CBD Lozenges Show Promising Antimicrobial Effects Against Streptococcus mutans, a Major Cause of Tooth Decay

A groundbreaking study published in the Brazilian Dental Journal has revealed that cannabidiol (CBD)-infused lozenges may play a crucial role in improving oral health by significantly reducing Streptococcus mutans, the primary bacteria responsible for tooth decay.

Researchers from the University of Lisbon, the West Coast University Dental Hygiene Program, and the Center for Innovative Care and Health Technology conducted a clinical trial to assess the antimicrobial properties of CBD in the oral cavity. The study involved 30 dental hygiene and nursing students, divided into two groups: an experimental group that consumed CBD-infused lozenges and a control group that received sugar-free candy.

Participants in the experimental group consumed a 300 mg CBD lozenge daily for 15 days, allowing it to dissolve slowly in their mouths for maximum absorption. Researchers then measured Streptococcus mutans levels in saliva using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis. The results were striking—those who used CBD lozenges exhibited a statistically significant reduction (p=0.0299) in Streptococcus mutans levels compared to the control group.
Continue reading

Tennessee Pot for Potholes Act Fails Committee Vote

House Bill 703, known as the “Pot for Potholes Act,” has been rejected by a House subcommittee.

Filed last month by State Representative Aftyn Behn (D), the bill would have established a regulated recreational marijuana market in Tennessee, with tax revenue directed toward infrastructure improvements, particularly road maintenance and repairs. The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee rejected the measure today by a vote of 2 to 5.

The proposed law, which still has a senate companion still alive (Senate Bill 921), would create a regulatory framework for the cultivation, processing, and retail sale of marijuana for those 21 and older. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture would oversee licensing, product testing, and labeling standards. Under the proposal, individuals would be allowed to cultivate up to 12 plants for personal use without a license.
Continue reading

North Carolina Marijuana Megastore Now Open 7 Days a Week to Everyone 21+

The Great Smoky Cannabis Company (GSCC) in Cherokee, North Carolina, announced today that it will now be open seven days a week from 10 AM to 10 PM.

The company shared the update in a post on X.com, saying:

“BIG NEWS, FAM! You asked, you waited, and now—it’s OFFICIAL! GSCC is NOW OPEN ALL 7 DAYS of the week!”
Continue reading

Federal Legislation to Block Marijuana Tax Deductions Following Rescheduling Gains New Sponsor

Congressmember Andrew Clyde (R-GA) has joined as a sponsor to federal legislation that would prevent marijuana businesses from accessing standard tax deductions, even if marijuana is rescheduled.

With Rep. Clyde joining as a sponsor, House Bill 1447, filed last month by Representative Jodey Arrington (R-TX), now has 10 sponsors. The legislation would amend the Internal Revenue Code to ensure that marijuana businesses remain unable to deduct common expenses such as rent and payroll, even if the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) moves marijuana to a lower schedule.

Under current law, Section 280E of the tax code prohibits businesses associated with Schedule I or II substances from claiming tax deductions. If marijuana were rescheduled to Schedule III, that restriction would typically be lifted, providing financial relief to cannabis businesses. Arrington’s bill seeks to prevent that change, maintaining the tax burden regardless of rescheduling.
Continue reading

Maryland Senate Committee Approves House-Backed Bill to Legalize Cannabis Concentrate Production for Personal Use, Expand Resentencing Options

The Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee has passed a measure that would legalize the personal production of solventless cannabis concentrates while enabling certain individuals to seek reduced sentences for specific marijuana-related offenses.

Hash.

House Bill 413 previously passed its third reading in the House of Delegates on March 13 by a vote of 101 to 37. The measure now moves towards a vote of the full Senate.

“A person who is at least 21 years old may manufacture a personal use amount of cannabis products or concentrated cannabis for personal use or adult sharing at a private residence if the manufacturing process does not involve the use of a volatile solvent,” states the proposed law.
Continue reading

Legislation to Decriminalize Psilocybin Approved by New Hampshire House of Representatives

Legislation that would decriminalize the possession of psilocybin for those 18 and older has been passed by New Hampshire’s full House of Representatives, moving the bill to the Senate.

Filed by State Representative Kevin Verville (R), House Bill 528 would have initially legalized obtaining, purchasing, transporting, possessing, or using psilocybin. However, the bill was amended in committee so that instead of legalizing psilocybin, it decriminalizes it.

Under the new version of the bill, a first psilocybin offense would be a civil infraction, subject to a fine of up to $100. Second and third offenses would be class a B misdemeanor with a fine of up to $1,000, but no possibility of jailtime.
Continue reading

New Hampshire House Votes 208 to 125 to Legalize Recreational Cannabis

New Hampshire’s full House of Representatives has approved a bill to legalize recreational cannabis.

House Bill 198, introduced in January by State Representatives Jared Sullivan, Jonah Wheeler, and Heath Howard, was given approval today by a vote of 208 to 125, moving the bill to the Senate for consideration.

If enacted, House Bill 198 would allow adults to possess up to two ounces of marijuana, 10 grams of concentrated marijuana, and marijuana products containing up to 2,000 milligrams of THC. However, the legislation does not establish a regulated market for marijuana sales, nor does it allow home cultivation. Public consumption would also remain prohibited.
Continue reading

North Dakota House Approves Medical Cannabis Reform Bill

North Dakota’s Legislature is moving forward with a significant overhaul of the state’s medical marijuana program after the House voted today in favor of advancing Senate Bill 2294 through its second reading.

A cannabis lozenge.

The vote in the House was 58 to 31, moving the measure to a third reading and final reading. Even though the Senate approved the measure last month by a vote of 35 to 11, once the House passes the measure through its third reading it will be sent back to the Senate for a vote of concurrence, given the House voted to make amendments to the proposal.

The bill proposes several key changes to the state’s medical cannabis law. Among its provisions, the legislation allows nonresident medical marijuana patients to obtain temporary North Dakota registry identification cards if they already hold valid out-of-state medical marijuana credentials.
Continue reading

Colorado Generated $19.8 Million in Marijuana Taxes in February, Over $2.9 Billion All-Time

Colorado collected nearly $20 million in marijuana tax revenue in February, according to data released by the Colorado Department of Revenue.

The state brought in exactly $19,814,219 from licensed cannabis sales in February, bringing total tax revenue from marijuana to $2,913,811,769 since the start of recreational sales. While February’s total was slightly lower than January’s $20,474,864, the per-day tax revenue in February averaged $707,000, a 7% increase over January’s $660,000 per day.

Colorado legalized cannabis in 2012, tying Washington as the first state to do so. The law allows individuals aged 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of dried cannabis, eight grams of concentrates, and edibles containing up to 800 milligrams of THC. Legal sales officially began in 2014.
Continue reading

Arizona Attorney General Says Only Licensed Marijuana Stores Can Sell THC Products, Enforcement to Begin April 24

Attorney General Kris Mayes issued letters to Arizona law enforcement agencies and retailers yesterday, making it clear that the sale of THC-infused products is only legal via licensed marijuana stores.

Attorney General Kris Mayes (photo credit: GETTY Images).

“The Attorney General’s Office is aware that some businesses—including national chains and local shops—are selling THC-infused beverages and edibles without marijuana establishment licenses”, states a press release, which notes that “Many of these businesses may believe the sales are legal under the Federal Farm Bill of 2018. ”

Attorney General Mayes says “If you’re selling THC edibles or beverages and you’re not a licensed dispensary, you’re violating Arizona law”.
Continue reading