Jan 12 2025

Study: Combining Bixa Orellana and Cannabis Demonstrates Effective Pain Relief

A new study from Universidade Federal do Amapá in Brazil reveals that combining extracts from Bixa orellana (also known as achiote) and cannabis significantly reduces pain in experimental models.

Bixa orellana and cannabis.

The findings, published in the journal Pharmaceuticals, suggest that these formulations could provide a powerful option for managing pain.

“The present study aimed to evaluate the potential synergy between pharmaceutical formulations containing Bixa orellana L. (granulated-CHR OR and injectable nanodispersion-CHR IN) in conjunction with a cannabidiol (CBD)-rich extract of Cannabis sativa L. (CSE) on experimental pain models in Wistar rats”, states the study’s abstract.

Researchers found that the “results from the experimental pain tests indicated that the combined administration of formulations containing Bixa orellana and C. sativa, such as the granulated CHR OR (400 mg/kg, orally) with CSE (40 mg/kg, orally) or the nanodispersion CHR IN (10 mg/kg, intramuscularly) with CSE (40 mg/kg, orally), demonstrated significant results in pain reduction.”
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Jan 12 2025

Study Finds Early Cannabis Use Does Not Increase Risk of Substance Abuse

A new systematic review published in the journal Addictive Behaviors challenges the longstanding claim that cannabis acts as a gateway drug to other substances.

Researchers from the University of Montreal, The University of Queensland, and McGill University conducted an extensive analysis of prospective studies to explore the relationship between the age of cannabis use onset and later substance use issues.

The review examined 16 studies published between 2000 and 2024, focusing on adolescents and controlling for individual, social, and substance-related factors. While an earlier age of cannabis use onset was linked to an increased risk of developing what some researchers call “cannabis use disorder”, the findings did not support the notion that cannabis use leads to significant problems with other substances, such as alcohol or harder drugs.
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Jan 11 2025

Colorado Garnered $255 Million in Marijuana Taxes in 2024, Over $2.8 Billion Since 2014

In December, Colorado garnered over $19 million in marijuana tax revenue, bringing 2024’s total to over a quarter billion.

According to data released today by the Colorado Department of Revenue, the state made $19,141,932 in taxes from December’s roughly $95 million in sales. This brings the total for 2024 to $255,364,952. The all-time total since 2014 is now $2,873,522,685

Most of Colorado’s marijuana tax revenue comes from a 15% retail sales tax on recreational marijuana and a 15% excise tax on the initial transfer of marijuana from a wholesaler to a retailer. In contrast, medical marijuana is only subject to the statewide sales tax of 2.9%. Additional local taxes of up to 2.9% may also be applied to retail sales.
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Jan 11 2025

Study Finds Cannabinoid-Based Supplement Reduces Pain and Improves Life for Dogs With Osteoarthritis

A new study has revealed the potential of a cannabinoid-based dietary supplement, Pain ReliefTM, to significantly alleviate chronic pain and improve the quality of life in dogs suffering from osteoarthritis.

Conducted by researchers from Columbia University, the University of Naples Federico II, and the University of Milano, the study was published in the peer-reviewed journal Animals.

For the study, 21 adult crossbreed dogs with severe osteoarthrosis participated. Researchers compared the effects of Pain Pain ReliefTM, a cannabis-based medicine produced by Giantec in Italy, to a placebo.
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Jan 11 2025

Dallas Police Now Prohibited from Arresting for Possession of Four Ounces or Less of Marijuana, Odor No Longer Probable Cause for Searches

Dallas Police Department officers are now under new guidelines regarding marijuana possession enforcement

In November, Dallas voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition R, which decriminalizes the possession of up to four ounces of marijuana. Now, Dallas officers are no longer allowed to make arrests or issue citations for marijuana possession up to four ounces, according to a police memo that was sent to The Marijuana Herald. The memo was issued by Interim Police Chief Michael Igo.

Additionally, the memo states that the odor of marijuana can no longer serve as probable cause for searches or seizures, except in cases involving violent felonies or high-priority narcotics investigations.
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Jan 11 2025

Despite Being One of the First States to Legalize Marijuana, Personal Cultivation Remains a Felony in Washington

Washington State made history in 2012 by becoming one of the first two states to legalize recreational marijuana. However, despite its pioneering role in marijuana reform, Washington continues to prohibit personal cultivation for recreational users.

Growing marijuana at home in the state is a Class C felony, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. This restrictive stance stands in stark contrast to the majority of the 24 states that have legalized recreational marijuana. Of these states, only Illinois, Delaware, and New Jersey join Washington in prohibiting home cultivation for non-medical purposes. However, in Illinois and Delaware, the penalty for doing so is just a civil infraction. In New Jersey, personal cultivation laws are nearly as strict as Washington, punishable by 3 to 5 years in jail.

While medical marijuana patients in Washington are permitted to grow up to six plants with proper authorization, recreational users must rely exclusively on licensed marijuana retail outlets. Efforts to change this policy have been introduced in recent sessions of the Washington Legislature, but have failed to gain enough support to advance. Currently, there is no word on whether a new bill addressing home grows will be introduced this year.
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Jan 10 2025

Michigan Now Offers the Lowest Marijuana Prices Per Ounce

For years, Oregon has had the cheapest prices for legal marijuana, but Michigan now holds that title.

Data released today by the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) shows that the average cost per ounce of marijuana as of December 31 is $69.20. This is a nearly 30% decrease from just a year ago, when prices were around $98 per ounce.

By comparison, in Oregon, the average price per ounce is around $80 per ounce. In other states, the average cost is often much higher. For example, in Massachusetts, the cost is $130 per ounce, and in Illinois and Ohio it’s around $200.
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Jan 10 2025

New Missouri Bill Would Legalize Psilocybin Therapy for Veterans

State Representative Richard West (R) introduced House Bill 829 in the Missouri legislature today, proposing a pathway for veterans to legally access psilocybin therapy under tightly regulated conditions.

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

The bill, aimed at supporting alternative treatments for mental health challenges, has been referred for further consideration.

HB 829 establishes a framework allowing veterans aged 21 and older to acquire, possess, and use psilocybin if they suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder, substance use disorders, or are receiving end-of-life care. To qualify, veterans must participate in a research study, obtain documentation from a physician, and work with a trained facilitator, such as a healthcare professional meeting specific qualifications. Additionally, psilocybin would need to be tested by a state-licensed laboratory, and use would be capped at 150 milligrams annually.
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Jan 10 2025

Mississippi Lawmaker Files Bill to Decriminalize First-Time Marijuana Possession

State Representative Omeria Scott (D) has introduced House Bill 30, a measure that would decriminalize first-time possession of small amounts of marijuana and synthetic cannabinoids in Mississippi.

Filed today and referred to the Judiciary Committee, the bill represents a significant shift in the state’s approach to minor drug offenses.

Current Mississippi law states “If thirty (30) grams or less of marijuana or ten (10) grams or less of synthetic cannabinoids are possessed, the offense is punishable by a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00).” This leaves open the possibility of a misdemeanor charge with up to 90 days in jail.
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Jan 10 2025

New York Releases Annual Marijuana Equity Report: Over $1 Billion in Sales, 54% of Licenses Issued to Social Equity Applicants

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has released its annual Chief Equity Officer’s Report, “showcasing the progress and achievements of its Social and Economic Equity (SEE) Team in building a cannabis industry that is not only thriving but also prioritizes equity, inclusion, and economic opportunity.”

safe banking act

According to a press release sent today, this report details the transformative work accomplished thus far and offers a look ahead at the ambitious goals for 2025.

Key updates include:

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