May 27 2024

Federal Health Agency Acknowledges Psilocybin’s Potential Benefits for Mental Health and Addiction

A federal health agency has recently published a page highlighting the potential benefits of psilocybin, a psychedelic substance, for mental health and addiction treatment.

Dried psilocybin.

The page, titled “Psilocybin for Mental Health and Addiction: What You Need To Know,” was posted on the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) website, which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

This new page provides information about psilocybin, including its origins, legal status, and research. The NCCIH notes ongoing federally funded research into psilocybin’s effects on conditions such as pain, migraines, and psychiatric disorders.
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May 26 2024

The Top 5 Most Popular Legal Marijuana Strains In the United States

In the United States, there are hundreds of marijuana strains sold in the legal marijuana market, including over 600 in Massachusetts alone. That said, some strains are far more popular and prominent than others.

Currently, 24 states have legalized recreational marijuana, and 38 states have legalized medical marijuana. Most of these states have thriving legal marijuana markets with numerous licensed stores and dispensaries. Among these states, a few marijuana strains have gained enduring popularity nationwide, reflecting significant long-term interest.

Using data compiled by Leafly and state regulatory agencies, here are the top 5 most popular marijuana strains across the US:

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May 26 2024

DEA’s Marijuana Proposal Now Has Over 5,000 Comments, Just 3% Want Marijuana to Remain Schedule I

Five days ago the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) submitted in the Federal Register their proposal to move marijuana to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, launching a 60-day public comment period.

In those five days, there has already been over 5,000 comments submitted under Regulations.gov. A strong majority of these comments —over 3,500— are calling on the DEA to go even further by rescheduling marijuana altogether. A shockingly low 3% want marijuana to remain a Schedule I drug (aka retain the status quo).

The DEA’s proposal calls for marijuana to be reclassified from its current status as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to a Schedule III. This would mark the biggest change in federal marijuana policy since the CSA was established in 1970.
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May 25 2024

The 5 Statewide Marijuana Initiatives Being Voted on This November

This November, voters across the United States will have the opportunity to shape the future of marijuana policy in their respective states.

With five key initiatives set to appear on the November ballot, the upcoming election could significantly impact the landscape of both medical and recreational marijuana. Currently 24 states have legalized recreational marijuana and 38 have legalized medical marijuana, but that number could increase this election.

With that said, below are the five states with marijuana initiatives being voted on this November:
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May 24 2024

Leading Law Enforcement Groups Endorse Bipartisan Federal Marijuana Legislation

Today, the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) and the Oregon Coalition of Police and Sheriffs (ORCOPs) announced their endorsement of the bipartisan Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States (STATES) Act.

The legislation would align federal policy with state policy to ensure safer legal cannabis markets. It would also aid states that have legalized medicinal and recreational cannabis while protecting states that have chosen to keep cannabis prohibited.

“Thank you to the Oregon Coalition of Police and Sheriffs and Peace Officers Research Association of California for endorsing the STATES Act,” said United States Representative Dave Joyce (R-OH). “As a former prosecutor, I know firsthand that our law enforcement officers are already stretched thin – forcing these public servants to walk a discrepant line between state and federal policy not only defies state’s rights but is an inefficient use of precious law enforcement resources. Most importantly, it does nothing to enhance public safety and, in many cases, works against it.”
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May 24 2024

Federal Marijuana Banking Act Gains Two New Sponsors in US House, Now Has 122

Bipartisan legislation to allow marijuana banking nationwide gained two new sponsors yesterday, bringing the total to 122.

Yesterday Congressmembers Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Rick Larsen (D-WA) joined as official cosponsors to the SAFE Banking Act. The measure now has 122 total sponsors, well more than any previous marijuana-related bill.

The SAFE Banking Act and the Senate’s SAFER Banking Act, which has 36 sponsors, would offer federal protections for banks and credit unions that choose to provide financial services to marijuana businesses legal under their state’s law. Additionally, the legislation would allow state-legal marijuana businesses to take standard IRS tax deductions, which is currently forbidden.
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May 23 2024

New Hampshire Senate Passes Bill to Legalize Recreational Marijuana Through Final Reading, Awaits House Concurrence

New Hampshire’s Senate has passed legislation to legalize recreational marijuana through a third and final reading, marking the first time a Republican-led state senate has approved such a measure.

House Bill 1633 was passed through the Senate today with a vote of 14 to 10. The House of Representatives has already passed the measure with an overwhelming 239 to 136 vote. However, HB 1633 will need to go back to the House for a final vote of concurrence due to amendments made in the Senate. Governor Chris Sununu has indicated he will sign the bill into law if the House maintains the Senate’s changes.

If the House disagrees with the Senate’s amendments, a conference committee consisting of members from both chambers will be established to reach a consensus.
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May 23 2024

US House Agriculture Committee Approves Amendment to Ban Delta-8 THC and Other Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids

A U.S. House of Representatives committee has approved an amendment to the $1.5 trillion Federal Farm Bill that proposes a ban on most hemp products, including all cannabinoids synthesized or manufactured outside of the plant, such as delta-8 THC.

Hemp plants.

“My amendment will close the loophole created in the 2018 Farm Bill that allows intoxicating hemp products like delta-8 to be sold,” Congressmember Mary Miller (R-IL) told the House Agriculture Committee prior to the vote. “These products are being marketed to children and sending hundreds of them to the hospital. We must stop teenagers and young children from being exposed to addictive and harmful drugs”.

The amendment approved by the committee would prohibit nearly all products containing delta-8 and delta-9 THC, as well as all other novel cannabinoids derived from hemp
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May 23 2024

Top 5 States with Most Lawmakers Supporting Federal Bills to Deschedule Marijuana

There are 107 members of the United States Congress who have sponsored one of two bills to deschedule marijuana. Here’s a look at the five states with the most lawmakers supporting this move.

Earlier this month a coalition of 18 US Senators introduced the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA). The measure would fully deschedule marijuana, allow expungements of marijuana charges, and establish a federal marijuana excise tax. In April 2023 similar legislation was filed in the House, titled the MORE Act. The proposal currently has 89 sponsors, more than any marijuana-related bill other than the SAFE Banking Act, which has 120.

Between the two bills, there are 30 different states with representatives sponsoring legislation to completely remove marijuana as a substance on the Controlled Substances Act.
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May 23 2024

Delaware Committee Approves Bill That Would Allow Recreational Marijuana Sales to Begin This Year

A key committee in the Delaware House of Representatives has advanced a bill allowing medical marijuana dispensaries to quickly transition into the recreational market, potentially starting recreational sales months ahead of schedule.

Today, the House Economic Development/Banking/Insurance & Commerce Committee passed House Bill 408, sponsored by State Representative Ed Osienski, with a companion bill from Senator Trey Paradee. The bill proposes temporary conversion licenses for medical marijuana retailers, enabling them to sell recreational marijuana while maintaining their medical operations.

Rep. Osienski stated, “As we approach the launch of recreational marijuana sales in Delaware, it’s vital to implement policies that support both new and existing retailers. Our experienced centers can smoothly handle this transition, using the fees from conversion licenses to support social equity applicants.”
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