Apr 04 2025

Rhode Island Bill to Expand Cannabis Equity and Reallocate Tax Revenue Set for April 8 Committee Hearing

A proposal to significantly expand Rhode Island’s cannabis equity provisions and alter how marijuana tax revenue is distributed is scheduled for a public hearing and potential vote in the House Corporations Committee on April 8.

Filed by State Representative Leonela Felix alongside nine Democratic cosponsors, House Bill 5829 would make several changes to the state’s existing Cannabis Act. Among the most notable provisions are enhanced protections for applicants with prior marijuana convictions, the creation of a new investment fund for communities harmed by past enforcement, and a revised formula for distributing cannabis tax revenue.

The bill would allow the Cannabis Commission to waive 100% of licensing fees for eligible social equity applicants, and it would restrict how criminal records can be used in denying licenses. For example, a person could no longer be automatically disqualified based on a previous cannabis possession offense, unless the case involved distribution to minors or was found to substantially relate to the license being sought.
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Apr 04 2025

California’s Cannabis Sales Reach $316 Million in March, Pushing 2025 Total Past $915 Million

California’s legal marijuana market generated $316 million in sales in March, bringing the state’s total for 2025 to more than $915 million.

March’s total follows $289 million in February and $313 million in January, according to newly released data from the research firm Headset. The state’s marijuana market continues to lead the nation in overall revenue and product variety, with $918 million in total sales already in 2025.

Dried marijuana flower remains the most popular category among California consumers, accounting for $100 million in sales last month. Vapor pens followed with $90 million, while pre-rolls brought in $54 million. Edibles generated $36 million, and concentrates accounted for $17 million.
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Apr 04 2025

U.S. Congress: Bipartisan Bill Would Require VA to Establish Centers of Excellence to Study Psychedelic Therapies to Treat Veterans’ Invisible Wounds

Bipartisan lawmakers today introduced legislation that would establish a network of VA-designated centers dedicated to researching psychedelic-assisted treatments for Veterans suffering from PTSD, substance use disorder, depression, and other conditions.

The Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act of 2025 was filed by Representatives Lou Correa (CA-46) and Jack Bergman (R-MI), Co-Chairs of the Psychedelics Advancing Therapies (PATH) Caucus. This is the first piece of stand-alone psychedelics-related legislation that’s been introduced by the PATH Caucus.

In December 2024, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced funding for a study on MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD and alcohol use disorder among Veterans. This is the first time the VA has funded research on psychedelics since the 1960s. The Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act builds on this funding announcement by creating dedicated centers to study the therapeutic uses of psychedelic substances to treat a variety of conditions.
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Apr 04 2025

Study: Cannabis Stem Nanoparticles May Help Treat Skin Pigmentation and Protect Against Oxidative Stress

A new study published in Molecular Medicine Reports finds that nanoparticles made from Cannabis sativa stems could have serious potential as a cosmetic ingredient.

Conducted by researchers at the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology and Chungnam National University, the study evaluated the properties of Cannabis sativa stem-derived nanoparticles (CSS-NPs) and their potential use in treating skin disorders. The CSS-NPs, measuring approximately 120 nanometers in diameter, demonstrated resilience to harsh conditions such as fluctuating pH and enzymatic degradation. They also contained 48 distinct biochemical compounds.

In laboratory testing on mouse melanoma cells exposed to α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), which promotes melanin production, CSS-NPs significantly reduced the expression of genes and proteins linked to melanin synthesis. This effect was achieved through the activation of the ERK and Akt signaling pathways—two key regulators of cellular processes. Additionally, the nanoparticles improved cell viability and reduced reactive oxygen species while increasing levels of antioxidant-related enzymes.
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Apr 04 2025

Study: Medical Marijuana May Lower Costs and Improve Quality of Life for Pediatric Palliative Care Patients

According to a new / published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine, medical marijuana leads to improved symptoms, reduced medication use, and lower healthcare costs for children receiving palliative care.

Cannabis tincture.

Researchers from Akron Children’s Hospital in Ohio conducted a retrospective review of 46 pediatric patients who received medical marijuana recommendations between 2019 and 2022. The study focused on patients in an outpatient palliative care clinic and a small number of inpatients. The average patient age was 11.7 years, with 50% diagnosed with neurological conditions, 37% with hematological or oncological disorders, and 13% with chronic pain.

The most commonly recommended product was a balanced 1:1 CBD to THC tincture. Findings showed a statistically significant reduction in both inpatient hospital days and associated healthcare costs. In addition, 35% of patients were able to reduce or completely discontinue other medications.
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Apr 03 2025

New Massachusetts Bill Would Add Cannabis Beverages to Massachusetts Bottle Redemption Program

A new bill filed today in the Massachusetts Legislature would add cannabis-infused beverages to the state’s bottle redemption program.

Bottle redemption machines.

Filed by State Representative David LeBoeuf (D), House Bill 3982 has been referred to the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy. The proposal would amend current recycling laws to treat cannabis beverages like soda, water, and beer in terms of container redemption.

Specifically, the measure would update Section 321 of Chapter 94 of the General Laws to include cannabis-infused beverages in the definition of redeemable containers. These beverages are defined as those legally distributable under Massachusetts law that contain cannabinoids including CBD and THC.
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Apr 03 2025

Pennsylvania Lawmakers File Bill to Create Adult-Use Cannabis Farmer-Grower Program

A group of six Pennsylvania lawmakers introduced House Bill 1107 today, a measure that would establish a regulated adult-use cannabis farmer-grower program in anticipation of marijuana legalization.

Filed by State Representatives Melissa Shusterman, Ben Sanchez, Tarah Probst, Danilo Burgos, Melissa Cerrato and Dan Williams, all Democrats, HB 1107 would create the Adult-use Cannabis Program within the Department of Health. The legislation, which has been referred to the House Health Committee, lays the groundwork for a licensing system for small-scale growers—referred to as farmer-growers—who would be allowed to cultivate, process, and sell marijuana to licensed processors under strict regulations.

Farmer-growers would need to obtain a permit from the Department of Health, and would be limited to operating indoor facilities no larger than 10 acres. Each site must meet strict security, tracking, and reporting requirements. Permits would cost $2,500 annually, with the same amount charged for applications and renewals.
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Apr 03 2025

The Recreational Marijuana Tax Rate for Every Legal State

23 states have legalized the licensed distribution of cannabis, but how they approach taxes and regulations varies substantially.

Of these 23 states —21 of which have a currently operating adult-use market, with Delaware’s and Minnesota’s launching later this year— marijuana taxes range from just 6%, all the way to 37%. Below is a list of all 23 states that have legalized marijuana sales, from lowest to highest.
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Apr 03 2025

North Carolina Senate Leader Sees No Path for Recreational Marijuana This Session, But Says Medical Bill Possible

North Carolina Senate President Phil Berger says full legalization of marijuana is off the table this session, but medical marijuana legislation could still gain traction—if the House takes the lead.

In a recent interview with WXII 12 News, Berger said he sees no realistic chance of North Carolina passing a law to legalize marijuana for recreational use during the current legislation session. However, he acknowledged there is continued support for allowing marijuana for medical purposes.

“I don’t see that there is any chance of full legalization of recreational marijuana,” said Berger. “I do think there continues to be discussion about medical marijuana. The Senate has, on a couple of occasions, passed medical marijuana legislation. And I think there remain majorities within the Senate for legislation of that sort.”
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Apr 03 2025

Florida House Committee Unanimously Approves Bill to Make Medical Marijuana Cards Free for Veterans

In a unanimous 16 to 0 vote, Florida’s House Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee today approved a bill that would make medical marijuana cards free for veterans and extend the validity of all cards from one year to two.

(Photo credit: GETTY Images).

House Bill 555 is designed to ease access to medical marijuana for veterans, and make the process more affordable for them. The proposal would waive the state’s fee for issuing, replacing, or renewing medical marijuana identification cards for honorably discharged veterans. Applicants would be required to submit a DD-214 form as proof of status.

HB 555 also proposes extending the validity of medical marijuana identification cards from one year to two years, reducing the frequency and cost of renewals for all qualified patients and caregivers (this would apply to all patients, not just veterans).
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