Jan 05 2025

Virginia Lawmakers to Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Legalize Licensed Marijuana Sales

Virginia lawmakers are set to reintroduce bipartisan legislation to establish a regulated adult-use marijuana marketplace after Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed a similar measure last year.

Led by Democrats Del. Paul Krizek of Fairfax and State Senator Aaron Rouse of Virginia Beach, the proposal aims to create a legal framework for marijuana sales and taxation, targeting those 21 and older.

The previous version of the bill garnered bipartisan support but faced opposition from Youngkin, who cited concerns over public safety and enforcement. Despite this, Krizek remains hopeful, noting, “We’re starting with the same bill since it had bipartisan backing. I believe we can gain more support this time, especially in the Senate.”
Continue reading

Jan 05 2025

Kratom (Mitragyna Speciosa) Shows Potential in Treating Alzheimer’s Disease, Study Finds

A new study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences investigates the potential of Mitragyna speciosa (commonly known as kratom) in addressing Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a neurodegenerative condition with limited treatment options.

The research, conducted by teams from Walailak University in Thailand, the University of Kentucky, and the University of Chittagong in Bangladesh, employed network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro methods to explore the plant’s therapeutic mechanisms.

Mitragyna speciosa has long been used traditionally for pain relief, hypertension, cough suppression, and addiction recovery. In this study, researchers identified 19 compounds from the plant that interact with 60 AD-related targets. A compound-target network revealed significant connections among 60 nodes and 470 edges, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of these interactions. Pathway enrichment analysis identified Alzheimer’s disease (hsa05010) as a key pathway affected by these compounds.
Continue reading

Jan 05 2025

North Carolina Marijuana Superstore Reaches Four Months Open for Everyone 21+

The Great Smoky Cannabis Company in Cherokee, North Carolina, will celebrate four months of serving customers 21 and older on Tuesday, January 7.

(Photo credit: Angela Wilhelm/Citizen Times).

As the state’s only legal marijuana retailer, the store has drawn tens of thousands of visitors since opening its doors to nontribal members on September 7. Located on the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ tribal land, the superstore has become a landmark for marijuana consumers and enthusiasts.

Housed in a renovated bingo hall with a $50 million makeover, it offers a massive selection of products, including flower, prerolls, concentrates, topicals, and a variety of edibles. Customer reviews remain overwhelmingly positive, with their Google ratings standing strong at 4.5 out of 5 out of over 1,000 reviews, and their WeedMap rating standing at 4.7 out of 5.
Continue reading

Jan 05 2025

Maryland Lawmakers File Legislation to Allow On–Site Marijuana Consumption Establishments and Events

Maryland lawmakers have set the stage for a significant expansion of cannabis-related activities by prefiling Senate Bill 215 and House Bill 132 for the upcoming 2025 legislative session, which begins January 8.

Maryland’s flag.

The bills, introduced by the Senate Finance Committee and the House Economic Matters Committee, propose the establishment of on-site cannabis consumption establishments and regulated cannabis events.

The legislation outlines comprehensive guidelines for on-site consumption establishments, restricting initial license applications to social equity applicants. These establishments would be permitted to distribute, repackage, and process cannabis products, including cannabinoid beverages, for on-site consumption. However, smoking cannabis indoors remains prohibited. Local jurisdictions would retain authority to regulate hours of operation, impose zoning requirements, and even prohibit these establishments entirely.
Continue reading

Jan 03 2025

Minnesota Task Force Recommends Decriminalizing Psilocybin Mushrooms

A Minnesota task force advising lawmakers on psychedelic medicine policy has recommended decriminalizing psilocybin mushrooms and establishing a state-regulated clinical program to treat mental health disorders.

Dried psilocybin mushroom.

The 23-member Psychedelic Medicine Task Force released its 191-page report on New Year’s Day. Composed of legislators, state agency heads, tribal representatives, veterans, and healthcare professionals, the group approved the recommendations with a two-thirds majority. The group also called for funding research into the health benefits of psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD.

The report prioritizes psilocybin decriminalization and clinical use, citing its natural origin compared to synthetic substances like MDMA and LSD.
Continue reading

Jan 03 2025

Study: Early Psilocybin Intervention May Reduce Stress-Related Behavioral and Cognitive Deficits

Researchers from the University of Alberta and Western Canada High School have conducted a study exploring the therapeutic potential of psilocybin in mitigating behavioral despair and cognitive impairments caused by chronic stress.

Published in the peer reviewed journal Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, the research focuses on the interaction between the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis and the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in stress regulation.

Using a rodent model, the study examined 22 male Wistar rats with chronic stress (caused by predator odor and social instability). The rats were divided into control and stress groups, with the latter receiving either a sham treatment or psilocybin. Researchers assessed behavioral outcomes using various tests, including the Open Field Test, Sucrose Preference Test, Novel Object Recognition, Elevated Plus Maze, and Forced Swimming Test. These evaluations measured locomotion, anhedonia, memory, anxiety, and behavioral despair, respectively.
Continue reading

Jan 03 2025

Washington State’s Legal Marijuana Industry Generates $1.13 Billion in Sales in 2024, Garnering $420 Million in Taxes

Licensed marijuana stores in Washington State sold $109.12 million in December, bringing the year’s total sales to $1.135 billion.

December’s marijuana sales total represents a nearly $9 million increase from the $100.4 million sold in November, and it marks a 1.4% increase from December 2023, according to the research firm Headset. This brings the 2024 total to around $1.2 billion. The state ended the year with an average price of $7 per gram of dried flower, and $16 per eighth.

Washington imposes a 37% excise tax on marijuana sales, the highest in the nation. With $1.135 billion in total sales for 2024, this translates to approximately $420 million in tax revenue. These funds are primarily allocated to health care programs, with additional contributions to the general fund, local governments, education and prevention initiatives, and regulatory oversight.
Continue reading

Jan 03 2025

Delaware’s First-Ever Marijuana Commissioner Stepping Down

Robert M. Coupe, Delaware’s first marijuana commissioner, is stepping down after a 40-year career in public service to join the private sector as Chief of Staff at CRx Construction in Rehoboth Beach.

During his tenure, Coupe led the newly established Office of the Marijuana Commissioner, overseeing the implementation of Delaware’s regulated adult-use marijuana market under the Marijuana Control Act, which took effect in August 2023.

“It has been an honor to serve in this role and a privilege to work alongside the dedicated women and men of the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner,” Coupe said. “Throughout my career I have been inspired to be at my best and earn the right each day to work alongside such talented individuals. I am grateful for all the people that have supported me throughout this journey.”
Continue reading

Jan 03 2025

The Most Popular Marijuana Strains in the U.S. as of January 2025

As we enter 2025, the strains listed below stand as the most popular among cannabis consumers.

Gelato.

Our January 2025 list of the most popular marijuana strains brings a mix of timeless classics and rising stars, reflecting the diverse preferences of cannabis enthusiasts across the nation. The list was compiled using data from several state regulatory agencies and Leafly.

Here’s a closer look at the 10 most popular marijuana asofJanuary2025. Continue reading

Jan 03 2025

Florida Legislator Introduces Medical Marijuana Public Employee Protection Act

State Representative Mitch Rosenwald filed House Bill 83 today, proposing landmark legislation aimed at safeguarding the rights of Florida’s public employees who are qualified medical marijuana patients.

The “Medical Marijuana Public Employee Protection Act” seeks to prevent discrimination against public employees and job applicants for lawful medical marijuana use, while setting clear guidelines for its regulation in the workplace.

The proposed legislation prohibits public employers, including state and local government entities, public schools, and universities, from taking adverse actions—such as firing, suspending, or refusing to hire—against employees or job applicants solely due to their status as medical marijuana patients. Exceptions are included for cases where marijuana use demonstrably impairs an individual’s ability to perform their job duties.
Continue reading