Sep 08 2023

California Bill to Legalize Marijuana Cafes Passed by Legislature, Will Soon be Sent to Governor

A bill to legalize marijuana cafes throughout California has now been given approval by both the Senate and Assembly.

Assembly Bill 374 would “allow for the preparation or sale of noncannabis food or beverage products, as specified, by a licensed retailer or microbusiness in the area where the consumption of cannabis is allowed”. The measure would “allow for the sale of prepackaged, noncannabis-infused, nonalcoholic food and beverages by a licensed retailer”, and it would also allow them to “sell tickets for, live musical or other performances where the consumption of cannabis is allowed.”

“Cannabis cafes in the Netherlands capitalize on the social experience of cannabis by offering coffee, food, and live music, all of those opportunities are currently illegal under California law,” says Assembly Member Matt Haney, the bill’s prime sponsor. “AB 374 will allow struggling cannabis businesses to diversity away from the marijuana-only ‘dispensary’ model and bring much needed tourist dollars into empty downtowns.”
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Sep 08 2023

California Bill to Legalize Psychedelics Sent to Governor Newsom, Includes Psilocybin, DMT and Ibogaine

Legislation to legalize certain psychedelic substances has officially been sent to Governor Gavin Newsom for consideration.

Dried psilocybin mushrooms. Photo credit: Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

On Wednesday the California Assembly voted 42 to 11 to pass Senate Bill 58, which has already been approved by the Senate. However, a few minor amendments approved in the Assembly required the Senate to give one final vote of concurrence on the measure, which they have now done sending it to Governor Newsom.

The proposed law would legalize the possession, preparation, obtaining, transfer, as specified, or transportation of up to two grams of DMT, 15 grams of ibogaine, two grams of psilocybin (or up to four ounces of “a plant or fungi containing psilocybin”) and two grams of psilocyn (or up to four ounces of “a plant or fungi containing psilocybin”).
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Sep 08 2023

Study Finds Marijuana Extracts Associated with Quality of Life Improvements in Those With Autism

According to a study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry, autistic patients who use marijuana-based extracts experience symptom improvements and a reduction in the use of prescription medications.

The study was conducted by researchers at the National Association for Inclusion of the Autistic People, the University of Brasilia, the Federal University of Minas Gerais, the Euro-American University Center and the Specialized Educational Care Division for Gifted Students of the Department of Education of the Federal District.

“Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) may significantly impact the well-being of patients and their families”, states the study. “The therapeutic use of cannabis for ASD has gained interest due to its promising results and low side effects, but a consensus on treatment guidelines is lacking.”
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Sep 08 2023

Study: Topical CBD Gel an “Effective Candidate For an Anti-Inflammatory Agent”

 The topical administration of 1% CBD gel “is a potentially effective candidate for an anti-inflammatory agent”, states a new study using animal models.

The study is being published in the October issue of the peer-reviewed journal Cannabis and Cannabinods Research, and it was pubished online ahead of print by the US National Library of Medicine. The study was conducted by researchers at Harvard Medical School, Thammasat University, Thailand’s National Science and Technology Development Agency and the University of Québec.

“Cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid isolated from cannabis plants, is an interesting candidate for studying its anti-inflammatory effects, especially in the pre-clinical and animal models”, begins the study’s abstract. “Its anti-inflammatory effects, such as reduction of edema and arthritis, have been demonstrated in animal models. However, topical CBD administration requires further evaluation of CBD dosage and efficacy in animal models and clinical settings.”
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Sep 07 2023

North Carolina Tribe Legalizes Marijuana, $50 Million Marijuana Superstore to Open to Everyone 21+

Members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) in North Carolina have given approval to a referendum to legalize recreational marijuana with almost 70% support.

The EBCI voted overwhelmingly in favor of a proposal that will lead to recreational marijuana becoming legal for everyone 21 and older regardless of whether or not they are a tribal member. The tribe’s reservation consists of nearly 57,000 acres covering five counties; Cherokee, Graham, Jackson, Macon, and Swain Counties.

Specifically, the referendum asked voters: “Do you support legalizing the possession and use of cannabis for persons who are at least twenty-one (21) years old, and require the EBCI Tribal Council to develop legislation to regulate the market?” Although the referendum will not automatically make marijuana legal, Tribal Council says they plan to follow the will of the voter and promptly implement the referendum.
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Sep 07 2023

Maine: August is Fourth Straight Month With Record-Breaking Marijuana Sales

Maine marijuana sales reached record highs in August, the fourth straight month where a new sales record was set.

According to data released by the Maine’s Office of Cannabis Policy, there was $21,648,253 worth of marijuana sold legally in August. This is a roughly $800k increase over the $20.8 million sold in June and it marks four months in-a-row where the sales record was surpassed.

There were 377,050 different marijuana transactions in July, an increase of around 17,000 over the number of transactions in June and over 50,000 more than in June.
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Sep 06 2023

CA Assembly Votes 42 to 11 to Legalize Psychedelics

The full California Assembly has voted to pass legislation to legalize the personal possession of certain psychedelics.

(Photo credit: Getty Images)

The Assembly voted 42 to 11 to pass Senate Bill 58, a measure to legalize the “possession, preparation, obtaining, transfer, as specified, or transportation of” psilocybin, psilocyn, mescaline, ibogaine and DMT. The proposal has already been approved by the state’s full Senate but will need to go back for one final vote before it can be sent to Governor Gavin Newsom given it was amended.

Specifically Senate Bill 58 would legalize the possession of up to two grams of DMT, 15 grams of ibogaine, two grams of psilocybin (or up to four ounces of “a plant or fungi containing psilocybin”) and two grams of psilocyn (or up to four ounces of “a plant or fungi containing psilocybin”).
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Sep 06 2023

Study: Psilocybin Treatment Associated With “Clinically Significant Sustained Reduction in Depressive Symptoms”

In a new study a single dose of psilocybin was associated “with a clinically significant sustained reduction in depressive symptoms and functional disability”, with minimal side effects.

Published by the American Medical Association, the objective of the study was to “evaluate the magnitude, timing, and durability of antidepressant effects and safety of a single dose of psilocybin in patients with MDD [major depressive disorder].”

In this phase 2 trial conducted between December 2019 and June 2022 at 11 research sites in the US, participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive a single dose of psilocybin vs niacin placebo administered with psychological support. Participants were adults aged 21 to 65 years with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition diagnosis of MDD of at least 60 days’ duration and moderate or greater symptom severity.
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Sep 06 2023

Poll: 60% in Florida Support Initiative to Legalize Recreational Marijuana

According to new polling a large majority of voters in Florida support the legalization of marijuana.

Conducted by the University of South Florida and Florida Atlantic University, the survey found that 60% of registered Florida voters support legalizing marijuana, including 50% of Republicans. Support for Democrats was the highest at 71%, with 59% of independents supporting the move.

Support for medical marijuana was much higher, with 83% in support including 87% of Democrats, 84% of independents and 78% of Republicans.
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Sep 05 2023

Amendment Filed in US Congress to Block Federal Agencies from Testing Applicants for Marijuana

A federal amendment filed in the United States Congress would prohibit most federal agencies from testing job applicants for marijuana.

Filed by Representative Robert Garcia, a Democrat from California, the amendment was filed as part of a larger spending bill and is cosponsored by Representatives Daniel Goldman (New York) and Earl Blumenauer (Oregon). The latter is the co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus.

Specifically the amendment would bar most federal agencies from conducting a drug test for THC on those seeking employment. Agencies would still be allowed to test those already employed with the agency if they have reasonable suspicion to believe marijuana is being used on-the-job, and the amendment would not apply to certain positions like those involving the carrying of a firearm.
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