Feb 23 2025

Study: Psilocybin and MDMA Show Potential for Treating Prolonged Grief Disorder

Psychedelics, particularly psilocybin and MDMA, may be a useful tool in combatting prolonged grief disorder, according to a new study conducted by researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the University of Virginia.

Dried psilocybin (left), and MDMA tablets (right).

“Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) is distinct from yet related to non-pathologic grief, depression, addiction, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with a prevalence of up to 10% in bereaved populations”, states the study, published by the journal International Review of Psychiatry.

The study states that “Hallmarks of PGD include functional impairment a year or more post-bereavement and intense yearning for the deceased. Current treatments for PGD are typically psychological rather than psychopharmacological, and more treatment options are needed.”
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Feb 22 2025

New Connecticut Bill Would Decriminalize Psilocybin

A bill introduced in the Connecticut General Assembly by would decriminalize possession of small amounts of psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms.

House Bill 7065, sponsored by the Joint Committee on Judiciary, would remove criminal penalties for individuals found in possession of less than half an ounce of psilocybin. Under the bill, first-time offenders would face a $150 fine, while repeat offenses would result in fines ranging from $200 to $500. Law enforcement officers would still be required to seize and destroy any psilocybin found.

Additionally, the bill revises statutes related to drug paraphernalia, ensuring that possession of items used to consume psilocybin would no longer carry criminal penalties.
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Feb 22 2025

Canada: December Breaks Monthly Marijuana Sales Record With CA$499 Million, Bringing 2024 Total to Over CA$5 Billion

There was more marijuana sold legally in December than any month prior in Canada, according to data released by Statistics Canada.

In December, Canada generated $499.7 million in marijuana sales, which includes dried marijuana flower in addition to a variety of marijuana products including concentrates, edibles and topicals.

December’s sales total brings the 2024 total to $5.3 billion.
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Feb 21 2025

Washington Bill to Allow Direct-to-Consumer Marijuana Sales Approved by Committee

Washington’s Senate Labor & Commerce Committee has given approval to a measure that would allow marijuana producers and processors to sell directly to consumers.

Senate Bill 5403 would allow licensed marijuana producers and processors to sell marijuana flower directly to consumers, provided the products are limited to those produced by the licensee. These direct sales would need to comply with existing purchase limits for those 21 and older, which include up to one ounce of usable marijuana or seven grams of marijuana concentrate, among other restrictions.

The legislation would require direct-to-consumer sales to include the state’s 37% marijuana excise tax, with prices and advertisements clearly reflecting the added cost. The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board would have the authority to establish security and operational rules for these sales, but the regulations could not be more stringent than those imposed on retail licensees.
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Feb 21 2025

New Mexico Lawmaker Files Bill to Mandate Medical Cannabis Insurance Coverage

A new bill introduced today in the New Mexico House of Representatives would require insurance coverage for medical cannabis.

House Bill 527, sponsored by State Representative Cristina Parajón (D), would require health insurance providers to cover medical marijuana as they do other prescription medications.

The legislation, if enacted, would amend the Health Care Purchasing Act, the Public Assistance Act, and the New Mexico Insurance Code to mandate insurance coverage for an “adequate supply” of medical marijuana for individuals with qualifying conditions. The bill defines an adequate supply as a three-month allotment of marijuana obtained from an in-state retailer. It also establishes a direct payment or reimbursement system for cannabis retailers and qualifying patients.
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Feb 21 2025

Colorado Issues First Licenses for Psilocybin Businesses, Legal Access Expected by Spring

Colorado regulators have issued the first licenses to individuals looking to enter the state’s emerging psilocybin industry.

Psilocybin mushroom.

The Department of Revenue’s Natural Medicine Division has approved seven applications for individuals seeking to cultivate psilocybin mushrooms or operate healing centers. The division also granted one license to a local applicant aiming to work in the industry.

While some individuals have received state approval, each business must secure an official license before beginning operations. According to state data, no business licenses have been finalized yet, but regulators expect the public could have access to psilocybin-assisted therapy as early as spring.
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Feb 21 2025

Michigan to Distribute Nearly $100 Million in Marijuana Tax Revenue to 302 Cities and Tribes

Michigan is distributing nearly $100 million to 302 entities and tribes as part of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act.

A total of 108 cities, 36 villages, 80 townships, and four tribes will receive payments exceeding $58,200 for each licensed retail store and microbusiness within their jurisdictions.

The funds are sourced from the Marihuana Regulation Fund, which receives revenue from the state’s 10% excise tax on adult-use marijuana sales and other associated fees. In the 2024 fiscal year, more than $331 million was available for distribution. This includes over $116 million allocated to the School Aid Fund for K-12 education and another $116 million directed to the Michigan Transportation Fund.
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Feb 21 2025

Washington Committee Approves Bill to Legalize Marijuana Home Grows

Legislation to legalize the personal cultivation of marijuana in Washington State has received committee approval for the first time ever.

House Bill 1449, filed by a group of 16 state representatives in January, has been given approval by the House Consumer Protection and Business Committee, by a vote of 9 to 6. Although a similar measure has been introduced for years, this is the first time in state history that a bill to legalize personal marijuana cultivation has received committee approval. The measure now moves towards a vote by the full House of Representatives.

Under the proposed law, those 21 and older would be allowed grow up to six cannabis plants at a private residence, with up to 15 allowed per household if more than one adult lives there. Although the current possession limit for cannabis in Washington is one ounce, HB 1449 would allow those who grow marijuana to possess whatever is harvested from those plants.
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Feb 21 2025

Arkansas Governor Signs Bill to Fund Free School Meals With Medical Marijuana Revenue

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today signed SB59, which passed the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support, providing students with free breakfast before the school day, as well as funding Summer EBT and free lunch programs.

“Free school breakfast will help ease the burden on families just trying to put food on their tables and make sure kids are fueled and ready to learn,” said Governor Sanders. “Delivering for our kids is a bipartisan issue, and I’m proud to see us working together to take action.”

SB59 guarantees each student free breakfast regardless of if they qualify for free or reduced meals under federal law. The legislation also repurposes Medical Marijuana tax revenue to ensure both Summer EBT and Arkansas’ free lunch and breakfast programs are fully funded into the future.
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Feb 20 2025

U.S. Legal Marijuana Sales Top $2 Billion in January

In January 2025, legal marijuana states collectively generated over $2 billion in sales.

There was $2.06 billion in legal marijuana sales across the United States in January, according to an analysis by The Marijuana Herald. The analysis used data from various state regulatory agencies and was supplemented with figures from the research firm Headset.

Sales figures from Alaska and New Jersey were not included due to a lack of readily available data for January. Delaware and Minnesota have legalized recreational marijuana but have yet to launch licensed sales.
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