A Selection of Cannabis News from Around the Net.
A selection of Cannabis News items from around the internet that have recently crossed our screens. Note that the links to the full articles were current when they were added to this page... due to the nature of the internet, the links may have changed.
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| JULY 2021 | AUGUST 2021 | SEPTEMBER 2021 | OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021 | DECEMBER 2021 |
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| JANUARY 2021 | |
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A Happy and Healthy New Year to All! Stay Safe - Wash Hands Frequently With Soap - Follow stay-at-home & Social Distancing Guidelines - Wear a mask when outside your home Nearly 500K marijuana arrest records expunged in Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced Thursday 492,129 non-felony cannabis related arrest records have been expunged at the state level by the Illinois State Police (ISP). The announcement comes four years in advance of the deadline set in the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (CRTA), the most equity-centric cannabis legislation in the country signed into law by Gov. Pritzker in 2019. Additionally, the governor announced that he issued pardons on Thursday for 9,219 low-level cannabis conviction records, for a total of over 20,000 cannabis convictions now pardoned since the signing of the legislation. More: https://wgem.com/2020/12/31/nearly-500k-marijuana-arrest-records-expunged-in-illinois/
He loved weed. Then the vomiting began. Months later, he died
$3 million of cannabis seized at Quebec/Vermont border
Marijuana legalization begins, in part, as new year starts
Maine marijuana shops report brisk business despite pandemic
Cannabidiol (CBD) in cannabis does not impair driving, landmark study shows
Study: Effect of Cannabidiol and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol on Driving Performance - A Randomized Clinical Trial
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2773562
Cannabis stocks soar as Georgia Senate elections boost investor hopes for decriminalization
Amsterdam wants to restrict tourists from its marijuana shops
Review of over 50,000 people finds no link to cannabis use and an increase in cardiovascular disease
Annual Colorado pot sales surpass $2 billion for first time
Researchers Are Looking At Cannabis As A Potential Way To Prevent COVID-19
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo Promises State Will Legalize Recreational Weed
Study Finds New Evidence of Health Threat From Chemicals in Marijuana and Tobacco Smoke
California regulators say cannabis billboards along interstate highways must come down
New Study Shows Cannabis Reduces Inflammatory 'Storms' Caused By Covid-19
Study: Fighting the storm: could novel anti-TNFα and anti-IL-6 C. sativa cultivars tame cytokine storm in COVID-19? -
https://www.aging-us.com/article/202500/text
Feeling your pain |
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| FEBRUARY 2021 | |
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Stay Safe - Wash Hands Frequently With Soap - Follow stay-at-home & Social Distancing Guidelines - Wear a mask when outside your home Cherokee Consider Legalizing Medical Marijuana, a First for the Carolinas In the western tip of North Carolina, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is getting ready to consider what could be the first legal medical marijuana in the region. Next month, the Tribal Council will consider a measure to legalize pot for medicinal purposes, which could be part of a broader legalization effort on tribal land. "The people want cannabis, the world is changing, society is changing," says Jeremy Wilson, a former Tribal Council member and the government affairs liaison for the principal chief. "We want to have dispensaries here on the Qualla Boundary and to be able to sell, but we have to start with this phase first," he says. More: https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2021/01/29/cherokee-in-nc-consider-legal-medical-marijuana--a-first-for-the-carolinas
US seized more than 70,000 pounds of cannabis at Canadian border in 2020
Cannabis Shown to Relieve Parkinson Disease Symptoms
Hong Kong police seize HK$10 million worth of cannabis, arrest suspected dealer in drugs raid on industrial building
Legal pot shop license fees too pricey, Vancouver councillor says
Results of Clinical Trial Show Potential Benefits of Cannabis For Children With Autism
Jamaica faces marijuana shortage as farmers struggle
Sri Lanka to Legalise the Use of Cannabis?
Attorney General's office will not appeal South Dakota legal marijuana decision
The failings of per se limits to detect cannabis-induced driving impairment: Results from a simulated driving study
The Half-Legal Cannabis Trap
Study Shows Cannabis Lowers Blood Pressure in Hypertension Patients
Amsterdams loss to be a gain for cannabis tourism in Toronto?
Norway seeks to decriminalize recreational drug use
Cannabis and national decriminalization: The story so far
Will London's budding cannabis market turn the EU green with envy?
Malta set to decriminalize cannabis, Prime Minister announces
Sustainability In The Cannabis Industry: Truly Going Green
You cannabis serious: Gauteng to become SA's weed capital?
(Albuquerque) Senate committee holds hearing on recreational marijuana legislation
Cannabis-based antibiotics could be available on NHS within five years
Virginia joins 15 other states in legalizing marijuana
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| MARCH 2021 | |
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Stay Safe - Wash Hands Frequently With Soap - Follow stay-at-home & Social Distancing Guidelines - Wear a mask when outside your home - Get Vaccinated ASAP Former soldier who 'grew and smoked cannabis to help him cope with PTSD' is spared jail (UK) A "distinguished" old soldier who grew and smoked his own cannabis to help him cope with his memories of serving in Northern Ireland during the Troubles has been spared jail. John Hoey, 64, was found with a "plantation" of herbal cannabis, estimated by police to be worth nearly £12,500, at his home in Grangemouth, Stirlingshire. More: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/former-solider-who-grew-smoked-23615483
Not all THC analysis is created equal
U.S. Cannabis Sales Hit Record $17.5 Billion As Americans Consume More Marijuana Than Ever Before
Cannabis farm receipts up by nearly 75% (Canada)
Deal near on legalizing recreational marijuana, officials say
CBD reduces plaque, improves cognition in model of familial Alzheime's
Mexico lawmakers approve bill to legalize recreational marijuana
Combining terpenes and cannabidiol may be highly active against human coronaviruses
Study:
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.01.433501v1
FDA-regulated study shows promise for using marijuana to treat veterans with PTSD
Study: The short-term impact of 3 smoked cannabis preparations versus placebo on PTSD symptoms: A randomized cross-over clinical trial -
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0246990
Why New York Legalizing Recreational Cannabis Won't Kill The Illicit Market
SAFE Banking Act for Cannabis Industry Reintroduced in House
Have Canadian cannabis users increased their usage during the pandemic?
France launches 2-year experiment with medical marijuana
High anxiety over federal weed loophole
Himachal to legalise cannabis cultivation to boost economy
Scotland to open its first brick and mortar cannabis clinic |
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| APRIL 2021 | |
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Stay Safe - Wash Hands Frequently With Soap - Follow stay-at-home & Social Distancing Guidelines - Wear a mask when outside your home - Get Vaccinated ASAP
New Mexico lawmakers send recreational marijuana bills to governor
Swiss Government Releases Details on Adult-Use Cannabis Pilot Schemes
The Swiss parliament passed regulations in September 2020 which allow for the initiation of pilot schemes wherein adult-use cannabis can be legally produced,
imported and distributed to registered users. The FOPH released a draft of the regulation today, the 31st of March, divulging further details on the schemes.
Schumer: Senate will act on marijuana legalization with or without Biden
Legal marijuana movement builds as more states change laws
States Keep Repeating the Same Mistake With Marijuana Legalization
Marijuana users work out even more than their nonsmoking counterparts, study suggests
Study: The relationships between marijuana use and exercise among young and middle-aged adults
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S009174352100102X?via%3Dihub
Why Virginia legalizing marijuana could be a catalyst for federal legalization
Who is Getting Rich From Cannabis Legalization?
STUDY - Cancer patient's attitudes of using medicinal cannabis for sleep
Canada Cannabis Sales Doubled In 2020, Hitting $2.6 Billion: Here's What's Next
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| MAY 2021 | |
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Stay Safe - Wash Hands Frequently With Soap - Follow stay-at-home & Social Distancing Guidelines - Wear a mask when outside your home - Get Vaccinated ASAP British farmers and small businesses have described current legislation that prohibits them from cultivating CBD oil from cannabis plants - while it remains legal to import it from abroad - as "unfair", "ridiculous" and "insane". It comes as a second report in just two weeks, backed by farmers, industry bodies and MPs, has called for a liberalisation of "nonsensical" restrictions around the production of CBD in the UK. More: https://news.sky.com/story/ban-on-cultivating-medicinal-cbd-oil-from-cannabis-unfair-and-insane-farmers-say-12289791 New Mexico marijuana legalization could hurt Colorado's cannabis industry Earlier this month, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed legislation to legalize recreational marijuana in the state. While marijuana and criminal justice reform advocates say it's a huge win, it could mean big losses for dispensaries in Colorado. Since 2014, when recreational marijuana went on sale in the Centennial State, business has boomed for Colorado dispensary owners with more than $10 billion in marijuana sales and billions more reaped in tax revenue. More: https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/new-mexico-marijuana-legalization-could-hurt-colorados-cannabis-industry Marlboro-Maker Philip Morris Keeps Cannabis Options Open After keeping its distance from cannabis, Marlboro-maker Philip Morris International Inc. is beginning to take a closer look at the suddenly hot market. The company is assessing factors like the toxicity of cannabis, efficacy and differences between pharmaceutical and consumer options, Chief Executive Officer Andre Calantzopoulos told Bloomberg News Tuesday. The company is still analyzing the industry because the market is so young and there isn't robust regulation yet, he said. More: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-04-28/marlboro-maker-philip-morris-keeps-cannabis-options-open Indigenous sovereign cannabis dispensaries band together to create a 'Red Market' Thomas Tyler Bob is working with other Indigenous dispensary owners across different territories to establish a "Red Market" - an economically-viable industry by and for Indigenous Peoples. "This is modern-day First Nations business, understanding the complexities in laws and opportunities within nations," he tells IndigiNews in an interview on April 15. Bob is Snaw-naw-as, a member of Nanoose First Nation. His traditional name is Hulp'put stun, which he says means "to bring it home to the family." He's also the owner of Mary Jane's Pure Cure (MJPC). More: https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/indigenous-sovereign-cannabis-dispensaries-band-together-to-create-a-red-market/ Is growing weed sustainable? The answer is complicated. In March, New York legalized cannabis, making it one of a handful of states that have decided to legalize recreational marijuana just this year. Cannabis, including medicinal and recreational, is legal in more states than illegal now, which means more state-regulated grow operations are popping up around the country. Researchers across the country, including at the University of California Berkeley's Cannabis Research Center, are interested in examining how cannabis cultivation impacts the land and environment. Ariani Wartenberg, a postdoctoral fellow at UC Berkeley, is an author of a recent article that reviewed all studies that have looked at the environmental impacts of cannabis. "I was surprised, actually, at how few I found. I expected there would be more," Wartenberg says of the studies they were able to include in the review paper. More: https://www.popsci.com/environment/sustainable-cannabis-farming/ [UK] 'Accidental' boom in cannabis products could see annual sales hit £690m Sales of consumer cannabis products have undergone an "accidental" boom during the pandemic that will see the popularity of cannabinoids exceed the market for Vitamins B and C combined, according to industry groups. More: https://news.sky.com/story/accidental-boom-in-cannabis-products-could-see-annual-sales-hit-690m-12297963 'Clean cannabis' program wants more Mainers choosing pesticide-free pot Six years after the creation of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association's Certified Clean Cannabis program to certify synthetic chemical-free cannabis growers, Maine cannabis farmers say their product is healthier and less susceptible to disease. But the program has been slow to catch on - so far, only 20 growers have been certified out of nearly 700 providers in the state. More: https://bangordailynews.com/2021/05/05/homestead/clean-cannabis-program-wants-more-mainers-choosing-pesticide-free-pot/ Illinois to Record $1 Billion Marijuana Sales by Year's End, Surpassing Liquor Illinois is set to record more than $1 billion in sales of adult-use marijuana products this year, with first quarter cannabis tax revenue already surpassing that of alcohol. The state of Illinois, whose lawmakers are eyeing bankruptcy options amid a huge budget deficit, generated more than $86 million from adult-use marijuana tax revenue between January and March 2021. Illinois received $72 million in revenue from liquor sales. The state has repeatedly broken its own monthly weed sales records, with both in- and out-of-state adult sales hitting $28 million in March alone. During the last quarter, the state Department of Revenue took in more tax dollars from marijuana receipts than alcohol for the first time ever. Adults spent nearly $110 million on recreational cannabis products during just the month of March. More: https://www.newsweek.com/illinois-record-1-billion-marijuana-sales-years-end-surpassing-liquor-1588354 Colorado Marijuana Sales Over $560 Million From January through March Colorado dispensaries set another record in March, according to the state Department of Revenue, accounting for over $207 million in marijuana sales that month. So far in 2021, January, February and March have each set sales records for their respective months, with the highest totals since recreational dispensaries opened in 2014. Sales for the three months combined add up to over $561.7 million - which is almost 22 percent ahead of the pace for the first quarter of 2020. More: https://www.westword.com/marijuana/colorado-marijuana-sales-hit-over-560-million-from-january-to-march-11967665 Widely assumed phenotypic associations in Cannabis sativa lack a shared genetic basis [Study] The flowering plant Cannabis sativa, cultivated for centuries for multiple purposes, displays extensive variation in phenotypic traits in addition to its wide array of secondary metabolite production. Notably, Cannabis produces two well-known secondary-metabolite cannabinoids: cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), which are the main products sought by consumers in the medical and recreational market. Cannabis has several suggested subspecies which have been shown to differ in chemistry, branching patterns, leaf morphology and other traits. In this study we obtained measurements related to phytochemistry, reproductive traits, growth architecture, and leaf morphology from 297 hybrid individuals from a cross between two diverse lineages. More: https://peerj.com/articles/10672/ Medicinal cannabis research receives $1.5m boost [Australia] A new University of Adelaide trial will explore the use of personalised medicinal cannabis dosing to prevent common and impactful symptoms of treatment in advanced cancer thanks to Federal Government funding of $1.5 million. The Medical Research Future Fund investment was awarded to Dr Hannah Wardill for the CANCAN trial - a large clinical study which aims to guide clinical practice. "Cancer therapies are highly toxic and cause a constellation of physical and psychosocial symptoms that negatively impact quality of life, dose intensity and survival," Dr Wardill said. More: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/newsroom/news/list/2021/05/13/medicinal-cannabis-research-receives-15m-boost Canadian soldier charged with feeding cannabis cupcakes to artillery unit during live-fire exercise A Canadian army gunner is facing more than a dozen charges after she allegedly served cannabis-laced cupcakes to her unsuspecting artillery unit during a live-fire exercise. Court documents allege a sudden onset of paranoia, fatigue and confusion among the troops who ate the cupcakes, unaware of their psychoactive contents. More: https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/canadian-soldier-charged-with-feeding-cannabis-cupcakes-to-artillery-unit-during-live-fire-exercise-1.5436410 Cannabigerol Is a Potential Therapeutic Agent in a Novel Combined Therapy for Glioblastoma [Study] Glioblastoma is the most aggressive cancer among primary brain tumours. As with other cancers, the incidence of glioblastoma is increasing; despite modern therapies, the overall mean survival of patients post-diagnosis averages around 16 months, a figure that has not changed in many years. Cannabigerol (CBG) has only recently been reported to prevent the progression of certain carcinomas and has not yet been studied in glioblastoma. More: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33562819/ Can Medical Cannabis Help End The Opioid National Crisis? Another Study Confirms Its Potential Every year, more and more people in the U.S. and Canada die from opioid-involved overdoses. In 2019 alone, nearly 50,000 people in the U.S. lost their lives due to opioid misuse, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The opioid epidemic is real and is considered a public health crisis. Healthcare practitioners and researchers are continually searching for ways to help those suffering from chronic pain by coming up with alternative treatments to highly addictive opioids. More: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/can-medical-cannabis-help-end-the-opioid-national-crisis-another-study-confirms-its-potential/ar-BB1gUQ5r?ocid=msedgdhp Japanese gov't to ease prohibition of cannabis-derived medicines Following months of discussion, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is set to approve the use of pharmaceuticals containing cannabis as an ingredient in Japan, according to public broadcaster NHK. The Japanese legal system takes a particularly hardline stance against drugs, and even the possession of a small amount of marijuana is generally treated as a major crime. However, following the approval of cannabis-based medicines in many other nations, at the beginning of the year the ministry formed a committee to discuss whether Japan should follow suit, with the effectiveness of such medications in treating sufferers of refractory epilepsy and as a pain suppressant for cancer patients. More: https://japantoday.com/category/national/japanese-government-to-ease-prohibition-of-cannabis-derived-medicines After 50 Years, U.S. Opens The Door To More Cannabis Crops For Scientists After more than 50 years, the federal government is lifting a roadblock to cannabis research that scientists and advocates say has hindered rigorous studies of the plant and possible drug development. Since 1968, U.S. researchers have been allowed to use cannabis from only one domestic source: a facility based at the University of Mississippi, through a contract with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). More: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/05/30/1000867189/after-50-years-u-s-opens-the-door-to-more-cannabis-crops-for-scientists US has seized more than 13,000 pounds [5,897 Kg] of cannabis at US/Canada border this year US border authorities have seized more than 13,000 pounds (6,000+ kg) of cannabis entering the country from Canada in 2021, according to reports from US Customs and Border Protection. This is in addition to the more than 70,000 lbs of cannabis seized entering the US from Canada in 2020. These types of large seizures have become more common since the US and Canada closed their shared border to non-essential traffic in March 2020, due to the covid-19 pandemic. More: https://stratcann.com/2021/05/26/us-has-seized-more-than-13000-pounds-of-cannabis-at-us-canada-border-this-year/ The US cannabis industry's one big problem: Too much cash The US cannabis business has a very particular cash flow problem - too much of it. Marijuana can be sold legally in 36 US states and the District of Columbia (DC) for medical use and in 15 of them and in DC for recreational purposes. But it is still illegal on a federal level, meaning most banks refuse to service the industry in case they fall afoul of money laundering laws. More: https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2021/5/24/the-us-cannabis-industrys-one-big-problem-too-much-cash Cannabis Is the Latest Battlefield in the Republican War on Democracy Ken Newburger felt like he'd been blindsided. He knew a legal challenge had been mounted against the medical cannabis ballot initiative he'd worked on last year in Mississippi. He knew the state's Supreme Court had taken up the case. But the argument against Initiative 65 was so nonsensical that Newburger had zero doubt the court would rule to uphold the measure. He was wrong: The court overturned it, and with it the will of the 74 percent of Mississippi voters who approved it last fall. More: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/marijuana-ballot-initiatives-mississippi-south-dakota-1171659/ Losses grow at David Beckham-backed cannabis business Cellular Goods Losses have widened at Cellular Goods (CBX.L), the London-listed cannabis business backed by David Beckham. Cellular Goods on Tuesday said its losses hit £2.1m ($3m) in the six months to the end of February 2021. The business lost just £140,000 in the same period a year earlier. More: https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/cellular-goods-david-beckham-cannabis-cannaboid-interim-results-2021-wellness-cbd-073512023.html 
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| JUNE 2021 | |
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Stay Safe - Wash Hands Frequently With Soap - Follow stay-at-home & Social Distancing Guidelines - Wear a mask when outside your home - Get Vaccinated ASAP Tilray and Sundial embark on 2-day rally after Amazon says it stands behind federal marijuana legalization Canadian cannabis companies Tilray and Sundial are on a two-day rally after Amazon announced it would support a federal bill to legalize marijuana - and retail traders are celebrating. Shares of Tilray jumped 12% to $19 Wednesday and rose 9% in early morning trading Thursday. Last month, Tilray completed its acquisition of Aphria, making the combined business the largest cannabis company in the world by revenue. As for Sundial, the stock closed 13% higher at $1.13 Wednesday and jumped another 17% Thursday morning. More: https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/tilray-sundial-stock-rally-amazon-backs-marijuana-bill-retail-traders-2021-6-1030491675?utm_source=reddit.com Over 20 tonnes of cannabis resin seized in Canary Islands Spanish police have seized almost €250m worth of cannabis resin on foot of information from the Irish authorities. Over 20 tonnes of the drug were found when a large shipping vessel from Morocco was boarded approximately 90 nautical miles off the coast of the Canary Islands. The Maritime Analysis Operations Centre, the international agency that co-ordinates European anti-drug trafficking operations, said today it is the largest seizure of cannabis resin in Europe in years. More: https://www.rte.ie/news/2021/0604/1226074-drugs-spain/ Charlotte's Web and University of Colorado-Boulder Collaborating on Sleep and Anxiety Studies Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc. ("Charlotte's Web" or the "Company"), the market leader in hemp CBD wellness products and a Certified B Corporation, today announced the collaboration of its CW Labs division on a preclinical sleep and anxiety study with the University of Colorado-Boulder's REACH (Research and Education Addressing Cannabis and Health) Center. The scientific investigation uses the Company's full spectrum hemp formulations with CBN (cannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) and levels of THC below 0.3% to examine the impact on anxiety and sleep quality. The Company is the only hemp CBD brand supporting the University of Colorado REACH Center's milestone study. More: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/charlottes-web-and-university-of-colorado-boulder-collaborating-on-sleep-and-anxiety-studies-301304019.html What experts say you need to know about 'diet weed' Legal in 17 states, but still considered illegal at the federal level, marijuana is going through a complicated rebirth. For those living in the states where partaking in the drug comes with the risk of a fine or imprisonment, CBD is typically the only safe option. That is, until recently. A number of pot lovers have found another way to legally buy and sell a less-potent version of marijuana using a legal loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill, which inadvertently legalized a potent and popular cannabinoid known as Delta-8 THC More: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/diet-weed-is-taking-over-heres-what-experts-say-you-need-to-know-213645458.html he Need for Well-Established Laboratory Testing Methods for Cannabis Products is Increasing The cannabis industry is growing relatively faster, mainly because of its pharmaceutical advantages. Since the consumption of cannabis is increasing rapidly, more and more products are coming into the market. But unfortunately, the consumers are not well educated about these products, nor the companies' labels are accurate regarding the contents and their credibility. Nevertheless, the users must have valid information about the product and its contents. The label must provide detailed information about the product inside. Yet, the information should be scientifically verified for its benefits. More: https://www.todayshealthscience.com/latest-news/the-need-for-well-established-laboratory-testing-methods-for-cannabis-products-is-increasing/ Start Spreading The News: New York Could Displace California As Cannabis Capital Of The World I'm not a fan of the adult-use legalization framework in California known as Prop. 64. Voters passed this ballot measure in 2016 by a large majority of 56%, which is unheard of in modern politics, even in deep-blue California. Five years later, much of California does not have dispensaries - or cannabis retail, manufacturing, or cultivation - as local officials have banned cannabis businesses. Many stakeholders, myself included, have tried to persuade Democratic lawmakers in Sacramento to reform Prop. 64, and yet all of those efforts have failed, despite one-party rule. If there was ever a poster child for how NOT to legalize cannabis, it looks like the Golden State. More: https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewdeangelo/2021/06/09/start-spreading-the-news-new-york-may-displace-california-as-cannabis-capital-of-the-world/?sh=44d5db0a6aa6 Ontario company receives Health Canada approval to make cannabis pharmaceuticals An Ontario pharmaceutical company claims to be the first in the country to have a certified good manufacturing practices (GMP) facility that will be wholly dedicated to making CBD tablets and capsules. Burlington's EmpowerPharm, a new clinical-stage, Canadian-owned drug company, made the announcement this week. More: https://thestarphoenix.com/cannabis-health/ontario-company-receives-first-ever-health-canada-approval-to-make-cannabis-pharmaceuticals Poke and toke: Washington offering free joints as new vaccine incentive The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board announced Monday it will offer free marijuana joints as an incentive for people to get vaccinated against COVID-19. According to a notice, the LCB received multiple requests from marijuana retailers to offer the promotion. Starting Monday, marijuana retailers who host COVID-19 vaccination clinics at their stores will be allowed to offer one joint at no cost to customers. More: https://www.kxly.com/poke-and-toke-washington-offering-free-joints-as-new-vaccine-incentive/ Can Cannabis Treat Concussions? It's the year of weed. The plant has taken everyone by storm following the latest cannabis legalization stories across the globe. Whether it's research, recreational use, or medicine, cannabis seems to be everywhere. But, it all makes sense. Among others, cannabis is making its way through the sports circles too. In the latest developments, the National Hockey League surprisingly relaxed its regulations regarding the use of marijuana. According to the league rules, players caught using marijuana won't be suspended or fined. However, it goes a step further by taking on board a Cannabis company. They both will partner for the marijuana study. More: https://www.todayshealthscience.com/latest-news/can-cannabis-treat-concussions/ Cannabis driving less risk than some drugs [AUS] The risks of driving after taking medicinal cannabis are the same or lower than for many other prescription drugs, research shows. "The risk is probably considerably less than with many medications such as antidepressants, opioids and benzodiazepines," Professor Iain McGregor from The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics at the University of Sydney told AAP. More: https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/medicine/cannabis-driving-less-risk-than-some-drugs-c-3088754 Boy walks 1000 miles to highlight medical cannabis injustice [UK] A boy who was one of the first people to receive an NHS medical cannabis prescription will today complete a 1000 mile walk to raise awareness and funds for other people who desperately need access to medical cannabis in the UK. Billy Caldwell and his mother Charlotte will reach their final destination of Westminster after a 1000-mile walk from their home in Belfast via the British Crown Dependency Islands. They are seeking a roundtable meeting with Matt Hancock and the National Institute for Health Research and propose a specially designed study for medical cannabis. More: https://www.leafie.co.uk/news/boy-walks-1000-miles-to-highlight-medical-cannabis-injustice/ California offers $100 million to rescue its struggling legal marijuana industry The California Legislature on Monday approved a $100-million plan to bolster California's legal marijuana industry, which continues to struggle to compete with the large illicit pot market nearly five years after voters approved sales for recreational use. Los Angeles will be the biggest beneficiary of the money, which was proposed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to be provided as grants to cities and counties to help cannabis businesses transition from provisional to regular licenses. More: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-06-14/california-struggling-marijuana-industry-cash-grants-budget
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| JULY 2021 | |
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Stay Safe - Wash Hands Frequently With Soap - Follow stay-at-home & Social Distancing Guidelines - Wear a mask when outside your home - Get Vaccinated ASAP Activists see momentum as three new states legalize marijuanaNew laws legalizing marijuana for recreational or medical use take effect in three states on Thursday, significantly expanding the number of Americans who will have access to consumable cannabis products. The new laws may give new momentum to the push to legalize marijuana across the country as supporters begin circulating new ballot petitions and legislators drop their historical reluctance to marijuana reform. More: https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/561136-3-new-states-legalize-marijuana Richardson ban reignites debate on cannabis rules in sport American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson's one-month ban on Friday after her positive test for cannabis has reignited the debate about the logic behind the drug's inclusion on the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) banned list. Richardson was among the favourites to win gold in the 100 metres at this year's Tokyo Olympics but her positive test for a banned substance, which the 21-year-old said she used to deal with the death of her mother, crushed those dreams. Her suspension, which leaves open the possibility that she could still compete in the women's 4x100m relay event in Tokyo, comes as the legalisation of adult recreational use of marijuana is spreading around the United States. More: https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/richardson-ban-reignites-debate-cannabis-rules-sport-2021-07-02/ Rapid growth of Ontario cannabis stores will likely result in some closures: OCS The head of the Ontario Cannabis Store is warning that the soaring number of pot shops in the province will likely result in so much competition that some will close. David Lobo, the interim president and chief executive of the province's pot distributor, said in an annual report released this week that shops will encounter plenty of rivals as 1,000 new cannabis stores are expected to open by September. "Unfortunately, this rapid growth will likely result in some retailers being faced with increased competition and a crowded marketplace, which could result in some closures and market rightsizing," he wrote. More: https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/rapid-growth-of-ontario-cannabis-stores-will-likely-result-in-some-closures-ocs-1.5493086 Recreational Marijuana Now Legal in Connecticut As of Thursday, it is now legal for adults in Connecticut to possess and even consume small amounts of marijuana. The new law allows individuals age 21 and older to possess or consume up to 1.5 ounces (42.5 grams) of "cannabis plant material" and up to 5 ounces (141.7 grams) in a locked container in a home or in the trunk or locked glove box in the person's vehicle. There's a series of fines and other measures for violators, including mandatory referral to youth services bureaus for 2nd-time juvenile offenders. More: https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/recreational-marijuana-now-legal-in-connecticut/2519293/ Mexico's supreme court decriminalizes recreational use of cannabis Mexico's Supreme Court struck down laws which criminalized the recreational use of cannabis on Monday evening. The decisive 8-3 ruling comes after advocates pushed for decriminalization as a means to reduce drug-fueled cartel violence in the country. The court declared the prohibition of cannabis unconstitutional in 2018, leading lawmakers to move forward on passing a bill. More: https://edition.cnn.com/2021/06/29/americas/mexico-cannabis-decriminalization-intl/index.html Cannabis-Growing Gathers Momentum in Zimbabwe Zimbabwe recently scrapped rules requiring sole state ownership for cannabis farming to encourage investment in the plant for industrial and medicinal uses. Zimbabwe is Africa's largest tobacco producer, but authorities expect hemp export earnings to start replacing tobacco as farmers seek higher earnings from the crop. Farmer Jesper Kirk has been growing mainly tobacco since he moved to a 250-hectare farm five years ago. He now plans to increase his hectarage of hemp, a type of cannabis plant that has very low levels of THC - the intoxicating substance in marijuana - when the growing season begins in a few months. More: https://www.voanews.com/africa/cannabis-growing-gathers-momentum-zimbabwe Lawsuit challenges constitutionality of Colorado law limiting the sale of medical marijuana concentrates A 19-year-old medical marijuana patient has filed a lawsuit seeking to block a new Colorado law limiting how much marijuana concentrate medical cannabis patients can buy, alleging the measure violates the state constitution. More: https://coloradosun.com/2021/07/09/lawsuit-constitutionality-medical-marijuana-concentrates/ Germany is producing state sponsored marijuana Germany is starting to produce and sell medical cannabis so it can provide consumers with lower prices in pharmacies. The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, BfArM (Bundesinstitut fur Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte) announced on 7 July that they have commissioned three companies Aphria RX GmbH, Aurora Produktions GmbH and Demecan GmbH to grow the plant on its behalf. The Institute will later distribute it to pharmacies for 4.30 euros per gram. The prescription of medical marijuana has been legal in Germany since 2017, however, pharmacies have been getting their supply from imports, leading to unpredictable fluctuations in prices and variety of the product. This move does not ban the importation of cannabis, as BfArM does not have the legal power to do so, but, according to them, it will improve patient care. More: https://www.themayor.eu/en/a/view/germany-is-producing-state-sponsored-marijuana-8383 How the heatwave is supercharging cannabis growth - special report Fruit and vegetable crops across Canada's British Columbia have been badly hit by a record-breaking heatwave, but one plant seems to be thriving in the hot, smoky conditions: cannabis. Large swathes of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District in BC's interior remain shrouded in smoke, as dozens of wildfires continue to rage across the region after last week's period of extreme heat. More: https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/canada-wildfires-heatwave-weed-b1880544.html Novel study of high-potency cannabis shows memory effects Even before the pandemic made Zoom ubiquitous, Washington State University researchers were using the video conferencing app to research a type of cannabis that is understudied: the kind people actually use. More: https://news.wsu.edu/2021/07/08/novel-study-high-potency-cannabis-shows-memory-effects/ Study: Acute effects of high‑potency cannabis flower and cannabis concentrates on everyday life memory and decision making - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-93198-5.epdf New Study Suggests Cannabis' Wild Ancestors Likely Came from China Whether you think it's the devil's lettuce, nature's medicine or a conduit to the divine, cannabis and humans have a relationship stretching back thousands of years that has now spawned hundreds of varieties. But millennia of cultivation, breeding and the plant's relatively recent status as a cultural taboo have obscured where exactly cannabis went from being a wild weed to being picked up by humans and put on a path toward becoming the multi-billion-dollar crop it is today. Now, after sequencing and analyzing more than 100 whole Cannabis sativa genomes, researchers say that the wild plants that gave rise to today's psychoactive strains as well as the fibrous varieties used in textiles likely came from East Asia - or present-day China. More: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/new-study-suggests-cannabis-wild-ancestors-likely-came-china-180978201/ Senate Marijuana Bill Would Open Up Banking, Stock Exchanges A new Senate proposal to legalize marijuana would let cannabis companies use banking services and trade on major stock exchanges, according to a person involved in negotiations on the legislation, a potentially dramatic breakthrough for an industry long stymied by federal restrictions. The sweeping new legislation, a draft of which Senate Democrats plan to release Wednesday, would also direct some tax revenue from marijuana sales to minority communities, which faced disproportionate arrests for marijuana possession, keep some federal drug testing provisions, and give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration oversight of cannabis regulation, the person said. More: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-07-13/schumer-s-pot-bill-said-to-open-up-banking-stock-exchanges Research finds Cannabis terpenes as a promising new target for pain therapies When it comes to the medicinal and therapeutic properties of Cannabis sativa, an unsolved mystery is whether there exists an "entourage effect," whereby the pain-relieving effects of the plant as a whole are greater than any of its individual parts. New research from the University of Arizona Health Sciences has found evidence that favors the entourage effect theory and positions Cannabis terpenes, the part of the plant that provides flavor and aroma, as a promising new target for pain therapies that would require lower doses and produce fewer side effects. More: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210714/Research-finds-Cannabis-terpenes-as-a-promising-new-target-for-pain-therapies.aspx Arizona set to outpace Colorado in marijuana sales Arizona is on track to outpace Colorado in marijuana sales just months after it became legal for recreational use in the Copper State, with total annual sales expected to surpass $1 billion by the end of this year, according to state data. The Arizona Department of Revenue in its latest report on marijuana revenue revealed that total sales have nearly doubled since January, when the recreational sale of marijuana to anyone 21 and older officially became legal in the state. More: https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/564032-arizona-set-to-outpace-colorado-in-marijuana-sales 'An entourage effect': new clues on how low-dose CBD products work Research from the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics shows that hemp extracts deliver high concentrations of cannabinoid acids in mice due to a 'pharmacokinetic entourage' mechanism. More: https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2021/07/22/entourage-effect-clues-how-low-dose-cannabinoid-cbd-products-work.html Study - The antimicrobial potential of cannabidiol Antimicrobial resistance threatens the viability of modern medicine, which is largely dependent on the successful prevention and treatment of bacterial infections. Unfortunately, there are few new therapeutics in the clinical pipeline, particularly for Gram-negative bacteria. We now present a detailed evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of cannabidiol, the main non-psychoactive component of cannabis. More: http://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-020-01530-y Scientists discover the ancient birthplace of marijuana For thousands of years, humans have lit up around the world, enjoying the high that comes from cannabis. But the controversial politics surrounding the drug has made it difficult for scientists to figure out its genetic origins. Where did cannabis come from and how did it evolve into the potent green that brings us pleasure? More: https://www.inverse.com/science/scientists-discover-the-birthplace-of-marijuana?utm_source=GetTheElevatordotcom
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| AUGUST 2021 | |
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Stay Safe - Wash Hands Frequently With Soap - Follow stay-at-home & Social Distancing Guidelines - Wear a mask when outside your home - Get Vaccinated ASAP
Illinois Reports 55 Winners of Marijuana Lottery Licenses More and more powerful people, whether because of their wealth, celebrity status or their positions as corporate leaders and politicians, have begun to express their views in support of ending marijuana prohibition. One such person is Charles Koch, a billionaire businessman and philanthropist who shared his views on cannabis legalization and spoke openly of his support in a recent Forbes interview by Will Yakowicz. Koch, a passionate libertarian, has already donated a fortune to various political causes and is now spending impressive sums to support cannabis advocates who are pushing for federal legalization. More: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/billionaire-charles-koch-cannabis-prohibition-154204792.html Cannabis part of the future says UK tobacco giant The UK's largest tobacco firm says it sees cannabis as part of its future as it tries to move away from selling traditional cigarettes. British American Tobacco said it wanted to "accelerate" its transformation by reducing the health impact of its products. In March, BAT took a stake in Canadian medical cannabis maker Organigram. More: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-57995285 No More Cannabis Tourism In Barcelona? Court Overturns Regulations On 'Clubes Cannábicos' From the start, there's been a loophole in the legislation regulating where people in Barcelona can freely buy and smoke marijuana, better known as "clubes cannábicos" or "asociaciones cannábicas.' Now that loophole is being closed via a decision by Catalonia's Superior Court overturning a 2016 regulation approved by the Barcelona City Council permitting the clubs to operate in the city. More: https://www.forbes.com/sites/ceciliarodriguez/2021/07/27/the-end-of-barcelonas-cannabis-tourism-court-overturns-regulations-on-clubes-cannbicos/?sh=1ddebcdd272d Cannabis Sales Are Surging, Green Thumb CEO Says. More Americans Are Turning to Pot for Wellness. American cannabis firm Green Thumb Industries earlier this week reported positive net income for its fourth-straight quarter. CEO Ben Kovler told Barron's the secret to rising sales was simple. "American consumers are choosing cannabis for well-being," Kovler said, "and that's driving a surge in this industry - not growth, it's a surge." More: https://www.barrons.com/articles/marijuana-sales-green-thumb-ceo-51628812742?refsec=hp_INTERESTS_earnings-report&tesla=y Court awards plaintiff $26,267 for medical cannabis following auto accident (Canada) A BC court recently sided with a plaintiff who was seeking damages from a car accident, including a payment of $26,267 for medical cannabis. The payment, part of a larger settlement of over $1.1 million, is intended to cover the plaintiff's use of medical cannabis oil at a rate of $1,095 a year, annually, up to the age of 75. The plaintiff was 42 at the time of this year's trial. More: https://stratcann.com/2021/08/05/court-awards-plaintiff-26267-for-medical-cannabis-following-auto-accident/ Association Between Marijuana Exposure and Pulmonary Function Over 20 Years (study) Exposure to tobacco smoke causes lung damage with clinical consequences that include respiratory symptoms, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer are leading causes of death, and smoking tobacco cigarettes is the most important preventable cause of death in the United States. Marijuana smoke contains many of the same constituents as tobacco smoke,6 but it is unclear whether smoking marijuana causes pulmonary damage similar to that caused by tobacco. Prior studies of marijuana smokers have demonstrated consistent evidence of airway mucosal injury and inflammation as well as increased respiratory symptoms such as cough, phlegm production, and wheeze, similar to that seen in tobacco smokers. More: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/1104848 Cannabis firms catch a whiff of opportunity in Brazil International cannabis companies are showing interest in Brazil, both its large consumer market for medicinal products and a proposal that could legalize planting of the crop. Major producers like Colombia's Clever Leaves (CLVR.O) and Canada's Canopy Growth (WEED.TO) are developing and selling medicinal cannabis products to a Brazilian consumer segment estimated at 10 million to 13 million people. This results from a 2019 regulatory change allowing the import, sale and manufacturing of such products. More: https://www.reuters.com/business/cannabis-firms-catch-whiff-opportunity-brazil-2021-08-20 Britain's legal cannabis market booms on Covid demand Britain's legal cannabis market has boomed during the coronavirus pandemic to become the second biggest after the United States, as consumers rushed to alleviate Covid-linked symptoms, industry experts say. Cannabidiol or CBD, which is most commonly sold as oil at high street retailers, is one of the active ingredients of non-psychoactive cannabis. CBD is touted as have relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties, but experts argue the market has long suffered from questions about its efficacy and a lack of regulation. More: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/britain-s-legal-cannabis-market-booms-on-covid-demand/ar-AANudEC?ocid=msedgntp New study finds cannabis could reduce chances of COVID-19 infection While it's proven that cannabis can be effective in treating things like cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, as well as making watching the Cats movie more bearable, researchers are toying with another use for the Devil's lettuce: defeating COVID-19. Well, almost. As reported by Interest Engineering, researchers at the University of Lethbridge in Canada have found that certain cannabis strains may reduce COVID-19's ability to infect the lungs, as well as other susceptible tissues along the intestines and oral cavity. More: https://m.metrotimes.com/detroit/new-study-finds-cannabis-could-reduce-chances-of-covid-19-infection/Content?oid=24568851 Man attempts to grow cannabis to treat back pain, but mother-in-law has other plans A 44-year-old U.K. man who grew cannabis to treat chronic back pain had his plans upended after his mother-in-law alerted police to the grow, reports Chronicle Live. Liam Jones, a former taxi driver, cultivated 75 plants, which were just about ready for harvest before the police came knocking. More: https://winnipegsun.com/cannabis-news/man-attempts-to-grow-cannabis-to-treat-back-pain-but-mother-in-law-has-other-plans Cannabis lounges expected to hit Nevada market in 2022 after a funding boost from Legislature Cannabis consumption lounges are on track to set up shop in Nevada by mid-2022 and shake up the state's marijuana industry after the Interim Finance Committee greenlit new funding on Wednesday that will help the Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB) oversee a brand new breed of business. Legal consumption at locations outside the home comes more than four years after Nevada legalized recreational cannabis use. Lounges were effectively authorized in July under AB341, legislation that prioritized diversity among new entrants in the predominantly white industry and made the CCB (the state agency that regulates Nevada's legal marijuana businesses) responsible for licensing and regulation. More: https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/cannabis-lounges-expected-to-hit-nevada-market-in-2022-after-a-funding-boost-from-legislature N.B. soldier found guilty of secretly feeding troops cannabis-laced cupcakes A New Brunswick soldier accused of giving cannabis-laced cupcakes to troops on a live-fire training exercise has been found guilty of nine charges. Bombardier Chelsea Cogswell was convicted Wednesday of eight counts of administering a noxious substance to soldiers without their consent and one count of behaving in a disgraceful manner, a charge under the National Defence Act, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, according to the prosecution. More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/soldier-cannabis-cupcakes-guilty-chelsea-cogswell-gagetown-1.6144883 Morocco's Cabinet Approves Draft Decree Legalizing Cannabis Morocco is one step closer to a legal cannabis industry, after draft decree 2.21.642 was approved by the country's lead executive body. The Cabinet, consisting of top ministers within Morocco's government, approved the new decree, in a huge step in progress toward cannabis legalization. The meeting, which was conducted via videoconference, was led by Prime Minister Saad-Eddine El Othmani. More: https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2021/08/344046/moroccos-cabinet-approves-draft-decree-legalizing-cannabis
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| SEPTEMBER 2021 | |
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Stay Safe - Wash Hands Frequently With Soap - Follow stay-at-home & Social Distancing Guidelines - Wear a mask when outside your home - Get Vaccinated ASAP How will legal cannabis firms navigate Mexico's business risks? Legal cannabis is coming to Mexico, and many foreign investors are chomping at the bit. Mexico has been inching closer and closer to full legalisation ever since its Supreme Court of Justice ruled in 2018 that banning the drug was unconstitutional. In January, the country's health ministry laid out regulations for its use for medical purposes. More: https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2021/9/3/how-will-legal-cannabis-firms-navigate-mexicos-business-risks Panama legalizes medical marijuana use Panama legalized medical marijuana use on Monday, joining at least seven other Latin American countries. After a five-year struggle, Panama's national assembly unanimously passed Bill 153 during the bill's third debate. Some members of the assembly shared that they were swayed by the initiative's motto, "for a day without pain." National Assembly President Crispiano Adames, joined by Marcos Castillero, championed Bill 153 to promote and ensure responsible access to medicinal cannabis products. He said that the bill was drafted in a way that seeks to prevent future smuggling by requiring a controlled environment. Adames believes the new law's most significant achievement will be providing relief to deserving patients. More: https://www.jurist.org/news/2021/08/panama-legalizes-medical-marijuana-use/ Federal Taxation of Cannabis Under Proposed Legislation On July 14, 2021, U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) released a long-anticipated bill that would provide for comprehensive federal cannabis reform. The Cannabis Administration & Opportunity Act (CAOA or the Act) is a discussion draft rather than legislation that has been formally introduced. The sponsors seek comment from stakeholders about the discussion draft by Sept. 1, 2021. The Act, in its current form, would legalize and regulate cannabis federally, similarly to the way alcohol and tobacco are currently regulated. More: https://news.bloombergtax.com/daily-tax-report-state/federal-taxation-of-cannabis-under-proposed-legislation Weed for vax: Outlier encourages COVID shot with cannabis giveaways (Jamaica) Montego Bay-based medical cannabis dispensary, Outlier has joined the ranks of companies offering discounts and/or giveaways to vaccinated people. Granted their CLA license in 2019, the dispensary falls under the Outlier Biopharma group of biotechnology companies focused on research, development and manufacturing of cannabis and cannabinoid-based products. "We want to do our part to inspire both Jamaicans and tourists to be safe and stay healthy," said Brian Thelwell, managing director of Outlier. More: https://jamaica.loopnews.com/content/weed-vax-outlier-encourages-covid-shot-cannabis-giveaways Italy to allow small-scale cannabis growing at home Italy is set to allow the small-scale cultivation of cannabis plants at home after a reform was approved by the Lower House's justice committee on Wednesday. The reform decriminalises the growth of up to four female cannabis plants at home. More: https://www.ansa.it/english/news/2021/09/08/italy-to-allow-small-scale-cannabis-growing-at-home_824cda06-7f4a-4738-970d-5cbdce661cce.html Canada's marijuana legalization provides lessons to the world on selling cannabis In October 2018, Canada became the first G20 country to legalize the recreational use of cannabis. Over the past three years, the province of Ontario - to name just one Canadian jurisdiction - has moved away from having a significantly under-serviced retail market to one that is heavily saturated. The Cannabis Act (Bill C-45) provided the rules and regulations around the production, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis. However, there are significant differences in each province's and territory's retail framework - private, public or hybrid - and the legal age for consumption, purchasing options and personal possession limits. More: https://theconversation.com/canadas-marijuana-legalization-provides-lessons-to-the-world-on-selling-cannabis-166645 Why are children still being denied life-changing medical cannabis on the NHS? Optimism. You have to have it in politics. In fact, given the challenges people up and down the country have faced over these past 18 months, you might just say a little bit of optimism is what we all need right now. In my years as an Edinburgh MP, it has been my constituents that have been the source of my optimism. Take Karen Gray's story, for example. Gray is the mother of a boy, Murray, who has a rare form of epilepsy that, unmedicated, causes him to suffer life-threatening seizures every single day. The one source of relief in Murray's life comes from medicinal cannabis oil. More: https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/medical-cannibis-nhs-sajid-javid-b1913724.html?utm_source=reddit.com Olympic marijuana ban to be re-examined after Sha'Carri Richardson's disqualification The World Anti-Doping Agency announced Tuesday it would review the status of cannabis on its prohibited substances list, according to a press release from the agency. While cannabis will remain prohibited in 2022, any changes that stem from the agency's review would not take effect until the following year. This comes after the agency received "requests from a number of stakeholders," the release said. More: https://thehill.com/homenews/news/572283-olympic-marijuana-ban-to-be-re-examined-after-shacarri-richardsons Greens call for end to cannabis 'prohibition' The Greens have become the first party in the Finnish government - and Parliament - to call for legalisation of marijuana. On Sunday, the second day of a virtual party conference, the Greens approved various initiatives, including one calling on the government to declare a climate emergency. Another - potentially more controversial - one called for the legalisation of cannabis in Finland. More: https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/greens_call_for_end_to_cannabis_prohibition/12096442 Report: U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx Opposes Marijuana Legalization But Invests in Cannabis Stock Between Madison Cawthorn and Ted Budd, North Carolina's Republican congressional delegation doesn't add up to a whole lot for the constituency to be proud about. This week, we can go ahead and add another shameless grifter to the list: Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, whose voting record suggests she opposes cannabis legalization, and yet, is out there cashing in on marijuana stocks. More: https://indyweek.com/news/northcarolina/u-s-rep-virginia-foxx-opposes-marijuana-legalization-invests-in-cannabis-stock/ Italy will likely hold a referendum on decriminalizing cannabis next year Italy will likely decide whether or not to decriminalize cannabis in a referendum next year, after campaign groups managed to gather the required 500,000 signatures in a week. Popular referendums in Italy can be called if 500,000 signatures are obtained, and campaigners were able to obtain the necessary amount well before the September 30 deadline. If the public votes to decriminalize cannabis, the purchase, sale and cultivation of the drug will all become legal under Italian law. More: https://edition.cnn.com/2021/09/18/europe/italy-cannabis-referendum-scli-intl/index.html Amazon lobbying Biden administration to make cannabis legal Amazon is pushing for cannabis to be federally legalized, the online commerce giant has announced. In a statement released on Tuesday morning, the company said: "Given our previous support for legalizing cannabis at the federal level, as well as expunging certain criminal records and investing in impacted businesses and communities, Amazon recently announced our support for, and began actively lobbying on, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act of 2021 (MORE Act)." More: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/amazon-cannabis-marijuana-weed-biden-b1924225.html 40 mayors call on next Dutch government to legalise marijuana Almost 40 Dutch mayors, mainly from the south of the Netherlands, have signed a manifesto calling on the government to legalise soft drugs as part of a campaign to tackle organized crime and the infiltration of legitimate companies and organisations by drugs criminals. The issue must have a prominent place in the next cabinet's plans, the mayors say. 'By removing the criminals' earnings model, vulnerable citizens can be protected,' the manifesto states. More: https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2021/09/40-mayors-call-on-next-dutch-government-to-legalise-marijunana/ Cannabidiol Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Replication and Promotes the Host Innate Immune Response The rapid spread of COVID-19 underscores the need for new treatments. Here we report that cannabidiol (CBD), a compound produced by the cannabis plant, inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection. CBD and its metabolite, 7-OH-CBD, but not congeneric cannabinoids, potently block SARS-CoV-2 replication in lung epithelial cells. CBD acts after cellular infection, inhibiting viral gene expression and reversing many effects of SARS-CoV-2 on host gene transcription. More: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7987002/ Cannabis retail experts say sales could one day hit $1 billion a month [Canada] As it release its monthly figures, Statistics Canada also provided a breakdown of retail cannabis sales by most provinces this week. As they have since legalization in October 2018 - when they clocked in at just about $50 million a month for the entire country - sales have been on a rapid climb. Cannabis retail experts remain bullish, even as their industry continues to take some hard knocks during COVID-19. More: https://torontosun.com/news/cannabis-retail-experts-say-sales-could-one-day-hit-1-billion-a-month
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| OCTOBER 2021 | |
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Stay Safe - Wash Hands Frequently With Soap - Follow stay-at-home & Social Distancing Guidelines - Wear a mask when outside your home - Get Vaccinated ASAP The Cannabis QuestionNOVA investigates the story of cannabis from the criminalization that has disproportionately harmed communities of color to the latest medical understanding of the plant. What risks does cannabis pose to the developing brain? How much do we know about its potential medical benefits? As cannabis becomes socially accepted, scientists are exploring its long-term health consequences. (Premiered September 29, 2021) More: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/video/the-cannabis-question/ German would-be kingmaker sees legal cannabis but little else with SPD/Greens alliance Legalising cannabis is about the only thing Germany's Free Democrats (FDP) could easily agree with the centre-left Social Democrats and Greens, the FDP leader has said, sounding cool on the possibility of forming a so-called "traffic light" coalition. Christian Lindner wants his business-friendly FDP to be kingmakers after Germany's national election on Sunday, at which the future course of Europe's largest economy is at stake after 16 years of steady, centre-right leadership under Angela Merkel. More: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/german-would-be-kingmaker-sees-legal-cannabis-little-else-with-spdgreens-2021-09-22/ Pot Firms' Bags of Cash May Soon Be History: Cannabis Weekly Cannabis companies, forced to deal in cash only due to the federal illegality of their product, saw some legislative headway toward change last week. But there's still a long way to go before they can bank like regular companies. The so-called SAFE Banking Act, which would let banks deal with cannabis companies without fear of penalty, was approved by voice vote in the lower house last week as part of the broader National Defense Authorization Act. Now its fate depends largely on the Senate. More: https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/pot-firms-bags-of-cash-may-soon-be-history-cannabis-weekly-1.1657886 Considerations For Early Movers In Cannabis E-Commerce As I write this in September 2021, 19 U.S. states have completely legalized cannabis for recreational and medical use. That's over one-third of the country. This steady legalization - and destigmatization - isn't just benefiting cannabis users but entrepreneurs in the space, too. In particular, we're beginning to see a rapid push for app-based cannabis purchases that are as fast and easy as shopping on Amazon. More: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/10/01/considerations-for-early-movers-in-cannabis-e-commerce/?sh=3dfca837689b CBD for Alcohol Use Disorder: Can Taking CBD Help Decrease Alcohol Consumption? Alcohol use disorder occurs when a person isn't able to limit or control how much they use alcohol, despite experiencing negative consequences. Overusing alcohol can result in changes to the brain, making it harder to stop the behavior. More: https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-for-alcoholism How A Hudson Valley Town Turned A Defunct Prison Into A Thriving Cannabis Hub Just over an hour's drive from New York City, Warwick is one of those Hudson Valley towns perfect for perusing boutiques filled with aromatic candles after a hike to take in the fall foliage. The town was built upon farms, small businesses, and until about a decade ago, a medium-security prison. The grounds of the shuttered Mid-Orange Correctional Facility, which once counted people locked up on drug offenses among its inmates, have now become populated by cannabis companies that are promising to vitalize economic activity in the area. More: https://gothamist.com/news/how-hudson-valley-town-turned-defunct-prison-thriving-cannabis-hub 'Mother of all cannabinoids': anti-seizure compounds found in cannabis Research from pharmacologists at the University of Sydney provides new insights into how cannabis extracts may work to treat epilepsy. The study for the first time reports that three acidic cannabinoids found in cannabis reduced seizures in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome, an intractable form of childhood epilepsy. More: https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2021/10/05/mother-of-all-cannabinoids-anti-seizure-compounds-cannabis.html The boom of cannabis growers in Oklahoma is straining rural utilities Oklahoma has some of the nation's loosest marijuana regulations. Rural utilities say the large greenhouses popping up across the state is straining water and electric infrastructure beyond capacity. More: https://www.npr.org/2021/10/08/1044542063/the-boom-of-cannabis-growers-in-oklahoma-is-straining-rural-utilities A Singaporean man was given the death penalty after he was found with 2 pounds of cannabis A man in Singapore was given the death penalty after authorities found him with 2 pounds of cannabis. Omar Yacob Bamadhaj, 41, was sentenced to death in February, and a court dismissed his appeal on Tuesday, Channel News Asia reported. He was sentenced to death by hanging, the outlet said. More: https://www.insider.com/singapore-man-given-death-penalty-2-pounds-cannabis-2021-10 A roundup of countries that permit recreational cannabis Marijuana may be an issue of easy agreement in the ongoing coalition talks between Germany's leading parties. Despite numerous points of contention, the center-left Social Democrats (SPD), neoliberal Free Democrats (FDP) and Greens can find themselves aligned when it comes to cannabis legalization. The FDP emphasizes the revenue that the state could earn from taxing prerolled joints, cannabis flower and edibles. The Greens say legalization would put an end to illegal sales and reduce organized crime. On Wednesday, Social Democrat health expert Karl Lauterbach urged the next government to legalize cannabis. More: https://www.dw.com/en/a-roundup-of-countries-that-permit-recreational-cannabis/a-59510115 CBD isolate may reduce symptoms and progression of Parkinson's disease - study New research has shown that CBD may have therapeutic effects on disease progression and treating symptoms in Parkinson's Disease. Exploratory research using an accepted, yet experimental, model of Parkinson's disease found that CBD isolate may improve the symptoms associated with the condition. It also discovered it is potentially neuroprotective which could decrease disease progression. More: https://cannabishealthnews.co.uk/2021/10/12/cbd-isolate-may-reduce-symptoms-and-progression-of-parkinsons-disease-study-finds/ Is Canada a model for German cannabis legalization? [Video] Some German mainstream parties are in favor of regulating the cultivation, trade in and sale of cannabis. Pharmaceutical companies stand to profit. More: https://www.dw.com/en/is-canada-a-model-for-german-cannabis-legalization/av-59586885 Cronos Group launches first cultured cannabinoid product The latest cannabis gummies to hit the market were made without a cannabis plant. The 2:1 THC/CBG (cannabigerol) gummies, branded SPINACH FEELZ Chill Bliss, were made using proprietary biosynthesis and fermentation processes. More: https://theprovince.com/cannabis-news/cronos-group-launches-first-cultured-cannabinoid-product Luxembourg first in Europe to legalise growing and using cannabis Adults in Luxembourg will be permitted to grow up to four cannabis plants in their homes or gardens under laws that will make it the first country in Europe to legalise production and consumption of the drug. The announcement on Friday by Luxembourg's government was said to deliver fundamental changes in the country's approach to recreational cannabis use and cultivation in light of the failure of prohibition to deter use. More: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/22/luxembourg-first-in-europe-to-legalise-growing-and-using-cannabis Choosing Cannabis Over Booze Here's the billion-dollar question. As more & more consumers turn to cannabis, how is this impacting the alcohol industry? Currently, with legal cannabis sales being limited to North America it's difficult to quantify in dollar terms the impact. More: https://www.fourpm.co/p/cannabis-vs-booze- Police aided illegal marijuana operation in Maine, feds say Two sheriff's deputies accepted new cars and an ownership stake in an operation that illegally sold more than $13 million in pot grown for Maine's medical marijuana program, federal prosecutors said. Two other law enforcement officers and a prosecutor aided the operation by providing intelligence and tipping off participants, prosecutors said. More: https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/police-aided-illegal-marijuana-operation-in-maine-feds-say-1.5642547 Cannabis is one industry that's actually coming out of Covid even stronger When members of the cannabis industry descended upon Las Vegas last week for the biggest trade show in the business, there was something stirring in the air. It wasn't the aroma of a freshly lit joint, but rather a sense that everything seems to be coming up roses for the industry. Despite a global pandemic, discombobulated supply chains, ballooning inflation and an ongoing fight to legalize marijuana on a federal level, the cannabis industry in America is flourishing. More: https://edition.cnn.com/2021/10/28/business/cannabis-booming-industry-mjbizcon/index.html Cannabis Products Really May Have an Antidepressant Effect, Small Study Hints While antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication have been literal lifesavers for many people throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, for a smaller subset the treatments don't always work or can cause substantial side effects. This is why "an increasing number of people struggling with anxiety and/or depression are trying cannabis products for symptom management," explains a new study, led by Medical University of South Carolina neuroscientist Erin Martin. More: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/cannabis-products-really-may-have-an-antidepressant-effect-small-study-hints/ar-AAPUIiL?ocid=msedgntp
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| NOVEMBER 2021 | |
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Stay Safe - Wash Hands Frequently With Soap - Follow stay-at-home & Social Distancing Guidelines - Wear a mask when outside your home - Get Vaccinated ASAP New Research Fails to Show a Correlation Between Marijuana, Suicide, and Mental Illness Some critics of marijuana legalization point to studies suggesting that regular use might increase the risk of mental illness or suicide. In 2013, research by Anderson, et al found no such relationship in states that had legalized medicinal marijuana. My colleagues Jacob J. Rich, Michael Schemenaur, and Robert Capodilupo and I did research to see if Anderson's findings are still valid in 2021. More: https://www.cato.org/blog/new-research-fails-show-correlation-between-marijuana-suicide-mental-illness Study: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.25.20201848v2.full.pdf California legalized weed five years ago. Why is the illicit market still thriving? Five years after cannabis legalization, California is awash with signs of an apparently booming industry. Californians can toke on Justin Bieber-branded joints and ash their blunts in Seth Rogen's $95 ceramics. They can sip on THC-infused seltzers, relax inside a cannabis cafe, and get edibles delivered to their doors. But behind the flashy facade, the legal weed industry remains far from the law-abiding, prosperous sector many had hoped for. In fact, it's a mess. More: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/nov/02/california-legal-weed-cannabis-industry-economy As Overdose Deaths Skyrocket, Study Finds 93% of Pain Patients Quit Opioids When Given Cannabis Despite the state spending thousands of dollars a second - ticketing, kidnapping, caging, and killing evil drug users, the rate of lethal drug overdoses in the last 15 years has skyrocketed at near-exponential rates. According to the most recent data on overdose deaths, despite the states immoral war on drugs, 2020 went down as the deadliest year in history for overdoses. In fact, according to data from the federal government: More Americans died from drug overdose in a 12-month period than at any other point in history. More: https://thefreethoughtproject.com/opioid-use-plummets-cannabis-study/ Amsterdam cannabis cafes fear foreign tourist ban amid COVID recovery As Amsterdam's tourism industry slowly begins to recover from the impact of the pandemic, its famous cannabis cafes could be facing a new hurdle, in the form of a ban on foreign tourists. Earlier this year, the city's mayor, Femke Halsema, touted a proposal to ban foreign tourists from entering cannabis-serving establishments as a way to reinvent the city's image. Banning foreigners from cafes, supporters say, would help to stop the influx of rowdy tourists who crowd the city's streets and annoy some locals. More: https://www.dw.com/en/amsterdam-cannabis-cafes-fear-foreign-tourist-ban-amid-covid-recovery/a-59638155 Weed-legal states 'seeing more cannabis tax dollars than alcohol tax dollars,' Green Thumb CEO says Green Thumb Industries CEO Ben Kovler discusses the cannabis company's ability to grow in an ever-expanding market that anticipates future legalization in more states as cannabis tax dollars are outpacing alcohol tax dollars in states that have already endorsed legalizing the substance. More: https://finance.yahoo.com/video/weed-legal-states-seeing-more-174323224.html A Dumb Scare Story Could Lead to the Creation of Europe's Largest Legal Weed Market Germany's incoming coalition government is close to setting up a deal that would legalise recreational weed in the EU's most populous country. The coalition parties, under Social Democrat Olaf Scholz, are in talks to make Germany - population of 83 million - one of the biggest single legal cannabis markets in the world. More: https://www.vice.com/en/article/5dgpjk/legal-weed-germany-unfounded-fears-can? CBD for Lung Cancer: Can it Help? With cannabidiol showing potential in treating cancer, let's find out how CBD for lung cancer can help. Keep reading. Throughout the years, cannabidiol has been found to have beneficial effects on health, even resulting in the FDA approval of Epidiolex, a medication for rare types of seizures with CBD as the main ingredient. Researchers continue to work to know more about what this cannabinoid has to offer. Along the way, a study published in the medical journal Cancers concluded that CBD can help in treating cancer by inhibiting its proliferation and promoting cancer cell death in animal subjects and cultured cancer cells. This applies to different types of cancers such as glioblastoma, breast, colon, gastric, and prostate. More: https://plantsbeforepills.com/cbd-for-lung-cancer-can-it-help/ Germany moves to legalise cannabis in economy-boosting bid after Merkel departure The political parties known as the "traffic light" coalition are pushing for a change in legislation meaning the sale of cannabis will be legal for consumption purposes, it is suggested. According to German news outlet Der Spiegel, also citing a report by Funke, a representative of the working group tasked with evaluating the policy change said: "We are introducing the controlled distribution of cannabis to adults for recreational purposes in licensed shops." More: https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1523645/germany-news-legalise-cannabis-economy-angela-merkel Three years after it was legalized, marijuana sales in Mass. reach $2.3 billion With the state's three-year anniversary of legal non-medical marijuana sales approaching Saturday, Cannabis Control Commission Chairman Steven Hoffman took stock Thursday of his agency's accomplishments, the legal industry's growth and the challenges that remain ahead. The first two recreational marijuana retailers - New England Treatment Access in Northampton and Cultivate in Leicester - opened their doors to consumers on Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018 and the industry that voters legalized on Nov. 8, 2016 has since grown to include hundreds of businesses, thousands of employees and, as of Monday, roughly $2.3 billion in cannabis sales. More: https://www.berkshireeagle.com/statehouse/marijuana-sales-in-massachusetts-reach-two-billion/article_35ccf87e-493b-11ec-99fc-eb8ecc1ccbe8.html Opinion: Cannabis contributes almost as much to Canada's GDP as the dairy industry. Why isn't the government taking it seriously? The cannabis sector contributed $17 billion to Canada's gross domestic product (GDP) for the year ending July 2021. In the space of three years, adult-use and medical cannabis' contribution to Canada's GDP has grown to rival the dairy industry's $20 billion GDP. The growth shows no signs of slowing. Sales of legal cannabis products by licensed dispensaries will eclipse $4 billion on an annualized basis in 2021 and is projected to surpass $5 billion in 2022 . Illicit cannabis sales, brazenly marketed and distributed to Canadians, are estimated to be at least as big as the legal market (another $4 billion or so per year). More: https://leaderpost.com/cannabis-news/opinion-cannabis-contributes-almost-as-much-to-canadas-gdp-as-the-dairy-industry-why-isnt-the-government-taking-it-seriously Rep. Nancy Mace on cannabis: 'The only place this is controversial is in Washington D.C' video: https://ca.news.yahoo.com/rep-nancy-mace-cannabis-only-222024974.html High Holiday? This Thanksgiving, Cannabis Is a Family Affair Cannabis has finally earned a seat at the table in America. According to a new survey, one in two Green Wednesday shoppers intend to gift cannabis products to a friend or family member this year, while 77% will consume cannabis with others on Thanksgiving. In fact, data suggests American cannabis consumers have become increasingly open about their cannabis habits, with 40% planning on consuming openly with family and friends this season, and 37% planning to incorporate cannabis into their annual Thanksgiving meal. One thing is clear: this Thanksgiving, cannabis is a family affair. More: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/11/23/2339758/0/en/High-Holiday-This-Thanksgiving-Cannabis-Is-a-Family-Affair.html Ontario: Testing result of illicit cannabis products show high levels of pesticides, inaccurate THC levels The OPP have shared testing results from vape products and dried flower seized from the illicit market, showing high levels of pesticides and much lower than advertised THC levels. The testing results were provided by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), using samples from OPP raids in 2020. In addition to testing for THC, the NRC tested for 96 pesticides in samples of vape products, with high levels detected in all samples with myclobutanil being the most prominent, ranging from 0.3 parts-per-million (ppm) to over 500 ppm. That is several thousand times higher than the detection limits set by Health Canada. More: https://stratcann.com/2021/11/25/ontario-testing-result-of-illicit-vapes-dried-flower-show-high-levels-of-pesticides-inaccurate-thc-levels/ THC "breathalyzers" are getting better, but will they do more harm than good? It's illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana, but that influence is hard to prove. If you are and you're pulled over and asked to pass a breathalyzer test, nothing will be detected. More: https://www.inverse.com/innovation/the-trouble-with-thc-tech This Thailand Fast Food Chain Is Selling 'Crazy Happy Pizza' Which Is Made With Cannabis The Pizza Company, a major fast food chain in Thailand, is selling its 'Crazy Happy Pizza', which is made with real cannabis but won't get customers high. It's because the fresh cannabis plant leaf used is deep fried. The "Crazy Happy Pizza" has a combination of toppings inspired by the flavours of Thailand's famous Tom Yum Gai soup, as well as a deep-fried cannabis leaf on top. Cannabis is also infused into the cheese crust and an accompanying dipping sauce, the Associated Press reported. More: https://www.indiatimes.com/trending/wtf/thailand-fast-food-chain-is-pizza-made-with-cannabis-555308.html
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| DECEMBER 2021 | |
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Stay Safe - Wash Hands Frequently With Soap - Follow stay-at-home & Social Distancing Guidelines - Wear a mask when outside your home - GET
VACCINATED ASAP
Perceived Efficacy, Reduced Prescription Drug Use, and Minimal Side Effects of Cannabis in Patients with Chronic Orthopedic Pain Although cannabis is widely used for the treatment of chronic pain, most research relies on patient self-report and few studies have objectively quantified its efficacy and side effects. Extant inventories for measuring cannabis use were not designed to capture the medically relevant features of cannabis use, but rather were designed to detect problematic use or cannabis use disorder. Thus, we sought to capture the medically relevant features of cannabis use in a population of patients with orthopedic pain and pair these data with objective measures of pain and prescription drug use. More: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/can.2021.0088 San Francisco Suspends Cannabis Tax To Combat Illegal Marijuana Sales San Francisco supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved an ordinance to suspend the city's Cannabis Business Tax through the end of next year, in an attempt to curb illegal marijuana sales. According to Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, the legislation's author, suspending the city business tax through Dec. 31, 2022, would help support legal cannabis retailers as they struggle to compete with illegally sold cannabis. More: https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2021/12/01/san-francisco-suspends-cannabis-tax-to-combat-illegal-marijuana-sales/ THC in blood and saliva are poor measures of cannabis impairment A new study suggests these biomarkers are inconsistent indicators The findings contrast with the much stronger relationship between blood alcohol concentrations and driving impairment, with implications for the application of drug-driving laws globally. More: https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2021/12/02/thc-blood-saliva-poor-measures-cannabis-impairment-lambert-study.html Mexican Court Allows Subsidiary Of Canadian Company To Grow Cannabis Mexico's Supreme Court on Wednesday issued the country's first-ever authorization for planting, cultivating and harvesting cannabis for industrial purposes. It granted the right to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Canadian firm Xebra Brands, which cultivates hemp and produces products such as cannabis-infused drinks. More: https://www.barrons.com/amp/news/mexican-court-allows-subsidiary-of-canadian-company-to-grow-cannabis-01638405907 Alberta cannabis stores will be able to deliver cannabis by March 2022 New rules in Alberta that are moving online sales of cannabis from a government store to private retailers will take effect in early March. A representative for The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Corporation (AGLC) says private cannabis retailers have 90 days before the legislation takes effect and retailers will be able to launch new online cannabis sales and delivery options for their customers. More: https://stratcann.com/2021/12/10/alberta-cannabis-stores-will-be-able-to-deliver-cannabis-by-march-2022/ Geneticists reveal the evolutionary origins of Cannabis sativa Whether smoked, eaten, or merely smelled wafting in through an open window, cannabis enjoys a special kind of fame - it is used all over the world, it is instantly recognizable, and it provokes as much controversy as it does enthusiasm. This distinct spot in the human psyche is to do with the fact people have used the plant for thousands of years. Yet despite these ancient roots, we knew surprisingly little about its birthplace and evolution - then in July, scientists announced they had solved the mystery. More: https://www.inverse.com/science/evolution-cannabis-sativa Is it high time for Canadian cannabis tourism? Dave Dormer isn't who you'd expect to find at the forefront of Canada's budding cannabis tourism industry. The veteran Calgary-based journalist has covered everything from crime stories for Sun Media to culture and politics for the CBC and CTV. He's a reporter passionate about the truth - and that passion has flowed into educating everyone about the history of cannabis. "We were lied to for 94 years about an amazing plant that has aided humans for millennia," he tells me over Zoom. "There's a lot of reprogramming to do, a lot to learn, and a lot of fun to be had." More: https://cangeotravel.ca/article/is-it-high-time-for-canadian-cannabis-tourism/ Illinois' weed tax windfall tops $560 million. Here's where the money goes. First-time recreational cannabis buyers often feel the sticker shock. With hefty taxes, an eighth of an ounce of fresh cannabis flower typically costs around $80 - far more than the price of black market weed. But sales have continued to boom despite the sky-high taxes and prices, totaling over $1.9 billion since the drug was fully legalized last January. As a result, total tax collections on pot sales have now jumped to nearly $563 million. And since February, pot sales have brought in a whooping $100 million more in taxes than booze. More: https://chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/2021/12/7/22812374/illinois-marijuana-taxes-recreational-pot-sales-state-boxing-out-negativity-day-simp-derek-brown Malta becomes first EU nation to legalise cannabis Malta has become the first EU country to legalise the cultivation and personal use of cannabis. Adults will be allowed to carry up to seven grams of cannabis, and grow no more than four plants at home. But smoking it in public or in front of children will be illegal. Several other nations have similar plans, such as Germany, Luxembourg and Switzerland. Countries like the Netherlands tolerate cannabis use in certain circumstances. More: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-59660856 Cannabis Buds and Flowers Will Soon Be Legalized in Thailand. Here's What That Means. The first country in Southeast Asia to legalize marijuana for medical use and research in 2018, Thailand is set to loosen its laws around cannabis further as it advances towards full legalization - with plans to remove the plant's flowers and buds from its banned narcotics list announced last week. More: https://www.vice.com/amp/en/article/epxvdj/cannabis-buds-and-flowers-will-soon-be-legalized-in-thailand-heres-what-that-means In Genius Move, Berlin Public Transit Company Introduces Edible Hemp Tickets BVG, the public transit company responsible for Berlin, has announced its latest product. Instead of a new subscription or bus line, the company will offer edible tickets made with hemp oil. Before you get on bus line 420, you should know that it is not meant to get passengers high. More: https://www.autoevolution.com/news/in-genius-move-berlin-public-transit-company-introduces-edible-hemp-tickets-176592.html Epileptic seizure frequency fell by 86% in kids treated with whole plant medicinal cannabis Epileptic seizure frequency fell by an average of 86% among 10 children treated with whole plant medicinal cannabis, reveals a case series, published in the open access journal BMJ Paediatrics Open. None of the children had responded to other treatments, including the only cannabidiol (CBD) product licensed for their condition. More: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-12-epileptic-seizure-frequency-fell-kids.html
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