Feb 26 2025

Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission Releases Industry Report Assessing Adult- and Medical-Use Cannabis Markets

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (Commission) this week published the “Review and Assessment of the Massachusetts Adult- and Medical-use Cannabis Industries” report, a comprehensive review of the Commonwealth’s adult- and medical-use cannabis landscape based on more than six years of data.

The Industry Report, drafted and published to satisfy the Commission’s statutory research mandate, covers topics from product sales trends and testing data to demographic information for license owners and employees working in the regulated industry. The Commission’s Research Department, led by Chief of Research Dr. Julie Johnson, presented the report using datasets beginning with the inception and implementation of Massachusetts’ adult-use marijuana retailers in November 2018 up to April 2024. 

The Industry Report, which was presented to Commissioners and the public at the agency’s Feb. 25 public meeting, also includes the first release of data on the medical market and patients, as well as cannabis product testing. The report was released prior to the Commission’s public listening session on the Medical Use of Marijuana Program on Feb.27, where the agency will hear from patients and Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MTCs) about the program and patient experience, as well as potential policy changes that could increase access to the program.
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Feb 26 2025

Ohio Senate Passes Bill to Reduce Marijuana Grow Count, Limit THC Content in Concentrates, Place a Cap on Marijuana Stores

The Ohio Senate has passed a bill that would impose significant restrictions on the state’s recreational marijuana law, despite widespread opposition from advocates and industry stakeholders.

Senate Bill 56, which cleared the full Senate today, would reduce the number of marijuana plants adults can cultivate at home from 12 to six, and it would lower the maximum THC concentration allowed in concentrates from 90% to 70%. The bill would also cap the number of licensed marijuana retailers at 350, a move critics argue is arbitrary given the thousands of active liquor licenses in the state.

Additionally, the legislation would eliminate social equity licenses and strip the Division of Cannabis Control of its ability to establish regulations for marijuana delivery services and online sales.
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Feb 26 2025

Trulieve Launches Onward: A Premium THC Beverage Available in 36 States

Trulieve Cannabis Corp. has announced the launch of Onward, a premium, non-alcoholic THC beverage offering “a modern alternative for social occasions.”

These beverages are compliant with the federal farm bill that legalized hemp, making them legal nationwide. They are available now online and coming soon to select Total Wine locations.

“Drawing on our vast experience in cannabis product development, Onward beverages powered by Trulieve are expertly crafted to align with evolving consumer preferences,” said Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers. “We are excited to introduce this innovative and federally compliant beverage line to those seeking a new and alternative form of refreshment.”
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Feb 26 2025

Ohio Senate Committee Approves Bill to Roll Back Voter-Approved Recreational Marijuana Law

Ohio’s Senate General Government Committee has given approval to legislation that would make significant changes to the state’s voter-approved recreational marijuana law.

The committee voted 5 to 2 today to approve Senate Bill 56, which would roll back some of the state’s recreational marijuana law, which was approved by voters in 2023. The committee approved the measure despite over 40 people testifying in opposition to the bill during public hearing, compared to just one in support.

If enacted into law, SB 56 would reduce the number of plants adults can grow at home from 12 to six and lower the THC cap for concentrates from 90% to 70%. The measure would also place a limit of 350 on the number of licensed retailers allowed (Tim Johnson, a retired law enforcement officer and Air Force Veteran, pointed out during the hearing how this cap makes no sense given the state has thousands of active liquor licenses).
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Feb 26 2025

Study: CBD, THC, and the Terpene Humulene Show Synergistic Anticancer Effects in Breast Cancer Models

A study in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that cannabinoids can suppress cancer growth and inflammation, as shown through lab tests, animal studies, and computer modeling.

Researchers examined the ethanol extract of female cannabis, which contained cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and humulene, as identified through GC-MS analysis. In vitro testing on cancer cells showed that the extract significantly slowed their growth, killing 51%–77.6% of them. Further analysis found that CBD, THC, and humulene interacted with key proteins linked to cancer progression, including PD-1/PD-L1, TNF-α, and MMP-9.

In vivo, researchers induced breast cancer in female rats using 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) and treated them with cannabinoids either individually or in combination. Results showed that the simultaneous use of all three cannabinoids produced the most substantial anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects, leading to significant tumor reduction. The treated groups exhibited decreased serum biomarkers associated with inflammation and tumor progression, highlighting the potential of cannabinoids in breast cancer therapy.
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Feb 26 2025

Kentucky Bill to Legalize Marijuana Cultivation for Patients and Expand List of Qualifying Conditions Receives Committee Assignment

Kentucky House Bill 571, a measure to significantly expand the state’s medical marijuana program, has been assigned to the House Health Services Committee.

Ripe bud | Marijuana flower isolated on black with glistening trichromes

HB 571 was filed earlier this month by State Representative Alan Gentry (D) and placed in the House Committee on Committees. Yesterday, the bill advanced to the Health Services Committee.

The proposed law would allow medical marijuana patients or their caregiver to cultivate up to three mature plants and three seedlings at a private residence. The law allows patients to patient any amount of cannabis grown from these plants, but it prohibits patients and caregivers from selling or giving marijuana plants or products to anyone else.
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Feb 26 2025

Top Cannabis Strains for Depression

With depression affecting millions worldwide, here are some of the best cannabis strains for those seeking relief.

Green Crack.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there are 21 million people in the U.S. suffering from depression, with the World Health Organization putting the global number at nearly 300 million. Many individuals suffering from depression have found relief in cannabis, with certain strains reputed to alleviate  symptoms more effective than others.

With that in mind, below is a list of the top ten cannabis strains for combatting depression, according to data provided by our readers and the cannabis review site Leafly.

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Feb 26 2025

Study: Psilocin “Exhibits Significant Therapeutic Potential in the Treatment of Epilepsy”

A study being published in the journal Pharmacology Research & Perspectives found that psilocin, the active metabolite of psilocybin, “exhibits significant therapeutic potential in the treatment of epilepsy.”

Psilocybin mushrooms.

Psilocybin mushrooms.

Researchers from Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, and Tarbiat Modares University conducted experiments using mouse seizure models to evaluate psilocin’s effects. The study utilized the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) test for clonic seizures and the maximal electroshock (MES) test for generalized tonic-clonic seizures, alongside electrophysiological recordings to assess neuronal activity.

The findings indicate that psilocin at a moderate dose (3 mg/kg, i.p.) exhibited anticonvulsant effects. The involvement of various biological pathways was tested using specific inhibitors and receptor modulators. The administration of 1-MT, L-NAME, naltrexone, sildenafil, and AM-251 reduced psilocin’s anticonvulsant effects, highlighting the roles of the kynurenine pathway, opioidergic and nitrergic systems, cGMP signaling, and CB1 receptor activity.

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Feb 25 2025

West Virginia Lawmakers Introduce Constitutional Amendment to Legalize Marijuana

Today, Delegate Sean Hornbuckle (D-Cabell) introduced House Joint Resolution 27 to the West Virginia Legislature, which would place a proposal to amend the state constitution to legalize cannabis on the 2026 general election ballot.

The resolution, co-sponsored by Delegates Lewis, Pushkin, Hansen, and Garcia, has been referred to the Judiciary Committee for further deliberation.

HJR 27 proposes the legalization of up to two ounces of cannabis and the personal cultivation of up to four cannabis plants. Additionally, the resolution empowers the Legislature to enact laws governing the lawful sale and manufacturing of cannabis within the state.
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Feb 25 2025

South Dakota Governor Signs Kratom Bill Into Law

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has signed House Bill 1056 into law, officially establishing statewide regulations on kratom products.

Kratom products.

The bill, which passed the House of Representatives in January with a unanimous 66 to 0 vote and cleared the Senate on February 13, also unanimously (35 to 0), introduces restrictions on kratom sales and distribution while setting penalties for violations.

The new law limits the concentration of 7-hydroxymitragynine, a key kratom alkaloid, to no more than two percent. It also bans synthetic derivatives and products containing substances or additives. Additionally, kratom products must now carry detailed labeling, including alkaloid content, as well as warning labels advising against use by pregnant or nursing women.
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