Apr 02 2023

Montana House Votes 65 to 35 to Redirect Marijuana Tax Revenue to General Fund

Montana’s full House of Representatives have passed House Bill 669 through its second reading.

Filed by State Representative Bill Mercer, House Bill 669 passed the House in its second reading 65 to 35, just a few days after it passed the Appropriations Committee 15 to 8. It will now need to pass through a 3rd and final reading in the House before it can be sent to the Senate.

The proposal would redirect marijuana tax revenue away from items like wildlife habitat, state parks and trails and recreational facilities, and would instead put all revenue into the state’s General Fund.
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Apr 02 2023

Over $200 Million in Legal Marijuana Sold in Michigan in February, $32 Million in Taxes

Despite being a short month there was over $200 million worth of marijuana and marijuana products purchased legally in Michigan in February.

According to the latest Cannabis Regulatory Agency Monthly Report, Michigan marijuana stores sold 347,733 pounds and 354,020 fluid ounces worth of marijuana costing a total of $206,378,444. Medical marijuana sales were much lower at $10.01 million and 17,808 pounds sold (along with 7,030 fluid ounces).

These numbers represent a roughly 4% increase from January and a nearly 40% increase from February, 2022. The state also garnered around $3 million in licensing and regulatory assessment fees.
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Apr 01 2023

Case Report: Oil With CBD and THC Significantly Reduced Pain in Cat With Chronic Osteoarthritic Pain

In a clinical case report being published in the upcoming issue of the peer-reviewed journal Veterinary Medicine and Science, oil with both THC and CBD reduced the pain index by over 50% in a feline with chronic osteoarthritic pain.

Conducted by researchers at the Universidad de la República in Uruguay, the study was epublished ahead of print by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. The aim of the study “is to highlight the usefulness of cannabis-based products as analgesics in cats.” Researchers call it “the first reported case about the use of full spectrum cannabis sativa oil in a cat with osteoarthritic pain.”

For the study a” 10-year-old mixed breed male cat presented with cl\nical signs related to chronic orthopaedic pain” was examined.  The cat´s owner reported a decrease in usual activity levels as well as difficulty jumping and vocalization during defecation, amongst other issues. Researchers determined the cats score on the Musculoskeletal Pain Index (FMPI) to be 13.
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Apr 01 2023

Arkansas Bill to Codify Gun Rights for Medical Marijuana Patients Passed By Committee

A bill to make it so that medical marijuana patients and caregivers can receive, possess, conceal and transport firearms after a successful background check has been passed by a key House committee.

The House Judiciary Committee has voted to pass House Bill 1784, filed by State Representative Aaron Pilkington. The proposal would amend the state’s concealed carry license law to clarify that those issuing licenses “shall not consider a person’s status as a qualifying patient or designated caregiver under the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2016, Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 98, § 2, in determining whether an applicant is eligible to be issued a license to carry a concealed handgun under this subchapter.”

The measure also states that “a person’s status as a qualifying patient or designated caregiver is confidential”, and that “The Department of Health shall not disclose the identity of a person who has been issued a registry identification card to the Division of the Arkansas State Police for the purpose of facilitating a criminal history record check or any other background check related to the issuance of a license to carry a concealed handgun”
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Mar 31 2023

Over $40 Million in Legal Marijuana Sold in New Mexico in February

According to data released by the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department, there was over $40 million in legal marijuana sold in February, a slight increase from the month prior.

In February in New Mexico consumers purchased $41,605,770 in legal marijuana and marijuana products. $27,663,790 of this was from recreational marijuana sales, with the remaining $13,941,979 coming from medical marijuana purchases. These numbers are a slight increase over the $40.2 million sold in January, and resulted in around $5 million in tax revenue.

According to the department, there are 606 marijuana outlets throughout the state, with 887,569 transactions in February alone.
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Mar 31 2023

Measure Establishing Rules and Regulations for Legal Marijuana Industry Passed by Maryland Senate

The full Maryland Senate has passed a measure establishing rules and regulations for the legal marijuana industry including licensed marijuana retail outlets.

A little less than five months after voters approved an initiative to legalize marijuana, and three months before it takes effect, Maryland lawmakers have approved rules and regulations for the legal marijuana industry. The Senate passed Senate Bill 516 today by a vote of 32 to 12.

Although the proposal has already passed through the House of Representatives, the Senate version differs slightly due to amendments being approved. This means a conference committee will be established to hash out the specific details and allow the chambers to concur on a finalized version. Once this happens the measure will be sent to Governor Wes Moore.
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Mar 31 2023

Study Finds CBD May be a “Therapeutic Agent Candidate for Endometriosis”

Due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and antiangiogenic effects, “CBD might be a therapeutic agent candidate for endometriosis”, states a newly published study.

Titled Cannabidiol as a potential novel treatment for endometriosis by its anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and antiangiogenic effects in an experimental rat model, the study was published in the peer-reviewed publication Reproductive BioMedicine Online, as well as the website for the National Library of Medicine. The study was conducted by researchers at Acibadem Kozyatagi Hospital, Bezmialem University, Istanbul Medipol University, University of Health Sciences and Acibadem Kozyatagi Hospital, all in Turkey.

The primary objective of the study was to determine whether or not the marijuana compound cannabidiol (CBD) “can be used in the treatment of endometriosis for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and antiangiogenic effects”.
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Mar 31 2023

Jones Soda Co. Launching Marijuana-Infused Sodas and Syrups in Nevada and Michigan

Jones Soda Co., the popular soda brand known for their unique flavors, will soon be launching a line of marijuana-infused drinks in Nevada.

According to a press release, Jones will soon be launching their Mary Jones line of marijuana-infused sodas in Nevada and Michigan, after launching in California in June. Michigan and Nevada represent the fourth and eighth largest cannabis markets in the United States.

Jones Soda Co. says that their marijuana sodas will launch in both states this summer. They will be offering a variety of options including sodas with 10mg of THC and some with 100mg. They will also be offering THC-infused syrups. Flavors will include Orange and Cream, Green Apple, Root Beer and Berry Lemonade.
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Mar 31 2023

Connecticut Joint Judiciary Committee Approves Bill to Decriminalize Psilocybin

Legislation that would decriminalize the personal possession of psilocybin (the hallucinogenic compound in magic mushrooms) has been passed by a legislative committee in Connecticut.

Psilocybin mushrooms.

Connecticut’s Joint Committee on the Judiciary voted 26 to 11 yesterday to pass House Bill 6734, which would remove the criminal penalties associated with possessing up to a half ounce of psilocybin or magic mushrooms.

Under the proposed law those caught possessing magic mushrooms could still face a fine of up to $150 with subsequent fines jumping to $200 and $500, but there would be no possibility of a criminal charge or jail time. Under current Connecticut law possessing even a single gram of psilocybin is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail.
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Mar 31 2023

Kentucky Governor Signs Bill Legalizing Medical Marijuana

A day after it was approved by the state’s legislature, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshea signed into law legislation that legalizes medical marijuana.

Governor Beshea wasted no time in making his state the latest to legalize the medical use of marijuana. The bill’s signing came a day after the House of Representatives voted 66 to 33 to pass Senate Bill 47, which had already passed the Senate 26 to 11.

Senate Bill 47 legalizes the possession and use of medical marijuana for those with a qualifying medical condition who receive a recommendation from a physician or advanced practice registered nurse. Licensed dispensaries will be allowed to distribute marijuana and marijuana products. Although smoking marijuana isn’t allowed, dried flower is still permitted for vaping, and patients will be able to obtain marijuana through a variety of other products.
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