Aug 13 2024

Marijuana Smokeability Study Will Soon Select Participants to Get Paid to Smoke Joints

DaySavers and the Cannabis Research Coalition will soon select participants for their groundbreaking study, “The Science of Smokeability” (SOS).

As recruitment for this unique research opportunity comes to a close, those involved in the study are preparing to choose and announce the final participants “in the coming days”. Those chosen will be informed via e-mail.

The study will explore how various cultivation and processing techniques impact the quality and experience of smoking cannabis, addressing a significant gap in existing research. In June, DaySavers announced, “This 2+ year study will explore how cultivation and processing metrics impact the smoking experience, filling a critical gap in cannabis research.”
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Aug 12 2024

10 Important Psilocybin (Magic Mushroom) Studies Published in 2024

In 2024, a growing body of research has highlighted the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in “magic mushrooms”.

Dried psilocybin mushrooms (photo credit: Tony Simonelli).

These studies, published in various peer-reviewed journals, have explored psilocybin’s effects on mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and even Alzheimer’s disease, among other ailments.

With that in mind, here are 10 of the most important psilocybin-related studies published so far this year:
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Aug 12 2024

DEA Has Been Analyzing Comments on Marijuana Rescheduling for Three Weeks: What Comes Next

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has spent the past three weeks, since July 22, reviewing public comments on the potential rescheduling of marijuana, a process mandated by law following the agency’s proposal to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act.

(Photo credit: Getty Images).

The DEA is required to analyze every comment (there’s over 43,000 in total) before deciding whether to hold a public hearing, a step advocated by nine former DEA administrators in a recent letter.

Rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III would represent a significant shift in federal policy, the largest since the implementation of the Controlled Substances Act in 1970. The move would allow for expanded research opportunities and nationwide prescriptions of marijuana-based medicines. Additionally, it would provide state-legal medical marijuana patients and businesses with critical federal protections, such as the ability to take tax deductions with the IRS.
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Aug 12 2024

Arizona Brings in $23.9 Million in Tax Revenue From Over $90 Million in Legal Marijuana Sales in July

Arizona’s legal marijuana market sold over $90 million worth of product, resulting in nearly $24 million in tax revenue.

Data from the Arizona Department of Revenue shows that the state collected $23,894,565 in taxes from approximately $91 million in licensed marijuana sales.

Arizona’s year-to-date marijuana tax revenue now totals $169,866,457. For fiscal year (FY) 2024, which ended on June 30, the state earned $289,879,253, surpassing the $283,179,058 collected in FY 2023. In FY 2022, the revenue was $255,997,918.
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Aug 12 2024

The 10 States with the Cheapest Legal Recreational Marijuana Prices

With recreational marijuana now legal in 24 states, the cost of marijuana varies widely across the nation.

Among the 23 states that allow licensed recreational marijuana sales, prices vary pretty drastically. This is due to a variety of reasons, including state-specific regulations and taxes.

With that in mind, using data compiled by state regulatory agencies and the research firm Headset, here are the 10 legal marijuana states with the cheapest average prices per gram of dried flower:
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Aug 12 2024

Connecticut: July Marijuana Sales Exceed $24 Million, Cumulative Total Reaches $450 Million

Connecticut marijuana sales topped $24 million in July.

There was a total of $24,653,219 worth of marijuana sold through legal outlets in July. This is according to data released by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. Roughly two-thirds of these sales, $16,951,063, were purchased for recreational use, with $7,702,156 purchased by licensed medical marijuana patients. Sales were nearly identical tot he $24,713,887 sold in June.

Sales totals include dried marijuana flower and marijuana concentrates, as well as a variety of marijuana products including edibles, tinctures, concentrates, capsules, and topicals.
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Aug 12 2024

The Six States Where Kratom is Illegal

Kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, has gained popularity in the United States in recent years for its potential benefits, including pain relief and overcoming opioid addiction.

kratom

A bowl of kratom powder, next to kratom leaves.

Despite kratom’s medical benefits, and despite it being used for thousands of years for therapeutic use, concerns about its safety and potential for abuse have led to its prohibition in several states. Here’s a breakdown of the six states where kratom is illegal, including the laws and timelines behind the bans.
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Aug 12 2024

The 24 Legal Marijuana States

Twenty-four states have legalized the recreational use of marijuana, with all but one allowing licensed retail outlets. In this article, we’ll provide a breakdown of these 24 states and the specifics of their recreational marijuana laws.

This November, three more states will consider initiatives to legalize marijuana for recreational use, potentially raising the total to 27. For now, the number stands at 24. Below is a breakdown of these states, including the year each state legalized and specific details about their individual laws. Continue reading

Aug 12 2024

FDA Withdraws Proposal to Research the Risks of Kratom and Psychedelics, Advocates Applaud Decision

The FDA has retracted its request to study the risks associated with kratom and psychedelics, a move that’s being celebrated by advocates who had criticized the initial proposal, viewing it as a continuation of what they perceive as FDA bias against these substances.

Kratom products.

On August 2, the FDA announced plans in the Federal Register to open a 60-day public comment period on the proposed study, pending clearance from the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). However, the agency unexpectedly withdrew the notice on Monday.

The American Kratom Association (AKA) applauded the announcement of the FDA’s decision to withdraw its proposal.
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Aug 12 2024

Recreational Marijuana: North Dakota, South Dakota and Florida Will Vote on Legalization Initiatives This November

Today, North Dakota officials certified a marijuana legalization initiative for the November ballot, placing the state alongside South Dakota and Florida in voting on legalization measures this fall.

With just 12 weeks until the November 5 presidential election, it’s set to be a pivotal day for marijuana law reform. North Dakota’s Secretary of State has confirmed the addition of a marijuana legalization initiative to the ballot, joining two other states.

Below is an overview of the three states voting on recreational marijuana initiatives this November.
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