Cannabinoids Improve Memory and Motor Function in Animal Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

A new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease Reports examines the potential of the synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2 in improving cognitive and motor deficits associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

The research, conducted on Tg4-42 transgenic mice, found that both preventative and therapeutic administration of WIN 55,212-2 (designed to mimic the effects of naturally derived cannabinoids) led to significant improvements in memory and motor function.

The study evaluated the effects of WIN 55,212-2 on spatial learning, recognition memory, and motor coordination. Results showed that treatment rescued deficits in recognition memory and spatial reference learning in Tg4-42 mice. Additionally, therapeutic administration improved motor performance, while preventative treatment enhanced spatial learning. Importantly, WIN 55,212-2 did not impact anxiety-like behavior, though it increased locomotor activity and swimming speed.

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Randomized, Double-Blind Trial Finds Low-Dose CBD May Enhance Opioid Pain Relief Without Increasing Adverse Effects

According to a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy human laboratory trial conducted by researchers from researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Arizona State University, cannabidiol (CBD) enhances the analgesic effects of the opioid hydromorphone without exacerbating its adverse effects.

CBD tincture.

The study involved 31 healthy participants who attended five outpatient sessions, receiving different drug conditions: placebo, hydromorphone alone, and hydromorphone combined with 50 mg, 100 mg, or 200 mg of CBD. Participants underwent pain assessments, subjective drug effect evaluations, and psychomotor performance tasks.

Results indicated that when combined with a dose of hydromorphone that did not independently produce significant pain relief, CBD enhanced analgesic effects for acute pain but not chronic pain models. However, the highest CBD dose (200 mg) led to increased self-reported adverse effects, which were not observed with the lower 50 mg dose. Additionally, CBD appeared to mitigate hydromorphone-induced psychomotor impairment.

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Ohio: $550 Million in Legal Marijuana Sold Across 6.9 Million Transactions Between August 7 and March 1

Since the launch of the state’s recreational marijuana market on August 7, the state has generated around $550 million in sales spread across 6.9 million transactions, as of March 1.

Between August and March, there were $361,994,872 in recreational marijuana sales in Ohio, in addition to $187,298,933 in medical marijuana sales, according to data released yesterday by the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control. Combined, total marijuana sales reached $549,293,805 over the nearly seven-month period. During this time, there were 4,906,093 recreational transactions and 1,991,352 medical transactions, for a total of 6,897,445.

The average price per gram of dried marijuana as of March 1 is $7 per gram and $19.81 per 1/10th of an ounce. Since Ohio began licensed medical marijuana sales in 2019, all-time sales are now at $2,467,303,615 across 23,227,243 transactions.
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New York Bill Would Allow Cannabis Consumption Lounges to Serve Food, Drinks, and Live Entertainment

Legislation was introduced today in the New York Senate that would expand the allowable activities within licensed cannabis consumption lounges.

Senate Bill 5826, filed today by Senator Luis Sepúlveda, has been referred to the Senate Committee on Investigations and Government Operations for further consideration.

The proposed legislation seeks to amend Section 77 of the Cannabis Law to allow these establishments to:

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Nebraska Medica Cannabis Group Pushes Back Against Legislation to Restrict Medical Marijuana

The nonprofit organization Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana held a press conference today to push back against legislative efforts that would limit access to medical marijuana, following overwhelming voter approval of its legalization last November.

At a press conference Monday morning, the group backed bills introduced by State Senators Danielle Conrad and Ben Hansen while condemning a proposal from State Senator Jared Storm.

“The people have spoken, and they have spoken resoundingly,” said Conrad, referencing the 71% of voters who approved medical marijuana. Despite overwhelming approval by voters, Storm’s bill, LB 483, would restrict marijuana to pill and liquid forms, a move NMM Executive Director Crista Eggers strongly opposed.
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Illinois On-Premise Cannabis Consumption Act Gains Three New Sponsors

Illinois House Bill 3513, the On-Premise Cannabis Consumption Act, gained three new cosponsors today.

The proposed law, which would allow counties and municipalities to issue licenses for temporary events and cannabis hospitality venues where marijuana consumption is permitted, was filed on February 6 by State Representative Justin Slaughter. Today, State Representatives Kelly Cassidy (D), Lilian Jimenez (D), and Anne Stava-Murray signed on to cosponsor the measure.

Under the proposed legislation, licensed events and venues could allow the consumption of cannabis and cannabis-infused products, as well as the sale of cannabis paraphernalia. Before any licenses can be issued, local governments would be required to adopt ordinances that establish specific regulations for these events and establishments. The bill also includes modifications to the Smoke Free Illinois Act to accommodate on-site marijuana use.
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Detroit Council Committee Approves Ordinance to Restrict Marijuana Advertisements Near Schools, Parks, and Libraries

Detroit officials are pushing forward with a plan to limit where marijuana businesses can advertise.

A proposed ordinance that would prohibit fixed marijuana advertisements within 1,000 feet of schools, libraries, and other youth-oriented spaces has been given approval by the Detroit City Council’s Public Health and Safety Standing Committee. The proposal, sponsored by Councilmember Angela Whitfield Calloway, now moves forward to the full council.

In Detroit, licensed recreational marijuana sales began in 2023. Since then, 50 licensed marijuana outlets have opened. If passed, the ordinance would mirror advertising limits already in place for alcohol and tobacco, blocking fixed marijuana ads near childcare centers, juvenile facilities, playgrounds, and parks.
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New York: Bipartisan Bill Filed to Expand Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Sales

New York State Senators Luis Sepulveda (D) and Robert Rolison (R) introduced Senate Bill 5809 today, a bipartisan measure that would expand the sale of products containing hemp-derived cannabinoids.

Gummies made with hemp-derived Delta-8 THC.

The legislation would allow licensed retailers to sell all forms of cannabinoid hemp products starting January 1, 2026, as long as they meet established safety standards. The bill, which has been referred to the Senate Investigations and Government Operations Committee, would repeal emergency regulations adopted by the Office of Cannabis Management, which currently limit the types of cannabinoid hemp products available for sale.

Additionally, SB 5809 proposes refining the definition of “Total THC” within state cannabis law, clarifying that it refers only to the dry weight percentage of Delta-9 THC in each product. The changes are intended to provide greater clarity for retailers and consumers while ensuring compliance with safety guidelines.
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Ontario: CA$164.66 Million in Legal Marijuana Sales in February, 13% Year-Over-Year Increase

Ontario’s legal marijuana market brought in over $164 million in sales in February, representing a notable increase over the previous year.

According to data compiled and released by the research firm Headset, Ontario’s licensed marijuana stores sold $164.66 million in marijuana and marijuana products in February, a 13% increase over the CA$145 million sold in February 2024. The $164.66 million in sales resulted in approximately $36 million in tax revenue.

Alberta, Canada’s next top province in terms of total marijuana sales, also experienced an uptick in sales compared to last year, albeit not as drastic. In February, Alberta’s marijuana market had $76 million in sales, a 6.7% increase from the previous February.
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Pro-Cannabis Legalization Tim Walz Says He Would “Certainly Consider” Running for President in 2028

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a strong proponent of marijuana legalization, has stated that he would “certainly consider” a run for president in 2028.

In an interview with The New Yorker Radio Hour, Walz discussed his future in politics and the possibility of a presidential bid in 2028.

Walz said “I’m not somebody who aspired to be president or vice president. But I also recognize if you have something to offer, and it’s the right time, you have to at least be open to the discussion.”
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