Apr 13 2025

Study: Delta-8-THC Produces Similar Effects to Delta-9-THC at Higher Doses, Finds Johns Hopkins Clinical Trial

A new clinical trial from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine finds that delta-8 THC (Δ8-THC), a growingly popular hemp-derived cannabinoid, produces psychoactive effects similar to those of delta-9 THC (Δ9-THC), but only when consumed in higher doses.

Delta-8 THC gummies.

The peer-reviewed study, published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, involved 19 healthy adult participants with no recent cannabinoid use. In a double-blind, crossover design, subjects were given brownies containing 10, 20, or 40 milligrams of Δ8-THC, 20 milligrams of Δ9-THC, or a placebo. Researchers then measured drug effects, blood cannabinoid levels, vital signs, and performance on cognitive and psychomotor tasks.

Results showed that Δ8-THC produced dose-dependent psychoactive effects that were qualitatively similar to those of Δ9-THC. However, the study found that 20 mg of Δ8-THC produced significantly weaker effects than an equivalent dose of Δ9-THC—including reduced intoxication, heart rate elevation, and cognitive impairment. At 40 mg, Δ8-THC’s effects were comparable to those of 20 mg of Δ9-THC.
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Apr 13 2025

Cannabis Callus Extract Shows Promise as Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Cosmetic Ingredient, Finds Study

Researchers in South Korea have found that an extract made from in vitro-grown cannabis callus tissue may be a valuable new addition to skincare products, thanks to its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

The study, conducted by a team at Dongguk University and published in the journal Plants, focused on Cannabis sativa L. callus extract (CCE). Callus is a mass of unorganized plant cells often used in laboratory cultivation to produce high levels of beneficial secondary metabolites. In this case, researchers used Murashige and Skoog medium enriched with Thidiazuron (TDZ) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) to grow the cannabis callus.

After analyzing the extract with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the team confirmed the presence of cannabinoids. These compounds may play a role in modulating inflammation through the endocannabinoid system.
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Apr 13 2025

Study: Silver and Gold Nanoparticles Made From Cannabis Waste Kill Drug-Resistant Bacteria

A new study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research and indexed by the U.S. National Library of Medicine has found that silver and gold nanoparticles synthesized using cannabis waste extract have strong antibacterial effects against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a drug-resistant bacteria commonly linked to hospital infections.

Cannabis waste (photo credit: EcoWaste Services).

The research was conducted by scientists at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Czechia. Using a green synthesis method, they transformed marijuana plant waste into metal nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were then tested for their antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains.

The nanoparticles were characterized using a series of advanced techniques, including transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The researchers found that the silver nanoparticles in particular demonstrated strong antibacterial properties, effectively inhibiting bacterial growth and biofilm formation at low concentrations.
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Apr 12 2025

Texas Committee Schedules April 14 Public Hearing on Bill to Expand Access to Medical Cannabis

A House subcommittee has scheduled a public hearing on legislation that would expand Texas’ medical cannabis program.

The  House Disease Prevention & Women’s & Children’s Health Subcommittee has scheduled a public hearing on House Bill 46, set to take place on April 14 at 8am at the state capitol, room E2.030. The hearing was originally scheduled for April 3, but was cancelled before being rescheduled today.

The proposal would allow licensed dispensaries to open satellite storage locations, it would raise the statewide cap on dispensing organization licenses from three to six, and it would require approved entities to begin dispensing low-THC cannabis within 24 months.
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Apr 12 2025

Colorado Approves First Psilocybin Therapy Center in Downtown Denver

The Center Origin in downtown Denver has become the first facility in Colorado to receive a state license to offer psychedelic therapy under the Natural Medicine Health Act.

Licensed by the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Natural Medicine Division, The Center Origin was officially approved on April 11. Located on Blake Street, the center will provide supervised psilocybin sessions once a licensed testing facility becomes operational to supply the mushrooms.

Colorado began accepting applications for psychedelic healing centers on December 31, 2024. As of Friday, the state has approved one product manufacturer license, four micro-facility licenses, and received 16 additional applications — eight for standard centers and eight for micro-facilities. No testing labs have yet been licensed.
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Apr 12 2025

Colorado Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Allow Marijuana Deliveries to Hotels and Expand Event Sales

House Bill 1331 was filed yesterday in Colorado to expand the locations where licensed marijuana businesses can deliver and sell products.

Filed by State Representatives William Lindstedt (D) and Naquetta Ricks (D), the bill has been assigned to the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee.

The proposed law would allow social equity marijuana license holders to deliver marijuana to hotels within the city and county of Denver. To qualify, the licensee must hold a delivery or transporter license for medical or retail marijuana. Deliveries would only be allowed to hotels registered with Denver to receive them, and only if the hotel itself has authorized marijuana delivery and the local jurisdiction has opted into the state’s delivery program. Deliveries would be prohibited to locations that serve alcohol.
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Apr 12 2025

Ontario Cannabis Sales Top $150 Million in March

Ontario marijuana retailers generated $150.84 million in sales in March, according to newly released data from Seattle-based research firm Headset.

The total marks a slight 2% decline compared to March 2024. Despite the modest dip, overall marijuana sales in Ontario have reached approximately $450 million for the first three months of 2025, keeping the province on pace for another strong year.

The average cost of dried marijuana flower in March was $9.46 per gram, with an eighth (3.5 grams) selling for around $24. Edibles averaged $4.62 per 10 milligrams of THC, while concentrates were priced at about $32 per gram. Although the average price per gram is up slightly from the average in March 2024, the cost of all other marijuana products have decreased, including a 10% decrease in concentrate and edible prices.
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Apr 12 2025

Washington House Approves Bill to Limit Financial Agreements Between Marijuana Retailers, Sending it Back to Senate

The Washington House of Representatives has passed legislation to restrict financial interest agreements among marijuana retail businesses, a move supporters say will curb vertical integration and increase market fairness.

Approved on a 57 to 37 vote, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5403 would bar individuals or entities with ownership in a licensed marijuana retail business from entering into financial agreements that span more than five retail licenses. The bill had already passed the Senate in March with a 41 to 7 vote but now heads back for a concurrence vote due to amendments made in the House.

The bill, sponsored by Senators Rebecca Saldaña (D), Noel Krishnadasan (D), and T’wina Nobles (D), clarifies what constitutes a prohibited financial interest. This includes shared marketing, coordinated purchasing, revenue sharing, or operational control between businesses beyond the license limit.
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Apr 11 2025

Delaware Senate Committee Approves Bill Limiting County Restrictions on Marijuana Businesses

Senate Bill 75, which would limit the power of Delaware counties to restrict marijuana businesses, has been approved by the Senate Elections & Government Affairs Committee in a 3 to 1 vote.

The legislation would ensure that marijuana retail and cultivation operations can function more freely in certain zones while still preserving local control for municipalities.

If passed into law, SB 75 would prohibit counties from banning marijuana retail stores in commercial or industrial zones, with limited exceptions. Restrictions could only be applied if a store is within a half mile of another marijuana retailer or within 500 feet of specific locations such as schools, parks, libraries, licensed child care centers, or residential treatment facilities.
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Apr 11 2025

New Hampshire Senate Committee Schedules Public Hearing on House-Backed Psilocybin Decrim Bill

Legislation to decriminalize psilocybin in New Hampshire is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee on April 15 at 1:50 p.m. in Room 100 of the State House.

Dried psilocybin mushrooms.

House Bill 528, filed by State Representative Kevin Verville (R), was approved by the full House last month with strong bipartisan support. Originally written to fully legalize the personal use and possession of psilocybin, the bill was amended in committee to instead decriminalize it.

As passed by the House, the revised measure would treat a first offense for possession by those 18 and older as a civil violation with a fine of up to $100.
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