersede state marijuana laws or interfere with legal marijuana programs.

Since leaving office in January 2021, Trump has shown considerable growth on the issue. Earlier this year, Trump endorsed Florida’s Amendment 3, an initiative to legalize recreational marijuana which was strongly opposed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Soon after this endorsement, Trump gave his backing to the federal move to reschedule marijuana, as well as federal marijuana banking legislation.
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Nov 28 2024

Ohio: Almost $300 Million in Marijuana Sales Since Launch of Recreational Market on August 7, Over 3.4 Million Transactions

Since the launch of recreational marijuana sales on August 7, Ohio has recorded $283,230,130 in combined sales across both medical and recreational markets, according to the latest data available through November 23.

Recreational marijuana sales have contributed $178,481,465 during this period, while medical marijuana sales totaled $104,748,665, according to data released by the Ohio Department of Commerce’s
Division of Cannabis Control. During this period there were 2,363,214 recreational transactions and 1,109,022 medical transactions.

Prices have seen a significant decline since recreational sales began. The average cost per gram is now $7.68, a noticeable drop from $9.42 in early August. Similarly, the price for one-tenth of an ounce has fallen to $21.72 from $31.06.
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Nov 27 2024

Inspector General Orders DEA to Halt Warrantless Searches at Airports and Transportation Hubs

The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has been directed to cease conducting warrantless searches of travelers at airports and other transportation hubs.

The directive, issued by the Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General (IG), stems from an investigation that identified significant deficiencies in DEA practices.

The IG’s investigation revealed that DEA agents lacked sufficient training and frequently failed to properly document their search activities, as required by agency policy. Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz criticized the agency for its failure to track data on consensual encounters and assess the effectiveness of its interdiction efforts, stating that these shortcomings raise serious concerns about the efficient use of law enforcement resources.
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Nov 27 2024

Study: Cannabigerol (CBG) May Treat Inflammation, Pain, and Neurodegenerative Disorders

A new study published in the journal Molecules shines a spotlight on cannabigerol (CBG), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that’s rapidly gaining attention for its therapeutic possibilities.

Unlike THC, which is associated with the “high” associated with cannabis use, CBG offers potential medical benefits without intoxication, similar to CBD, making it a compelling candidate for clinical use.

Conducted by researchers from the United States and China, the review explores CBG’s molecular mechanisms and its ability to modulate key physiological processes. “CBG does not induce intoxication, making it an attractive option in the clinic,” the authors note. The study highlights CBG’s interactions with the endocannabinoid system, particularly CB1 and CB2 receptors, as well as transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and α2-adrenoceptors. These pathways suggest that CBG could alleviate inflammation, pain, and neurodegenerative conditions.
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Nov 27 2024

Study: CBD-Rich Cannabis Shows Promise in Treating Autism Symptoms

A new systematic review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences explores the potential role of cannabidiol (CBD)-rich cannabis in managing symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The study, conducted by researchers from LUM University, G. d’Annunzio University, and the Università Politecnica delle Marche, highlights both the promise and the limitations of this emerging treatment.

ASD is a lifelong neurological condition with limited treatment options, driving interest in alternative therapies such as phytocannabinoids derived from cannabis. This review assessed studies from 2020 onward that focused on individuals with ASD treated with CBD-rich cannabis. Researchers analyzed data from four studies involving 353 participants across Israel, Turkey, and Brazil.
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Nov 26 2024

CA$443 Million in Legal Marijuana Sold in Canada in September, Resulting in Over $80 Million in Tax Revenue

Legal marijuana sales in Canada saw a noticeable drop from August to September, but remained on par with previous months.

Licensed marijuana supplies in Canada sold CA$443.9 million worth of product in September, according to data released by Statistics Canada. Although this is a decrease from the CA$475 million sold in August, it’s similar to the CA$453 million sold in July and the CA$433 million sold in June. September sales generated around $88 million in tax revenue.

In September, Ontario had the largest share of marijuana since, with CA$177 million in sales. Alberta came second in sales with CA$76 million, followed by British Columbia at $69 million and Quebec at $55 million. Of these provinces, only British Columbia saw sales increase from August to September.
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Nov 26 2024

Study Finds Cannabidiol (CBD) Modulates Gut Microbiota to Mitigate Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

A study published in the journal Phytomedicine, conducted by researchers from the China-Japan Friendship Hospital, investigates how cannabidiol (CBD) influences gut microbiota and metabolic pathways to alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

“Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases, affecting multiple systems in the body”, states the study’s abstract. “Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most medically valuable active ingredients in cannabis. At present, CBD has been shown to alleviate the progression of RA; however, owing to its multiple targets, the mechanism of CBD is not clear.”

For the study, researchers “explored the mechanism by which CBD inhibits RA progression.”
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Nov 26 2024

Federal Marijuana Banking Legislation Could Still Pass By Year’s End, But Time is Running Out

Efforts to pass the SAFE or SAFER Banking Act during the lame duck session of Congress are gaining momentum, though time is running out.

The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act currently has 131 sponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives, more than any other marijuana-related bill in Congress. The updated Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act in the Senate has 36 sponsors and was approved late last year by the Senate Banking Committee with bipartisan support.

Both measures would establish explicit federal protections for banks and credit unions that work with marijuana businesses operating legally under state law. They would also allow state-legal marijuana businesses to take standard IRS tax deductions. With the measures set to expire at the end of the year and a new Congress convening in January, proponents are racing against the clock to secure passage.
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Nov 26 2024

Medical Marijuana Legalized in 39 States: A State-By-State Breakdown

39 states—78% of the entire country—have legalized medical marijuana.

In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana, paving the way for nationwide reform. In the 28 years since, 38 additional states have enacted similar programs, with several others also allowing low-THC marijuana oil for limited use. Nebraska was the most recent, with voter approving medical marijuana legalization in this month’s election, with the law taking effect on December 12.

Here’s a comprehensive look at all 39 states with medical marijuana programs, highlighting possession limits, the availability of licensed dispensaries, and home cultivation rules.
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