Jan 17 2024

NFL Partnering With University to Study CBD for Treating Pain and Concussions

The National Football League (NFL) is partnering with researchers in order to conduct clinical trials on the safety and efficiency of the marijuana compound cannabidiol (CBD) for treating pain and providing protection against concussions.

“The goal of this open-label, placebo-controlled, dosage escalation study is to learn about the safety of a Cannabis/Hemp Isolate Extract in normal healthy adults engaged in elite contact sport competition”, states a notice announcing the study.

The main question it aims to answer is “Are cannabis/hemp-based products with high CBD safe, well-tolerated and without adverse physiological and psychological dysfunction, when administered on a daily basis?”
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Jan 16 2024

WA House Committee Holds Public Hearing on Legislation to Legalize Personal Marijuana Cultivation

A legislative proposal that would allow those 21 and older in Washington State to grow marijuana for personal use received a public hearing today in a House committee, and all but one person spoke in favor.

House Bill 2194, filed by Representative Shelley Kloba with 12 cosponsors, would legalize the personal cultivation of up to six marijuana plants for everyone 21 and older. The proposal specifics that no more than 15 plants “may be produced at any one time on the premises of a single housing unit, regardless of the number of residents living on the premises of the housing unit.”

Under current law growing even a single marijuana plant can result in a Class C Felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Despite Washington being one of the two states to first legalize marijuana in 2012, they remain one of the only states among the 24 with legal marijuana to not allow personal cultivation.
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Jan 16 2024

Bipartisan US House Bill to Protect States That Legalize Marijuana Gains New Sponsor

Federal legislation that would protect state marijuana laws and allow commerce between legal marijuana states and tribes recently gained a new legislative sponsor.

The STATES (Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States) Act 2.0 was filed last month by Representative Dave Joyce (R) with four cosponsors. The measure has since gained two additional cosponsors, including garnering its seventh cosponsor on Thursday, January 11, with Rep. Gregory Steube (R-FL) joining the list.

Other sponsors to the bill are Representatives Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R), Brian Mast (R), Troy Carter (D), Earl Blumenauer (D) and Luis Correa (D-CA).
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Jan 16 2024

US Congressional Researchers Release Report Titled “Legal Consequences of Rescheduling Marijuana”

A new report released today by the Congressional Research Service details the legal consequences of the federal government rescheduling marijuana.

The report starts by noting that on August 29, 2023, “the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reportedly recommended to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that marijuana be rescheduled from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA)”, with the DEA “currently reviewing HHS’s recommendation.”

When considering whether to schedule or reschedule a controlled substance, “DEA is bound by HHS’s recommendations on scientific and medical matters. However, DEA has also stated that it has “final authority to schedule, reschedule, or deschedule a drug under the Controlled Substances Act.”
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Jan 16 2024

Marijuana Legalization Among “Legislative Priorities” For Hawaii Senate in 2024

Hawaii Senate Democrats have announced that legalizing marijuana is one of their top priorities for 2024.

In March of last year Hawaii’s full Senate in an overwhelming 22 to 3 vote passed a bill to legalize recreational marijuana. The measure failed to advance out of the House of Representatives and sent to Governor Josh Green before the end of the legislative session.

Now, Senate Democrats, who control 23 of the chamber’s 25 seats, say it’s a key priority to pass a similar marijuana legalization bill this year, in hopes that the House will act on it.
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Jan 16 2024

High Times Announces Winners of Massachusetts Cannabis Cup: People’s Choice Edition 2023

High Times has announced the winners of the High Times Cannabis Cup Massachusetts: People’s Choice Edition 2023.

High Times Cannabis Cups “showcase the best cannabis products around, and the ones that really stood out rose to the top”. The final results “are astounding”, says High Times, “and we’re proud to announce that Massachusetts is home to cannabis that’s better than ever.”

High Times says Massachusetts is home to one of the “most electrified and passionate crowds we’ve ever encountered among all Cannabis Cup events.”
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Jan 16 2024

Vermont House Passes Bill to Establish Overdose Prevention Centers

Legislation to fund overdose prevention centers has been passed by Vermont’s full House of Representatives.

Vermont State House.

House Bill 72, filed by State Representative Taylor Small along with 28 cosponsors, would establish a pilot program that would lead to the creation of several overdose prevention centers, sometimes referred to as safe injection sites. If the measure is approved by the Senate and signed into law (or allowed to become law without a signature) by Governor Phil Scott, Vermont would join Minnesota and Rhode Island as states with similar pilot programs.

Under the proposed law overdose prevention centers would be locations, staffed by medical professionals, where those addicted to illegal substances can legally use their drugs in a supervised environment. These centers would offer support and treatment services to those addicted to drugs.
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Jan 16 2024

Michigan: Record-Breaking $280 Million in Marijuana Sold in December, Over $3 Billion in 2023

Michigan marijuana stores sold more product in December than in any month prior.

According to the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency, there was $276,732,645 worth of recreational marijuana sold in December, in addition to $3,177,042 worth of medical marijuana. The combined $279,909,688 is a new monthly record.

Total marijuana sales for 2023 ended at around $3.1 billion. Total recreational marijuana sales since the start of legal sales in December, 2019 now stands at $6.9 billion. This is in addition to the $1.6 billion in medical marijuana sold during the same period. This brings total marijuana sales over the past four years to round $8.5 billion.
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Jan 15 2024

WA House Committees Passes Bill to Alter Possession Limit for Marijuana-Infused Liquids

Legislation that would make changes to the state’s possession limit for some marijuana-infused products has been approved through its initial committee.

House Bill 1249, filed by State Representatives Chris Corry (R) and Kristine Reeves (D), has been given approval in a unanimous 11 to 0 vote through the House Committee on Regulated Substances & Gaming. The measure must now be passed through one more committee before it can be considered by the full House of Representatives.

Under Washington’s current marijuana law, those 21 and older can possess:
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Jan 15 2024

US House Resolution Filed to “Increase Equity Within Cannabis Policy and the Legal Cannabis Marketplace”

The RESPECT Resolution (H.R. 960) “Urging action to increase equity within cannabis policy and the legal cannabis marketplace”, has been filed by Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA).

The RESPECT (“Realizing Equitable & Sustainable Participation in Emerging Cannabis Trades) Resolution was filed in the US House of Representatives on Thursday, with the measure cosponsored by Congressmembers Alma Adams (NC), Janice “Jan” Schakowsky (IL), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA), Earl Blumenauer (OR), James “Jim” McGovern (MA), Eleanor Norton (DC) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ).

Congressmember Lee in a press release says the resolution “aims to elevate the importance of equity within the legal cannabis marketplace, address disparities and proactively address and repair the most egregious effects of the War on Drugs on communities of color””
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