Arizona Senate Passes Psilocybin Bill

Arizona Senate Bill 1555, a measure focused on psilocybin regulation and research, has been approved by the Senate Committee of the Whole.

Psilocybin mushrooms.

The legislation, introduced earlier this month by State Senator Thomas Shope (R), would establish the Arizona Psilocybin Advisory Board under the state’s Department of Health Services. The bill must still pass a final Senate vote before advancing to the House of Representatives.

If enacted, SB 1555 would create a 12-member advisory board tasked with reviewing scientific studies on psilocybin’s safety and efficacy in treating mental health conditions such as addiction, depression, and anxiety disorders. The board would be composed of representatives from state health agencies, law enforcement, and medical professionals, including physicians, psychologists, and researchers with experience in psychedelic-assisted therapy.
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Oregon: Price of Marijuana and Marijuana Concentrates Hit Record Low in February

According to new data released today by the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, the cost per gram of both dried marijuana flower and marijuana concentrates is lower than it’s ever been.

As of the end of February, the average price per gram of dried marijuana in Oregon is $3.43, a new all-time low and a $0.07 decrease from the average in January. This marks a 67% decrease from the $10.50 average in 2016.

As for marijuana concentrates, prices also reached a record low in February, with the current price standing at $15.38. This marks a 65% decrease from the highest average price of $45 in March 2017.
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New York Bill Would Require Cannabis Packaging to Include Industrial Hemp, Establish Sustainable Packaging Program

A new bill introduced in the New York Senate would require the use of industrial hemp in cannabis product packaging and establish a sustainable packaging incubator program.

Senate Bill 5750, sponsored by State Senator Michelle Hinchey (D), was filed on February 28 and referred to the Senate Committee on Investigations and Government Operations. The measure would amend state cannabis laws by directing the Cannabis Control Board to incorporate industrial hemp into packaging and labeling requirements for marijuana and hemp products. The bill defines industrial hemp as any Cannabis sativa L. plant containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry-weight basis.

Additionally, the bill would create a sustainable cannabis packaging incubator program in coordination with the Empire State Development Corporation. The initiative would encourage the development of compostable and biodegradable cannabis packaging, with a requirement that at least 30% of such materials be derived from industrial hemp.
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Montana House Committee Passes Bill to Standardize Local Votes on Marijuana Businesses

A bill to standardize how Montana communities vote on marijuana business regulations was given approval yesterday in its committee of origin.

House Bill 688, introduced earlier this week by State Representative Bill Mercer (R), was approved yesterday by the House State Administration Committee in an 11 to 8 vote.

House Bill 688 mandates that ballots used in local votes on prohibiting certain marijuana businesses must include standardized language. According to the bill, the ballot questions must be phrased in a format similar to the following:

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Connecticut Bill to Decriminalize Psilocybin Scheduled for Public Hearing on March 7

A bill that would decriminalize possession of small amounts of psilocybin in Connecticut has been scheduled for a public hearing before the Joint Judiciary Committee on March 7.

Dried psilocybin mushrooms.

House Bill 7065 would remove criminal penalties for individuals found in possession of less than half an ounce of psilocybin, the psychedelic compound in magic mushrooms. Under the bill, first-time offenders would face a $150 fine, while repeat offenses would result in fines ranging from $200 to $500. Law enforcement officers would still be required to seize and destroy any psilocybin found.

The bill also proposes changes to state statutes related to drug paraphernalia, ensuring that possessing items used to consume psilocybin would no longer be treated as a criminal offense.
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New Vermont Bill Would Decriminalize Psilocybin Mushrooms and Establish Therapeutic Program

A new bill introduced in the Vermont House of Representatives would decriminalize “psilocybin-containing mushrooms”, and create a therapeutic program for their regulated use.

Psilocybin mushrooms.

House Bill 452, filed by State Representative Brian Cina (D), has been referred to the Committee on Human Services.

The proposed law would allow those 21 and older to possess, cultivate, and use psilocybin mushrooms for personal, noncommercial use. In addition to decriminalization, the bill would establish the Psilocybin Therapeutic Consultation Program, which would be tasked with developing an education, training, and consultation model for safe use.
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Nevada Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Eliminate Wholesale Marijuana Tax, Raise Retail Rate

Nevada lawmakers have introduced Assembly Bill 307, a measure that would significantly alter the taxation of marijuana sales in the state.

Filed yesterday by State Reps. Danielle Gallant (R), Lisa Cole (R), and Cecelia Gonzalez (D), the bill has been referred to the Committee on Revenue for further consideration.

The bill proposes eliminating the 15% excise tax on wholesale marijuana sales, which is currently levied on transactions between cultivation facilities and other licensed businesses. In turn, it would increase the excise tax on retail sales from 10% to 14.25%, applying to purchases made at dispensaries and consumption lounges.
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Judge Rejects AG Paxton’s Bid to Block Dallas’ Voter-Approved Marijuana Decriminalization Ordinance

Dallas County District Judge Dale Tillery has denied Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s request to block the enforcement of a voter-approved ordinance that decriminalizes marijuana possession in Dallas.

The ruling allows the city to continue implementing the measure, which prevents police from arresting or citing individuals for possessing small amounts of marijuana and from using its odor as probable cause for a search.

The ordinance, passed in November 2024 with strong voter support, makes marijuana possession offenses the lowest law enforcement priority in the city. It also requires quarterly reports to the City Council on any marijuana-related arrests or citations, ensuring transparency in enforcement. This move aligns Dallas with other Texas cities that have adopted similar policies despite opposition from the governor.
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West Virginia House Overwhelmingly Approves Bill to Ban Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2 and Green 3 Food Dyes

The West Virginia House of Representatives approved House Bill 2354 today in a 93 to 5 vote, advancing legislation that would ban several synthetic food dyes from being sold in the state.

Filed by Delegate Adam Burkhammer (R) and seven cosponsors, the bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. The proposed law would prohibit the sale of foods containing Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 3. These dyes are commonly used in processed foods, candies, and beverages.

Supporters argue the bill is a necessary step to protect public health, citing concerns over potential links between artificial dyes and behavioral issues in children. Some studies have also suggested possible carcinogenic effects associated with certain dyes. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the economic impact on food manufacturers and the potential for higher costs to consumers.
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Texas Senate Bill to Expand Medical Cannabis Compassionate-Use Program Scheduled for Public Hearing on March 3

A Texas bill that would expand the state’s Compassionate-Use Program for low-THC medical marijuana products has been scheduled for a public hearing on March 3 at 9am in the Senate State Affairs Committee.

Cannabis tincture.

Filed last week by State Senator Charles Perry (R), Senate Bill 1505 would increase access to low-THC cannabis while implementing new regulations for dispensing organizations.

The measure would allow licensed dispensaries to operate satellite storage locations, a move designed to improve availability for patients.
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