Feb 24 2025

Nine West Virginia Lawmakers File Legislation to Legalize Cannabis

Today, nine West Virginia lawmakers introduced House Bill 2887, which would legalize recreational cannabis.

The bill, led by Delegate Evan Hansen, has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee for further deliberation. Cosponsors include Delegates Hollis Lewis (D), John Williams (D), Rick Garcia (D), Sean Hornbuckle (D), Kayla Young (D), Mike Pushkin (D), Shawn Fluharty (D), and Anitra Hamilton (D).

The proposed law would allow those 21 and older possess up to one ounce of cannabis and authorizes the production, sale, transfer, and transport of cannabis within counties that approve such measures through local referendums. The West Virginia Bureau for Public Health would oversee the permitting and licensing of cannabis-related businesses, while the Department of Revenue would manage taxation.
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Feb 23 2025

Maryland House Committee Approves Bill to Exempt Certain Cannabis Sales From State Tax

House Bill 619 has been approved by the Maryland House Ways and Means Committee, advancing a measure that would exempt certain cannabis transactions from the state’s sales and use tax.

A marijuana nursery.

The bill, filed by the committee on January 23, would expand an existing tax exemption to include sales between licensed cannabis businesses and registered cannabis nurseries.

The legislation amends Article 11–245 of Maryland’s tax code, which currently exempts medical marijuana and sales between licensed cannabis businesses from the state’s sales and use tax. House Bill 619 would add an exemption for transactions between licensed cannabis businesses and registered cannabis nurseries. If enacted, the tax exemption would take effect on July 1, 2025.
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Feb 23 2025

Washington Bill to Legalize Personal Marijuana Cultivation Set for Second Public Hearing February 25

Legislation to allow personal marijuana cultivation in Washington State is moving forward, with a key public hearing scheduled for February 25 at 1:30 p.m. in the House Appropriations Committee.

Approval through this committee would clear the way for a full vote in the House of Representatives.

House Bill 1449, introduced by 16 state representatives in January, received approval from the House Consumer Protection and Business Committee on Friday in a 9 to 5 vote. This marks the first time in state history that a measure to legalize personal marijuana cultivation has advanced past the committee stage.
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Feb 23 2025

Study: Psilocybin and MDMA Show Potential for Treating Prolonged Grief Disorder

Psychedelics, particularly psilocybin and MDMA, may be a useful tool in combatting prolonged grief disorder, according to a new study conducted by researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the University of Virginia.

Dried psilocybin (left), and MDMA tablets (right).

“Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) is distinct from yet related to non-pathologic grief, depression, addiction, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with a prevalence of up to 10% in bereaved populations”, states the study, published by the journal International Review of Psychiatry.

The study states that “Hallmarks of PGD include functional impairment a year or more post-bereavement and intense yearning for the deceased. Current treatments for PGD are typically psychological rather than psychopharmacological, and more treatment options are needed.”
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Feb 22 2025

New Connecticut Bill Would Decriminalize Psilocybin

A bill introduced in the Connecticut General Assembly by would decriminalize possession of small amounts of psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms.

House Bill 7065, sponsored by the Joint Committee on Judiciary, would remove criminal penalties for individuals found in possession of less than half an ounce of psilocybin. 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.

Additionally, the bill revises statutes related to drug paraphernalia, ensuring that possession of items used to consume psilocybin would no longer carry criminal penalties.
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Feb 22 2025

Canada: December Breaks Monthly Marijuana Sales Record With CA$499 Million, Bringing 2024 Total to Over CA$5 Billion

There was more marijuana sold legally in December than any month prior in Canada, according to data released by Statistics Canada.

In December, Canada generated $499.7 million in marijuana sales, which includes dried marijuana flower in addition to a variety of marijuana products including concentrates, edibles and topicals.

December’s sales total brings the 2024 total to $5.3 billion.
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Feb 21 2025

Washington Bill to Allow Direct-to-Consumer Marijuana Sales Approved by Committee

Washington’s Senate Labor & Commerce Committee has given approval to a measure that would allow marijuana producers and processors to sell directly to consumers.

Senate Bill 5403 would allow licensed marijuana producers and processors to sell marijuana flower directly to consumers, provided the products are limited to those produced by the licensee. These direct sales would need to comply with existing purchase limits for those 21 and older, which include up to one ounce of usable marijuana or seven grams of marijuana concentrate, among other restrictions.

The legislation would require direct-to-consumer sales to include the state’s 37% marijuana excise tax, with prices and advertisements clearly reflecting the added cost. The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board would have the authority to establish security and operational rules for these sales, but the regulations could not be more stringent than those imposed on retail licensees.
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Feb 21 2025

New Mexico Lawmaker Files Bill to Mandate Medical Cannabis Insurance Coverage

A new bill introduced today in the New Mexico House of Representatives would require insurance coverage for medical cannabis.

House Bill 527, sponsored by State Representative Cristina Parajón (D), would require health insurance providers to cover medical marijuana as they do other prescription medications.

The legislation, if enacted, would amend the Health Care Purchasing Act, the Public Assistance Act, and the New Mexico Insurance Code to mandate insurance coverage for an “adequate supply” of medical marijuana for individuals with qualifying conditions. The bill defines an adequate supply as a three-month allotment of marijuana obtained from an in-state retailer. It also establishes a direct payment or reimbursement system for cannabis retailers and qualifying patients.
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Feb 21 2025

Colorado Issues First Licenses for Psilocybin Businesses, Legal Access Expected by Spring

Colorado regulators have issued the first licenses to individuals looking to enter the state’s emerging psilocybin industry.

Psilocybin mushroom.

The Department of Revenue’s Natural Medicine Division has approved seven applications for individuals seeking to cultivate psilocybin mushrooms or operate healing centers. The division also granted one license to a local applicant aiming to work in the industry.

While some individuals have received state approval, each business must secure an official license before beginning operations. According to state data, no business licenses have been finalized yet, but regulators expect the public could have access to psilocybin-assisted therapy as early as spring.
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Feb 21 2025

Michigan to Distribute Nearly $100 Million in Marijuana Tax Revenue to 302 Cities and Tribes

Michigan is distributing nearly $100 million to 302 entities and tribes as part of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act.

A total of 108 cities, 36 villages, 80 townships, and four tribes will receive payments exceeding $58,200 for each licensed retail store and microbusiness within their jurisdictions.

The funds are sourced from the Marihuana Regulation Fund, which receives revenue from the state’s 10% excise tax on adult-use marijuana sales and other associated fees. In the 2024 fiscal year, more than $331 million was available for distribution. This includes over $116 million allocated to the School Aid Fund for K-12 education and another $116 million directed to the Michigan Transportation Fund.
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