Home Depot is set to overhaul its drug testing policies by removing cannabis “from all drug testing panels” and halting pre-employment drug tests for the majority of its workforce.

These updates, which will take effect on September 1, were outlined in a human resources memo circulated this week among employees. The Marijuana Herald was sent a copy of the memo this afternoon. The memo specifies that marijuana will no longer be included in any drug tests nationwide, including those conducted after workplace incidents or when there is a suspicion of impairment. The shift in policy was confirmed via a social media post made by a Home Depot employee.

“Marijuana will be removed from all drug testing panels”, states the memo. “Applies to all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam”.
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According to the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control (DCC), there was $32.9 million worth of recreational marijuana sold during the first 17 days of legal sales.

Based on DCC data, licensed marijuana dispensaries in Ohio sold $32,967,100 worth of marijuana and marijuana products between August 6 and August 24. During this period there was 3,664 pounds of plant material sold, and 502,049 “units of manufactured product”.

The average price per gram of dried marijuana flower as of August 24 was $9.14, a $0.28 decrease from the average the week prior.
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A legislative panel in North Dakota has released a report which shows that if the state legalizes recreational marijuana this November, the state could bring in over $10 million in revenue over the first two years.

“Last Friday, North Dakota lawmakers discussed the financial impact of legalizing adult-use cannabis”, said New Economic Frontier, the group behind Measure 5, said in a social media post yesterday. “The state’s top tax official estimates that legalization could bring in at least $10.3 million in revenue over two years, though we believe this is just the minimum!”

The group says that “While the discussion covered potential costs and social impacts, this is a huge win for our cause. As we approach the November ballot, it’s clear that legalizing adult-use could provide significant revenue for our state.” They finish by saying “Let’s make history together this November 5th. Your vote can help North Dakota join the 24 states that have already legalized!”

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According to the results of a new study, “Chronic CBD administration reduced excessive daytime sleepiness”.

Titled Chronic Cannabidiol Administration Mitigates Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and Fatigue in Patients with Primary Hypertension: Insights from a Randomized Crossover Trial, the study was published in the peer reviewed journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research: It was published online ahead of print by the National Institute of Health. The study was conducted by researchers at University Hospital of Split in Croatia.

“The chronic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) supplementation on factors that could impact the quality of life (anxiety, sleeping quality, memory, etc.) are poorly explored”, states the study. “Hence, the aim of this study was to establish whether chronic CBD supplementation will improve self-reported outcomes related to quality of life.”
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An administrative law judge (ALJ) with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has officially scheduled a 10-day public hearing on the agency’s proposed plan to prohibit two different psychedelic compounds that scientists are urging them to keep legal.

ALJ Paul Soeffing has scheduled an administrative hearing that will take place from November 12 to November 22. A final meeting will take place on November 25.

The proposed rule would place 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-chloroamphetamine (DOC) as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), making them illegal for all purposes including for research and as a medicine. The DEA made a similar attempt to ban these two substances last year, but eventually revoked the effort after a large outcry from from scientists and researchers, many who feel the substances could have medical value.
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California’s full Senate has approved legislation to legalize marijuana cafés.

Yesterday, Assembly Bill 1775 was passed through its second reading in the Senate, allowing it to be considered for a third and final reading. The measure was approved through the full Assembly in May by a vote of 58 to 6, but it will need to go back for one final vote of concurrence once it passes its third Senate reading, given it was amended in committee.

Filed by State Representative Matt Haney (D), the proposed law would would “authorize a local jurisdiction, if specified conditions are met, to allow for the preparation or sale of noncannabis food or beverage products, as specified, by a licensed retailer or microbusiness in the area where the consumption of cannabis is allowed, and to allow, and to sell tickets for, live musical or other performances on the premises of a licensed retailer or microbusiness in the area where the consumption of cannabis is allowed.”
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According to a new YouGov poll, President Joe Biden’s mass pardons for federal marijuana possession charges are the most widely supported acts of presidential clemency in U.S. history.

The survey, released on Monday, gauged public opinion on more than a dozen significant pardons from various administrations. Biden’s decision to pardon those with federal cannabis possession offenses emerged as the clear favorite, with 69% of respondents in favor and only 18% opposed.

The poll found that only two other pardon events had majority support: Biden’s clemency for former service members penalized for their sexual orientation or gender identity (55%) and former President Jimmy Carter’s pardon of Vietnam War draft resisters (54%).
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Today, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida endorsed a YES vote on Amendment 3, which will appear on the November ballot.

“We join a growing coalition that agrees passing Amendment 3 is the best path for Florida”, states an ACLU press release. “ACLU’s endorsement follows SEIU Florida, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young, Republican State Sen. Joe Gruters, Democratic State Sen. Shev Jones, the Libertarian Party of Florida, and more local leaders from around the state illustrating the broad support for legalizing recreational adult use marijuana.”

Bacardi L. Jackson, Executive Director for ACLU of Florida, said the group “is proud to join many other organizations to endorse Amendment 3 on the November ballot. Amendment 3 is a significant step forward in respecting the personal freedom of Floridians and is crucial in addressing the disproportionate impact that the criminalization of marijuana possession and use has had on Florida’s Black community and other communities targeted by the criminal legal system. By approving Amendment 3, Florida voters can create a future that is both more equitable and more respectful of the freedom of the people of our state.”
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