Jan 02 2025

Nevada Lawmaker Named Co-Chair of U.S. Congressional Cannabis Caucus

Congressmember Dina Titus, a self-described “long-standing advocate for reforming the nation’s marijuana laws”, announced today she has been appointed co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus. Congressmember Ilhan Omar (D-MN) will serve as the other co-chair.

“I am honored to serve in a leadership position to help shape our nation’s marijuana policies,” Congressmember Titus said in a press release sent today. “Whether it is access to banking services and regular tax treatment for cannabis businesses, veteran use of cannabis for medicinal purposes through the Veterans Administration, or pushing the federal government to reform its outdated scheduling of marijuana as a dangerous drug, there is much work to be done.”

Titus continues: “In Nevada and the 23 other states that have decriminalized marijuana, the cannabis industry has demonstrated it is a responsible industry. It is time for the federal government to recognize that and treat it accordingly.”
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Jan 02 2025

Clinical Trial: Psilocybin Promotes Lasting Positive Personality Changes in Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder

According to the results of a new clinical trial, psilocybin holds promise as a tool for reshaping personality traits in people battling alcohol addiction.

Dried psilocybin mushrooms.

Researchers from New York University, the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and Arizona State University conducted a randomized controlled trial to explore the effects of psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) on personality dimensions in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD).

The study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, involved 84 adults diagnosed with AUD. Participants were randomized to receive two sessions of either psilocybin or an active placebo (diphenhydramine), alongside 12 weekly psychotherapy sessions and a 24-week follow-up period. Changes in personality were measured using the revised NEO Personality Inventory, and alcohol consumption was tracked via a timeline followback method.
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Jan 01 2025

California Now Allows Amsterdam-Style Marijuana Cafés as New Law Takes Effect

Cities and counties across California can now authorize licensed cannabis retailers and microbusinesses to prepare and sell non-cannabis food and beverages and host live performances, as Assembly Bill 1775 officially goes into effect today, January 1, 2025.

The new law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in late September 2024 and sponsored by Assemblymember Matt Haney, marks a significant shift in the state’s approach to cannabis consumption spaces, allowing them to operate more like Amsterdam-style cafés. These establishments can now provide a more vibrant, community-oriented experience by offering freshly prepared food and drink alongside live music and other performances—all within spaces where cannabis consumption is permitted.

The bill, championed by its sponsors despite a veto of a similar measure in 2023, garnered strong bipartisan support in the legislature. It passed with a 58 to 6 vote in the Assembly and a 30 to7 vote in the Senate. Proponents argued that the previous restrictions, which limited lounges to offering only prepackaged food and drinks, hindered the potential of these spaces to thrive as social and cultural hubs.
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Jan 01 2025

Study: UV Light Intensity and Spectrum Influence Cannabis Growth and Terpene Profiles

A study published in the journal Frontiers in Plant Science by researchers from Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin examines how different UV spectra and intensities impact cannabis growth, yield, and secondary metabolite composition.

The study tested three UV light spectra at five intensity levels, analyzing their effects on photomorphogenesis, inflorescence yield, and the chemical profile of cannabis. While none of the UV treatments altered cannabinoid concentrations, significant changes were observed in terpene profiles under certain conditions.

Notably, the UV treatment labeled L3_1, which emitted UVA:B at a 99:1 ratio and an intensity of 1.81 W/m², increased concentrations of key terpenes. Compared to the control group without UV exposure, linalool rose by 29%, limonene by 25%, and myrcene by 22%. This treatment maintained consistent yield and cannabinoid levels, making it the most practical option for commercial cannabis cultivation.
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Jan 01 2025

Study Finds CBD Reduces Costs and Improves Outcomes for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome and Dravet Syndrome

A cost-utility analysis has shown that CBD in combination with usual care offers a cost-effective treatment option for patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) or Dravet syndrome (DS) in the Netherlands.

This study, published in the Journal of Health Economics and Outcomes Research, evaluated the economic and clinical benefits of using plant-derived, highly purified CBD (Epidyolex) alongside standard antiseizure medications compared to usual care alone.

LGS and DS are severe, treatment-resistant epileptic disorders that primarily affect infants and young children. In December 2022, Epidyolex was approved for reimbursement in the Netherlands as an adjunctive treatment for seizures associated with these conditions.
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Jan 01 2025

Colorado: Applications for Psilocybin Treatment Centers Now Open

Colorado has officially launched its application process for psilocybin treatment centers.

Dried psilocybin.

Approved by voters in 2022, Proposition 122 (the Natural Medicine Health Act) allows regulated use of psilocybin for conditions such as depression and PTSD, for those 21 and older. As of today, January 1, licenses for treatment centers are now open for those interested in applying. Although it will take months for services to commence, this marks a significant milestone in the 2022 law being fully enacted.

The move has sparked heated debates, particularly in conservative areas like Colorado Springs, notes the Associated Press. Local leaders have imposed restrictions on psilocybin “healing centers,” limiting their proximity to schools and other locations. Despite objections from veterans advocating for access, the City Council passed a measure extending these restrictions, citing safety concerns.
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Jan 01 2025

New Oklahoma Bill Would Establish Weekly Purchase Cap for Medical Marijuana Patients

Senator George Burns (R) has prefiled Senate Bill 320 for the 2025 legislative session. The bill would establish a new purchase limit for medical marijuana patients in Oklahoma.

If enacted, SB 320 will amend existing state law to limit medical marijuana purchases to no more than two and one-half ounces (70.9 grams) within a one-week period. This provision will join the current regulations allowing licensed patients to legally possess up to three ounces of marijuana on their person and additional quantities in various forms, such as edibles and concentrates.

The measure, which will receive its first reading in the Oklahoma Senate on February 3, will leave other possession limits for plants and processed marijuana products unchanged.
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Jan 01 2025

Ohio Marijuana Sales Update: Over $378 Million in Combined Sales Since August, $2.3 Billion All-Time

Between August 7 and December 28, marijuana sales in Ohio have reached a total of $378,503,351. This includes $136,336,331 in medical marijuana purchases and $242,167,020 in recreational marijuana sales.

The average price per gram has dropped to $7.01, reflecting a continued trend of declining costs for consumers. The average price of a gram of dried marijuana flower was $9.40 on August 10, according to the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control (DCC).

Since the launch of legal marijuana sales in Ohio, the state has recorded a cumulative total of $2,296,801,457 in sales from 21,000,446 transactions.
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Jan 01 2025

Incoming Senate Majority Leader Says He’s “Not a Fan” of SAFER Banking Act, Appears Unsure of Marijuana Rescheduling

Senator John Thune, who will take over as Senate Majority Leader later this month, says he’s “not a fan” of SAFER Banking while appearing unsure of his opinion on marijuana rescheduling.

Senator John Thune (photo credit: Allison Robbert/Bloomberg).

When asked by Matt Laslo of Ask a Pol “What are your thoughts on the SAFER Banking Act?”, Senator Thune responded by saying “I’m not a fan”, while refusing to elaborate further.

Furthermore, when Laslo asked Thune if he had “Any thoughts on the DEA rescheduling marijuana?”, Thune said “Ummm”, while continuing to walk into the US Capitol. He gave no further answer.
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Jan 01 2025

New York Governor Celebrates New York Surpassing $1 Billion in Retail Marijuana Sales

Governor Kathy Hochul today proudly announced that New York State’s cannabis industry has reached a historic milestone of more than $1 billion in retail sales.

This achievement “reflects the dedication of entrepreneurs, consumers, and communities who have embraced the legal market and helped to establish New York as a national leader in cannabis equity and innovation”, according to a press release sent by Governor Hochul’s office.

“Earlier this year, my administration took critical steps to promote progress and economic opportunity within New York’s budding cannabis industry, including signing new enforcement powers into law that expedited the closure of unlicensed storefronts and, as a result, bolstered our legal market,” Governor Hochul said. “Today, we recognize the $1 billion milestone as more than just a number—it’s a testament to the hard work of those who helped build the strongest cannabis industry in the nation: one that prioritizes equity, ensures public safety, and empowers communities.”
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